At Perry Wellness enter, Phyllis Smith is concerned with the total wellness of each peer and staff member. Each Tuesday and Thursday, the certified peer specialist and health coach teaches Seated Tai Chi classes, through a combination of demonstration and video support. 

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice that developed as a martial art. Today, it is used in self-defense, exercise, sport, and meditation. It has numerous health benefits, including improved balance, flexibility, and mobility.

Seated tai chi puts even less stress on the body than the traditional standing version. However it is practiced, tai chi employs flowing upper and lower body movements, deep breathing, and a meditative state of mind, so it is excellent for reducing stress, focus, and keeping the body healthy and in motion.

Miss Phyllis reminds peers and staff of the importance of the latter. She says, “I have adopted a reminder: ‘Move It or Lose it.’” It seems to be working, as she adds, “We seem to like the sessions more each time we increase our action.”

In the photo above, Phyllis Smith, CPS, leads an assembly of peers in a video-assisted seated tai chi routine for the day.