Trudi Dibble of Middlebury Township is offering a free, one-hour Golden Afternoons Program on Tai Chi this coming Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 1 p.m. in the lobby at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.

Golden Afternoons is open to those 55 years of age or older. Light refreshments will be provided free.

Almost anyone can do Tai Chi. No special equipment is needed. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing suitable for exercise and flat shoes.  

Sun (pronounced “soon”) is the style of Tai Chi that Dibble teaches. It uses gentle, curving motions. 
 
Tai Chi is a slow-moving martial art that incorporates core strength, focused movements and controlled breathing to create body self-awareness. “It is beneficial in reducing stress, improving flexibility, balance and strength and helps students get an overall sense of relaxation,” said Dibble.  
 
“Often described as a moving meditation that creates harmony between mind, body and spirit, Tai Chi is an exercise that is suitable and safe for people who suffer from diseases that make exercise difficult, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis because of the gentle, slow movements that allow the body to relax,” Dibble said.
 
“Students say they always feel better after a Tai Chi class. Benefits can be achieved even in seated classes, which I have also taught,” she added.
 
Dibble has years of experience as a physical therapy assistant and licensed massage therapist and training in aerobic fitness, balance ball exercises, yoga, Qi Gong and Tai Chi. Since retiring from her job, she has been teaching Tai Chi classes. 

For more information about this Golden Afternoons program, call the Deane
Center at 570-724-6220.