Health and Wellness

Four adult seniors in exercise clothing holding hand weights, water bottles, etc.
The Hamilton County Extension Office periodically offers a variety of Health and Wellness programs including Tai Chi classes and a Matter of Balance classes, among others.

Tai Chi is appropriate for all fitness levels and can also be beneficial to those in wheelchairs. It can help improve the quality of life for people with arthritis and can also help prevent falls. It includes agile steps and exercises that may improve mobility, breathing and relaxation. The movements have higher stances, which make it easier and more comfortable to learn.

The purpose of a Matter of Balance Class is to help manage falls using practical strategies and to increase participants’ activity level. We talk about making changes to reduce fall risks, and we learn exercises to increase strength and balance.


Current Class Offerings:

Group performing Tai Chi outdoors.
  • Learn warm-up, cool-down and basic Tai Chi movements.
  • 8 one-hour sessions that build on each other. Attend all eight sessions for maximum effect.
  • Taught by Tai Chi for Health certified instructors.
  • Evidence-based to reduce arthritis/diabetes symptoms, improve breathing and manage stress.
  • Tai Chi for Health is slow paced and easy on joints – equivalent to moderate walking.
  • Beneficial for all fitness levels.

We have three Tai Chi classes scheduled for Spring 2024:

  • Harrison Community Center Cafeteria
    • 5637 Highway 58 (former Harrison Elementary School)
    • Tuesdays and Thursdays
    • 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
    • May 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, and 30
  • TN Riverwalk Amnicola Marsh (North Entrance)
    • Near 2829 Amnicola Highway (held outdoors under cover)
    • Tuesdays and Thursdays
    • 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
    • June 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, and 27
  • TN Riverwalk Amnicola Marsh (North Entrance)
    • Near 2829 Amnicola Highway (held outdoors under cover)
    • Tuesdays and Thursdays
    • 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
    • June 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, and 27

If you would like to add your name to the interest list for additional classes, please click on the link below to provide your contact information.

Logo for A Matter of Balance program which helps people learn to manage concerns about falls.

Many older adults are concerned about falling and may restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels.

This FREE program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls.

You will learn to:

  • View falls as controllable
  • Set goals for increasing activity
  • Make changes to reduce fall risks at home
  • Learn exercises beginning in third session to increase strength and balance

Who should attend? Anyone:

  • Concerned about falls
  • Interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength
  • Who has fallen in the past
  • Who has restricted activities because of falling concerns

This 8-session series meets twice a week for two hours for facilitated discussion. Attend all 8 sessions for maximum impact and fun! Gentle exercises begin in 3rd session. Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes. Class size is limited to allow for discussion by all participants.

We are sorry, but there are no classes scheduled at this time. If you would like to add your name to the interest list for future classes, please click on the link below.

Want to be a Matter of Balance Coach and co-facilitate classes or learn about other classes?

Locate and contact your local University of Tennessee Extension Agent for more information.


To add your name to the interest list for future Health and Wellness Classes, please provide your contact information or call the Extension Office at (423) 209-8560

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June A Puett Profile Page
June A Puett
Extension Agent III, Hamilton County