The Orcas Senior Center will present “Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance” developed by Dr. Fuzhong Li, Ph.D. Participants will be instructed by Scott Heisinger, PT, DPT, a physical therapist at Orcas Island Physical Therapy.

The first class is on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 5 p.m. The sessions will continue Tuesdays and Thursdays for six months. The classes are 60-minute sessions conducted twice per week for 24 consecutive weeks, and the cost to participate is $240 ($5 per class, paid in full at start of series).

The balance class is a 48-session research-based balance training course for older adults and people with balance disorders that transforms martial arts movements into a therapeutic regimen.

The coursework is aimed at improving postural stability, awareness and mindful control of body positioning in space (balance), functional walking, movement symmetry and coordination, range of motion around the ankle and hip joints (to enhance fall-prevention strategies), and improve lower-extremity muscle strength. Research done on the efficacy of the course series demonstrates decreased falls risk per completion of the course.

Before taking the balance class, students will be asked to respond to a physical readiness questionnaire. Due to safety concerns, not everyone is safe taking the class.

For more information about the class content, contact Scott Heisinger directly at 360-376-6604.