An initiative of The N.C. Center for Health & Wellness at UNC Asheville | Statement of Compassion & Inclusion

YMCA: Moving for Better Balance

What is it?

Moving For Better Balance is a 12-week evidence-based falls prevention program recognized by the CDC, National Council on Aging (NCOA), U.S. Administration on Aging, (AoA) and various state Falls Prevention Coalitions and  Department of Health and Human Services.  The principles and movements of Tai Chi are used to help older adults increase their strength, improve their balance, and increase their confidence in doing everyday activities. The program protocol consists of a core 8-form routine and a subroutine of eight integrated therapeutic movements forms that have been derived from the traditional 24-form Yang-style of Tai Chi,  progressing from easy to more difficult which collectively involve a set of simple, rhythmic Tai Chi-based actions.

Who should attend Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance?

The program was designed to benefit older adults who:

  • Are concerned about falls
  • Want to decrease pain from arthritis, rheumatic diseases or related musculoskeletal conditions
  • Are looking to improve movement, balance, strength, flexibility, and relaxation
  • Appropriate for people with mild, moderate and severe joint involvement and back pain

What are the components of Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance?

Moving For Better Balance is a 12-week fall prevention program that is proven to reach fall prevention benefits once participants reach 50 hours of practice. Led by a Moving for Better Balance trained instructor, this program focuses on improving mental and physical ability to reduce fall-related risks and fall frequency. The training goals of this program are to improve static and dynamic postural stability, mindful control of body positioning within space, functional walking activities, movement symmetry and coordination, and to increase the range of motion around the ankle joints and build lower extremity strength. This program includes a progression of movements through a variety of challenges to suit the need of each participant, with additional home-based exercises introduced for additional out-of-program practice.