World Tai Chi Day
A local celebration of World Tai Chi Day will be observed on Wednesday, April 23. All persons who have practiced Tai Chi or those who would like an introduction to the popular exercise are invited to participate in the event.
Local Tai Chi instructor Lynda Sirianni will lead the free demonstration at 6:30 p.m. in the Ritzinger Hall hallway at the University of Wisconsin-Barron County in Rice Lake. Tai Chi is a low-impact, stress reducing workout that relaxes both mind and body. Participants in the celebration will learn basic tai chi steps; tai chi is often referred to as ‘moving meditation and has been practiced since the 12 th century.
Tai Chi is practiced by about 20 percent of the world's population and is fast becoming the most popular exercise in the world today, according to the World Tai Chi Day website. "Tai Chi’s popularity is due to the fact that just about anyone at any fitness level can participate in Tai Chi and reap the benefits,” explains Sirianni. She noted that one of the purposes of the event is to inform new people about this type of exercise. "It's a wonderful opportunity if you've never done Tai Chi; World Tai Chi Day will include millions of people around the world. This is a great way to get started."
World Tai Chi Day, which began about nine years ago, brings people together worldwide across economic and geopolitical lines to celebrate health and healing.