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Free Tai Chi Class Helps Detroiters Relieve Stress

DETROIT (WWJ) - A new report says the Detroit area is the second-worst "hypertension hotspot" in America.  And now, a group says they're turning to an ancient tradition to get Detroit healthy.

WWJ's City Beat Reporter Vickie Thomas caught a free Tai Chi class along Detroit's Riverwalk, just near the carousel. Instructor Ted Cash leads the class every Wednesday morning.

"Tai Chi is ancient. It's been around for about 2000 years," Cash said. "It will bring your blood pressure down to normal. It really helps you, especially with the diaphragm and breathing. The science of diaphragm and breathing is awesome.".

According to the Mayo Clinic, Tai Chi is sometimes described as "meditation in motion" because it promotes serenity through gentle movements - connecting the mind and body. You perform a series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion.

Tai Chi on the Detroir Riverfront by WWJNewsradio950 on YouTube

Cash said the exercise can help with a number of ailments.

"Arthritis, its good for diabetes, high blood pressure, back pain. And it's good for stress on the job, you can de-stress yourself from your job," he said.

Angela Gay takes part in the class. Aside from the waterfront view she gets to enjoy during class, she loves the way Tai Chi makes her feel rejuvenated.

"We do a lot of things in order to keep it together. And women as myself, I represent women 45 to 55, so therefore I'd like to let you know that we still have it goin' on," Gay said.

The class meets at 10:30 every Wednesday morning along Detroit's Riverwalk. Everyone is welcome to join, no registration required.

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