Living Heart Healthy GROUP EXERCISE

Tai Chi, Zumba classes offered in Midtown

By Martha Nodar

Tai Chi and Zumba are two different types of group exercise offered around Atlanta including Midtown. While Zumba is a highimpact, dance-type of cardiovascular fitness routine rooted in Latin rhythms, Tai Chi is a lowimpact, martial arts, Easternbased approach emphasizing physical balance and flexibility.

Mali Harrell, Katie Britt, and Janet Ackerman are three local instructors who bring their craft to Midtown.

Harrell is certified in Tai Chi and leads a Wu Style Tai Chi group class at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center on Monday evenings. This class focuses on a traditional small frame style with gentle movements, which Harrell said makes it easier on those who may not have a history of exercising.

“Tai Chi allows you to rotate and strengthen joints and small muscles in a non aggressive manner,” Harrell said.

Valerie Boss, Harrell’s assistant in this class, said, “the tempo of Tai Chi is generally slow.” Boss has taken Zumba and compared it with Tai Chi.

“Whereas the energy in Zumba is triggered by an external element – the music, the energy in Tai Chi comes from within,” she said. “The main concept in Tai Chi is to find inner calmness and stillness.”

Judy Young is one of Harrell’s students at Callanwolde.

“Mali adds a personal touch to her teaching style,” she said. “I like doing Tai Chi because of its health benefits and the gracefulness of the form. It is almost like dancing.”

For those who may prefer a faster tempo, Zumba may be the answer.

Britt is certified in Zumba and offers free Zumba classes to the general public at the Intown Community Church near Toco Hills Shopping Center where she is a member. Her group meets on Saturday mornings and walk-ins are always welcome.

“This is my ministry,” Britt said. “I started this class about two years ago when I heard from many people, mostly women who wanted to work out but didn’t want to go to a gym.”

Emory University student Noreen Alabi said she learned about Britt’s class from word-of-mouth. “It’s a workout but doesn’t feel like one,” she said. “It’s fun.”

“I like Zumba because I love to dance,” said Juliana Lin, another participant in Britt’s class.

Ackerman, who is also certified in Zumba, offers Zumba classes at the Morningside Recreation Center in the Morningside School on Thursday evenings. Lindsey Sones and Wendy Barner are some of Ackerman’s students at Morningside.

“Janet caters to every fitness level and makes her students feel comfortable,” Barner said.

“Janet’s classes are a blast!” Sones said. “Love the facility at Morningside—clean, safe neighborhood.”

For more information about Tai Chi classes, visit callanwolde.org. For Zumba classes with Ackerman visit ZumbaAtlanta.com. For Zumba with Britt visit kbritt.zumba.com.