MINDFIT COUNSELING FOCUSES ON THE BODY TO HEAL TRAUMA
+ Health & Wellness
Special Section
PUBLISHER
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KEY CONTRIBUTORS
MICHAEL DURR
MELISSA GIBSON
CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING
ROBERT JONES
NATALIE PLATT
ELLIE SOPHIA PHOTOGRAPHY
ASHLEY WATTERS
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
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CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?
FEBRUARY-MARCH PROGRAMS
INTRO TO PICKLEBALL WORKSHOP
ADULT ARTIST SERIES: WATERCOLOR PAINTING
artist, Zach Lowe, will let you pick the project and skill level and
LIFEGUARDING, BLENDED LEARNING
ADAPTIVE 5K TRAINING PROGRAM
program is designed to help you complete our very own 5K! It doesn't matter if you run, walk, or roll, it just matters that you finish! Meet us in the Monon Community Center Fitness lobby for our first session. Our
PARENT-CHILD YOGA
Completion of these two week-long online courses and two-day in-person skills training will earn you an American Red Cross Lifeguarding and CPR/AED/First Aid for the Professional Rescuer certification. Participants must be able to attend all scheduled classes for the session and complete the online portion before the start of the scheduled class dates.
Monon Community Center 1235 Central Park Drive East, Carmel, IN 46032 carmelclayparks.com/program-offerings/ 317.848.7275
KNEE HIGH NATURALIST: BIRDS
stories, and short walks in Central Park.
Join the flock, your little one will have fun learning about our feathery friends! Each class will involve a bird-themed craft or activity and an adventure outdoors to see who may be seen flying around Central Park.
Around the Table
“Around the Table” is your passport to Hamilton County’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene. Discover personal stories from local restaurant owners who share the inspiration behind their culinary ventures and the impact they’ve made on bringing people together through food. Whether it’s a cozy café, a bustling BBQ joint, or a fine dining establishment, this growing series celebrates the essence of local cuisine throughout Hamilton County, Indiana’s communities.
Experience sister restaurants Convivio and Caffé Buondí in Carmel, owned by Italianborn Andrea Melani. Diners can start their day at Caffé Buondí, which features artisan coffee creations and an elevated brunch menu. Then for dinner, Convivio combines fresh ingredients with traditional Italian cooking techniques, offering handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas and seasonal dishes.
Need a coffee break? Yafa Golden Coffee in Noblesville offers an inviting space to enjoy expertly crafted coffee and pastries. With late night hours and a variety of seating options, it’s the perfect spot to meet with friends or to work remotely. Yafa brews its coffee in-house from beans that are farmed
in Yemen.
Mochi Joy Donuts, open in its new brickand-mortar location in Fishers as of Feb. 1, offers a unique twist on traditional donuts with soft, chewy mochi-based treats. Made fresh daily, their donuts come in a variety of delicious flavors, blending Asian-inspired ingredients with classic sweetness for a oneof-a-kind dessert experience.
In Northern Hamilton County, find DeLullo’s Trattoria serving classic Italian comfort food in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Known for its hearty pastas, fresh seafood, and signature sauces, this charming trattoria in Downtown Cicero proudly offers a little something for everyone.
Watch the Around the Table videos at VisitHamiltonCounty.com/Table.
Joining Forces to Deliver a Good Day in Carmel
It’s open and free to the public. The new Carmel Clay History Museum, located right on the Monon Trail at 1st Street SW, is indeed the newest addition to the popular destination referred to as Midtown.
The three-story brick building with a rooftop patio and public event space is a 40-year dream come true, according to executive director and lifelong Carmel resident Debbie Gangstad. “It started in 1976 when a group of 12 residents saved the old Monon Train Depot,” she said. “It had to be moved 50 feet to the west in order to get it out of the right of way. Then in 1980, Mrs. Beach agreed to sell her cabin on the property to be used as a museum. Through the wise foresight of those early leaders, led by the society’s first
president, Ineva Chapman, we have this beautiful museum in the heart of our community.”
Back in those early days, to raise money for operations, the Historical Society partnered with Carmel Clay Schools and held a holiday bazaar that became one of the largest and most popular events in Carmel.
Fast-forward to 2019. The old cabin roof was leaking, there wasn’t enough space for displays, and it was starting to become foolish to put more and more money into upkeep of a building that was not sustainable. That is when Clay Township Board Member Matt Snyder called.
“We strongly felt Carmel and Clay Township must have a place, complementary of this great community, to preserve and chronicle our past,” said Snyder. “Memorializing citizens and events through the Carmel Clay Historical Society building is not just about safeguarding artifacts; it’s about honoring the stories of those who came before us, ensuring that their voices continue to resonate and inspire future generations for our ‘City of Champions’ to build upon.”
Some worried that if a new building was built, there might not be enough interesting artifacts from Carmel’s history preserved to be displayed in the new facility.
Upon touring the new gallery, you quickly find that is not a problem. Longtime Carmel resident Phil Hinshaw came through with items that could not be replicated. He had saved the first Carmel mailbox, along with the first television from the ’40s and the first teller’s window from the original bank in Carmel. As you enter the front doors, off to the right is an original electronic lighted Monon sign, and upstairs there is a portrayal of the Dunkerly’s Dairy Queen.
Recently the City Council voted to fund a grant of $100,000 to ensure entry remains free to Carmel residents and guests, while not jeopardizing operating funds.
“I strongly felt that since tax dollars were used to build the building, it was important to find a way to make sure all feel welcome here,” Gangstad said. “I am grateful to both the city and township for their support of our project.”
The Carmel Clay History Museum is a busy place. On one Saturday in December, 258 visitors came through the doors. This year, make some memories while at the same time appreciating the memory of those who came before us.
LIVE STREAMING
The Joint Chiropractic’s mission is to improve the quality of life through routine and affordable chiropractic care. While they are part of a franchise, one group locally owns and manages four locations in the region: Avon, Broad Ripple, Carmel, and Greenwood.
Dr. Emma Balensiefer, D.C., of The Joint Chiropractic in Carmel, grew up in a family of physicians and believed she would be a doctor from a young age. However, in her small town, Balensiefer saw the opioid epidemic running rampant and based her field of choice on what she had experienced.
“I decided that I wanted to try to find an area where I could still practice health care but more conservatively,” she said. “I didn’t want to follow a system of prescribing medications, so that led me down a path of exploring different fields that are more natural or holistic.”
The chiropractic practice doesn’t instantly heal with adjustments and exercises, but by working together, the chiropractor and patient can find a solution to the problem causing them discomfort.
“It’s nice when someone gets instant relief after an adjustment, but more often than not, it’s me and the patient putting in a little
JOINT ENDEAVOR
THE JOINT CHIROPRACTIC PUTS CLIENTS ON A PAIN-FREE PATH
Writer / Melissa Gibson
bit of work toward our goal,” Balensiefer said. “It’s about finding what works for that patient and then seeing those things through.”
She said often, society has it backwards. We try medications and surgeries before trying a conservative method like chiropractic care.
Dr. Christopher Gardner, D.C., had a personal experience that led him to pursue chiropractic.
“I had a neck injury and had been to my primary care doctor,” he said. “I had two rounds of muscle relaxers and the pain continued to come back. It was short-term relief. I went to the chiropractor, and just understanding how the muscles, joints and nerves play a huge role in the complexity of our system and the longevity of relief I experienced led me to change my major in college.”
Both Balensiefer and Gardner say that a trip to the chiropractor shouldn’t be a last resort. Instead, exploring alternatives to back, neck and joint pain is becoming more and more prevalent in the U.S.
There are a few factors that set The Joint Chiropractic apart from other chiropractic
offices. For starters, there are nearly 1,000 clinics across the nation. Once you’re a member, you can stop in at any clinic for an adjustment, advice or treatment. They are open for night and weekend hours, and accept walk-in patients.
For those with chronic back pain, having a location near your favorite vacation spot can be a life saver, and staff at The Joint Chiropractic can pull up your records from anywhere in the country to see what treatment has worked for you in the past.
If a patient that routinely visits a single location develops a relationship with a specific doctor, schedules are posted in each clinic so those patients can see their preferred provider.
The Joint Chiropractic makes every effort to keep prices affordable so everyone has access to the care they need. They accept HSA/FSA in addition to traditional forms of payment.
“We can provide patients with superbills to seek reimbursement from their insurance provider, but we do not have the ability to directly bill insurance plans because our primary mission is to improve the quality of life for our patients through routine and affordable chiropractic care,” said Gardner.
For many, chiropractic treatment is a part of their lifestyle, and they appreciate the walkin appointments and large, open treatment space.
“If we have a patient with a private matter, we can certainly have that conversation behind closed doors, but as far as the treatment we provide, it’s an open adjustment area,” Gardner said.
The chiropractic field can assist in a variety of ailments spanning from heartburn to rib dysfunction.
“A lot of patients are surprised that chiropractic can play a role in this, but after that first adjustment, sinuses are opened up, and breathing isn’t restricted,” Gardner said. “It’s noticeable. We definitely take care of patients who have a lot of ailments, from low back or neck pain to migraines.”
Though they treat numerous ailments, the focus at The Joint Chiropractic is for those
who make chiropractic part of their regular routine. Just like someone might choose to go to the gym every day or get a massage once a month, a routine adjustment can also help the person feel better and have more energy.
Gardner has seen treatment make a difference in patients from professional athletes to stay-at-home moms.
“I’ve seen chiropractic change people’s lives,” Gardner said. “I’ve seen a mom whose low back pain is so bad she can’t pick up her 2-year-old anymore, and we’re able to give her some of her ability back so she can enjoy her loved ones and do tasks without feeling pain. We’re giving people hope that they don’t have anymore.”
At The Joint Chiropractic, the new patient special is $29, which includes initial consultation, exam and first adjustment.
Visit thejoint.com for more information.
TACKLING TRAUMA
MINDFIT COUNSELING FOCUSES ON THE BODY TO HEAL TRAUMA
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Robert Jones
MindFit Counseling, which celebrated its fifth anniversary in January, is different from most therapy practices, because the team concentrates on somatic-type therapy practices that incorporate body awareness, especially regarding how the body holds trauma.
“Somatic experiencing is a body-focused modality,” says Jessica Cannon, clinical director and owner of MindFit Counseling LLC. “It’s about tapping into the body’s sensations, impulses and behavior to renegotiate trauma experiences for the purpose of healing.”
While everyone may have their own ideas about what trauma is, trauma could be anything that interrupts your inner sense of peace. Even common, everyday occurrences can be traumatic, such as having a baby or relocating, because these experiences completely interrupt life.
“We all experience some level of trauma in our lives,” Cannon says. “That’s what makes us human.”
The team of 21 seasoned therapists and one nurse practitioner provides collaborative care through advanced and progressive modalities that treat the whole person.
In October 2024, MindFit Counseling in Carmel, which is located next to Pickle on Penn, expanded to incorporate a wellness center, to offer wellness services such as trauma-informed yoga, craniosacral therapy (CST), reiki, and HeartMath. These services work in conjunction with therapy to help people dive into their body. Trauma-informed yoga classes, which are taught by a licensed therapist, center around safety, feeling into your body, tolerance for certain positions, breathwork, and grounding. Reiki is a form of energy healing that incorporates the body, mind
“OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE ACCURATE AND SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT THESE HEALING PRACTICES TO HELP PEOPLE FIND THEIR HEALING FLOW.”
—JESSICA CANNON
and spirit.
“Science says that we are all made up of moving particles,” Cannon says. “That energy cannot be created or destroyed, but through intention, can be moved here or there. Reiki is about tuning into your energy health. Doing a session can be insightful in terms of what you need or what’s missing in your life, to help you heal from past traumas.”
CST is a gentle, hands-on massaging technique that uses a light touch on the crown of the head to release tension around your body’s connective tissue network.
“We don’t really realize how much trauma we hold in our fascia or muscle tissue,” Cannon says.
CST works to ignite the parasympathetic nervous system, which acts as the brakes of the nervous system. It’s helpful for those suffering body injuries following trauma such as a car accident, but there are a lot of reasons people might benefit from CST.
“In our day-to-day lives we are all operating at a high speed - very anxious and stressed,” Cannon says. “CST is good for leveling that out.”
HeartMath, an evidence-based practice, is a system of self-regulation techniques that synchronizes the heart, brain, emotions and nervous system.
“It’s developing a set of specific breathing techniques to help create coherence in the body so that it functions as one whole,” Cannon says. “HeartMath is good for those in high-stress jobs like corporate leaders, engineers or doctors.”
The services offered on the wellness side could be sufficient for helping to mitigate stress and bring some relief, but in other instances, MindFit Counseling has a whole team of therapists available to help. They even have therapists who do “play therapy” to help children feel into their emotions, give words to feelings, and help them complete the process of whatever is going on in their life.
“Have you ever watched your child play the same scenario or theme over and over again?” Cannon says. “As adults we experience the same process when we ruminate or fixate on things. In the somatic world we have the saying, ‘What repeats doesn’t complete,’ and, ‘What completes doesn’t repeat.’ In therapy, whether we are working with a child doing play therapy or working with an adult doing somatic work, essentially we’re helping their nervous system get out of that freeze/repeat loop to achieve a stage of completion.”
On the therapy side, they offer evidencebased services like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting. EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Similarly, Brainspotting is a psychotherapy technique that uses eye movement to help people process psychological trauma and other issues.
They also use Internal Family Systems (IFS), a form of psychotherapy that views
the mind as a system of parts interacting with each other.
“You know how when you’re talking to someone and you say, ‘A part of me feels this way and another part of me feels that way?’” Cannon says. “IFS is about separating those parts and observing them to dig deeper. It also has a somatic component to it, where we identify where in our body we notice these parts of ourselves. It’s a different approach that a lot of people jive with.”
Many of the somatic practices offered at MindFit Counseling have been around for centuries and have been common in the
Eastern world.
“Our goal is to provide accurate and scientific information about these healing practices to help people find their healing flow,” Cannon says. “We want to help people heal from mental-health-related discord, and at a much more accelerated rate than talk therapy. Research shows that talk therapy is the least effective form of treating trauma. Treating trauma just happens to be a specialty.”
Cannon maintains that these therapy services are incredibly effective.
“I think we’re ahead of our time in treating energy health and the whole person,” Cannon says. “I’m excited to offer these types of things to our clients and the community, and to integrate the two to help people find coherence and alignment.”
To see a menu of options for the wellness center, visit mindfitcounseling.com, or download the MindFit booking app to book a wellness service.
MindFit Counseling is located at 11495 Pennsylvania Street, Suite 100 in Carmel. For more information, call 317-804-3696.
RESEARCH STUDY SEEKING Women 50 or Older
Purdue University, College of Pharmacy is seeking healthy volunteers who are at least 50 years old (women) to participate in a study to determine if a hormone called progesterone can reduce the risk of a heart rhythm abnormality.
If you qualify for the study:
• You will complete one 2-hour visit and two 10- hour visits at the Indiana Clinical Research Center (ICRC) located on the IUPUI campus in downtown Indianapolis
• Prior to the 2nd and 3rd visit, you will apply progesterone or a placebo for 3 days and during the 2nd and 3rd visits, you will receive a medication called Ibutilide (Covert) by IV, have your blood taken and ECGs performed throughout the day.
• You will receive up to $500 after completing all study visits. Parking and meals during the study are included.
If you are interested in participating, please call or text 317-847-2094 or email: hwroblew@iu.edu
COURT’S IN SESSION
CHECK OUT INDY’S NEW PICKLR FACILITIES
Writer / Ashley Watters
It’s been called the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Some estimates even have players totaling near the 50-million mark - pickleball. Riding the wave of this wildly popular sport, The Picklr has made its way to Noblesville.
The Picklr is an indoor pickleball facility with more than 250 locations nationwide. With two facilities opening in Indianapolis, pickleball players can now access state-ofthe-art facilities and seamless playing in Noblesville and North Indianapolis.
Co-owners Dave Gilreath and Ron Brock wanted to up the ante to provide an all-new pickleball experience for players in Indiana. An avid tennis player for more than 20 years, Gilreath’s passion eventually steered him towards pickleball. He was immediately hooked, and in awe of how the game can be applied to any age and skill level, while also fostering community and an inclusive social atmosphere. With such potential, he felt there needed to be a premier option for players harboring that same love.
“We recognized the opportunity to establish clubs in Indiana to attract other players,” says Gilreath. “We explored options and The Picklr immediately stood out as offering players a premier indoor pickleball experience. We’re excited to open Indiana’s first club.”
Recent grand-opening celebrations featured celebrity pickleball players, free open play, play with a pro, and lessons, along with raffles and special giveaways. Located at 9847 Cumberland Point Boulevard in Noblesville and at 3810 East 82nd Street in Indy, both Picklr facilities are expected to provide pickleball players of all skill levels with a variety of fun and competitive options.
Members will have access to all-inclusive amenities including court access, free league play, free tournaments, four monthly guest passes, four free monthly clinics, a ball machine, a pro shop, as well as private event areas and access to lockers rooms and showers. Members may also access any franchise location, a flexible choice for those
with busy schedules. There are a multitude of membership options and nonmembers are encouraged to join on an à la carte basis. Those interested are encouraged to explore the trial membership of $30 for 30 days.
The Picklr Noblesville is a joint venture between Pickle Indy and Drew Brees’ BV Pickleball Clubs LLC.
“The Picklr Noblesville will feature 19 indoor courts in 57,000-square-foot multiple event spaces, three championshipsized courts, permanent grandstands, and an upper-level viewing and lounge area,” says Gilreath. “Former Purdue and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees serves as the national brand ambassador for The Picklr, and his firm is Midwest area developer for The Picklr, working to develop more than 30 clubs across Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.”
Players will have access to the best accommodations pickleball has to offer, with cutting-edge technology and clean, modern courts.
“The Picklr is a premium indoor pickleball facility providing an unparalleled pickleball experience for players,” says Gilreath. “All locations offer professional-grade outdoor surfacing, best-in-class technology, and access to free leagues, tournaments and clinics.”
Players of all skill levels and age groups are invited to join, and encouraged to engage in whatever level of play matches their comfort level. From beginners to pros, The Picklr has play options for everyone.
“The Picklr offers a variety of programming for all skill levels with either a social or competitive focus in mind,” says Gilreath. “With options including open play, round robins by skill, King’s Court, or Moneyball events and leagues, The Picklr has something for everyone.”
Those aspiring to become master players can take part in private lessons or adult programming led by highly skilled instructors. Junior memberships are also available for players between the ages of 8 and 18.
“Memberships provide a built-in pickleball academy, community and programming for youth ages 8 to 18, which mirrors the adult membership at a discounted price with free junior clinics, junior-specific open play, tournaments, leagues, and court reservations,” says Gilreath.
Additionally, The Picklr offers a private
event space where pickleball lovers can come together to celebrate their special days. The area is also well-suited to accommodate team-building activities.
“The Picklr is able to host a number of private events ranging from corporate teambuilding events and non-Picklr sponsored
tournaments to birthday parties, reunions, bachelorette parties and more,” says Gilreath. “Our community room is available to rent by the hour and can accommodate all sizes of get-togethers.”
To learn more about Indy’s new Picklr locations, visit thepicklr.com.
2025 DIRECTORY & RELOCATION GUIDE
TARGET YOUR MOST SOUGHT-AFTER LOCAL CONSUMERS
EXISTING AND NEW MOVERS TO YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
Back by popular demand, our Annual Directory & Relocation Guide for will feature all sorts of local extras to make it a keepsake reference for the entire year. In addition to our regular distribution in April, we will be mailing copies throughout the year to the following people:
New movers: We purchase a list of new homeowners each month and mail them a complimentary copy via First Class USPS.
Relocation requests: Through TownePost.com, people looking to relocate can request a FREE copy.
TARGETED DISTRIBUTION
• Direct mailed to all local residents in April
• Online requests from new movers
• Mailed out to new movers monthly
• Realtors, relocation companies, and real estate developers
• Home builders and new home communities
IF YOU ADVERTISE JUST ONE TIME PER YEAR, THIS IS YOUR ISSUE!
DEADLINE: MARCH 14, 2025
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
CERESET
Writer / Natalie Platt
If you have experienced stress, illness, injury, or traumatic events that negatively affect your well-being, Cereset can help you.
A wellness experience located in Carmel, Cereset helps you relax your brain to manage stress, restore hope, and achieve restful sleep, through patented BrainEcho™ technology that empowers the brain to reset itself as it hears and “sees” its own reflection. Cereset enables your brain to fully relax and reset itself to its natural balance from the inside out. There is no outside intervention, stimulus or medication of any kind; the brain does its own work while you may nap or relax quietly in a comfortable chair.
A good candidate for Cereset is for anyone looking for better brain health and regulation. During an appointment, sessions are very relaxing. Using earbuds the center provides, clients relax in a zero-gravity chair. Cereset EEG sensors are placed on the scalp to read brain frequencies. The computer identifies over-activation or underactivation, and sends sounds that reflect the imbalances, so if the imbalances are in the low frequencies, the notes will be low, and vice versa. The brain hears the tones and uses the tones as a mirror.
Cereset sessions last 60 to 90 minutes. All clients start with five sessions. Based on the client, sessions might be in one week, or spaced once a week over five weeks. Many clients come back for tuneups, enjoying the
continued support, with 91% of Cereset clients reporting overall improvements in sleep, mood, stress resilience, energy levels and thinking abilities.
Alisa Advani, a Cereset client, tried multiple modalities on her own for relief after suffering from seven concussions in her lifetime, from minor incidents like bumping her head while doing housework to getting head-butted in the temple by her 4-yearold nephew. One evening, desperate for a solution, Advani googled different solutions and came across the Cereset website. As a former medical writer, the science behind it mattered to her.
“After two series of sessions at Cereset, I have experienced significant improvement in my symptoms,” Advani says. “My disrupted brain rhythms are correcting themselves My peripheral vision has improved along with my energy levels
and daily mood. The lobes of my brain are working to put themselves back into harmony and I am eager to continue treatment.”
Advani urges anyone having similar problems to consider this treatment modality like they would any wellness tool.
“In today’s hyper-paced world of neverending information and input, Cereset presents clients with a unique tool to overcome not only the physical imbalances within the brain, but all that follows from a neurological health standpoint,” Advani says. “Mood, sleep, learning, anxiety, depression, PTSD and, yes, traumatic brain injury, respond to the soft tones created by our own brainwaves. Don’t hesitate adding this deeply relaxing and renewing treatment to your mental conditioning routine.”
Cereset involves real clinical research with real results. All peer-reviewed research papers and press releases can be found on the Cereset website at cereset.com.
Photographer / Ellie Sophia Photography
ADDRESSING WELLNESS WITH TAI CHI
Writer / Ashley Watters
If you’ve ever been duped into trying a fad diet or novelty exercise program in the hopes that you’ll finally stick to your new year’s resolutions, you know the struggle of finding something that works. If you want a health practice that really works, why not try something that’s been proven to work over thousands of years?
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese practice that unites gentle, flowing movements with deep breathing and meditation as a form of exercise and wellness. Definitely not a trending form of exercise, tai chi has been referred to as “medication in motion” by the
Harvard School of Medicine.
“Tai chi has been said to mitigate symptoms of age-related chronic conditions and even might improve your memory,” says Alexa Waldrip, recreation services manager with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation. “It can provide research-supported healing, and support for those with memory loss, dementia, arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleeplessness, fibromyalgia, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and back and spinal problems. Additionally, it can reduce stress and increase physical strength, mobility, balance and endurance.”
Tai chi classes are offered in Carmel as part of the Parks & Recreation program. Participants can take part in an all-levels class or select a targeted class that focuses on skills specific to that level. The program has been running successfully for seven years.
“When a local community tai chi instructor reached out about teaching, we were happy to add a new program to our catalog,” says Waldrip. “Tai chi classes quickly became popular and we were able to offer more advanced classes. The program has developed to include traditional and contemporary tai chi and qigong routines,
Lunch and Learn programs, World Tai Chi Day, and open-house celebrations.”
The classes are offered in seven-week sessions. Most attendees come to a weekly class, while others sign up for multiple sessions to maximize their practice. Classes are available on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Exact dates, times and pricing can be found online at carmelclayparks.com/ program-offerings.
“Many of our tai chi members have been with us for years and years,” says Waldrip. “We have many participants now that
started in our beginner tai chi programs that have now excelled all the way through to our advanced tai chi programs.”
The Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation team appreciates the impact tai chi has had on the surrounding community, helping to unite locals around a greater sense of well-being.
“Tai chi brings a different kind of fitness to the community for those who may feel left out or intimidated by a traditional gym environment,” says Waldrip. “The focus is not just on physical, but also mental wellbeing. One international study conducted by a team of neurologists from Florida and Shanghai found individuals who practiced tai chi three times a week actually developed increases in brain size, and improved their scores on psychological tests for cognition and memory.”
People of all ages and fitness levels are invited to take part in the tai chi program. Waldrip encourages anyone to try it
regardless of what they feel about the current state of their physical health.
“Tai chi is fun to do and has no barriers,” she says. “Tai chi can be practiced regardless of age, weight or physical ability, although some forms are more suitable for specific individuals than others. It requires no special equipment or clothing, and can be done from standing and seated positions.”
Waldrip hopes to see more community members take advantage of their tai chi program and the benefits that follow.
“Tai chi is a low-impact workout that is proven to benefit muscle strength and bone density, flexibility, and balance and coordination,” she says. “While tai chi is what you make it, we hope to help people get in their daily exercise, while also reducing stress in a group setting with an experienced instructor.”
