LEWISTOWN — With the many documented benefits of Tai Chi, instructor Chris Toddes wants to take the art form to new heights.

More specifically, the certified instructor plans to teach new sessions of Tai Chi I at the Lewistown Senior Citizen Center, located at 515 Knepp Ave. in Lewistown, starting this Tuesday.

Of course, the center is located in what is affectionately called the Heights.

The sessions, sponsored by the Mifflin-Juniata Regional Services Corp. – The Care Network, will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Each class lasts 60 minutes and is free for senior citizens age 60 and older.

Toddes, who is well-known and has become a popular instructor throughout the Juniata River Valley, said there is a long list of perks for Tai Chi, which is a mind-body practice that combines martial arts and meditation to improve physical and mental health.

“Improves balance, reduces falls, relieves stress, is fun, challenging for the body, challenging for the mind, makes the gray matter work,” Toddes said, listing many of the benefits.

Toddes continued, “Helps reduce pain from arthritis, tendinitis, etc., improves strength, improves cardio, stretches and tones muscles, Improves blood flow, reduces hypertension, improves insulin sensitivity and reduces healing time. Take your pick.”

Space is limited, so registration is required. Call (717) 320-8367 or email bharlan@mymjrsc.com for more information.