Adaptive Tai Chi
Supportive and accessible mindfulness training through scientifically-based fitness for people experiencing illness or disability and their caregivers.
What is Adaptive Tai Chi?
Adaptive Tai Chi offers evidence-based Tai Chi/Meditation classes for groups and individuals with special needs and provides individualized adaptations to meet your needs. Classes are excellent fitness options for individuals with mobility, balance, endurance, and/or cognitive impairments. All postures are gentle and slow and benefits can be experienced by those standing or sitting.
Adaptive Tai Chi uses scientific research to inform its fitness programming. The domains that can be addressed are a holistic view of human health: mind, body, spirit, and community.
Brenda Thornton
Certified Won Meditation Teacher
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
I have dedicated my personal life, education, and over 15 years of my professional career to helping individuals who are in need of special effort, guidance, and support. My goal is to enrich others' lives through the use of my skills, education, talents, and passion. Through my experiences and to my frustration I have found that often people who need extra support cannot access the help they need due to disability, health challenges, transportation requirements, and/or lack of program availability. For this reason I started this company to address some of these needs through adaptable mindfulness exercise training both in-person and virtually. I truly believe the benefits can be experienced by anyone.
My experiences of serving, reaching out, and helping others around me include working as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in Nursing Homes and Home Care. I have over 15 years experience as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and have worked in various environments including Veterans Administration (VA) Rehabilitation Unit, Inpatient and Outpatient Psychiatry, Community Living Centers, Residential Treatment Programs, Schools, and Community Recreation Programs. I have worked closely with caregivers and the individuals who have experienced Amputation, Anxiety (GAD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism (ASD), Bipolar Disorder (BP), Dementia (AD/D), Depression, Developmental Delays (DD), Fibromyalgia (FMS), Homelessness, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Migraines, Parkinson’s Disease (PT), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), Rheumatoid Arthritis (PA), Schizophrenia, Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Stoke (CVA), Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Suicidality (SI), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Visual Impairment (VI), etc.
I have honed my skills to know how to adapt, customize, and support individuals of all ages and abilities to fulfill their goals. I am confident I can help you and/or a loved-one be successful in gaining benefits from mindfulness training and adaptive exercise.
Why Join the Community?
Adaptive Tai Chi is focused on providing easily accessible evidence-based adaptive exercise and mindfulness training in a supportive social environment to all ability levels, including caregivers.
Scientific research based programs
Positive Health Outcomes
Adaptable to ANY fitness level
Accessible: on-site or online
"The thing about meditation is: You become more and more you."
David Lynch
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