Nestled in the Grapevine area is a friendly and helpful resource called the Center Community Center. Originally a school, it serves as a hub for locals, hosting dinners, free hot meals for seniors and activities like chair yoga.

Local resident Tammy Clark was born in Grapevine and has lived there all her life. Over the years she’s volunteered at the Center, assisting with activities such as the monthly Sunday dinners. Six months ago, she started coming back for the senior meals. During one of those visits, she learned about chair yoga.

Tammy was curious about the class but she hadn’t exercised in a while because of pain in her feet and ankles. However, she wanted to feel better and thought that would be hard without exercise. Chair yoga seemed like something she could do without making her pain worse, so she decided to try it.

At first, the class felt strange and challenging. She couldn’t do some movements, like chair squats, without using her hands. In previous exercise classes, she tended to push herself too hard, get injured, and quit. This time, she decided she would go slowly so as not to get injured — and stick with it. And that is what she did!

Tammy is seeing real progress from her efforts. “The changes crept up on me quick,” she says. “I’ve surprised myself at how quickly and easily I can do chair squats without using my hands anymore. That’s felt really good and keeps me motivated.”

It's often true that one good habit leads to others. She’s since started doing chair yoga at home using an app and has made an appointment with a registered dietitian to improve her eating habits.

Her advice: “If I can do it, anybody can. Just start small. Maybe five minutes, take a break, and then try again.”

Join chair yoga at the Center Community Center on Wednesdays from 10:45–11:15 a.m. Stay afterward for a free, hot meal.

Start with one small healthy habit and you’ll be surprised at how it can positively impact so many other areas of your life!