Carrie Murray | Tai Chi Gung Instructor & Personal Fitness

Finding the Balance of Body, Mind & Spirit through Self-Care

Helping individuals reclaim balance, energy & joy through personalized wellness solutions.

Offerings:

Tai Chi Gung Knoxville

Classes, Groups & 1:1 Sessions

Personal Training
Online & 1:1 Sessions

A Mission to Make Self Care More Accessible

I provide a trusted space where you are heard, supported, and guided in your health goals - whether that's through personal fitness, Tai Chi Gung classes or 1:1 sessions. Students say:

  • Better Balance of Mind & Body

  • Better Sleep and Rest

  • Better Mental Health

  • Better Immune System

  • Best Protocol for Osteoporosis Treatment & Prevention

  • Improved Muscle / Core Strength

  • Increased Flexibility

Personal Training

Since 2002, I have had the opportunity to serve students as a personal trainer.

I developed my style of training as I trained myself. As I became more aware of my body, my muscles and how it all needed to work together, I was able to communicate the process effectively to my students. I have a background in Pilates, Flexibility Training, Water Fitness, Yoga and Strength Training to treat and prevent osteoporosis.

In my book, instructing correct form in any exercise is paramount. Being able to offer modifications is also a very important component in my training style. Seeing my clients reach ascending levels of success without hurting themselves is my heart driven mission.

Tai Chi Gung

One way to describe Tai Chi Gung is: give power to peace. But it’s more than that.

Rooted in the teachings of Lao Tzu, this practice was created to align the regenerative life force energy in nature with our own. It is a system of gentle, intentional movement designed to restore balance — physically, mentally and energetically.

Experience 3–5 weeks of personalized instruction in the comfort of your own home. During the sessions, I'll walk you through gentle movement, breathwork, and nervous system regulation — designed to build both balance & strength.

Practice With Purpose

Knoxville Tai Chi Gung

Join my existing classes at Halls Senior Center, Church of the Good Shepherd, and Breezeway Yoga.

If these locations don't serve you - and you can gather close to 5 attendees - I'd be happy to come to your location (please note that long distances may have an additional charge).

Circle of Chi Tai Chi Gung Knoxville Carrie Murray

Tai Chi Gung Online & At Home

Begin with a 45-day online commitment to strengthening your body, calming your mind, and giving power to peace.

Online classes can be a more accessible and flexible way to start. Certified through the Circle of Chi, I’m happy to support you in person or online.

Personal Training

Since 2002, I’ve developed a training style rooted in deep body awareness.

I know how muscles work together, how alignment affects strength, and how intentional movement can transform not only your body — but how you feel inside it.

Carrie's Musings & Things...

Why Practice Daily Tai Chi Gung?

Why Practice Daily Tai Chi Gung?

Discover why this asana...this right to practice is expanding me in ways I did not expect and have come to depend upon. ...more

musings

January 07, 20262 min read

Remembering December 1

Remembering December 1

A ring, a mirror and a promise ...more

musings

December 03, 20252 min read

UNSHAKABLE

UNSHAKABLE

Unshakable doesn’t mean there is no shaking in the quaking, in the blowing, in the raining, in the sleeting, in the fighting, in the warring, in the worrying, in the grieving, in the hunger or in the ... ...more

Declarations

November 22, 20251 min read

Frequently Asked Questions
& Heart-led Answers

How has Tai Chi Gung impacted my relationship to the Chi…the life force energy?

Being a gardener and lover of nature, I observed it with awe and wonder and thanksgiving. My daily practice of Tai Chi Gung has allowed me to physically feel it flow through me and around me. I am developing an ongoing and expanding relationship with it. It is marvelous, really.

How has the awareness of my breath changed?

I am much more conscious about how I breathe throughout the day. I am allowing my tummy to relax more. The relaxation allows my diaphragm to be able to pull more and draw breath deeper into the bottom of my lungs. I don’t chest breath….I belly breath.

What impact of deeper breathing have I noticed?

The basic Tai Chi Gung breath involves breathing in through my nose and out my mouth. I find myself doing it more throughout the day. It calms me, slows my pace and allows me to choose to focus and be present.

How has Tai Chi Gung changed how my mind works? How have my thoughts changed?

The practice of using Mala beads in this Tai Chi Gung system has shown me I can choose my thoughts and intentionally focus my thoughts. My mind wanders much less during the exercises now…if it does…I know I can choose to let those thoughts go….I have plenty of time to deal with them later. I am calmer and less reactive as well too.

As I share this practice with others, what has brought the most joy in observing how TCG has influenced an other’s journey?

The biggest thrill and joy for me is when I witness someone having that initial AhHa moment of understanding. I wait for that look of surprise and joy in them. It can be when they first feel empowered by the Chi, or when the tears well up as the risk is taken to love and forgive themselves. The circumstance isn’t what is important. It is in witnessing an overcoming and a deeper knowing that joy overflows in me.

What does “fluency of motion” mean to me?

Because the Tai Chi Gung movements were created from how the life force energy flows in nature, the fluency of motion can mean the lapping of waves onto the shore of a lake, or the ebb and flow of the waves of the ocean. It can be the trickle of a mountain brook or a gentle rolling river. It can be the sway of the trees in a gentle breeze. It can be the flitting of a butterfly. It can

be a mom patiently swaying her little one to and fro. It can be the elegance of a waltz…but is it always gentle, flowing and continuous.

What does “how slow can you go” mean to me?

There is a saying in Tai Chi Gung, “In the movement, one must be still and in the stillness is all the movement.” If someone was watching, there is a point during the practice when the movements slow to an almost imperceptible range of motion. …but on the inside, it still feels like you are moving. It is in

this contrast where the learning and experiencing accelerates.

What is the COC mission and how do I feel about it?

The Circle of Chi is an extension of a Lamasery in Darchen, Tibet. The mission of the Lamasery is Health, Wealth and Happiness for one human family. I am totally on board with this mission. Who wouldn’t be? It is in the getting there that requires, vision, discipline, community and above all LOVE for yourself and your fellowman. I am totally on board with that too.

What sayings of Master Lama Rasaji have moved me, empowered me, spoken to my soul?

Master Lama Rasaji masterfully interweaves the Western and Eastern approaches to health, longevity and spirituality. He constantly reminds us that it takes the body, the mind and the spirit working together as one to achieve true balance in our lives. What has moved me, more times

than I can count, is his genuine reliance on LOVE and it’s many forms to be the power and foundation of why we do what we do. Power means nothing if it isn’t based upon Love…It is Divine Love that knows and shows the way.

What TCG exercise has taught me the most and why?

The exercise that initially taught me was Tai Chi Swim, because it was during this one where I first felt the Chi physically. It grabbed my attention and let me feel love in-between my hands. It is Body Twist I am learning the most from right now. Learning to release and let go…release and trust..release to receive…release to keep from being stagnant and stuck. We hold onto way

too much stuff. Balance is achieved when we can let go of what we no longer need and receive and work on what currently propels us forward. This is another aspect of fluency of motion this practice facilitates. Whew!

How has Tai Chi Gung affected my view and experience of spirituality?

My spiritual practices now include the movement and awareness of Spirit in my body. I am physically feeling being rooted and grounded in love. It is no longer just a “spiritual” thing to say. It is a physical reality and awareness I am growing deeper and expanding into. My body, mind and spirit are learning how to dance together. It is this dance that propels me into taking the action needed to manifest my part in creating health, wealth and happiness for one human family. So it is said. So it is done.

Measurable Results

Clients consistently experience measurable physical improvements, such as increased leg strength, improved balance, increased lung capacity, circulation & oxygen to the brain.

Lifestyle Transformation

Greater stability and confidence in everyday movement. One 90-year-old student no longer relies on her cane as she once did!

Standing Classes in Knoxville, TN

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Mondays
11 AM - 11:50 AM
Tai Chi Gung Group Class
Halls Senior Center

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Mondays
11:55 AM - 12:45 PM
Tai Chi Gung Seated Group Class
Halls Senior Center

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Mondays
6:25 PM - 6:55 PM
Free Tai Chi Gung Group Class
Church of the Good Shepard

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Wednesdays
12:15 PM - 1:15PM
Tai Chi Gung Group Class
Church of the Good Shepard

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Thursdays
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Tai Chi Gung Group Class
Breezeway Yoga

What Clients Say About Carrie...

Hooray for Carrie, an excellent trainer! Since 2016, I have exercised 2x a week under her guidance and encouragement. Those 9 years of her wise and varied warm-up, cardio, strengthening and stretching exercises are responsible for my being healthier and wiser about my body and its care (including weight loss). Carrie brings an expertly crafted movement plan and a nougat of inspiring wisdom. I am certain that in body, mind, spirit and activity I am 9 years younger now than before Carrie - a great result for someone who is eighty-one!

Sally R | Personal Training Client

Carrie is a golden soul who truly radiates in all areas of her life. She cultivates people like she does her garden.

She tends to those around her so intentionally and has curated herself into a master of self. She is such a wise guide and instructor!

Kinley Koontz | Tai Chi Gung Student

Our brief experience with Tai Chi Gung, with Carrie as our instructor, has been nothing but positive and encouraging!

As senior citizens, we have found that our balance has improved, the stretching and breathing exercises have made us feel better, and the meditative aspect has been so calming. We have participated in both standing and seated classes. Five stars for both!

Dale & Janelle Honeycutt | Tai Chi Gung Students

In the many ears I have been working out with Carrie, she has consistently asked what my body needs in the way of movement.

Her knowledge and experience, guided by her spirituality, provide that for me. I am always grateful for her kindness and patience. Carrie is so encouraging and her work encompasses the whole person... Body, Mind, and Spirit!

Victoria D | Personal Training Client

I started taking weekly Tai Chi Gung classes with Carrie a few months ago, and I really look forward to each class! She has such a passion for what she's doing, and it really shows!

She cultivates a warm and welcoming energy. Her inner light is shining so bright! Thank you for sharing your passion with the world, Carrie.

Cheryl | Tai Chi Gung Student

I've been taking Carrie's Tai Chi Gung classes for 6 months. Here's why I do it: The activities that I engage in serve my elevation and awakening as well as the greater awakening of humanity and the earth. Through breath, gentle movements, and awareness, my energetic field is strengthened. It helps me ground, integrate, and release. The classes are drop-in, so no commitment is required. If I can't make a class, there's no pressure.

Deb P | Tai Chi Gung Student

Standing Knoxville Classes

Mondays 11 AM - 11:50 AM &

11:55 AM - 12:45 PM

Monday: 6:25 PM - 6:55 PM

Wednesday: 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

Tuesday: 12 PM - 1 PM

Offerings

1:1 Personal Training

Tai Chi Gung Private

Tai Chi Gung Group Classes

Want to try Tai Chi Gung or Personal Fitness & Don't Know Where to Start? Call me!

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