Sept. 18-22 is Fall Prevention Awareness Week, and Healthy Acadia wants to help more community members discover the many health benefits of tai chi practice.
A low-impact exercise that combines slow, fluid movements, mindful breathing, and mental focus, tai chi is often referred to as a moving meditation because it emphasizes the integration of mind and body, improves overall physical and mental well-being, and promotes a sense of calm and relaxation for people of all ages and fitness levels. Regular tai chi practice has been associated with numerous health benefits, including improved balance and flexibility, reduced stress and anxiety, lowered blood pressure, improved immune function, relief of chronic pain and inflammatory conditions, and improved cognitive function.
Healthy Acadia’s tai chi instructors are certified through the Tai Chi for Health Institute, founded in 2010 by Dr. Paul Lam and colleagues with the purpose of empowering people to improve their health and wellness with Tai Chi for Health classes. Tai Chi for Health classes introduce gentle low-impact exercise routines that promote improved health through the integration of both mind and body. The program is recommended by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Council on Aging, and endorsed by governmental health departments around the world.
Healthy Acadia’s Tai Chi for Health classes meet for one hour per week for eight weeks and are offered free of charge, though donations are suggested and appreciated. Pre-registration is required. Their upcoming classes are as follows:
Online Tai Chi for Health Courses: Fall 2023
Intermediate Yang 24, Mondays, October 2 -November 20, 2023, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. This course is most appropriate for people familiar with the open-frame Yang-Style tai chi. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Intermediate Sun 73, Mondays, October 2 -November 20, 2023, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. This course is most appropriate for people familiar with qigong-rich Sun-style tai chi. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Tai Chi for Bone Health, Mondays, October 2 -November 20, 2023, 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. This rejuvenating program is designed to help boost immunity and foster better emotional and physical health. Its combination of easy-to-learn Sun and Yang style movements improves stamina, blood circulation, and relaxation. Course Instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Tai Chi for Arthritis 2, Tuesdays, October 3 -November 21, 2023, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. This course is most appropriate for those familiar with the Tai Chi for Arthritis program and looking for a new challenge. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Tai Chi for Life and Five-Element Qigong, Wednesdays, October 4 -November 22, 2023, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. This course is an introduction to simple tai chi forms and a simple qigong (life energy) practice. For beginners and for experienced tai chi players who want to go deeper into their practice. Course instructor: Pat FitzGerald
Beginners Yang 24, Wednesdays, October 4 -November 22, 2023, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. This course will introduce movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the most practiced tai chi form in the world. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, Wednesdays, October 4 -November 22, 2023, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. This program is recognized by the USA CDC as being a top-tiered evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, and confidence. While especially effective for arthritis, this program is appropriate for anyone who wants to improve their health and wellness. Course instructor: Annette Plank
Beginners Tai Chi for Mind and Body, Wednesdays, October 4 -November 22, 2023, 1 to 2 p.m. This rejuvenating program is designed to help boost immunity and foster better emotional and physical health. Its combination of easy-to-learn Sun and Yang-style movements improves stamina, blood circulation, and relaxation. Course Instructor: Annette Plank
In-Person Classes: Fall 2023
Tai Chi for Beginners, Tuesdays, October 3 – November 21, 2023, 11 a.m. to noon, Island Community Center, Stonington. Comprised of qigong and Yang-style mind-body exercises, this course is a gentle but strong foundation for better health for all ages. Course Instructor: Nina Zeldin
Tai Chi for Beginners, Tuesdays, October 3 – November 21, 2023, 4 to 5 p.m., Ellsworth Public Library, River View Room. Comprised of qigong and Yang style mind-body exercises, this course is a gentle but strong foundation for better health for all ages. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Tai Chi for Arthritis 2, Thursdays, September 7 – October 26, 2023, 10 to 11 a.m., Meadow View Apartments, Ellsworth. This course is most appropriate for those familiar with the Tai Chi for Arthritis program and who are looking for a new challenge. Course instructor: Nanci Miller
Healthy Acadia has offered Tai Chi for Health classes since 2014, introducing hundreds of community members to the practice. While developed by the Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI) to bring health benefits as quickly as possible for specific health conditions, the classes are appropriate and beneficial for people of all ages and levels of physical ability.
Visit bit.ly/ha-tai-chi to register for any of Healthy Acadia’s Tai Chi for Health classes. Once your registration is complete, you will receive the login information (for online classes) via the email address you provided. For more information, please contact Nina Zeldin at (207) 479-1206 or [email protected].
Healthy Acadia is a 501c3 nonprofit community health organization working to build vibrant communities and make it easier for all people to lead healthy lives throughout Washington and Hancock counties, Maine. For more information about Healthy Acadia’s health initiatives, visit www.healthyacadia.org.
