Tai chi is a gentle mind-body exercise, and the level of exertion is easily modified to make it suitable for almost anyone. Movements can be practiced standing or seated. If a physical limitation prevents you from performing a particular movement, you can stay within your comfort level and visualize your body moving through the movement you cannot physically perform.
Martial arts often quote sayings, such as, “pain is weakness leaving the body” and “no pain, no gain”. Neither of these apply to tai chi! In fact, performing a movement to a level of pain will likely be counterproductive. If you experience discomfort for longer than 2 hours after practicing tai chi, you should consult your medical provider prior to continuing.
Tai chi is NOT a religion! Rather, it is one of the internal styles of martial arts. The slow gentle movements build your mind-body connection, reducing stress, and improving muscle strength and flexibility. This control of movement helps to build confidence and reduces your risk of falling. The benefits from tai chi are dose-dependent – the more you practice, the greater/faster the benefits you will reap.
Tai chi stands out from all other exercise forms due to a set of principles that make the magic happen! The forms are taught one movement at a time to enhance learning with these principles woven in. Regular practice will provide great rewards.
Basics for ALL CLASSES:
Always stay in your comfort zone. If you have difficulty with a movement, speak up so we can find a modification!
Have a chair and water available. Stop for a drink, or practice seated as you need.
If you have a medical condition and are unsure if you can participate in the class, please print the Medical Clearance Form, and have your medical provider sign it.
Because these classes are held on-line via Zoom, it is important to have enough space to safely practice. It is best to avoid throw rugs and obstructions. Ideally, you would want to be seen from head to toe, while being able to see the instructor.
Download the free Zoom app on your computer or tablet
If you would like a larger “monitor”, you can attach your “camera” (phone, tablet, laptop, or webcam attached to a computer) to your TV with an HDMI cable and converters as needed. Download this document for ideas.
Please leave your camera on for safety during the class.
Plan to have fun! Although tai chi has great physical and mental benefits, nothing prohibits having fun while you learn the movements. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Tai chi is non-competitive! While it looks gentle and graceful, you may find there is more to it, and it can be a little challenging at times. Go with the flow, don’t stress over it, and have fun! It will get easier with time.
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Qigong dates back thousands of years, and is basically a means of building inner energy, called qi (chi). This class will feature a variety of qigong forms.
This is one of the Tai Chi for Health forms created by Dr Paul Lam, MD, specifically to reduce the risk of developing diabetes and to help improve blood sugar control. Elevated stress levels make blood sugar control difficult. This gentle exercise has different levels of exertion to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. It also includes a qigong exercise specific for diabetes. If you have not been exercising regularly, please discuss this class with your medical provider and have them sign the Medical Clearance Form. While tai chi cannot replace your medical care, taking this class can empower you to better health, whether diabetes is one of your challenges, or you are at risk for developing diabetes.
In the martial arts world, Tai Chi Fan is considered a “weapons” form. However, fan forms are graceful and adhere to the tai chi principles! You will need a tai chi fan for this class. I usually purchase fans from www.KungFuDirect.com, but they are also available from Amazon.com. You may want to look at the fans on Kung Fu Direct to see what you are looking for before purchasing from Amazon or another store. I do not recommend a metal fan as they are quite heavy and don’t always open easily. Never used a fan before? No worries, we will cover the basics!
The Yang style 24 forms is the most commonly practiced tai chi form worldwide. Yang style features more expansive movements and is a longer form than the Tai Chi for Health forms. I’m sure you will enjoy learning this classic form!
This form is unique among the Tai Chi for Health forms in that it features movements from Chen style. Chen style is the oldest tai chi style, and the movements look a little more martial, and vary in speed. Usually, Chen style is done in a low stance, but in the spirit of Tai Chi for Health, we usually practice these movements in a higher stance to increase safety and comfort! The Chen style movements are a little more complex, but when broken into little pieces, are easily managed, even by beginners!