Explore the Health Benefits of Tai Chi this Summer

For Immediate Release Please

Date: April 23, 2023

Program Contact: Nina Zeldin, Healthy Acadia, nina@healthyacadia.org, (207) 479-1206

Media Contact: Tracey Carlson, Healthy Acadia, tracey@healthyacadia.org, (207) 667-7171                                 

Explore the Health Benefits of Tai Chi this Summer

Maine. Healthy Acadia invites you to renew your commitment to your health and wellness by exploring the mindful and restorative practice of tai chi through their free class offerings. Tai Chi for Health classes introduces gentle movements that promote improved health through the integration of both mind and body.

Tai chi, also known as Taijiquan, is a traditional ancient Chinese martial art that is now practiced around the world. Tai chi features low-impact exercise combined with slow, fluid movements, deep breathing, and mental focus. Tai chi is often referred to as a moving meditation because it emphasizes the integration of both mind and body.  

Healthy Acadia Tai Chi for Health classes introduce gentle low-impact exercise routines that promote improved health through the integration of both mind and body. Regular tai chi practice can improve physical and mental well-being and promote a sense of calm and relaxation for people of all ages and fitness levels and is associated with numerous health benefits, including,

Improved balance and flexibility - Tai chi involves a series of slow, controlled movements that can help improve balance and flexibility. This can reduce the risk of falls in older adults and improve overall physical performance.

Reduced stress and anxiety - Tai chi has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels by promoting relaxation and mindfulness. It may also improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of depression.

Lowered blood pressure - Regular tai chi practice has been associated with a reduction in blood pressure in people with hypertension. It may also improve blood lipid profiles and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Improved immune function - Some research suggests that tai chi can boost the immune system by increasing the production of certain immune cells and reducing inflammation.

Pain relief - Tai chi has been shown to be effective in reducing chronic pain, particularly in people with arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Improved cognitive function - Regular tai chi practice has been associated with improved cognitive function in older adults, including better memory, attention, and executive function.

Healthy Acadia, a community health organization serving Downeast Maine, has offered Tai Chi for Health classes since 2014, introducing hundreds of community members to the practice. Tai Chi helps empower people to improve their health and well-being through slow, smooth, and continuous mind-body exercises. While developed by the Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI) to bring health benefits as quickly as possible for specific conditions, the courses are appropriate and beneficial for people of all ages and levels of physical ability.

“We’re thrilled to be offering another full roster of both beginner- and intermediate-level tai chi classes this summer,” said Nina Zeldin, Healthy Acadia Community Outreach Coordinator and Tai Chi for Health Instructor and Master Trainer. “We have a variety of  in-person and virtual, online classes scheduled, and we hope you’ll join us for one or more!”

Classes meet for one hour per week for eight weeks. While all classes are free, donations are suggested and greatly appreciated. Pre-registration is required. Here’s the lineup of classes that will begin in May 2023:

In-Person Classes: 

Beginners Yang 24 form, Tuesdays, May 16 - July 11,* 2023, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Ellsworth Marine Park Gazebo. This course will introduce movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the world's most practiced tai chi form. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin.  *no class June 6

Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention, Tuesdays, May 16 - July 11,* 2023, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Ellsworth Marine Park Gazebo. 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: Nanci Miller. *no class June 6

Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention, Thursdays, May 4 - June 29*, 2023, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Meadow View Apartments, Ellsworth. 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: Nanci Miller. *no class June 8

Beginners Tai Chi for Mind & Body, Thursdays, May 18 - July 13,* 2023, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Ellsworth Marine Park Gazebo. 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. *no class June 8 or June 22

Beginners Yang 24 form, Thursdays, May 18 - July 13,* 2023, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Ellsworth Marine Park Gazebo. This course will introduce movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the world's most practiced tai chi form. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin.  *no class June 8 or June 22
Virtual Classes (Online via Zoom)

Beginners Tai Chi for Life, Mondays, May 15 - July 17, 2023, 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Tai Chi for Life is a great introduction to tai chi exercise, with an emphasis on improving emotional and physical balance and relaxation. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin   * no class June 5

Intermediate Yang 24, Mondays, May 15 - July 17*, 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  *no class June 5

Intermediate Sun 73, Mondays, May 15 - July 17*, 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  *no class June 5

Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Tai Chi for Arthritis 2, Tuesdays, May 16 - July 18*, 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  * no class June 6

Beginners Yang 24 form, Wednesdays, May 17 - July 19*, 2023, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. This course will introduce movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the world's most practiced tai chi form. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin  *no class June 7

Beginners Tai Chi for Mind & Body, Wednesdays, May 17 - July 12, 2023, 1 p.m. 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

Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis, Wednesdays, May 17- July 12, 2023, 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.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 Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis, Thursdays, May 18 - July 12*, 2023, 10 a.m. to 11 a.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.  *no class June 8 or June 22

Visit bit.ly/ha-tai-chi to register for any of Healthy Acadia’s eight-week, Tai Chi for Health classes. Once your registration is complete, you will receive the login information (for online classes only) via the email address you provided.

For more information, please contact Nina Zeldin at (207) 479-1206 or nina@healthyacadia.org.

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.

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