Explore the Many Health Benefits of Tai Chi Practice
For Immediate Release Please
Date: March 14, 2025
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 Many Health Benefits of Tai Chi Practice
Healthy Acadia invites community members to explore the many health benefits of tai chi, a gentle yet powerful exercise that promotes physical and mental well-being. Often described as a "moving meditation," tai chi combines fluid, low-impact movements with mindful breathing and focused awareness, making it accessible for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. The practice enhances balance, flexibility, and cognitive function while reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, boosting immune health, and alleviating chronic pain and inflammation.
Certified through the Tai Chi for Health Institute, founded by Dr. Paul Lam in 2010, Healthy Acadia’s instructors are passionate about empowering individuals to improve their health through tai chi. The Tai Chi for Health program is internationally recognized and recommended by leading health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Council on Aging for its effectiveness in promoting overall health and wellness.
Healthy Acadia’s Tai Chi for Health classes meet for one hour per week over eight weeks. The Spring 2025 schedule for Healthy Acadia’s Tai Chi for Health courses is as follows:
In-person courses
Yang 24 Forms, Mondays, March 24 to May 12, 2025, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. Comprised of qigong and Yang-style mind-body exercises, this course will introduce movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the most practiced tai chi set in the world. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention, Mondays, March 10 to May 5*, 2025, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Women for Rural Healthy Living, Thankful Room, 87 Main Street, Milbridge. *No class 4/21. The USA CDC recognizes this program as a top-tiered evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, flexibility, and confidence. While especially effective for arthritis, this program is appropriate for anyone who wants to improve their health and wellness. Course instructor: Lisa Schaefer
Beginners Tai Chi for Heart Health, Mondays, March 10 to May 5*, 2025, 11 a.m. to noon, Women for Rural Healthy Living, Thankful Room, 87 Main Street, Milbridge. *No class 4/21. This short tai chi set introduces movements from the three most popular tai chi styles: Sun, Yang, and Chen. It is designed to help prevent, or improve heart conditions, as well as increase balance, immunity, and relaxation. Course instructor: Lisa Schaefer
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention, Tuesdays, April 8 to May 27, 2025, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. The USA CDC recognizes this program as a top-tiered evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, flexibility, and confidence. While incredibly effective for arthritis, this program is appropriate for anyone who wants to improve their health and wellness. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Tai Chi for Mind-Body Balance, Tuesdays, April 8 to May 27, 2025, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. The gentle exercises in this course help connect mind and body for increased mindfulness, stress relief, and improved overall health. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Tai Chi for Beginners, Saturdays, March 22 to May 3, 2025, 10 to 11 a.m., Birch Bay Village Bay Vista Room, Bar Harbor. The USA CDC recognizes this program as a top-tiered evidence-based program for improving balance, strength flexibility, and confidence. While incredibly effective for arthritis, this program is appropriate for anyone who wants to improve their health and wellness. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Live virtual courses (online via Zoom)
Intermediate Yang 24 & 40 forms, Mondays, March 24 to May 12, 2025, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. This course is most appropriate for people familiar with Yang Style tai chi. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin.
Intermediate Sun 73, Mondays, March 24 to May 12, 2025, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Most appropriate for people familiar with Sun-style tai chi. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin.
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Tai Chi for Arthritis 2, Tuesdays, March 25 to May 13, 2025, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. This course is most appropriate for those familiar with the Tai Chi for Arthritis program and are looking for a new challenge. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin.
Beginners Yang 24, Wednesdays, March 26 to May 14, 2025, 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.
While all classes are free, donations are suggested and greatly appreciated. Pre-registration is required.
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 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
###