Healthy Acadia and Machias Arts Council Invite Community to Free Tai Chi for Balance Workshops
For Immediate Release Please
Date: July 13, 2026
Program Contact: Nina Zeldin, Healthy Acadia, nina@healthyacadia.org, (207) 479-1206
Media Contact: Tracey Carlson, Healthy Acadia, tracey@healthyacadia.org, (207) 667-7171
Healthy Acadia and Machias Arts Council Invite Community to Free Tai Chi for Balance Workshops
MACHIAS, Maine – Healthy Acadia and the Machias Arts Council invite community members to experience the benefits of tai chi during two free introductory Tai Chi for Balance workshops this summer. The sessions will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, July 24, and Friday, Aug. 21, at the Machias Arts Council, 277 Main St., Machias.
Designed for beginners and those looking to improve balance, strength, and overall well-being, the workshops offer an introduction to tai chi's gentle, flowing movements and mindful breathing in a welcoming, supportive environment. If there is strong community interest, Healthy Acadia hopes to offer regular tai chi classes at the Machias Arts Council.
Often described as "meditation in motion," tai chi combines slow, continuous movements with focused breathing to help improve balance, flexibility, strength, coordination, and cognitive function while reducing stress and easing chronic pain. The low-impact practice is suitable for people of many ages, abilities, and fitness levels.
Healthy Acadia's certified instructors are trained through the Tai Chi for Health Institute, founded by Dr. Paul Lam. The evidence-based Tai Chi for Health programs are internationally recognized and recommended by leading health organizations for improving balance, reducing falls, and supporting healthy aging.
The workshops are free to attend, although a suggested $10 donation is appreciated to help support Healthy Acadia's community tai chi program. Pre-registration is recommended but not required. Participants are encouraged to wear loose, comfortable clothing and thin-soled shoes.
The Machias workshops are just one way to experience Healthy Acadia's Tai Chi for Health program. The organization offers a full roster of free online and in-person Tai Chi for Health classes throughout the year at locations across Hancock and Washington counties, making it easy to find a class that fits a variety of schedules, interests, and experience levels.
To register for the Machias workshops or explore Healthy Acadia's full schedule of Tai Chi and other wellness classes, visit healthyacadia.org/classes. For more information, contact Nina Zeldin at (207) 664-1630 or nina@healthyacadia.org.
Celebrating 25 years, Healthy Acadia is a community health organization dedicated to building vibrant communities and making it easier for all people to lead healthier lives. Through partnerships, education, and community initiatives, Healthy Acadia addresses a wide range of health priorities across Hancock and Washington counties in Maine. Learn more at healthyacadia.org.
Machias, Maine. - As summer brings longer days and full calendars across Downeast Maine, Healthy Acadia invites community members to find balance, reduce stress, and support overall wellness through a new season of free Tai Chi for Health classes. Designed for a range of experience levels, the classes offer gentle movement and mindfulness practices to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and relaxation, while providing a calm and restorative break during the busy summer months.
Tai chi is often described as “meditation in motion,” blending gentle, flowing movements with mindful breathing. Research shows the practice can improve balance, flexibility, and cognitive function; reduce stress and blood pressure; and support immune health while easing chronic pain and inflammation. It’s also an ideal activity for staying active during the winter months, when movement can be more challenging.
Healthy Acadia’s certified instructors, trained through the Tai Chi for Health Institute founded by Dr. Paul Lam, offer classes designed to help participants safely improve their health, mobility, and confidence. The Tai Chi for Health programs are internationally recognized and recommended by leading health organizations, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Council on Aging.
Offered both in person and online, Healthy Acadia’s Tai Chi for Health classes meet weekly for one hour over an eight-week session. These evidence-based courses provide accessible, low-impact movement for people of all ages and abilities.
While classes are free, donations are encouraged to support the program. Pre-registration is required.
To register for any Tai Chi for Health class, visit bit.ly/ha-tai-chi. Once registered, online class links will be sent via email. For more information, contact Nina Zeldin at (207) 479-1206 or nina@healthyacadia.org.
Celebrating 25 years, Healthy Acadia is a community health organization dedicated to building vibrant communities and making it easier for all people to lead healthier lives. Through partnerships, education, and initiatives, Healthy Acadia addresses a wide range of health priorities across Hancock and Washington counties in Maine. Learn more at healthyacadia.org.
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