Healthy Acadia Announces Autumn Tai Chi for Health Class Schedule

For Immediate Release Please

Date: September 24, 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                                 

Healthy Acadia Announces Autumn Tai Chi for Health Class Schedule

Maine - This fall, Healthy Acadia invites community members to join Tai Chi for Health classes, a practice shown to enhance balance, flexibility, and peace of mind, benefits that align with September’s focus on Healthy Aging Month. These free, evidence-based courses are available both in-person and virtually, making them accessible to individuals of all ages and fitness levels.

Tai chi, often described as "meditation in motion," combines gentle, flowing movements with mindful breathing. Regular practice can enhance balance, flexibility, and cognitive function while reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, boosting immune health, and alleviating chronic pain and inflammation.

Tai Chi helps empower people to improve their health and wellbeing 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.

Healthy Acadia’s certified instructors, trained through the Tai Chi for Health Institute founded by Dr. Paul Lam, are dedicated to 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.

Each class meets for one hour per week over an eight-week session. While all classes are free, donations are suggested and appreciated. Pre-registration is required.

Autumn 2025 Tai Chi for Health Schedule:

In-person courses

Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention, Mondays, September 22 – November 17, 2025*, 9 to 10 a.m., *No class on Veterans’ Day (November 11). Women for Rural Healthy Living, Thankful Room, 87 Main Street, Milbridge. The U.S. CDC recognizes this program as a top-tier, evidence-based approach to improving balance, strength, flexibility, and overall confidence. Originally designed for people with arthritis, it is beneficial for anyone looking to enhance their health and wellness. Course instructor: Lisa Schaefer

Yang 24 Forms, Mondays, October 27 – December 22, 2025*, 4 to 5 p.m., *No class on Veterans’ Day (November 11). Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. Comprising qigong and Yang-style mind-body exercises, this course will introduce movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the most widely practiced tai chi set in the world. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin

Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention, Tuesdays, October 28 - December 16, 2025, 10 to 11 a.m. Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. The U.S. CDC recognizes this program as a top-tier, evidence-based approach to improving balance, strength, flexibility, and overall confidence. Originally designed for people with arthritis, it is beneficial for anyone looking to enhance their health and wellness. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin

Tai Chi for Mind and Body, Tuesdays, October 28 - December 16, 2025, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. This eleven-movement program is based on Sun and Yang style tai chi. It helps to improve heart/lung function, muscular strength, flexibility, mind/body balance, and relaxation. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin

Beginners Tai Chi for Heart Health, Tuesdays, October 7 - November 25, 2025, 10 to 11 a.m., Indian Township Rec, 51 US Route 1, Princeton.  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: Chanise Provencher

Beginners Tai Chi for Life, Saturdays, October 18 - December 6, 2025, 10 to 11 a.m., Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. Tai Chi for Life is a great introduction to tai chi exercise, with an emphasis on improving emotional and physical balance and relaxation. Experienced tai chi practitioners will enjoy the flow of this short set. Course instructors: Clarisa Diaz & Nina Zeldin

Live virtual courses (online via Zoom)

Intermediate Yang 24 & 40 forms, Mondays, October 27 – December 22, 2025*, 10 to 11 a.m., *No class on Veterans’ Day (November 11). This ongoing course is most suitable for individuals familiar with Yang Style Tai Chi. New participants are always welcome! Course instructor: Nina Zeldin

Intermediate Sun 73, Mondays, October 27 – December 22, 2025*, *No class on Veterans’ Day (November 11), 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. This ongoing course is most appropriate for people familiar with Sun Style tai chi. New participants are always welcome! Course instructor: Nina Zeldin

Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Tai Chi for Arthritis 2, Tuesdays, October 28 - December 16, 2025, 2 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, October 29 - December 17, 2025, 10 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

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.

About Healthy Acadia:

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. To learn more visit https://healthyacadia.org. 

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