Healthy Acadia Announces Tai Chi for Health Autumn Class Schedule
For Immediate Release Please
Date: August 10, 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 Announces Tai Chi for Health Autumn Class Schedule
Maine. - With fall approaching, Healthy Acadia is offering a new season of free Tai Chi for Health classes across Downeast Maine. The classes welcome people of all experience levels and use gentle movement and mindfulness practices to help participants improve strength, flexibility, and balance, reduce stress, and support overall well-being. They also provide a calm, restorative break from the busy pace of everyday life.
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.
All classes are free; donations are welcome. Pre-registration is required. The Fall 2026 course schedule is as follows:
In-person Courses
Tai Chi for Beginners
Thursdays, July 23-Sept. 10, 2026
4:15-5:15 p.m.
INSPIRE Recovery Center, 24 Church St., Ellsworth
Comprised of qigong and Yang-style mind-body exercises, this course introduces the first six movements of the Yang 24 form, currently the most widely practiced tai chi set in the world.
Instructor: Julie Daigle
Beginner Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Thursdays, Aug. 13-Oct. 15, 2026
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Henry D. Moore Library, 22 Village Road, Steuben
No class Sept. 17 or Oct. 8.
This evidence-based program is recognized by the CDC for improving balance, strength, flexibility, and confidence. While especially beneficial for people with arthritis, it is appropriate for anyone interested in improving their health and wellness.
Instructor: Lisa Schaefer
Beginner Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Mondays, Aug. 17-Oct. 12, 2026
9-10 a.m.
Women for Rural Healthy Living, Thankful Room, 87 Main St., Milbridge
No class Sept. 7.
This evidence-based program is recognized by the CDC for improving balance, strength, flexibility, and confidence. While especially beneficial for people with arthritis, it is appropriate for anyone interested in improving their health and wellness.
Instructor: Lisa Schaefer
Beginner Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Tuesdays, Aug. 25-Oct. 13, 2026
10-11 a.m.
Stone Barn Farm, 487 Crooked Road, Bar Harbor
This evidence-based program is recognized by the CDC for improving balance, strength, flexibility, and confidence. While especially beneficial for people with arthritis, it is appropriate for anyone interested in improving their health and wellness.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin
Yang 24
Mondays, Sept. 7-Oct. 26, 2026
4-5 p.m.
Healthy Acadia, 77 Beechland Road, Ellsworth
This course focuses on movements 16-24 of the Yang 24 form, currently the most widely practiced tai chi set in the world.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginner Tai Chi for Life
Tuesdays, Aug. 18-Oct. 6, 2026
6-7 p.m.
Calais Methodist Home Rec Room, 116 Palmer St., Calais
This introductory program emphasizes improving emotional and physical balance while promoting relaxation.
Instructor: Chanise Provencher
Online Courses
Intermediate Yang 24 & 40 Forms
Mondays, Aug. 31-Oct. 19, 2026
10-11 a.m.
This ongoing class is designed for participants familiar with Yang-style tai chi. New participants are always welcome.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin
Intermediate Sun 73
Mondays, Aug. 31-Oct. 19, 2026
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
This ongoing class is designed for participants familiar with Sun-style tai chi. New participants are always welcome.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginner Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention and Tai Chi for Arthritis 2
Tuesdays, Sept. 1-Oct. 13, 2026
2-3 p.m.
This course is intended for participants who are already familiar with the Tai Chi for Arthritis program and are ready for a new challenge.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin
Yang 24
Wednesdays, Sept. 2-Oct. 14, 2026
10-11 a.m.
This ongoing class introduces movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the most widely practiced tai chi form in the world. New participants are always welcome.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin
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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