Healthy Acadia to Offer Free Tai Chi for Health Classes This Winter

For Immediate Release Please

Date: December 9, 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 to Offer Free Tai Chi for Health Classes This Winter

Maine. - As winter sets in across Downeast Maine, Healthy Acadia invites community members to stay active, build strength, and support overall wellness through a new season of free Tai Chi for Health classes. Offered both in person and online, these evidence-based courses provide accessible, low-impact movement for people of all ages and abilities.

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.

Finding Strength, Stability, and a New Path Forward

For many participants, tai chi is more than exercise; it’s a meaningful part of their healing journey.

In a note to Tai Chi for Health Instructor and Master Trainer Nina Zeldin, Chip Myers, a class participant and newly trained Tai Chi for Health Instructor, recently shared how tai chi supported his recovery after a life-threatening experience during the height of COVID. After months in a coma, a period on ECMO, and a prolonged hospitalization, Chip was told he might never walk again and would likely rely on oxygen and dialysis permanently.

“It's amazing when you tell your body not to listen to others,” he wrote. With perseverance and rehabilitation, he eventually came off oxygen. And once he began practicing Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, he noticed something remarkable: he stopped falling.

“I was used to falling every day,” Chip shared. “I really expected to fall, break my hip and die of pneumonia. But thanks to this tai chi, I have my life back. I still only have about half of my lung function, but I am living.”

His experience reflects the meaningful impact tai chi can have on strength, stability, and overall well-being.

Winter 2025–26 Tai Chi for Health Class Schedule

Each class meets for one hour weekly over an eight-week session. All classes are free; donations are welcome. Pre-registration is required.

In-Person Courses

Tai Chi for Beginners
Mondays, Dec. 29, 2025–Feb. 16, 2026, 4–5 p.m.
Healthy Acadia, 77 Beechland Road, Ellsworth
Introduces qigong and Yang-style movements, including the first six movements of the Yang 24 form.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin

Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Mondays, Jan. 12–March 2, 2026, 9–10 a.m.
Women for Rural Healthy Living, Thankful Room, 87 Main St., Milbridge
Recognized by the U.S. CDC as a highest-tier evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, flexibility, and confidence.
Instructor: Lisa Schaefer

Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Tuesdays, Dec. 29, 2025–Feb. 16, 2026, 10–11 a.m.
Healthy Acadia, 77 Beechland Road, Ellsworth
Instructor: Nina Zeldin

Tai Chi for Heart Health
Tuesdays, Dec. 29, 2025–Feb. 17, 2026, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Healthy Acadia, 77 Beechland Road, Ellsworth
Features movements from Sun, Yang, and Chen styles to support heart health, balance, immunity, and relaxation.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin

Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Thursdays, Jan. 8–Feb. 26, 2026, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Henry D. Moore Library, Steuben
Instructor: Lisa Schaefer

Tai Chi for Beginners
Fridays, Jan. 9–Feb. 27, 2026, 10–11 a.m.
INSPIRE Recovery Center, 24 Church St., Ellsworth
Instructor: Julie Daigle

Online Courses

Intermediate Yang 24 & 40 Forms
Mondays, Dec. 29, 2025–Feb. 16, 2026, 10–11 a.m.
Best for those familiar with Yang-style tai chi; new participants welcome.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin

Intermediate Sun 73
Mondays, Dec. 29, 2025–Feb. 16, 2026, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Best for those familiar with Sun-style tai chi; new participants welcome.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin

Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention and Tai Chi for Arthritis 2
Tuesdays, Dec. 30, 2025–Feb. 17, 2026, 2–3 p.m.
For participants familiar with the Tai Chi for Arthritis program seeking a next step.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin

Beginners Yang 24
Wednesdays, Dec. 31, 2025–Feb. 18, 2026, 10–11 a.m.
Introduces the widely practiced Yang 24 form.
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.

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. Learn more at healthyacadia.org.

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