Tai Chi for Health

“ My 93-year-old, Army Air Corps vet, Dad is so enjoying Tai Chi AND learning how to navigate this new distant technology (Thank you also for your patience and IT support). Thank you for offering this quality online program, that is safe and accessible, as we navigate life in our new reality.”
— Tai Chi program Donor

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that combines slow, gentle movements with deep breathing. Practicing tai chi regularly can help improve relaxation, balance, flexibility, focus, heart health, and muscle strength. It can also help reduce pain and ease symptoms of chronic conditions.

Since 2014, Healthy Acadia’s certified instructors have been teaching "Tai Chi for Health" classes in Hancock and Washington counties, Maine. This program is designed for all ages and fitness levels. "“Tai Chi for Health” is an evidence-based program developed by Dr. Paul Lam, founder of the Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI), and is proven to offer many health benefits. The classes use slow, rhythmic exercises and breathing techniques that help connect the mind and body.

Healthy Acadia’s tai chi classes follow an easy, step-by-step method, making tai chi simple to learn for everyone. People of all ages and abilities can enjoy the benefits of this practice.

Regular tai chi practice helps participants:

  • Reduce stress

  • Relieve pain

  • Improve heart and lung health

  • Build self-confidence and control

  • Improve posture to protect joints

  • Strengthen both body and mind

Join a class today to experience the benefits of tai chi for yourself!

Join a class

Healthy Acadia offers a variety of beginner- and intermediate-level in-person and virtual Tai Chi for Health courses. While Tai Chi for Health classes are designed to bring health benefits quickly, especially for certain health conditions, people of all ages and physical abilities can enjoy and benefit from these classes. Classes meet for one hour per week for eight weeks. While all classes are free, donations are suggested and appreciated. Pre-registration is required.

Tai Chi Forms

Yang- and Sun-style tai chi forms represent two of the five major styles of tai chi. Yang-style tai chi features slow, large sweeping movements. Yang allows people of all ages and fitness levels to start easily and continue to practice it safely to improve their health. Sun-style tai chi is gentle, smooth, and soft, and the movements are brisk and fluid. Sun features unique, lively footwork and a higher stance, making it very suitable for all levels and especially beneficial for seniors and beginners. Shorter than the traditional Sun-style form, Sun 73 is composed of classic movements in six sections and takes approximately six minutes to complete the form.

Tai Chi for Health Courses: July-Oct. 2025

In-person courses

  • Yang 24 Forms – Mondays, Aug. 11 through Oct. 20, 4 to 5 p.m., at Healthy Acadia, 77 Beechland Road, Ellsworth. (No class Sept. 1, Sept. 8, or Oct. 13.) This course introduces movements from the Yang 24 form, the most widely practiced tai chi set in the world. Comprised of qigong and Yang-style mind-body exercises. Instructor: Nina Zeldin.

  • Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention – Tuesdays, Aug. 12 through Oct. 7, 10 to 11 a.m., at Healthy Acadia, 77 Beechland Road, Ellsworth. (No class Sept. 9.) Recognized by the U.S. CDC as a top-tier, evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, flexibility, and confidence. Appropriate for anyone seeking to improve overall wellness. Instructor: Nina Zeldin.

  • Tai Chi for Heart Health – Tuesdays, Aug. 12 through Oct. 7, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at Healthy Acadia, 77 Beechland Road, Ellsworth. (No class Sept. 9.) A short tai chi set that incorporates movements from Sun, Yang and Chen styles. Designed to help prevent or improve heart conditions and promote balance, immunity and relaxation. Instructor: Nina Zeldin.

  • Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention – Mondays, July 18 through Sept. 5, 9 to 10 a.m., at Bucksport Regional Health Center, Education Room. Recognized by the U.S. CDC as an evidence-based program that supports improved balance, flexibility and confidence. Instructor: Julie Daigle.

  • Beginners Tai Chi for Heart Health – Thursdays, July 10 through Aug. 28, 10 to 11 a.m., at Grand Lake Stream School House, 15 Water St., Grand Lake Stream (downstairs event room). Introduces movements from Sun, Yang, and Chen styles to support heart health, balance, and relaxation. Instructor: Chanise Provencher.

  • Beginners Tai Chi for Heart Health – Wednesdays, July 9 through Aug. 27, 10 to 11 a.m., at Alexander Elementary School Gym, 1430 Airline Road, Alexander. Features tai chi movements from Sun, Yang, and Chen styles. Supports heart health, balance, and overall well-being. Instructor: Chanise Provencher.

  • Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention – Mondays, September 22 through November 17* 9 to 10 a.m. at Women for Rural Healthy Living, Thankful Room, 87 Main St., Milbridge. Evidence-based program recognized by the U.S. CDC for improving strength, flexibility, and confidence. Instructor: Lisa Schaefer. *No class October 13

Live virtual courses (online via Zoom)

  • Intermediate Yang 24 & 40 Forms – Mondays, Aug. 11 through Oct. 20, 10 to 11 a.m. (No class Sept. 1, Sept. 8, or Oct. 13.) Designed for participants with prior experience in Yang-style tai chi. New participants welcome. Instructor: Nina Zeldin.

  • Intermediate Sun 73 – Mondays, Aug. 11 through Oct. 20, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (No class Sept. 1, Sept. 8, or Oct. 13.) Best suited for those familiar with Sun-style tai chi. New participants welcome. Instructor: Nina Zeldin.

  • Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Tai Chi for Arthritis 2 – Tuesdays, Aug. 12 through Oct. 7, 2 to 3 p.m. (No class Sept. 9.) Ideal for participants with some experience in the Tai Chi for Arthritis program who are ready for the next level. Instructor: Nina Zeldin.

  • Beginners Yang 24 – Wednesdays, Aug. 13 through Oct. 8, 10 to 11 a.m. (No class Sept. 10.) Introduces movements from the Yang 24 form, the most widely practiced tai chi set globally. Instructor: Nina Zeldin. While all classes are free, donations are suggested and greatly appreciated. Pre-registration is required.

While all classes are free, donations are suggested and greatly appreciated!

CLICK HERE to register for any of Healthy Acadia’s Tai Chi for Health courses.

Once your registration is complete, you will receive the login information via the email address you provided.

For more information, please contact Nina Zeldin at (207) 479-1206 or nina@healthyacadia.org.

Learn more

Learn more about the origins of tai chi, the different tai chi styles, and the health benefits of regular tai chi practice at https://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/what-is-tai-chi/.

Additional “Tai Chi for Health” classes may be scheduled according to demand. To inquire about tai chi classes in your community, contact Nina Zeldin at (207) 667-7171 or by email at: Nina@HealthyAcadia.org.

UpdatedJuly 28, 2025.