Tai Chi for Health
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
“ 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.”
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: June-July 2026
In-person courses
Mondays
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Mondays, June 15-Aug. 3, 2026, 9-10 a.m., Women for Rural Living, Thankful Room, 87 Main Street, Milbridge.
*No class May 26.
This program is recognized by the U.S. CDC as a highest-tiered evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, flexibility and confidence. While especially effective for arthritis, this program is appropriate for anyone who wants to improve their health and wellness. Course instructor: Lisa Schaefer
Tai Chi for Heart Health
Mondays, April 20-June 15, 2026*, 10-11 a.m., Calais Methodist Home Rec Room, 116 Palmer Street, Calais.
*No class May 25.
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
Yang 24
Mondays, June 22-Aug. 17, 2026*, 4-5 p.m., Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth.
*No class July 13.
This course reviews forms 1-15 and focuses on learning movements 16-24 of the Yang 24 form, currently the most practiced tai chi set in the world. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Tai Chi for Energy: Relax, Refresh and Revitalize
Mondays, June 22-Aug. 17, 2026*, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth.
*No class July 13.
This program is comprised of two different styles of tai chi. Chen style is vigorous and complex, combining fast and slow movements with powerful spiral force. Sun style incorporates unique qigong (life energy) movements with agile stepping. These two seemingly contrasting styles have complementary internal energy. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Tuesdays
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Tuesdays, June 23-Aug. 18, 2026*, 10-11 a.m., Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth.
*No class July 14.
This program is recognized by the U.S. CDC as a highest-tiered evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, flexibility and confidence. While especially effective for arthritis, this program is appropriate for anyone who wants to improve their health and wellness. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Tai Chi for Bone Health
Tuesdays, June 23-Aug. 18, 2026*, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth.
The gentle and moderate weight-bearing exercises in this course are designed to slow the loss of bone density and help improve relaxation, coordination, muscle strength and balance. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Thursdays
Tai Chi for Beginners
Thursdays, May 21-July 9, 2026, 4:15-5:15 p.m., INSPIRE Recovery Center, 24 Church Street, Ellsworth.
Comprised of qigong and Yang-style mind-body exercises, this course introduces the first six movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the most practiced tai chi set in the world. Course instructor: Julie Daigle
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Thursdays, May 28-July 30, 2026*, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Henry D. Moore Library, 22 Village Road, Steuben.
*No class June 11 and July 16.
This program is recognized by the U.S. CDC as a highest-tiered evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, flexibility and confidence. While especially effective for arthritis, this program is appropriate for anyone who wants to improve their health and wellness. Course instructor: Lisa Schaefer
Online Courses
Mondays
Intermediate Yang 24 & 40 Forms
Mondays, June 22-Aug. 17, 2026*, 10-11 a.m.
*No class July 13.
This ongoing course is most appropriate for people familiar with Yang-style tai chi. New participants are always welcome! Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Intermediate Sun 73
Mondays, June 22-Aug. 17, 2026*, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
*No class July 13.
This ongoing course is most appropriate for people familiar with Sun-style tai chi. New participants are always welcome! Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Tuesdays
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention & Tai Chi for Arthritis 2
Tuesdays, June 23-Aug. 18, 2026*, 2-3 p.m.
*No class July 14.
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
Wednesdays
Beginners Yang 24
Wednesdays, June 24-Aug. 12, 2026, 10-11 a.m.
This ongoing course introduces movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the most practiced tai chi form in the world. New participants are always welcome! Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
While all classes are free, donations are suggested and greatly appreciated!
Once your registration is complete, you will receive confirmation and, if applicable, the login information (for virtual classes) via the email address you provided.
For more information, please contact Nina Zeldin at (207) 664-1630 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.
Updated May 16, 2026.