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 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: June-July 2025
In-person courses
Yang 24 Forms, Mondays, June 23 – August 4, 2025, 4 to 5 p.m., Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. Comprised of qigong and Yang style mind to body exercises, this course will introduce movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the most practiced tai chi set in the world. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention, Tuesdays, June 24 – August 5, 2025, 10 to 11 a.m. Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. This program is recognized by the U.S. CDC 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 Bone Health, Tuesdays, June 24 – August 5, 2025, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. This program is designed to slow the loss of bone density and to help improve relaxation, coordination, muscle strength, and balance. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention, Mondays, June 22 – July 21, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Women for Rural Healthy Living, Thankful Room, 87 Main Street, Milbridge. This program is recognized by the U.S. CDC 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
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention, Mondays, July 28 - September 15, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Women for Rural Healthy Living, Thankful Room, 87 Main Street, Milbridge. This program is recognized by the U.S. CDC 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
Tai Chi for Heart Health, Wednesdays, July 9 - August 27, 10 to 11 a.m., Alexander Elementary School Gym, 1430 Airline Road, Alexander. This program is recognized by the U.S. CDC as a top-tier, evidence-based approach to improving balance, strength, flexibility, and overall confidence. Course instructor: Chanise Provencher
Tai Chi for Heart Health, Thursdays, July 10 - August 28, 10 to 11 a.m., Grand Lake Stream School House, 15 Water Street, Grand Lake Stream, Downstairs Event Room. This program is recognized by the U.S. CDC as a top-tier, evidence-based approach to improving balance, strength, flexibility, and overall confidence. Course instructor: Chanise Provencher
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention, Fridays, July 18 - September 5, 9 to 10 a.m., Bucksport Regional Health Center Education Room 110 Broadway, Bucksport. This program is recognized by the USA CDC as being 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: Julie Daigle
Live virtual courses (online via Zoom)
Intermediate Yang 24 & 40 forms, Mondays, June 23 – August 4, 2025, 10 to 11 a.m. 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, June 23 – August 4, 2025, 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, June 24 - August 5, 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, June 25 – August 6, 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
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.
Updated May 16, 2025.