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

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: Autumn 2025

In-person courses

• Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention, Mondays, September 22 – November 17, 2025*, 9 to 10 a.m., *No class on Veterans’ Day (November 11). Women for Rural Healthy Living, Thankful Room, 87 Main Street, Milbridge. The U.S. CDC recognizes this program 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

• Yang 24 Forms, Mondays, October 27 – December 22, 2025*, 4 to 5 p.m., *No class on Veterans’ Day (November 11). Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. Comprising qigong and Yang-style mind-body exercises, this course will introduce movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the most widely practiced tai chi set in the world. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin

• Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention, Tuesdays, October 28 - December 16, 2025, 10 to 11 a.m. Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. The U.S. CDC recognizes this program 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 Mind and Body, Tuesdays,  October 28 - December 16, 2025, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. This eleven-movement program is based on Sun and Yang style tai chi. It helps to improve heart/lung function, muscular strength, flexibility, mind/body balance, and relaxation. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin

• Beginners Tai Chi for Heart Health, Tuesdays, October 7 - November 25, 2025, 10 to 11 a.m., Indian Township Rec, 51 US Route 1, Princeton.  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

• Beginners Tai Chi for Life, Saturdays, October 18 - December 6, 2025, 10 to 11 a.m., Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. Tai Chi for Life is a great introduction to tai chi exercise, with an emphasis on improving emotional and physical balance and relaxation. Experienced tai chi practitioners will enjoy the flow of this short set. Course instructors: Clarisa Diaz & Nina Zeldin

Live virtual courses (online via Zoom)

• Intermediate Yang 24 & 40 forms, Mondays, October 27 – December 22, 2025*, 10 to 11 a.m., *No class on Veterans’ Day (November 11).  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, October 27 – December 22, 2025*,  *No class on Veterans’ Day (November 11), 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, October 28 - December 16, 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, October 29 - December 17, 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 September 24, 2025.