Tai Chi for Health

The ancient Chinese practice of tai chi is a martial art form that combines slow, deliberate movement sequences with breathing exercises. Regular tai practice has been proven to improve relaxation, flexibility, balance, concentration, cardiovascular health, and muscle strength, and can help to relieve pain and symptoms of chronic disease.  

Since 2014, Healthy Acadia’s certified instructors have offered “Tai Chi for Health” classes in communities across Hancock and Washington counties, Maine. “Tai Chi for Health” offers proven health benefits and can be enjoyed by people of all ages, at all levels of physical ability. “Tai Chi for Health” is an evidence-based program developed by Dr. Paul Lam, founder of the Tai Chi for Health Institute. “Tai Chi for Health” classes combine gentle, rhythmic exercises with focused breathing techniques to promote movement control through the integration of both mind and body. 

Healthy Acadia’s “Tai Chi for Health” courses are evidence-based and use a step-by-step teaching method, which makes tai chi easy to learn. “Tai Chi for Health” can be enjoyed by people of all ages, at all levels of physical ability.

“Tai Chi for Health” provides a deeply impactful opportunity for participants to improve internal and external strength, self-confidence, flexibility and balance. Regular tai chi practice also helps participants:

• Alleviate stress

• Reduce pain

• Increase cardiovascular fitness by improving heart and lung function

• Gain better self-control and empowerment

• Improve posture, resulting in less wear and tear in the joint muscles

• Integrate the mind and body

Join a class

Tai Chi helps empower people to improve their health and well-being through slow, smooth, and continuous mind-body exercises. While developed by the Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI) to bring health benefits as quickly as possible for specific conditions, the courses are appropriate and beneficial for people of all ages and levels of physical ability.

Healthy Acadia offers a variety of beginner- and intermediate-level in-person and virtual Tai Chi for Health courses. 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 for Health Courses-Winter 2024/5

In person courses

• Yang 24 Forms, Mondays, December 2, 2024 - January 20, 2025, 4 to 5 p.m., Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. Comprised of qigong and Yang style mind-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, December 3, 2024 - January 21, 2025, 110 to 11 a.m. Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. 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: Nina Zeldin

• Beginners Tai Chi for Bone Health, Tuesdays, December 3, 2024 - January 21, 2025, 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth. While designed to slow the loss of bone density, this program also helps improve relaxation, coordination, muscle strength, and balance. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin

• Tai Chi for Beginners, Wednesdays, December 4, 2024 – February 5, 2025*, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Ellsworth Public Library River View Room. *No classes on December 25 or January 1. 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: Nina Zeldin

• Beginners Tai Chi for Health, Thursdays, November 14, 2024 - January 2, 2025, 10 to 11 a.m., Meadow View Apartments, Ellsworth. This course is most appropriate for those familiar with the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Heart Health forms. Course instructor: Nanci Miller

• Beginners Tai Chi for Heart Health, Mondays, January 6 - February 28, 2025, 10 to 11 a.m., Women for Rural Healthy Living, Thankful Room, 87 Main Street, Milbridge. 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: Lisa Schaefer

Online courses

Intermediate Yang 24 & 40 forms, Mondays, December 2, 2024 – January 20, 2025, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. This course is most appropriate for people familiar with Yang Style tai chi. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin

Intermediate Sun 73, Mondays, December 2, 2024 – January 20, 2025, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Most appropriate for people familiar with Sun-style tai chi. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin

Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Tai Chi for Arthritis 2, Tuesdays, December 3, 2024 – January 21, 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

Tai Chi for Beginners, Wednesdays, November 6, 2024 – January 15, 2025*, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. *No class on November 27, December 25, or January 1. Comprised of qigong and Yang-style mind-body exercises, this course will introduce movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the most practiced tai chi set in the world. Course instructor: Annette Plank

Beginners Yang 24, Wednesdays, November 27, 2024 – January 29, 2025*, 10 to 11 a.m. No class on December 25 or January 1. 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.

* 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.

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 July 12, 2024.