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: Winter 2026

In-person courses

• Tai Chi for Beginners
  Mondays, Dec. 29, 2025 – Feb. 16, 2026, 4–5 p.m., Healthy Acadia’s office, 77 Beechland Road, Ellsworth.
  Comprised of qigong and Yang-style mind-body exercises, this course introduces the first six movements from the Yang 24 form, the most practiced tai chi set in the world.
  Instructor: Nina Zeldin

• Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
  Mondays, Jan. 12 – March 2, 2026, 9–10 a.m., Women for Rural Healthy Living, Thankful Room, 87 Main St., Milbridge.
  Recognized by the CDC as a highest-tier evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, flexibility and confidence. While especially effective for arthritis, it is appropriate for anyone who wants to improve health and wellness.
  Instructor: Lisa Schaefer

• Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
  Tuesdays, Dec. 29, 2025 – Feb. 16, 2026, 10–11 a.m., Healthy Acadia’s office, 77 Beechland Road, Ellsworth.
  Recognized by the CDC as a highest-tier evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, flexibility and confidence. While especially effective for arthritis, it is appropriate for anyone who wants to improve health and wellness.
  Instructor: Nina Zeldin

• Tai Chi for Heart Health
  Tuesdays, Dec. 29, 2025 – Feb. 17, 2026, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., Healthy Acadia’s office, 77 Beechland Road, Ellsworth.
  This short tai chi set introduces movements from the three most popular styles—Sun, Yang and Chen. It is designed to help prevent or improve heart conditions and increase balance, immunity and relaxation.
  Instructor: Nina Zeldin

• Tai Chi for Heart Health
  Tuesdays, Jan. 6 - Feb. 24, 2026, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m., All Saints Methodist Church 849 Main Street, Calais
  This short tai chi set introduces movements from the three most popular styles—Sun, Yang and Chen. It is designed to help prevent or improve heart conditions and increase balance, immunity and relaxation.
  Instructor: Chanise Provencher

• Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
  Thursdays, Jan. 8 – Feb. 26, 2026, 10:30–11:30 a.m., Henry D. Moore Library, Steuben.
  Recognized by the CDC as a highest-tier evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, flexibility and confidence. While especially effective for arthritis, it is appropriate for anyone who wants to improve health and wellness.
  Instructor: Lisa Schaefer

• Tai Chi for Beginners
  Fridays, Jan. 9 – Feb. 27, 2026, 10–11 a.m., INSPIRE Recovery Center, 24 Church St., Ellsworth.
  Comprised of qigong and Yang-style mind-body exercises, this course introduces the first six movements from the Yang 24 form, the most practiced tai chi set in the world.
  Instructor: Julie Daigle

Live virtual courses (online via Zoom)

• Intermediate Yang 24 & 40 Forms
  Mondays, Dec. 29, 2025–Feb. 16, 2026, 10–11 a.m.
  This ongoing course is best suited for individuals familiar with Yang-style tai chi. New participants are welcome.
  Instructor: Nina Zeldin

• Intermediate Sun 73
  Mondays, Dec. 29, 2025–Feb. 16, 2026, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
  This ongoing course is best suited for individuals familiar with Sun-style tai chi. New participants are welcome.
  Instructor: Nina Zeldin

• Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention and Tai Chi for Arthritis 2
  Tuesdays, Dec. 30, 2025–Feb. 17, 2026, 2–3 p.m.
  Most appropriate for those familiar with the Tai Chi for Arthritis program and looking for a new challenge.
  Instructor: Nina Zeldin

• Beginners Yang 24
  Wednesdays, Dec. 31, 2025–Feb. 18, 2026, 10–11 a.m.
  This course introduces movements from the Yang 24 form, the most practiced tai chi form in the world.
  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 November 24, 2025.