Experience the Many Health Benefits of Tai Chi Practice this Winter

For Immediate Release Please

Date: November 18, 2024

Program Contact: Nina Zeldin, Healthy Acadia, nina@healthyacadia.org, (207) 479-1206

Media Contact: Tracey Carlson, Healthy Acadia, tracey@healthyacadia.org, (207) 667-7171                                 

Experience the Many Health Benefits of Tai Chi Practice this Winter

As the temperatures cool and we spend more time indoors, it’s important to find ways to maintain a regular schedule of physical activity for optimal health. Healthy Acadia wants to help more community members discover the many health benefits of tai chi practice. 

A low-impact exercise that combines slow, fluid movements, mindful breathing, and mental focus, tai chi is often referred to as a moving meditation because it emphasizes the integration of mind and body, improves overall physical and mental well-being, and promotes a sense of calm and relaxation for people of all ages and fitness levels. Regular tai chi practice has been associated with numerous health benefits, including improved balance and flexibility, reduced stress and anxiety, lowered blood pressure, improved immune function, relief of chronic pain and inflammatory conditions, and improved cognitive function.

Healthy Acadia’s tai chi instructors are certified through the Tai Chi for Health Institute, founded in 2010 by Dr. Paul Lam and colleagues with the purpose of empowering people to improve their health and wellness with Tai Chi for Health classes.  Tai Chi for Health classes introduce gentle low-impact exercise routines that promote improved health through the integration of both mind and body. The program is recommended by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Council on Aging, and endorsed by governmental health departments around the world.

Healthy Acadia’s Tai Chi for Health classes meet for one hour per week for eight weeks and are offered free of charge, though donations are suggested and appreciated. Pre-registration is required. Their winter lineup of classes is as follows:

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

Visit bit.ly/ha-tai-chi to register for any of Healthy Acadia’s Tai Chi for Health classes. Once your registration is complete, you will receive the login information (for online classes) via the email address you provided. For more information, please contact Nina Zeldin at (207) 479-1206 or nina@healthyacadia.org.

Healthy Acadia is a 501c3 nonprofit community health organization working to build vibrant communities and make it easier for all people to lead healthy lives throughout Washington and Hancock counties, Maine. For more information about Healthy Acadia’s health initiatives, visit www.healthyacadia.org.

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