Healthy Acadia aims to aid more community members in discovering the myriad health benefits of tai chi practice. A form of low-impact exercise, tai chi combines slow, fluid movements, mindful breathing, and mental focus. Often termed a moving meditation, it emphasizes the integration of mind and body, fostering overall physical and mental well-being while inducing a sense of calm and relaxation for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Regular practice has been linked to numerous health advantages, including enhanced balance and flexibility, stress reduction, lowered blood pressure, strengthened immune function, relief from chronic pain and inflammatory conditions, and improved cognitive function.
Certified by the Tai Chi for Health Institute, founded in 2010 by Dr. Paul Lam and colleagues, Healthy Acadia’s tai chi instructors are dedicated to empowering individuals to enhance their health and wellness through Tai Chi for Health classes. These sessions introduce gentle, low-impact exercise routines that promote holistic health by integrating mind and body. Endorsed by governmental health departments globally and recommended by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Council on Aging, the program emphasizes its effectiveness in improving health.
Healthy Acadia’s Tai Chi for Health classes convene for one hour per week over eight weeks and are provided free of charge, with suggested donations appreciated. Pre-registration is required.
The June-July lineup of Healthy Acadia’s Tai Chi for Health classes is as follows:
In-person courses:
Tai Chi for Arthritis 2
Thursdays, June 6 – August 15
10 to 11 a.m.
Meadow View Apartments, Ellsworth
*No class on June 12, July 4, and August 8
This course is most appropriate for those familiar with the Tai Chi for Arthritis program and who are looking for a new challenge. Course instructor: Nanci Miller
Tai Chi for Beginners
Mondays, June 10 – July 29
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 for, currently the most practiced tai chi set in the world. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Tai Chi for Mind-Body Balance & Recovery
Mondays, June 10 – July 29
5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth
Composed of gentle Sun, Yang, and Chen style movements, anyone can learn this program to help alleviate stress and tiredness, improve mind-body balance, and recovery from injury. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis
Tuesdays, June 11– July 30
10 to 11 a.m.
Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth
This program is recognized by the USA CDC as being a top-tiered, evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, 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 Heart Health
Tuesdays, June 11– July
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road Office, Ellsworth
This program is recognized by the USA CDC as being a top-tiered evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, and confidence. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Tai Chi for Health
Saturdays, June 15 – August 3
10 to 11 a.m.
Women for Rural Living, Milbridge
This program is recognized by the USA CDC as being a top-tiered evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, and confidence. Course instructor: Katia McClellan
Online courses:
Intermediate Yang 24 & 40 Forms
Mondays, June 10 – July 29
10 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, June 10 – July 29
11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
This course is 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, June 11– July 30
2 to 3 p.m.
This course is most appropriate for those familiar with the Tai Chi for Arthritis program and who are looking for a new challenge. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Yang 24
Wednesdays, June 12 – July 31
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
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis
Wednesdays, June 5 – July 24
11 a.m. to noon
This program is recognized by the USA CDC as being a top-tiered, evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, and confidence. While especially effective for arthritis, this program is appropriate for anyone who wants to improve their health and wellness. Course instructor: Annette Plank
Tai Chi for Beginners
Wednesdays, June 5 – July 24
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Comprised of qigong and Yang-style mind-body exercises, this course will introduce movements from the Yang 24 for, currently the most practiced tai chi set in the world. Course instructor: Annette Plank
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 [email protected].
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.
