Tai Chi programs
Interested in Tai Chi? You’re in luck! The practice is offered at PWC with instructor Buddy Jett, the lead instructor for Floating Cloud Tai Chi in Orange. Buddy teaches Cheng Man-Ching’s Yang style 37-posture form of Tai Chi combining relaxation with precision of movement. Depending on personal health goals and interests, Tai Chi may serve as a standalone practice, or added as a complement to other fitness pursuits.
The Floating Cloud website describes Tai Chi as “a graceful, slow moving form of exercise that has ancient roots tracing back into the depths of Chinese culture and philosophy of centuries past. A beneficial daily practice embraced by both young and old alike, its benefits will include increased flexibility and more joint mobility, increased lung capacity, and greater leg and hip strength with an enhanced sense of balance.” Visit floatingcloudtaichi.org for a wealth of information about the practice.
Program options at PWC include:
A Taste of Tai Chi
This is a one-hour “taste test” for participants to experience the basic warm ups of the Yang Style Form through a mix of Tai Chi/Qigong warm ups and individual Tai Chi postures. All movements are done from a standing position. This introduction will allow you to sample Tai Chi and consider whether the fundamentals program below might serve your continuing interest. Free to members. Non-members are welcome to participate in one complimentary class; second class $15. January 8 & 15, 6:00 – 7:00 pm.
Fundamentals of Tai Chi
This is an 8-class program to learn and develop 18 postures of the Yang Style Form. Participants will build knowledge each week to grow their Tai Chi practice. All movements are done from a standing position. Program fee: $90/members, $165/non-members. January 22 – March 12, 6:00 – 7:00 pm.
Please be aware that for both Taste of Tai Chi and Fundamental of Tai Chi, participants should be able to do movements from a standing position during each 1-hour class.
Please register for programs via the online member portal or by stopping or calling the Front Desk (540-445-5406). Haven’t built your member or guest account? Please see directions here.
According to health.harvard.edu, a health information website for the medical school at Harvard University, “Tai Chi can easily adapted for anyone, from the most fit to people confined to wheelchairs or recovering from surgery. … A growing body of carefully conducted research is building a compelling case for Tai Chi as an adjunct to standard medical treatment for the prevention and rehabilitation of many conditions commonly associated with age.” For the full article, see “The Health Benefits of Tai Chi.”