INTRODUCTION TO TAI CHI, YANG 24 PART Ill (12) First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa, 22 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020, and ZOOM

Wednesdays, 10-11am (NOTE: One-Hour Classes and PREREQUISITES, see below) Starts April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21.

Participants treated by an orthopedist should have permission from their doctor to take this course. During classes participants should wear loose-fitting clothes that allow freedom of movement and comfortable shoes that provide stable footing. PREREQUISITE: Prior experience practicing the first four postures of the Yang 24 Tai Chi Form or completion of Part I Introduction to Tai Chi Yang 24 & Part ll. Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might well be called "medication in motion." There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art has value in treating or preventing many health problems. Classes will include the following: Warm-up. Easy motions, such as shoulder circles, turning the head from side to side, or rocking back and forth, help you to loosen your muscles and joints and focus on your breathing and body. Instruction and practice of tai chi forms. Short forms - Forms/Postures are sets of movements. In this class you will learn a very short form (six movements) consisting of smaller, slower movements created specifically for this six-week class. Qigong (or chi kung). Translated as "breath work" or "energy work,". During the last two weeks of this course, you will learn a simple stationary Qigong form consisting of a few minutes of gentle breathing combined with hand movements. The idea is to help relax the mind and mobilize the body's energy. All forms can be practiced while standing or seated.

Text: Suggested Readings: The Health Benefits of Tai Chi, Harvard Health Publishing May 24,2022, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-health-benefits-of-tai-chi, Keep on Your Feet—Preventing Older Adult Falls https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/index.html

Leader: Chuck Lobosco has a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology and has practiced Tai Chi and Qigong for over 35 years. He attended training offered by Paul Lam, MD, Director, Tai Chi Health Institute as well as learning several forms from local teachers: Grand Master Jiang Jianye and Frank Riccardi.