INTRODUCTION TO TAI CHI IV: YANG 48 (12) First Pres Church, 22 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 and ZOOM

(Note: This course is the first of a 3-course sequence and is appropriate for STUDENTS WHO HAVE PRACTICED, and LEARNED, THE YANG 24 FORM.)

Wednesdays, 10am-11am, October 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12 (PLEASE NOTE, One hour classes are standard for Tai Chi Instruction. While movements are slow and gentle, they are also moderately PHYSICALLY DEMANDING)

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. 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. One of the greatest benefits people realize from the practice of Tai Chi is improved balance and focus. 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 loosen your muscles and joints and focus on your breathing and body. Instruction and practice of Tai Chi Forms, Forms/Postures are sets of movements. In this class you will learn the first 16 MOVEMENTS OF the YANG 48 form consisting of smaller, slower movements created specifically for this six-week class. (In the Winter and Spring sessions you will learn movements 17 through 48)

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.