INTRODUCTION TO TAI CHI I AND QIGONG (16) 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 NEW OR returning students wishing to repeat the classes)
Wednesdays, 11am-12pm, 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. 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 loosening 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 EIGHT MOVEMENTS OF the YANG 24 short form consisting of smaller, slower movements created specifically for this six-week class.(In the Winter and Spring sessions you will learn movements nine through 24) Qigong (or Chi Gong). Translated as "breath work" or "energy work,". During the last two weeks of this course, you will also 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 sitting.

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.