Tai Chi and Health Qigong are gentle but effective forms of exercise that can enhance general health and wellbeing. The smooth and slow movements energise the body without placing undue strain on joints or muscles, improving balance and posture. Focusing on the movements and their coordination improves relaxation and the movements combine softness with strength, stretching and toning muscles. Yang style Tai Chi is the most popular form practiced today with its emphasis on health benefits and is a recommended activity for an increasing number of medical conditions. Health Qigong routines are based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and the movements are designed to strengthen and tone muscles as well as promoting energy along the meridians of the body and improve circulation. No Session 29/05/2018
Course aim
An introduction to the movements of Yang style Tai Chi and Health Qigong forms, and to gain an understanding of the movements through practice. Develop practice for Improvers.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Demonstrate three Tai Chi stances - Bow stance, T step and Empty stance (Beginners) Demonstrate flow of movements when performing Yang 8 (Improvers)
- Demonstrate coordination of arms and legs when performing routines (Beginners) Demonstrate coordination of movements and smooth transitions when performing routines (Improvers)
- Demonstrate an awareness of some Tai Chi principles (Beginners) Demonstrate some Tai Chi principles when performing Yang 8 (Improvers)
- Perform Health Qigong routines using correct postures (Beginners) Perform Health Qigong routines using correct techniques (Improvers)
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
- Tutor observation and feedback. Student feedback. Practice in small groups.
What else do I need to know?
- Loose comfortable clothing that you can move in easily. Comfortable flat shoes. You may wish to bring a drink with you.
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
- Selection of books relating to Tai Chi is available on Amazon. British Health Qigong Federation have stills of the Qigong routines on their website. Instructional DVDs are available to purchase as well as music only CDs.
What can I do next?
- Continue developing practice. Progress to Yang 16, then to Yang 24. Workshops and seminars are held throughout the year for anyone wishing to attend.
Download full course outline
