You will be guided through various simple exercises each week, which will not only benefit your general health and wellbeing, but which are also fun to do and which will give you some of the basic principles of Tai Chi. Your tutor will explain some of the specific health benefits you will get. You will also be shown a short Tai Chi form, with the moves being introduced gradually until you can follow the sequence. People often find it improves balance and flexibility, as well as saying that it's a good focus for the mind.
Course aim
An introduction to Tai Chi, with various exercises for general health and wellbeing, including learning a short Tai Chi form.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- You will need your own personal email address so that you’re able to login to the WEA’s digital learning platform: WEA Canvas. You will need to be able to understand how to follow URL links to pages on the internet. If you want to understand more about Canvas please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- This course is for a group of around 15 students studying in a live video-learning platform conference and an online digital learning environment platform from the comfort of your own home.
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
- Note that the exercises will be for one hour, standing and moving. You will need a space approx 2 meters square where you can move around freely, stretch your arms, etc.
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Practise standing and feeling an improved sense of balance.
- Become more aware of my body posture and how this can benefit my health in daily life.
- Practise some simple Tai Chi movements which I can do for general wellbeing.
- Feel more calm, centred and grounded by pracitsing Tai Chi exercises.
- Have an introduction to a short Tai Chi form.
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
- The tutor will guide you through the movements, exercises and principles and will check in as to whether you have any questions as the course progresses.
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- You will need a personal email address to join the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas so that you can receive resources, record your progress and achievement and to work with others and share ideas. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- You will need a safe, clear space where you can exercise, about 2 meters square is enough, where you can stretch your arms out, upwards, swing them round, and take a couple of steps forwards or to the sides. The floor should be clear of wires, edges of rugs, etc so that you won't trip.
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Tai Chi can be a lifelong study so if you enjoy this course you can always continue. You may also find you discover an interest in related areas of health, wellbeing, philosophy, history and other cultures. The tutor also runs other courses if you are interested to continue studying further.
Download full course information sheet
