Yang Style Tai Chi

Who likes Tai Chi Intermediate classes?

This intermediate-level Tai Chi class is open to every man and woman 18 years of age and above. You may take the beginner-level class while attending this intermediate class. Tai Chi classes especially benefit older people thanks to the low-impact nature of the exercise.

What is a Tai Chi Intermediate class?

Learn the full Yang style form of Tai Chi. Yang is a slow sequence of forms or movements derived from martial arts applications. Among the many benefits, participants are likely to see improved posture, joint flexibility, balance and circulation, along with improved confidence. Yang style is the most popular form of Tai Chi and it is practiced worldwide. You don’t have to be advanced. You just have to want to advance.

Tai Chi Intermediate begins with a series of stretching exercises to loosen your muscles. The warm-up stretches are followed by group performance of all three parts of the orthodox Yang style of Tai Chi, which takes approximately 24 minutes.

Other than loose-fit clothing and flat sole shoes, no exercise equipment is needed. Participants use their own body weight for resistance in all exercises. A certified Tai Chi instructor demonstrates forms for the group. Forms were developed in China centuries ago and have descriptive names like “Grasp the bird’s tail” and “Part the horse’s mane” so students can visualize and learn the forms quickly.

The goal of the class is to learn the Yang style long form, which has numerous health benefits. Learning and performing Tai Chi benefits the entire body. Participants' core and legs experience increased strength and flexibility. Tai Chi class members also experience improvements in balance and circulation. Their ability to lose weight is enhanced.

In addition to the physical benefits, Tai Chi classes are well known for the mental benefit of stress reduction. After all, Tai Chi is an ancient art of relaxation, healing and self-defense. It is based on the principles of yin and yang, or the balance of opposites like light and heavy, fast and slow, or hard and soft. Today Tai Chi is one of the fastest growing fitness and health maintenance activities in Western countries, often referred to as meditation in motion. The Tai Chi community is another benefit for the mind and body. Participants build relationships with other members who share similar interests. They check in on each other and hold each other accountable.

When and where does the Tai Chi Intermediate class meet?

Classes are held in the aerobics room at WK Pierremont Wellness Center on Tuesday and Thursday, from 11 a.m. to noon.

Why do Tai Chi Intermediate?

Tai Chi has helped many people live longer in the spring season of their lives. This means feeling healthy and energetic as you age, which translates to a better quality of life.

Your body weight provides natural resistance, which helps you increase strength. The fluid movements of your whole body strengthen your tendons and ligaments, as well. When your connective tissues are not shortened due to nonuse and sedentary lifestyle, it’s easier for you to remain mobile and have less likelihood of injury.