Mind-Body Exercise with Tai Chi 

Who likes Tai Chi Simplified 24 Form classes? 

Tai Chi Simplified 24 Form is open to every person at least 18 years of age. If you’re older and looking for low-impact exercise, this class is for you.  

What is Tai Chi Simplified 24 Form class? 

Derived from the martial arts, Tai Chi Simplified 24 Form is another slow sequence of forms, or movements. It is a short, condensed form that borrows mainly from Yang style. Tai Chi Simplified 24 Form also includes forms from the Wu, Wu-How and Sun Chinese family styles. Physical benefits that participants are likely to see are improved balance, circulation, posture and joint flexibility. Mental benefits include improved confidence and reduced stress. Tai Chi Simplified 24 Form truly is mind-body exercise. 

The class consists of repeated group performances of the Simplified 24 Form of Tai Chi, each of which takes approximately five minutes. The repetition is relaxing and strengthening. 

Participants use their own body weight for resistance throughout the Tai Chi Simplified 24 Form. No exercise equipment is needed. It is recommended that participants wear flat sole shoes and loose clothing to comfortably support the wide variety of movements.  

The certified Tai Chi instructor demonstrates forms for the group that were developed in China centuries ago. Forms have descriptive names such as “Grasp the bird’s tail” and “Part the horse’s mane” to help students visualize and learn the forms quickly. 

The goal of the class is to learn and perform the Simplified 24 Form of Tai Chi. This form also has many mind-body health benefits. The mind benefits from an improved stress response, increased confidence and an increased ability to lose weight. After all, Tai Chi is an ancient art of relaxation, healing and self-defense. The physical, or body, benefits include significant increases in core and leg flexibility and strength. Simplified 24 Form Tai Chi class members also are likely to experience better balance and circulation. 

Tai Chi Simplified 24 Form is a class that strengthens the Tai Chi community. Participants share many of the same interests and goals and they build relationships with fellow class members. It's always nice to receive check-in and accountability from your Tai Chi community.   

When and where does the Tai Chi Simplified 24 Form class meet? 

At WK Pierremont Wellness Center, Tai Chi Simplified 24 Form classes are held in the aerobics room on Tuesday and Thursday, from noon to 12:30 p.m.  

At WK South Wellness Center, Tai Chi Simplified 24 Form meets on Wednesday from 3 to 4 p.m. in the aerobics room.  

Why do Tai Chi Simplified 24 Form? 

Tai Chi is notably one of the fastest growing fitness and health maintenance activities in Western nations. At times it is referred to as meditation in motion. Tai Chi is based on the principles of yin and yang, or the balance of opposites like soft and hard, light and heavy, fast and slow. The ultimate purpose of Tai Chi is to live longer in the spring season of our lives when we expect to have health, wellness and feelings of robustness. Quality of life, or an improved well span, for many people is more important than lifespan, or longevity.   

Full mobility and a reduced likelihood of injury are important factors of well span. These are supported by Tai Chi Simplified 24 Form fluid movements that strengthen your tendons and ligaments and make your body more pliable. The modern sedentary lifestyle results in nonuse of your muscles and connective tissues, causing them to shorten and put your body at increased risk of injury.