Arlington Community Education

The ultimate in no-impact aerobics, Tai Chi naturally relaxes the body, promoting calm and peace of mind while improving posture, balance, and flexibility. The practice increases blood flow throughout the entire body, keeps joints flexible, and restores elasticity to muscles. It is a form of exercise that actually becomes better for you as you age. Each class focuses on a portion of the Hwa Yu short form. You will learn fundamental skills such as stance, step patterns, basic blocking, and whole-body movement. No prior experience is needed for the Beginner class, which teaches a short sampler form that embodies the basic principles of Tai Chi and can be practiced in a limited space environment.

This Intermediate course is for those with experience with the Hwa Yu short form. The ultimate in no-impact aerobics, tai chi naturally relaxes the body, promoting calm and peace of mind while improving posture, balance, and flexibility. The practice increases blood flow throughout the entire body, keeps joints flexible, and restores elasticity to muscles. It is a form of exercise that actually becomes better for you as you age. Continue to improve your skills such as stance, step patterns, basic blocking, and whole-body movement.

With roots in traditional Chinese medicine, qigong’s goal is to cultivate and balance our life energy, or “qi.” Qigong practice typically involves meditative, slow-flowing movement coordinated with deep rhythmic breathing to produce a calm state of mind. Part of traditional Chinese medicine, the practice is similar to Tai Chi, but simpler, and benefits can include improved immunity, better balance, and lower blood pressure. We will work with the Seven Precious Gestures and the Eight Brocades, as well as some basic walking and breathing practices. Flex and stretch gently and learn simple routines you can practice at home.