Tai Chi for Wellbeing Classes at St John's Hall, Waihi

🧘‍♀️ Join Community Tai Chi Academy NZ at St John's Hall in Waihi for our health and exercise program designed for general wellbeing. This class relieves stress and anxiety, strengthens lower body muscles for better balance and coordination. Suitable for beginners of all fitness levels.

Class Details:

• Starts with gentle Shibashi warm-up exercises coordinated with abdominal breathing
• Includes flexibility and balance exercises using chairs or resistance bands
• Learn the Australian Academy Tai Chi form practiced on both sides of the body
• Finishes with a relaxing Qigong cool-down and friendly social coffee group
• Classes run during primary school terms (excluding public holidays)
• Entry fee: $7 per class

Who Can Join: Older adults of all abilities, including those with ongoing post-surgery rehabilitation and various medical conditions.

What to Bring: Comfortable layered clothing, supportive footwear, and a water bottle.

Venue: St John's Hall, 134 Seddon Street, Waihi 3610 (includes parking near entry door and wooden ramp access).

Your Instructor: Trish Miller is qualified and certified by Australian Academy of Tai Chi, is an ASCEA Adult Tutor, and has current Workplace First Aid Certification.

Contact: Trish Miller - 021 482 842 or communitytaichinz@gmail.com

The Health Benefits of Tai Chi for Kiwis 🌿

Tai Chi is a gentle, flowing exercise system that originated in ancient China and has become increasingly popular throughout New Zealand. Often described as "meditation in motion," this practice offers numerous benefits particularly suited to our Kiwi lifestyle.

The yin-yang harmony approach to Tai Chi creates balance between mind, body and breath, making it ideal for stress reduction in our busy lives. Unlike high-impact fitness routines, Tai Chi's gentle movements improve strength and balance without straining joints, making it accessible for people of various fitness levels.

Key benefits for practitioners include:

• Improved balance and coordination, reducing fall risk
• Enhanced bone health through gentle loading exercises
• Reduced stress and anxiety with mindful breathing techniques
• Increased leg strength and overall mobility
• Better mental focus and cognitive function
• Social connection within a supportive community

Practicing Tai Chi regularly activates the flow of synovial fluid throughout the body, which helps nourish joints and maintain flexibility. Many participants report feeling more grounded, centered and energized after classes, with improved posture and body awareness carrying into their daily activities.

Whether you're seeking to maintain mobility, recover from injury, or simply find a mindful form of exercise, Tai Chi offers a holistic approach to wellness that complements the Kiwi focus on active, healthy living and community connection.