Discover the Benefits of Tai Chi: Mind, Body, and Spirit in Harmony

July 8, 2024 by Leave a comment

Tai chi is a Chinese discipline that unites the mind, body, and spirit, strengthening both your physical and mental resolve. Its basic principles include integrating the mind and body, controlling movements and breathing, and generating internal energy.

Why Try Tai Chi?

A 45-minute session of tai chi may not leave you drenched in sweat, but it offers numerous benefits. Regularly practicing a variety of poses can strengthen both the lower and upper body, improve flexibility, balance, and aerobic conditioning, and help quiet unruly thoughts. Like introductory yoga poses, tai chi movements are simple, low-impact, and easier on the joints and muscles, making them generally safe for any fitness level. Even people with certain health conditions can participate with necessary modifications.

Getting Started with Tai Chi

Tai chi can be practiced from the comfort of your bedroom or living room. Search online for videos from experienced instructors to guide you through the movements and methods. Remember to start slow, as these movements may not be appropriate for all fitness levels. If you have concerns or a history of injury, consult your doctor first to discuss the appropriate course of action.

Tai Chi Opportunities at Decatur Parks and Recreation

We offer various Tai Chi classes to cater to different skill levels and needs:

TAI CHI/QIGONG

  • Level: Beginners/Hybrid class
  • Description: A 60-minute class to restore energy, using Qigong/Tai Chi to help with balance and relaxation while building strength and flexibility. Low impact and accessible to most everyone.
  • Days: Wednesdays and Saturdays
  • Time: Wednesdays at 12 p.m., Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.
  • Instructor: Neil Norton
  • Fee: $60 R/$85 NR

TAI CHI PRACTICE

  • Level: Midlevel practitioners
  • Description: Uses robust Qigong practice with Yang Style Short Tai Chi form for a full-body, brain, and energy workout. This practice cleanses the system, refurbishes chi, and helps create a flowing practice. Prerequisite knowledge of some Qigong and Tai Chi Tang Short form is required.
  • Day: Mondays
  • Time: 5 p.m.
  • Instructor: Steve Dorage
  • Fee: $60 R/$85 NR

TAI CHI FLOW (LEGACY PARK)

  • Level: Advancing practitioners
  • Description: Utilizes robust Qigong, Tai Chi, and other internal practices to cleanse and refurbish the energy system. Basic knowledge of Yang Style Short Form and some Qigong is mandatory. The goal is to create a breath, balance, and body flow for better meditation in motion.
  • Day: Saturdays
  • Time: 11 a.m.
  • Instructor: Steve Dorage
  • Fee: $60 R/$85 NR

Join us at Decatur Parks and Recreation to experience the profound benefits of tai chi, and embark on a journey toward improved health, wellness, and inner peace.

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Use Movement to Boost Your Mood

June 1, 2021 by Leave a comment

From our friends at the Monday Campaigns:

Physical activity is a key component of a healthy lifestyle, but regular movement—whether it’s dance, running, tennis, or yoga—can also have an immediate impact on your mental health and well-being.

Many forms of physical activity offer physiological benefits because they trigger a series of chemicals events that help improve brain function and regulate mood. And regardless of your current level of physical fitness, there is an endless number of exercises and movements you can practice—anytime or anywhere—to help relieve stress.

But to truly take advantage of the benefits of physical activity, one must understand the basics of how the different exercises and movements affect the body and mind.

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Let’s Get Physical on the Square

August 29, 2020 by Leave a comment

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Decatur Active Living is offering free community classes on the Old Courthouse Square during September.

Sessions are free to the community, however they are limited to 10 participants. Please pre-register at the links below. Bring your water bottle.

All activities will be physically distanced and masks are required.

Tai Chi/Qigong – Tuesdays, 9 am
Join us on the Decatur Square for a refreshing start to the day for Tai Chi-Qigong moving meditation with Neil and Steve (Tai Chi-Qigong 4 LIFE).  These ancient internal arts are full body, brain and energy cleansing and enhancing methods.  We hope you will try the process and see how it goes for you!    For information contact:  Stephen Dorage, 404-617-0071 or Neil Norton, 404-271-6526.
Click here to sign up for Tai Chi:   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E48A8AB29A2FF2-taichi

Yoga – Fridays, 9am
Join Cheryl on the Square for an all-levels yoga practice to kick off your weekend. We will work with our breath as we practice both standing and seated poses. You will leave feeling energized and ready for the day. Bring your mat and any props that you may want. Books make good blocks and beach towels make good yoga blankets.
Click here to sign up for Yoga:   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E48A8AB29A2FF2-yoga

Wellness Wednesday – Wednesday, 10 – 10:45 am and 2 – 2:45 pm
Join the Active Living Athletic staff for some fun physical activities for elementary age children.  Sessions may include exercises, sports conditioning, fun games, and more. Masks are required. Bring a water bottle.
Class size is limited to 10. To sign up for a class email Stacy.Green@decaturga.com.

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Qigong and Tai Chi at Decatur Recreation Center

June 21, 2013 by 2 Comments

 Tai Chi 2 Style 24Looking for something new to keep in shape? We have some fun classes starting up that might be of interest. Be sure to register by July 6; classes begin the week of July 8.  Registration is on WebTrac – use the registration numbers below.

 Qigong
Instructor: Steve Dorage

 On Monday evenings (July 8 – August 26) from 6:30 – 7:30pm an Introduction to Qigong will be presented.  This class is for beginners and those looking to improve their balance, stress/tension relief, and overall health improvement.  Goals for the eight weeks of class (depending on student input/output) could be: improves balance, reduces blood pressure, reduces stress and releases anxiety, reduces chronic pain of arthritis and Fibromalgia, reduces pain from digestive disorders, improves self-esteem, increases energy, improves breathing and increases physical strength and flexibility. 

 Online Registration Information
Reg. #: 143010-08
Registration deadline is July 6th

Tai Chi
Instructor: Steve Dorage

 On Thursday evenings (July 11 – August 29) from 6:30 – 8:00pm and Introduction to Tai Chi – Yang-style 24 form – will be provided.  This is for beginners and intermediate level students.  Emphasis will be on the health and longevity benefits of Tai Chi practice.  Goals for the eight weeks of class (depending on student input/output) could be: improves balance, reduces blood pressure, reduces stress and releases anxiety, reduces chronic pain of arthritis and Fibromalgia, reduces pain from digestive disorders, improves self-esteem, increases energy, improves breathing and increases physical strength and flexibility.   

 Online Registration Information
Reg. #: 143010-09
Registration deadline is July 6th

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