Tai Chi is a form of exercise steeped in traditional Chinese martial art and movement. It has since evolved into a form of exercise and relaxation for any age, but is particularly popular among older individuals. It involves slow, flowing movements in combination with deep breathing. The movements emphasize balance, motor coordination, and flow of energy in line with ancient Chinese principles. There are often choreographed movements to follow in Tai Chi, which you can learn about from the resources below.
Internal resources
- Tai Chi 10-week program for fall prevention (Currently, through Zoom)
There are three levels of the program, each level is a 10-week workshop. Workshops are held at least twice a week for 10 weeks. Each level is led by a trained/certified instructor:- Level 1: Movements 1-12 (for Beginners)
- Level 2: Movements 13-21
- Full Form Practice
- Next 2025 Workshop Series Beginning weeks of: October 13 (Fall) (2026 start dates coming soon)
- To be added to the contact list for future workshops, please JOIN the FallsFree Long Island Contact List
- New to Zoom? Email FallsFree@StonyBrookMedicine.edu to get connected to student support.
Local studios
- Long Island School of Tai Chi Chuan-- Movement of Magic-- Healing and Martial Arts, Bob Klein: Sound Beach, NY (631) 744-5999 or 1-888-9TAICHI (982-4244)
- This Tai-Chi school provides classes in all aspects of tai-chi training, including tai-chi forms, qigong (zookinesis age reversal exercises), push hands, and self defense. Classes are still in session, but over Zoom due to the covid19 pandemic.
- Water Tiger, Port Jefferson: Link here 631-475-5730
- Classes offered are beginning and intermediate Tai Chi, advanced Tai Chi, Tai Chi as a martial artist, Qigong, TaiChi and Qigong for older adults, as well as open class for training on any aspect of the arts program
- Tai Chi Exercises for Arthritis | Arthritis Foundation
- Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook
Virtual resources
- Tai Chi exercises for arthritis-- Arthritis foundation
- A website and article for how to learn tai chi to help arthritis and overall help. It provides connections to events and groups in your local community.
- Introduction to Tai Chi Online Course from Harvard Medical School
- This is a course that will explain the amazing health benefits of this balance-boosting practice plus bring you how-to videos that teach you 20 different moves so you can create your own tai chi routine.
- For seniors, Tai Chi classes are also available at your local libraries
