Tai Chi for Health
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that combines slow, gentle movements with deep breathing. Practicing tai chi regularly can help improve relaxation, balance, flexibility, focus, heart health, and muscle strength. It can also help reduce pain and ease symptoms of chronic conditions.
Since 2014, Healthy Acadia’s certified instructors have been teaching "Tai Chi for Health" classes in Hancock and Washington counties, Maine. This program is designed for all ages and fitness levels. "“Tai Chi for Health” is an evidence-based program developed by Dr. Paul Lam, founder of the Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI), and is proven to offer many health benefits. The classes use slow, rhythmic exercises and breathing techniques that help connect the mind and body.
Healthy Acadia’s tai chi classes follow an easy, step-by-step method, making tai chi simple to learn for everyone. People of all ages and abilities can enjoy the benefits of this practice.
Regular tai chi practice helps participants:
Reduce stress
Relieve pain
Improve heart and lung health
Build self-confidence and control
Improve posture to protect joints
Strengthen both body and mind
Join a class today to experience the benefits of tai chi for yourself!
Join a class
“ My 93-year-old, Army Air Corps vet, Dad is so enjoying Tai Chi AND learning how to navigate this new distant technology (Thank you also for your patience and IT support). Thank you for offering this quality online program, that is safe and accessible, as we navigate life in our new reality.”
Healthy Acadia offers a variety of beginner- and intermediate-level in-person and virtual Tai Chi for Health courses. While Tai Chi for Health classes are designed to bring health benefits quickly, especially for certain health conditions, people of all ages and physical abilities can enjoy and benefit from these classes. Classes meet for one hour per week for eight weeks. While all classes are free, donations are suggested and appreciated. Pre-registration is required.
Tai Chi Forms
Yang- and Sun-style tai chi forms represent two of the five major styles of tai chi. Yang-style tai chi features slow, large sweeping movements. Yang allows people of all ages and fitness levels to start easily and continue to practice it safely to improve their health. Sun-style tai chi is gentle, smooth, and soft, and the movements are brisk and fluid. Sun features unique, lively footwork and a higher stance, making it very suitable for all levels and especially beneficial for seniors and beginners. Shorter than the traditional Sun-style form, Sun 73 is composed of classic movements in six sections and takes approximately six minutes to complete the form.
Tai Chi for Health Courses: Autumn 2026
In-Person Courses
Beginners Tai Chi for Life, Mondays, Oct. 26-Nov. 16, 2026, 1-2 p.m., Women for Rural Healthy Living, Thankful Room, 87 Main St., Milbridge. This short program combines tai chi and dance, with an emphasis on improving emotional and physical balance and relaxation. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin.
Intermediate Yang 24, Mondays, Nov. 2-Dec. 21, 2026, 4-5 p.m., Healthy Acadia’s 77 Beechland Road office, Ellsworth. This ongoing course focuses on movements of the Yang 24 form, currently the most practiced tai chi set in the world. New participants are always welcome! Course instructor: Nina Zeldin.
Beginners Tai Chi for Heart Health, Tuesdays, Nov. 3-Dec. 22, 2026, 10-11 a.m., Art Waves, 1345-A State Highway 102, Bar Harbor. This short tai chi set introduces movements from the three most popular tai chi styles: Sun, Yang and Chen. It is designed to support physical and emotional heart health while improving balance, flexibility, strength, immunity and relaxation. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin.
Tai Chi for Beginners, Thursdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 29, 2026, 8-9 a.m., Bucksport Regional Health Center, Education Room, 110 Broadway, Bucksport. This course combines qigong and Yang-style mind-body exercises to introduce the first six movements of the Yang 24 form, currently the most practiced tai chi set in the world. Course instructor: Julie Daigle.
Online Courses
Intermediate Yang 24 and 40 Forms, Mondays, Oct. 26-Dec. 14, 2026, 10-11 a.m. This ongoing course is best suited for people familiar with Yang-style tai chi. New participants are always welcome! Course instructor: Nina Zeldin.
Intermediate Sun 73, Mondays, Oct. 26-Dec. 14, 2026, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. This ongoing course is best suited for people familiar with Sun-style tai chi. New participants are always welcome! Course instructor: Nina Zeldin.
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention and Tai Chi for Arthritis 2, Tuesdays, Oct. 27-Dec. 15, 2026, 2-3 p.m. This course is best suited for people familiar with the Tai Chi for Arthritis program who are looking for a new challenge. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin.
Yang 24, Wednesdays, Oct. 28-Dec. 16, 2026, 10-11 a.m. This ongoing course introduces movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the most practiced tai chi form in the world. New participants are always welcome! Course instructor: Nina Zeldin.
Hybrid Classes
Beginners Tai Chi for Life, Tuesdays, Nov. 17, 2026-Jan. 19, 2027,* 9:30-10:30 a.m., on Zoom and in person at the Cobscook Institute, 10 Commissary Point Road, Trescott. This short program combines tai chi and dance, with an emphasis on improving emotional and physical balance and relaxation. Course instructor: Samantha Williams-Winslow.
Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, Thursdays, Nov. 19, 2026-Jan. 28, 2027,* 9:30-10:30 a.m., on Zoom and in person at the Pembroke Library, 221 Old County Road, Pembroke. This program is recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a top-tier evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, flexibility and confidence. While especially effective for people with arthritis, this program is appropriate for anyone who wants to improve their health and wellness. Course instructor: Samantha Williams-Winslow.
*No classes Dec. 22 or 29 for Beginners Tai Chi for Life. No classes Nov. 26, Dec. 25 or 31 for Beginners Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention.
Once your registration is complete, you will receive confirmation and, if applicable, the login information (for virtual classes) via the email address you provided.
For more information, please contact Nina Zeldin at (207) 664-1630 or nina@healthyacadia.org.
Learn more
Learn more about the origins of tai chi, the different tai chi styles, and the health benefits of regular tai chi practice at https://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/what-is-tai-chi/.
Additional “Tai Chi for Health” classes may be scheduled according to demand. To inquire about tai chi classes in your community, contact Nina Zeldin at (207) 667-7171 or by email at: Nina@HealthyAcadia.org.
Updated August 4, 2026.