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: Summer/Fall 2026
Hybrid courses
Tai Chi for Heart Health
Tuesdays, Sept. 22 - Nov. 10, 2026
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
On Zoom and in-person at the Cobscook Institute 10 Commissary Point Rd, Trescott. This short tai chi set introduces movements from the three most popular tai chi styles: Sun, Yang and Chen. It is designed to help prevent, or improve heart conditions, as well as increase balance, immunity and relaxation.
Course instructor: Samantha Williams-Winslow
Tai Chi for Health,
Thursdays, Sept. 17 - Nov. 5, 2026
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
On Zoom and in-person at the Pembroke Library, 221 Old County Road, Pembroke. The course will introduce gentle and relaxing movements from Tai Chi for Health Institute programs.
Course instructor: Samantha Williams-Winslow
In-person courses
Mondays
Beginner Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Mondays, Aug. 17-Oct. 12, 2026
9-10 a.m.
Women for Rural Healthy Living, Thankful Room, 87 Main St., Milbridge
No class Sept. 7.
This evidence-based program is recognized by the CDC for improving balance, strength, flexibility, and confidence. While especially beneficial for people with arthritis, it is appropriate for anyone interested in improving their health and wellness.
Instructor: Lisa Schaefer
Yang 24
Mondays, Sept. 7-Oct. 26, 2026
4-5 p.m.
Healthy Acadia, 77 Beechland Road, Ellsworth
This course focuses on movements 16-24 of the Yang 24 form, currently the most widely practiced tai chi set in the world.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin
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 synergizes tai chi and dance with an emphasis on improving emotional and physical balance and relaxation.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin
Tuesdays
Beginner Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Tuesdays, Aug. 25-Oct. 13, 2026
10-11 a.m.
Stone Barn Farm, 487 Crooked Road, Bar Harbor
This evidence-based program is recognized by the CDC for improving balance, strength, flexibility, and confidence. While especially beneficial for people with arthritis, it is appropriate for anyone interested in improving their health and wellness.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginner Tai Chi for Life
Tuesdays, Aug. 18-Oct. 6, 2026
6-7 p.m.
Calais Methodist Home Rec Room, 116 Palmer St., Calais
This introductory program emphasizes improving emotional and physical balance while promoting relaxation.
Instructor: Chanise Provencher
Thursdays
Tai Chi for Beginners
Thursdays, July 23-Sept. 10, 2026
4:15-5:15 p.m.
INSPIRE Recovery Center, 24 Church St., Ellsworth
Comprised of qigong and Yang-style mind-body exercises, this course introduces the first six movements of the Yang 24 form, currently the most widely practiced tai chi set in the world.
Instructor: Julie Daigle
Tai Chi for Beginners
Thursdays, Sept. 10 - Oct. 29, 2026
8-9 a.m.
Bucksport Regional Health Center, Education Room, 110 Broadway, Bucksport
Comprised of qigong and Yang-style mind-body exercises, this course introduces the first six movements of the Yang 24 form, currently the most widely practiced tai chi set in the world.
Instructor: Julie Daigle
Beginner Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Thursdays, Aug. 13-Oct. 15, 2026
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Henry D. Moore Library, 22 Village Road, Steuben
No class Sept. 17 or Oct. 8.
This evidence-based program is recognized by the CDC for improving balance, strength, flexibility, and confidence. While especially beneficial for people with arthritis, it is appropriate for anyone interested in improving their health and wellness.
Instructor: Lisa Schaefer
Fridays
Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Fridays, Sept. 4-Oct. 23, 2026
10-11 a.m.
Machias Arts Council, 277 Main Street, Machias
This evidence-based program is recognized by the CDC for improving balance, strength, flexibility, and confidence. While especially beneficial for people with arthritis, it is appropriate for anyone interested in improving their health and wellness.
Instructor: Sam Williams-Winslow
Online courses
Mondays
Intermediate Yang 24 & 40 Forms
Mondays, Aug. 31-Oct. 19, 2026
10-11 a.m.
This ongoing class is designed for participants familiar with Yang-style tai chi. New participants are always welcome.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin
Intermediate Sun 73
Mondays, Aug. 31-Oct. 19, 2026
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
This ongoing class is designed for participants familiar with Sun-style tai chi. New participants are always welcome.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin
Tuesdays
Beginner Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention and Tai Chi for Arthritis 2
Tuesdays, Sept. 1-Oct. 13, 2026
2-3 p.m.
This course is intended for participants who are already familiar with the Tai Chi for Arthritis program and are ready for a new challenge.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin
Wednesdays
Yang 24
Wednesdays, Sept. 2-Oct. 14, 2026
10-11 a.m.
This ongoing class introduces movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the most widely practiced tai chi form in the world. New participants are always welcome.
Instructor: Nina Zeldin
While all classes are free, donations are suggested and greatly appreciated!
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.