What to expect
My Tai Chi lessons aim to help you get in touch with your body - to pinpoint any tension or restricted movement and learn how to release it, gently. I encourage my students to move using 70% of their ability - a Tai Chi principal that ensures you don't feel pressured or create unnecessary stress within your body.
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At the start of each class, we work through all the joints of the body helping to improve balance, flexibility, strength and posture. Exercises for Life are simple opening movements which can, with regular practice, have a huge impact releasing excessive tension and stress.
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The next stage aims to align our bodies, with the correct body alignments we can gently start to open those tense, tight parts of the body to gain full release and awareness. To release tension, you first need to be aware of it, to ‘feel’ it, to be in complete harmony with your body. The movements are subtle, but this stage of the lesson can be extremely powerful and beneficial.
Next it will be either Tai Chi or Qigong both of which are a sequence of movements incorporating softening, lengthening, twisting, compressing, and releasing, encouraging your body to release and open, increasing health and vitality.
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And finally in the last stage of the lesson we focus on the Willow Tree a Qigong, sequence of slow, mediative movements, to circulate, gather and store Chi (life’s energy) within the body. Balancing Body, Mind and Spirit.
What to wear?
Wear something loose and comfortable. You can perform Tai Chi barefoot, which is perhaps the most natural way to perform it, but there are no hard and fast rules - wear whatever you feel comfortable in. You will work this out as you go…
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Bring water to the class if you wish.
So, that's it. I look forward to meeting you and sharing your Tai Chi journey with you...
Health disclaimer for participation in these classes
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Tai Chi and Qi Gong are physical practices that requires strength, flexibility, and balance. Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new fitness programs, including Tai Chi and Qi Gong. If you have any injuries, health conditions, or other physical limitations, it is important to inform your instructor before participating in a Tai Chi or Qi Gong class. The information provided in any of our Tai Chi and Qi Gong classes is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professionals with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Tai Chi and Qi Gong like any physical activity, involves risks and any individual's results may vary. By participating in our Tai Chi and Qi Gong classes, you acknowledge that you are participating at your own risk and release Jo Galway from any and all liabilities arising from your participation. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any time during a class, please let your instructor know and stop the activity immediately. In making payment for this course, you confirm that you have read and understood the above disclaimer and acknowledge that your participation in the Tai Chi and Qi Gong class is voluntary and that you are participating at your own risk.
