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.
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.
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.
And finally in the last stage of the lesson we focus on 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…
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
Tai Chi and Qigong are gentle forms of physical exercise that require balance, coordination, flexibility, and mobility. As with any physical activity, participation carries some degree of risk. By enrolling in or attending a class with Jo Galway, you confirm that you are fit to participate. If you have any medical condition, injury, or other health concern, you should consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking part and inform Jo Galway of any relevant conditions before the class begins. The instruction and information provided in these classes are for educational and wellbeing purposes only and are not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You participate voluntarily and at your own risk. By booking and attending a class, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer and release Jo Galway from liability for any injury, loss, or damage arising from your participation, except where liability cannot be excluded by law. If at any point you feel unwell, uncomfortable, or unsafe during a class, stop immediately and inform Jo Galway.
