Our Tai Chi for Health class is designed to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the participants. The gentle rocking motions and stretching movements improve circulation and digestion.
The chest exercises and controlled breathing are good for lung conditions and asthma. The overall effect of our class is to reduce mental stress and physical tension carried in the muscles of the body. Tai Chi For Health is based on the Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi; or '18 Form' combining that with ancient Qi Gong exercises that promote overall health and wellbeing.
All the exercises are very effective and easy to learn; and students will be easiely able to incorporate them into their daily routines.
Our class places an emphasis on synchronizing the exercises with deep diapragmatic breathing techniques. The movements are all done naturally and gently, remaining relaxed and fluid throughout, with minimal physical exertion.
These exercises are suitable for participants of all ages and abilities, and participants may choose to sit or stand as needed during class.
What participants have said about our classes
"John is a remarkable teacher, he is extremely knowledgable and teaches in a clear and enjoyable way."
"I want to let you know how valuable this class is to me. Tai Chi has proven very therapeutic to me."
"I don't know what you're doing, but you're more balanced and better off than I've ever seen you." - a Doctor to their patient, who is a Tai Cho for Health student!
“It is a great non-judgemental class." “The instructor was friendly, gentle with seniors, reassuring as to our ability levels, encouraging, knowledgeable. I signed up for another session." “I’ve been in the class for a year. It has become an important component in my exercise/wellness regimen"
“I'm no longer type II diabetic, HDL up 11 points, LDL down 88 points, triglycerides down 112 points. I feel this program is directly related to these posive # changes."
"Instructions were low key and [the instructor] patient with us. Thank you for that.”
“I like it very much.”
“I use two types of inhalers - one daily the other as needed. Since doing this breathing, I have not yet needed the second one at all. I have really enjoyed this class.”
“Excellent class, excellent instructor.”
“I had trouble doing regular T’ai Chi in the past. Now I feel I can at least get a start and still get some of the benefits from it and if I’m ever ready can move to regular T’ai Chi in the future.”
“John was extremely patient and helpful in teaching us the 18 different movements. He used all available modalities (written instruction, demonstration, and verbal directions) so that we could learn and practice these movements. His enthusiasm and knowledge made the class enjoyable and stress-free."
“I like learning something that’s for a good cause”
“I am definitely walking better”
“John's relaxed attitude, constant encouragement, and positive outlook made this course wonderful. I will continue!”
"John is patient and his costant repetition is very helpful for learning as an older adult"
“Great health benefits for the long haul”
“It’s improved my body – eye co-ordination”
“I wanted to achieve better flexibility and balance, and it’s working”
“History has proven this to be great exercise”
“I have taken a lot of exercise classes, and none are equal to T’ai Chi”
“All the body, muscles and joints get a workout” “My body has more co-ordination and balance”
"Thank you! this class gives me a wonderful sense of wellbeing"
"I do some moves on my break at work and it helps my day be more stress free"
"I thoroughly enjoy our workouts"
"As always, I appreciate your patience with our 'baby steps'. Providing additional ways to think about a movement is very helpful"
"This class has helped me get my balance back"
"Helps w/balance for my MS"
"John Robertson is a fabulous teacher who is very dedicated to his work!"
Class Schedule
The AbbeySeniorCenter
407 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst, IL60126
Phone: 630 993 8193
Wednesdays, 11:15am - 12:15pm
2012 January 11th (6 weeks)
February 22nd (6 weeks) April 18th (6 weeks) June 6th (6 weeks) July 25th (6 weeks) September 26th (6 weeks) November 7th (6 weeks)
2013 January 9th (6 weeks)
Glendale Heights Parks & Recreation The Sports Hub, 250 Civic Center Plaza, Glendale Heights, IL 60139
Registration: 630 260 6000
Wednesdays, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
2012 January 11th (6 weeks)
February 22nd (6 weeks) April 18th (6 weeks) June 6th (6 weeks) July 25th (6 weeks) September 26th (6 weeks) November 7th (6 weeks)
2013 January 9th (6 weeks)
Lombard Park District Sunset Knoll Recreation Center, 820 S. Finley Road, Lombard, IL 60148
Registration: 630 620 7322
Wednesdays ~ noon - 1:00pm
2012 January 11th (6 weeks)
February 22nd (6 weeks) April 18th (6 weeks) June 6th (6 weeks) July 25th (6 weeks) September 26th (6 weeks) November 7th (6 weeks)
2013 January 9th (6 weeks)
Wayne Township Senior Center 27W031 North Avenue West Chicago, IL 60185
Phone: 630-231-7155
Fridays, 10:00am - 11:00am
(Private class - no outside registrations)
Wyndemere Senior Living Campus 200 Wyndemere Circle, Wheaton, IL 60187
