Community physical activity classes

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Tai chi

What is tai chi?

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese form of exercise that strengthens the body, relaxes the mind and lifts the spirit.

Research has shown that regular practice of tai chi can improve balance and coordination and reduce the risk of falling.

Where are the classes?

Tuesday 10 - 11am
Crown Estate Residents Association Community Hall, Crown
Estate, off Redhill Street, NW1 4AU (V)
Wednesday 1 - 1.45pm
Peckwater Centre, Peckwater Street, NW5 2TX Seated. (V)
Wednesday 2 - 3pm
Peckwater Centre, Peckwater Street, NW5 2TX (V)
Thursday 11 - 12noon
Kingsgate Resource Centre, 208 Webheath, NW6 2JU.
Seated. (V)
Thursday 1.30 - 2.30pm
Swiss Cottage Library, 88 Avenue Road, London NW3 3HA (V)

How do I join?

Sessions cost £1.40 for residents and £2.80 for non-residents (unless stated). You will need to buy a voucher from any Camden library

Then take the voucher along to the session and meet the instructor (make sure you arrive 10 minutes before your first session to register).

You can save time by filling out our welcome survey before attending.

Instructor

Jane has been teaching tai chi since 1998 in a variety of settings and communities. She has primarily taught classes aimed at the 50+ age group and people referred by their doctors or other health professionals.

“I teach a small number of movements over a long period. Many of the people don’t come because it’s tai chi in itself, but because it is gradual, pleasant and relaxing. I want them to have an experience that makes them feel good. It’s about loosening up, doing movements and exercises, and focusing on different aspects of your body and balance.”

What the participants think

“I find it really calms you down and improves your balance. It’s a great way to start exercising as its very gentle and gives you a good introduction to movement and balance. I would really recommend it.” Josie, 68

Find why Josie attends tai chi classes, read her story

Camden residents get active to celebrate the year of the Rabbit

Participants take part in Tai Chi

Camden residents took part in a Tai Chi session at Swiss Cottage library to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Regular participants and new members took part in the gentle exercise session, which takes place every Thursday 1.30-2.30pm.

To celebrate the New Year members of the group performed a Tai Chi routine and participants and passers by were delighted to witness a skilful demonstration of Dragon Sword Form from instructor Jane Ward.

Jane said: “Tai Chi is a Chinese form of exercise; therefore this celebration is a great way of connecting people to Chinese culture and celebrating what we have learned together. Its important to recognise the achievements the participants have made throughout the year and give them the motivation to keep exercising.”

Afterwards participants enjoyed traditional refreshments and green tea whilst finding out about the year of the metal rabbit and exploring their animal horoscopes.

Participant Josie said: “I find Tai Chi really calms you down and improves your balance. It’s a great way to start exercising as it’s very gentle and gives you a good introduction to movement and balance. It’s also a great way to meet new people. I would really recommend it.”