Free Tai Chi at Virginia Avenue Park—Every Wednesday in July

If you've ever wanted to try tai chi, now is your chance to learn from a true expert who has over 40 years of experience, including years studying in China and Japan with top masters, such as Chen style tai chi master, Chen Peishan. Come experience authentic tai chi in a no-nonsense, down-to-earth, and easy-to-learn way. You'll come away with skills you can practice every day to build strength, improve balance, and practice mindfulness. Tai chi can help with stress reduction, balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and general well-being. It may also improve sleep, ease some chronic pain, and help lower anxiety. (Mayo Clinic [https://sharedfiles.mayoclinic.org/bedside/ope/GNT-20232980.html]) COMMON BENEFITS * Better balance and coordination, especially helpful for older adults—and more efficiently than conventional exercise modalities. (Harvard Medical School [https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/the-health-benefits-of-tai-chi], NIH [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10757983/]) * Improved flexibility and muscle strength. (Harvard Medical School [https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/the-health-benefits-of-tai-chi]) * Lower stress and a calmer mood, since it combines movement with focused breathing. (Mayo Clinic [https://sharedfiles.mayoclinic.org/bedside/ope/GNT-20232980.html]) * Possible relief from anxiety, depression, and some chronic pain. (Mayo Clinic [https://sharedfiles.mayoclinic.org/bedside/ope/GNT-20232980.html]) * Better sleep and cardiovascular health in some studies. * Reduce weight gain around the middle in older adults (UCLA Health [https://www.uclahealth.org/news/release/study-suggests-tai-chi-can-mirror-healthy-benefits]) To gain the benefits that can come from tai chi practice, it's important to be consistent and make it a part of your weekly routine. Practicing two to three times a week is optimal. Even a 10-20-minute tai chi workout can act like "moving meditation" to calm your nervous system, lower your blood pressure, improve circulation, and make you feel more centered and grounded. WHY IT APPEALS TO MANY PEOPLE Tai chi is low impact and gentle, so it’s often easier to stick with than more intense exercise. It can be a good option if you want something that supports both physical and mental health without a hard workout. (Harvard Medical School [https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/tai-chi-offers-similar-benefits-as-conventional-exercise]). ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Guy Horton, brings over 40 years of experience. He is the founder of Palisades Tai Chi, an official tai chi instructor for LA Parks, the Jonathan Club, and runs the tai chi program at Beyond Karate. Guy also serves as an advisor for medical research on tai chi for UCLA and Tufts Medical Schools. The class will meet on the grass near the parking lot adjacent Pico.