Questions and answers about our classes     

What clothes should I wear at the classes?

Loose fitting clothes, light and comfortable to wear are ideal.

What footwear should I use?

Ideally, flat-soled footwear of the plimsoll type.

Can I join a class that has already been running for a few weeks or longer?

Yes, you are welcome to join at any time and will be helped to progress to the level of learning reached by the other students.

What if I miss a class - will I fall behind?

Don't worry, missing the occasional class won't affect your learning progress if you make them a part of your daily/weekly health and exercise regime.

The teaching is very thorough, with repetition to consolidate learners knowledge, so you won't miss out on any important information if you cannot get to the class one week but advancement is best attained by attending regularly.

Do I need to train at home or in my own time to benefit my health fully?

Yes, to attain the maximum therapeutic benefits, your Tai Chi or Qi Gong practice should become a way of life, even if you train for only a few minutes each day.

How quickly will I experience the benefits to my health from training?

You should start to feel some health benefits from the very first class you attend, notably clarity of mind and a sense of being more energised.

You will experience fuller and more long lasting benefits once you have been training for some weeks, and will continue to do so regularly.

If I suffer from a medical condition which I feel could cause some limitation to my ability to train continuously throughout a class, should I inform the instructor?

Yes, you are strongly advised to bring this important information to the attention of the instructor, who will treat it in strictest confidence and be able to advise you.

Your instructor will take into consideration your medical condition(s) and any limitations imposed by age.

Is it safe to practise? I suffer from poor balance and am concerned some of the movements used in Tai Chi may cause me to run the risk of falling over?

Yes, you should certainly discuss this with the instructor, who will advise you of any particular balance training related exercises that it would be best for you to take especial care with, or avoid altogether.

Safe alternative forms of these exercises will be advised and taught.

    

What if I have a pace-maker, or suffer from a heart-condition such as hypertension? Will Medical Tai Chi and Qi Gong be safe and appropriate for me?

Medical Tai Chi and Qi Gong are especially appropriate and beneficial for those who suffer or are recovering from cardiovascular and heart related problems.

The Golden Rule is, as ever, to not try to train too hard or too quickly, and to focus inwardly, especially on the slow, deep, and rhythmic breathing of Tai Chi and Qi Gong.

I suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / ME. Will medical Tai Chi and Qi Gong benefit me, and will I be able to sit out for a while if I tire?

Medical Tai Chi and Qi Gong will benefit those suffering from ME or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and you will be advised by the instructor to learn the exercises at your own pace, and sit out when appropriate.

Will Medical Tai Chi and Qi Gong assist me to lose weight?

Yes, Medical Tai Chi and Qi-Gong will assist you to lose weight. They benefit through their ability to tonify the "Qi" and blood, thereby removing toxins and blockages that encourage fat to develop.

These benefits are attainable if practised in conjunction with the correct dietary regime.