Tai Chi @ The Addy

T’ai Chi & Qigong is a gentle form of exercise, suitable for all ages and abilities. Literally translated from Chinese, T’ai Chi means ‘Supreme Ultimate’ and its theory and practice embrace many of the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In the context of T’ai Chi, the human body is the universe, and all its components are exercised in balance to enable harmony in the body’s function.

Research has proven that significant improvements can be made in balance, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility and these can continue to improve as time goes on.

In February 2024, a Beginners Introduction to Tai Chi and Qigong session was provided at the Addy in Mixenden for residents and people attending the Addy day service. The Tai Chi classes are a fun way to get involved in gentle exercise. Evidence shows that the breath work and balance poses taught during the practice help to reduce falls in older adults. These sessions are completely inclusive, no floor work is involved and chairs are also available for people who would prefer to sit.

The classes are delivered by Debra Gray of Yellow Buddha Yoga. Debra has been teaching Yoga with Calderdale Council for 18 months and qualified as Tai Chi instructor in November 2023. Debra now teaches 5 classes per week and tries to incorporate fun elements in her routines to encourage people to be active and move more.

I have adapted each flow/movement to incorporate fun elements - counting (reaching up for apples) with lunges, we also make monkey noises while dipping down with a movement called curling tails, the favourite of the service users is Tigers at play, I have encouraged them to ‘roar’ as we step forward into a slight forward fold.

Debra Gray - Yellow Buddha Yoga

The Tai Chi sessions were initially funded through the community led approach for Mixenden on a 4-month basis. Following this investment, the Addy have continued to fund the sessions for the individuals they support and residents attending are contributing £3 per session.

Your classes are very relaxing, mind-clearing and therapeutic beyond words. As I have bi-lateral epilepsy and mental health problems I'm so glad I came to your classes. I leave every class feeling great. What more could anyone want... I'd recommend that others should join your Tai Chi class.

Nicky - Tai Chi participant

I think the service you provide to the people we support at The Addy is second to none. The individuals we support really enjoy your sessions and you have taken the time to get to know them all and adapt the sessions, so it suits everyone, hence why the group decided to keep you even though the funding from active has now stopped.

Jodie – Day Service Manager at The Addy

To find out more about the Tai Chi class in Mixenden contact Debs on 07734407969

For more information on other Tai Chi classes in Calderdale please visit the Tai Chi Tigers website https://www.lifeqi.co.uk/classes