The Galway Tai Chi Academy was founded more than 25 years ago by coach of multiple champions, Niall O Floinn, currently one of Ireland’s highest qualified tai chi instructors and renowned both nationally and internationally for his expertise and excellent teaching skills that has led him to lead the Irish team to victories in China several times.
More than 200 million people practice tai chi worldwide and it is recognised by many health organisations around the world as a form of exercise that offers some of the greatest all-round benefits to health being proven to be effective for 93 different illnesses and conditions according to thousands of published medical studies.
Tai chi differs from other forms of exercise in many respects. It is a low impact martial art and it combines physical activity with mindfulness to offer benefits for both the mind and body. It involves circular movements that are never forced and hence can be practised at any age.
Tai chi has been associated with reducing stress, anxiety and depression and has in fact been recommended by many health practitioners to help alleviate the stress levels experienced by many today.
Regular practice of tai chi can have significant positive effects on the heart and the entire cardiovascular system.
In addition, bone density and thickness can be increased after a significant period of regular practice and those with osteoporosis, arthritis and fibromyalgia are recommended to take it up.
Tai chi can be practised to whatever level of intensity that suits a student’s health, age and fitness. The elderly and those recovering from illness or injuries especially benefit as tai chi is the number 1 exercise in the world for balance and fall prevention.
For teens it is an incredible discipline that gives the foundation for any sport or movement art and is excellent for mental health, focus, perserverance and resilience to adapt to change and stress.
For young adults it helps keep you grounded, centred and in balance and more in touch with your body as well as very confident.
To learn more, go along to Galway Tai Chi Academy's free talk and demo, taking place on Tuesday, January 9 at 6pm in the Galway Rowing Club.
A new morning course starts on Wednesday, January 17 at 10.30am and Tuesday, January 16 at 6pm. Contact www.chentaichiireland.com or call 089 4426117 to book your place.
