Health and wellbeing are such important features of our lives today. People are living longer and healthier lives. Tai Chi is well known for its health benefits, meditative movements, and focus on balance and wellbeing. Tai Chi can help to strengthen your body. It is very helpful for your balance. There are classes in the local area in Cork city and Clonakilty. Classes are open to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, who have an interest in improving their own lives. Because of the gentle pace and low impact nature of the movements of Tai Chi and Chi Kung, these exercises are suitable for most people. It is also possible to adapt the exercises for seated students or wheelchair users. Classes are helpful for building physical strength, for stretching and flexibility, stress management, meditative aspects, social outlet, or looking after your wellbeing. Most classes generally start with some warm-up Chi Kung exercises to raise the core body temperature and some stretching to open up and relax the body. A main Chi Kung exercise may then be taught, followed by Tai Chi stages and some bodily relaxation exercises or Meditation at the end of the class. Students should wear comfortable clothing suitable for exercise, and bring a yoga mat, cushion, and a shawl or blanket for Meditation. There is also a new Teacher Training Course in Infinite Tai Chi, Chi Kung and Meditation run by The Great Way Tai Chi Academy. Practitioners of this transformational art can themselves become teachers, sharing the benefits with others. The academy holds its first training weekend at Brú Columbanus in Wilton, Cork.If you would like more details on this you can contact Carmel on 087 2373343 or thegreatwaytaichiacademy@gmail.com www.carmeloconnor.com