Discover the Best Tai Chi Classes in NYC
Tai Chi is a form of exercise characterized by its slow and flowing movements. Though originally practiced as a martial art, modern practitioners primarily learn Tai Chi for its many health benefits. Tai Chi combines controlled breathing, mental focus, and gentle physical movements to help practitioners improve strength, coordination, balance, and flexibility. It can also improve cardiovascular health and lower stress. Read on to better understand how Tai Chi can benefit you and to learn how you can find the best Tai Chi classes in NYC.
Why You Should Learn Tai Chi in NYC
The top reason most people learn Tai Chi is to take advantage of its many health benefits. Tai Chi is a gentle exercise, which means students ranging from children to older adults can safely participate in the practice. Tai Chi can improve balance and coordination, improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, promote circulation, and reduce stress. These direct benefits can lead to additional health improvements such as better sleep, increased energy, reduced pain, and more. Learning Tai Chi in NYC has a few distinct advantages that self-taught or online classes may lack. NYC instructors offer classes in many different forms of Tai Chi, so you can experiment with learning various styles to find the ones you most enjoy. An abundance of local Tai Chi classes also means that you have several options for finding a class that works for your schedule, fitness level, and goals.
In-person Tai Chi classes also offer a chance to connect with new friends and become part of a local community. Tai Chi can be practiced indoors but is often taught outside in parks, as well, making it a great way to enjoy a beautiful day and get some fresh air while engaging in a worthwhile practice. You can connect with other locals that enjoy learning Tai Chi, form new friendships, and exchange tips with other Tai Chi practitioners. Because Tai Chi also lowers anxiety, a Tai Chi class can provide a calm environment, making it easier for those who may have some social anxiety to connect with others.
In-Person Tai Chi Classes & Schools in NYC
In-person Tai Chi classes and schools in NYC offer the chance to try different styles of Tai Chi while connecting with other locals. A report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) found several health risks associated with isolation and loneliness, many of which increase with age. Because Tai Chi uses gentle movements that are safe for many ages and fitness levels, in-person Tai Chi classes offer the opportunity for participants to gain physical, mental, and emotional benefits simultaneously. And unlike exercises performed alone, group classes offer the chance to establish important social connections that increase happiness and can promote longevity by lowering several health risks associated with isolation. In addition to the many holistic health benefits that a Tai Chi class can provide, learning alongside others can be a fun way to exercise and can provide motivation to attend regularly, helping you to form a healthy fitness routine.
If you are new to Tai Chi, Tai Chi Upper West Side’s in-person beginner class helps students learn the basic foundations of the practice. This class focuses on finding body-mind connection and gaining holistic well-being through Tai Chi. The 92nd Street Y also routinely offers beginner-friendly Tai Chi classes such as the Intro to Tai Chi Workshop. Other in-person Tai Chi classes for beginners include the Tai Chi “Breath, Movement & Core” class from Human@Ease, the New York Open Center’s Tai Chi for Health, Peace, and Soft Power, and the Introduction to Tai Chi-Qigong class at the Bronxville Adult School.
Another advantage to taking in-person Tai Chi classes in NYC is that once you have found a teacher and location you like, you can feel comfortable continuously building upon your skills with a trusted instructor and community. Tai Chi can become an enjoyable, lifelong way to care for your mind and body. Because New York City offers many locations to take Tai Chi classes, you can also look for locations that are conveniently close to your home or work. Finding a nearby class can make staying motivated and attending regularly easier as you are less likely to deal with issues such as traffic or time constraints.
NYC’s diversity makes Tai Chi an especially suitable practice to learn in the Big Apple. This is because modern Tai Chi practices often blend traditional Chinese philosophy with a Western scientific understanding of bodily health and mechanics. Tai Chi can be practiced and appreciated by people of many ages and backgrounds, making it great for group classes. Such classes provide a chance to connect and learn from many different sorts of people. This is also what makes Tai Chi classes a good fit for team-building activities.
If you are learning Tai Chi for the first time, then you may have questions regarding forms and other elements of the practice. You will also want to ask your instructor if you are doing movements accurately. This ensures exercise safely and that you get the most out of your practice. Having an in-person instructor allows you to have your questions answered on the spot. Your instructor will also make sure you understand how to go about your Tai Chi forms properly. Gaining a solid foundation in Tai Chi through in-person classes can help you gain the expertise to continue or supplement your practice at home between classes. Because Tai Chi requires so little equipment, you can even continue your practice while traveling or out of town. Many of the Tai Chi classes and schools in NYC that offer in-person classes offer virtual classes, as well, so if you wish to continue your practice with your favorite instructors between in-person classes, you can.
Virtual Tai Chi Classes & Schools
Online Tai Chi classes are great for those who may not live near a Tai Chi studio or who need flexibility when it comes to scheduling a Tai Chi class. Virtual Tai Chi classes let you learn from any place with an internet connection, so whether you want to take a class offered in another city or want to keep up with your fitness routine on vacation, all you need to do is log in to participate in your Tai Chi class. Many studios and schools that offer in-person classes in NYC also offer online versions of those classes, so you can continue learning from a favorite instructor even when you are unable to attend in person.
One downside to consider with online classes, and also something to bear in mind so that you are properly prepared, is that you may need to provide your own equipment depending on the course that you take. The good news is that Tai Chi generally requires very little equipment, making it an accessible practice no matter where you are.
People who are new to Tai Chi may wish to explore the fundamentals of various styles. Chicago Botanic Garden offers online classes that include Tai Chi Fundamental Sun Style and Tai Chi Fundamental Yang 24. They also offer Fundamental Sun Extension and Fundamental Yang 24 Extension online for those who enjoy the first class and want to build on that foundation. Beginners and other participants who wish to review the basics may also be interested in Tai Chi Upper West Side’s virtual beginner’s course which is a small group class focused on deepening your study of Tai chi.
Private Group Tai Chi Classes in NYC
Private group Tai Chi classes are an excellent way to spend time with friends and family or to organize a team activity for your business. Tai Chi is an effective and simple way to improve mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It is also accessible to participants of all ages and is practiced by people from many different backgrounds, making it a great option for team-building activities. Other benefits of booking a private Tai Chi group class include reducing stress, promoting collaboration by learning to work in unison and harmony, improving concentration through mindfulness, and encouraging respect for oneself and others. In addition to all of that, learning Tai Chi can be an enriching and unique team activity that stands out from the usual icebreakers and virtual meetings.
In-person private group Tai Chi classes in NYC are great for organizations and businesses where most employees live or work locally. Another option is to organize an online group Tai Chi class. This gives every member of the team the chance to participate regardless of location. Virtual private group classes are especially well suited for remote teams and teams with members in various locations.
CourseHorse offers Tai Chi classes for private groups in NYC, as well as private online classes. You can reach out to CourseHorse through their contact form to learn about different options for arranging a private Tai Chi class. CourseHorse offers the flexibility to change your group size after booking if needed, sends confirmation of your class within 24 hours, does not charge a booking fee, and offers multiple supported platforms. If you are interested in booking a private group Tai Chi class, you can contact CourseHorse to find the best option for you and your group.