University Fitness Center - Specialty Class - Tai Chi & QiGong

Discover the health rejuvenation benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong as practiced around the world. Tai Chi is a martial and healing art with roots that trace back to ancient China that combines martial movement, Qi (energy) circulation and gentle stretching. The greatest value of Tai Chi and Qigong are their potential to strengthen and repair the physical and energetic body, which has the potential to prevent and cure diseases.

Tai Chi is practiced as a series of continuous movements combined to make a "form". The slow and relaxed, condensing and expanding movements of Tai Chi provide a total exercise for the body and mind. Focusing on the breath improves energy circulation and brings our attention inward.

Tai Chi also releases tension created by our busy lifestyles. The New England Journal of Medicine reported that 70% of all patient office visits were a result of stress related illnesses. Tai Chi exercise helps to redistribute energy in our body by using our minds to lead excess energy from the tense areas to regain balance and harmony.

Introduction to Tai Chi - 

This class is for those who are intrigued by Tai Chi and Qigong and want to know more about these martial and healing arts. This six week program will introduce Tai Chi and Qigong theory and principles and also allow students to learn an entry-level, barehands "form."

Tai Chi: Level 1 -

Participate in additional class time to continue your studies with more in-depth knowledge and practice. Greater emphasis will be placed on balance, improving body alignment, building internal energy (Qi) and focusing the mind to lead one’s Qi. Additional studies may include material from the Standardized curriculum, Fu style and other internal barehands and weapons forms.

Students must complete one 6 week session of the Intro to Tai Chi/ Qigong and have instructor’s approval to participate in the Level 1 class.

Introduction to Tai Chi

  • June 5 - July 10
  • July 17 - August 28 (No Class August 14)
  • Wednesdays
  • 5:45 - 6:15 PM

 

Level 1 Tai Chi:

  • June 5 - July 10
  • July 17 - August 28 (No Class August 14)
  • Wednesdays
  • 5:45 - 7:00 PM

$60 Paid in Advance, $65 Paid Day of

Register online for Introduction to Tai Chi
Register online for Tai Chi Level 1
Specialty Class Registration Waiver (Required for Participants)

*UFC Non-Members who enroll in this Specialty Class may be eligible for reimbursement of up to $75 for three months of consecutive participation through Blueprints for Wellness and Highmark.  Eligibility requirements include:

  • Non-UFC Member
  • PSHMC Employee, Spouse or Partner, and Dependents (minimum age of 12)
  • Participant must be covered under the PSHMC health plan

Participants who want to receive the Specialty Class reimbursement will need to complete the reimbursement form and provide the required documentation listed on the form.  Any questions regarding this benefit should be directed to Lynley Lapp at x289355.

Please note: This reimbursement is not eligible for PSHMC Employees, Spouses or Partners, and Dependents who are UFC Members because they are automatically enrolled in the fitness membership reimbursement.

Suzanne Martin has been training and teaching Tai Chi and Qigong for several years at senior centers, fitness centers and retirement homes. She is also an instructor at Jose Johnson’s Chinese Martial Arts Center in Harrisburg, PA Suzanne has earned her Black Belt in the Internal Arts from the Peng Fei Wushu Association of North America and the Chinese Wushu Research Institute in Sharon, PA. Suzanne is a certified Group Fitness Instructor through NETA (National Exercise Trainers Association). She has competed both regionally and nationally and has received numerous awards including second runner-up in the Internal All-Around National competition in 2004 and 2006. Contact Suzanne: martinsuzanne@earthlink.net