FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Before taking the plunge and coming along to a class, people tend to have a number of questions. Hopefully these frequently asked questions will go some way to answering yours! If there's anything you'd like to know that we haven't covered, get in touch here.
DO YOU ALLOW COMPLETE BEGINNERS?
Yes, we welcome new members! Most of our sessions are suitable for beginners, although we do get fully subscribed from time to time so check our classes page for up to date information.
WHERE AND WHEN CAN I FIND YOU?
In addition to our club sessions in Penwortham, Bamber Bridge and Tarleton, we also teach sessions at Vine House Cancer Help, Tarleton Library, Regenerage and Ribby Hall Health Club. You'll find times and locations for all sessions on our classes page.
DO I NEED TO BOOK?
No, you can just turn up at a session, pay and get involved!
Having said that, whilst we love welcoming new members, our sessions do occasionally get fully subscribed when we run out of space. When this happens we operate a waiting list, so it's always worth checking our classes page to check first. With that in mind, getting in touch to book your first visit is advised.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Our club Tai Chi sessions at Penwortham, Bamber Bridge and Tarleton have a monthly membership fee of £30 per calendar month and our Saturday morning Qigong sessions cost £7 payable upon arrival .
Our non-club sessions are operated on behalf of the host organisations and all bookings and payments are handled by them. Currently, the cost of these sessions are:
Regenerage – £5
Tarleton Library – Free of Charge
Ribby Hall Health Club – £9
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
You should wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing and some light, flat soled footwear (deck shoes or plimsoles are ideal).
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT A CLASS?
Our Tai Chi sessions begin with a full body warm up, followed by some foundational exercise practice. The class then splits into groups based on experience for practice and tuition.
Qigong sessions also begin with a very gentle full body warm up, followed by a selection of exercises drawn from a number of traditional Qigong sets. Sessions often end with body tapping, or the occasional guided meditation.
AM I TOO OLD TO START?
Our oldest club member is in his mid 80s so age isn't necessarily a barrier to starting your Tai Chi journey.
We encourage students to learn at their own pace and train to their own fitness levels. Qigong exercises are often easier to learn and less physically demanding.
IS MY MEDICAL CONDITION A PROBLEM?
Because many people practise Tai Chi and Qigong for health purposes, we endeavour to help students work around physical issues where possible.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TAI CHI AND QIGONG?
Tai Chi is a martial art with structured forms, while Qigong focuses on individual exercises combining movement, breathing and meditation.
I USED TO PRACTISE A DIFFERENT STYLE OF TAI CHI, IS THAT OK?
Absolutely. Your previous experience will give you an excellent base to build upon.
CAN I COME ALONG AND WATCH A CLASS?
Quantum Physics teaches us that the act of observation affects the body being observed and this is as true of a Tai Chi class as it is of a Quantum system! Most people feel a little self-conscious when being watched, which can get in the way of the relaxed movement at the core of Tai Chi. Consequently, we don't allow spectators at our classes. To see what Chen style Tai Chi looks like, visit our YouTube page.
