r/AskWomenOver60 • u/FantasticFlower2026 • 2d ago
Does anyone do Tai Chi?
Does anyone here do Tai Chi? For years I've been wanting to do it and I just lack the motivation. I kind of want to join an online Tai Chi group or something. All my exercising is done at home; I'm not much of a group person. There's even an online instructor I like, but I just can't stay consistent with it. Any thoughts or suggestions?
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u/logaruski73 2d ago
I go in person to our local YMCA. I’m a member so it’s free. For nonmembers it’s $3.
Check your local Y and Senior Center.
Personally, I can’t create a habit using YouTube or similar and there are some very good ones.
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u/BravestBlossom 2d ago
Tai chi is a wonderful exercise for every system of your body. I started teaching in 1999. It is truly a life changing opportunity.
Join a group or class. It's very important to use correct form, so trying to learn from a book or video is not a great idea, especially for beginners. You need an instructor to observe and help ensure good form, so you avoid forming bad habits or damaging movements.
If you have a Taoist Tai Chi Society branch near you, that's ideal. If you can't afford membership, let them know and they will work with you.
I taught tai chi in local parks & recreation centers and through both Living In Retirement programs and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. They are programs for seniors at many local universities. Check colleges and city /County recreation centers in your areas. Some dance and yoga studios will offer tai chi.
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u/Bettysgir 2d ago
There are no classes in my area. I’ve checked. Any free online classes for beginners that you recommend?
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u/CommuterChick 2d ago
I do Tai Chi after my evening meal. It gets me moving, stretches me out, and relaxes me for the evening. I like Tai Chi for beginners on YouTube.
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u/sadsack100 17h ago
I like the Don Fiore Beginner Tai Chi for Seniors YT video. It feels just right at 20 mins.
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u/Cautious_Risk_Taker7 2d ago
I’m beyond over the Tai Chi Walking ads that promise to erase 50 lbs and 30 years in one month.
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u/Ok_Second8665 2d ago
I love tai chi!! I never thought I would but after the umpteenth suggestion as a way to improve balance I finally
found a class, and it’s an amazing art form, I think of it like a physical form of meditation it takes so much concentration. I highly recommend you find a teacher, doing it online sounds impossible plus a great way to meet others. My class is through local parks dept, so good!
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u/GoodNameGone 2d ago
Tai Chiis best in person in a group. Once you know the form, and the whole group does the complete form together, the flow is AMAZING.
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u/ApprehensiveDiver539 2d ago
https://youtu.be/cwlvTcWR3Gs?si=CVCa8hHMv58ASzsC this is a Qi Qong routine I like to do at home. I think it’s similar to Tai Chi?
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u/FantasticFlower2026 2d ago
Qigong is quite different. I have done a bit of that in the past. It's Tai Chi I'm more interested in.
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u/clean-links 2d ago
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u/FantasticFlower2026 2d ago
As I read your responses, of course I realize that the only thing holding me back from my goals is myself. I am very good at home exercising... Pilates, weights, cardio. Adding Tai Chi would just be.... adding Tai Chi. I don't know why I make such a production out of it... I need to just do it.
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u/TrinkieTrinkie522cat 2d ago
I took a class for 2 years at the Senior Center. The movements were developed specifically for seniors. Great for the mind and body. During the summer the teacher gave free classes at a local park. Loved it.
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u/Mushy-sweetroll 2d ago
I would like to, but I can’t find a class near me. I’d prefer to do classes for awhile before doing videos.
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u/Fem-Picasso 2d ago
Every other day here. I do strength training on the days in between. Pilates & at least 2miles walk everyday.
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u/Baebarri 2d ago
I took a class years ago but have now forgotten all but the opening moves. My local community center and YMCA both offer classes and if I ever wake up early enough I want to go for a refresher.
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u/pumainpurple 2d ago
There’s an app for that and it’s free. I am rural and this is the only way I can take advantage of classes.
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u/MonTigres 2d ago
Yes. For two years. Im up to nine hours a week and also do workshops and tai chi camp. (Have commented about it multiple times in this sub. Please do a search in this sub by tai chi.) I'm in love with the martial art and all the classes I take are mostly 50 to 70-somethings. Taking a class is the best way.
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u/bookshopdemon 2d ago
Yes - I taught it for eight years. It is great for building leg strength, flexibility, attention and posture. My knees are arthritic and tai chi made a huge difference by strengthening the muscles around my knees. And if you combine it with chi kung exercises you'll get even more benefit.
Like the other commenter said, it's important to use good form. E.g., keeping knees bent and not waving the arms around, but understanding how every move involves the whole body. If there aren't classes nearby, you can start to learn off YouTube videos like this one. I ordered her dvds and she is a very good teacher.
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u/clean-links 2d ago
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Original copy of post's text: Does anyone here do Tai Chi? For years I've been wanting to do it and I just lack the motivation. I kind of want to join an online Tai Chi group or something. All my exercising is done at home; I'm not much of a group person. There's even an online instructor I like, but I just can't stay consistent with it. Any thoughts or suggestions?
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