What clothes should I wear at the classes?

Loose fitting clothes, light and comfortable to wear are ideal.

What footwear should I use?

Ideally flat-soled footwear of the plimsoll type.

Can I join a class that has already been running for a few weeks or longer?

You will be welcome to join at any time and will be helped to progress to the level of learning reached by the other students.

What if I miss a class: will I fall behind?

Missing a training class will not affect learning progress and experience of the benefits of Tai-Ji or Qi-Gong if you make them a part of your daily/weekly health and exercise regime. Teaching is very thorough with repetition to consolidate learners knowledge, so no important information will be missed if you cannot get to the class one week: but advancement will only be attained by attending regularly.

Do I need to train at home/in my own time out of class to benefit my health fully?

Yes, to attain the maximum therapeutic benefits, practice should become a way of life, even if you train for only a few minutes each day.

How quickly will I experience benefits to my health from training?

You should start to feel some health benefits from the very first class you attend, notably clarity of mind and a sense of being more energised: fuller and lasting benefits will be experienced once you have been training for some weeks and continue to do so regularly.

MEDICAL-RELATED FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If I suffer from a medical condition which I feel could cause some limitation to my ability to train continuously throughout a class, should I inform the instructor?

Yes, you are strongly advised to bring this important information to the attention of the instructor, who will treat it in strictest confidence and be able to advise you. Your instructor will take into consideration your medical condition(s) and limitations imposed by age.

Is it safe to practise? I suffer from poor balance and am concerned some of the movements used in Tai-Ji may cause me to run the risk of falling over?

Again, you should certainly discuss this matter with the instructor, who will advise you of any particular balance training related exercises that it would be best for you to take especial care with, or avoid altogether: safe alternative forms of these exercises will be advised/taught.

What if I have a pace-maker, or suffer from a heart-condition such as hypertension: will Medical Tai Chi and Qi-Gong be safe and appropriate for me?

Medical Tai Chi and Qi-Gong are especially appropriate and beneficial for those who suffer or are recovering from cardiovascular and heart related problems: the Golden Rule is as ever to not try to train too hard or too quickly, and to focus inwardly, especially on the slow, deep, and rhythmic breathing of Tai Chi and Qi-Gong.

I suffer from CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)/ME: will Medical Tai Chi and Qi-Gong benefit me, and will I be able to sit out for a while if I tire?

Medical Tai Chi and Qi-Gong will benefit those suffering from ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and you will be advised by the instructor to learn the exercises at your own pace, and sit out when appropriate.

Will Medical Tai Chi and Qi-Gong assist me to lose weight?

Yes, Medical Tai Chi and Qi-Gong will assist you to lose weight. They benefit in this way through their ability to tonify the Qi and blood, thereby removing toxins and blockages that encourage fat to develop.

NB: such benefits are attainable if practised in conjunction with correct dietary regime considerations.