We are very pleased to announce that the Tai Chi class for Bristol Parkinson’s group will be re-starting in September 2021. I will be running the class alongside Sarah B. from Buqi Works. Sarah has been teaching the Parkinsons’s group for a number of years already and has a huge amount of knowledge and experience, not just about Tai Chi & Qi Gong, but about how best to teach to help Parkinson’s sufferers and people with long term health conditions. If you haven’t done Tai Chi or Qi Gong before, come along and give it a go. We look forward to meeting you.

When and Where:

Lincombe Barn, Downend Folk House BS16 2RW.

Fridays in school terms. 10.15 – 12.15 (Includes tea/coffee break).

What does a Tai Chi class for Parkinson’s involve?

This is a gentle Tai Chi & Qi Gong class aimed specifically at helping you if you have Parkinson’s disease. We also welcome carers and family members. The class includes standing Qi Gong exercises from the Taijiwuxigong system. Some people need to sit and we can change the exercises a bit for this. We also teach some simple Tai Chi form. This is adapted for people with balance and mobility problems. If you do not have Parkinson’s, but you have mobility and balance issues, and/or a chronic health condition, this class may also be suitable for you. There is no pressure. You do not have to achieve any kind of standard. Just go at your own pace, take a chance to relax, and enjoy yourself.

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How can it help me?

The evidence suggests that Tai Chi can help to improve motor function and balance in people with Parkinson’s disease, as well as gait and posture. https://www.epda.eu.com/living-well/therapies/complementary-therapies/tai-chi/ Some people with Parkinson’s disease also say that they sleep better when they practise Tai Chi. The practise is thought to have a wide range of other benefits for your health generally. For example, it can improve your heart health and fitness levels as well as your mental wellbeing.

A chance to share:

There are two 45 minute sessions, with a half hour break for tea and coffee. Our participants really value the chance to sit down and chat between the sessions. Over the years, this has become a really important part of the session. Talking to other people who are going through the same thing as you is so valuable when you have a long-term health condition. These sessions have helped our participants to make new and lasting friendships.

Cost:

The class is kindly supported by Bristol Parkinson’s. This means that we can run the class at a reduced cost so you only need to pay £7.00 for a 2 hour session.

Safety

A Covid secure risk assessment has been carried out, and we will keep this constantly under review. You can participate safe in the knowledge that we are following Government guidelines on Covid-secure teaching practises.