Tai Chi is a slow-moving meditative exercise that began in ancient China around 500 years ago. It combines deep breathing with flowing movements and relaxation to help improve health and wellbeing, and is now practised around the world.
During this pandemic, Sandra Mountjoy who teaches Tai Chi and Qigong in and around the area, found it difficult to deliver her classes at community centres, colleges and indoor venues because of their closure during lockdown. Eager to continue to help her learners, she quickly adapted to the situation by finding ways of implementing effective instruction within the government guidelines.
She organised online Zoom sessions free of charge to enable her students to learn and practise in their own home. Then quickly, as the weather improved, arranged outdoor classes on football fields and car parks throughout the summer. When the venues reopened in September, her Tai Chi classes resumed once again indoors, in a Covid safe environment with social distancing being implemented.
I have greatly benefited from Sandra’s classes over the years and participated regularly during lockdown in her alternative classes. I’m convinced this has helped me, and a lot of others deal with the stresses of these strange times.
Because of it’s nature, Tai Chi is suitable for a range of age groups and has many benefits to those who wish to learn this gentle martial art. There is little financial lay out as you who only need to wear loose comfortable clothing and flat shoes.
Sandra, who believes it is best to attend a weekly class to learn effectively, maintains that Tai Chi is advantageous for arthritic conditions, helping to decrease joint pain, and can assist with improving balance and co-ordination skills.
Many who practise this physical therapy have stated that it has helped to reduce high blood pressure, and is a great means of stress relief.
I believe Sandra should be commended for her resilience and fortitude throughout this difficult time and recognised for her willingness to help her community. She has certainly raised the spirits of her learners, by
supporting their physical, mental and emotional needs by providing safe teaching spaces for them to enjoy.
If you are interested in learning more about this beneficial therapy, Sandra’s classes are as follows:
Monday 11-12 noon at The Fulforth Centre, Sacriston
Seated Exercise, Tai Chi & Qigong
Monday 1.30 – 2.30 at Cooper Hall, Witton Gilbert
Qigong & Tai Chi
Wednesday Consett Leisure Centre 12.15 – 1pm
Qigong & Tai Chi
Wednesday 1.45 – 2.45 at Cooper Hall, Witton Gilbert
Seated exercise & Tai Chi, Breathing Space Get Active
Thursday 9.15 -10.00 Consett Leisure Centre
Qigong & Tai Chi
Thursday 11.00 -12 noon Leadgate Community Centre
Qigong & Tai Chi
Friday 10.30 – 11.30 Ushaw College Durham
Qigong & Tai Chi, Lone Wolf
Friday 12.30 – 1.30 Croft View Halls
Qigong & Tai Chi
Friday 2.00 – 3.00 at Cooper Hall Witton Gilbert
Seated Exercise & Tai Chi Breathing Space Get Active.
All classes are suitable for all abilities
One to One instruction is available
Group Workshops
Prices per session vary depending upon venue.
Find Sandra on Facebook at Tai Chi & Postural Stability Instructor
Mobile 07855157955
