Tai Chi Short Forms – A Gentle Path to Balance, Calm & Vitality

Tai Chi is often called “meditation in motion.” It combines flowing, mindful movement with breath awareness to create a practice that calms the mind, strengthens the body, and nourishes vitality.

At Morley Noranda Recreation Centre, we explore the Yang style short forms—10, 24, and 44 movements. These shorter sequences are easier to learn, making them perfect for beginners while still carrying the essence of Tai Chi. Think of them as bite-sized practices with lifelong benefits.

Why practice Tai Chi?

Balance & Stability
Tai Chi gently trains balance by teaching you to shift weight smoothly from one leg to another. The slow transitions between movements strengthen the legs, ankles, and hips, while also improving posture and alignment. Over time, this builds a deeper sense of stability in both body and mind. For older adults, this can reduce fall risk and improve confidence in everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries.

Stress Relief & Nervous System Reset
Modern life often leaves us in a constant “on” state, with the nervous system locked in stress mode. Tai Chi offers the antidote. Its gentle rhythm, mindful breathing, and flowing patterns naturally down-regulate the nervous system, shifting the body toward rest and recovery. Many practitioners report that after class they feel lighter, clearer, and more at ease—not only in their bodies, but also in their outlook.

Whole-Body Vitality
Unlike isolated exercise, Tai Chi engages the entire body as one connected system. Movements spiral through the joints, encouraging circulation, flexibility, and a sense of internal energy often described as “qi.” This whole-body integration supports healthy muscles and joints while also promoting a feeling of flow and harmony. Over time, practitioners notice improved coordination, energy levels, and even better breathing patterns.

Healthy Ageing & Longevity
Tai Chi is often called the “longevity art.” It protects the joints through low-impact movement, supports bone health by including gentle weight shifts, and enhances cardiovascular and respiratory function without strain. Beyond the physical, it nurtures mental clarity and emotional resilience, making it a lifelong practice well-suited for those looking to maintain vitality well into later years.

Walking Meditation & Mindfulness in Action
Tai Chi is as much about training the mind as it is about training the body. By moving slowly and with awareness, every step becomes a meditation. Walking Tai Chi helps cultivate presence, grounding, and balance in everyday movement. It brings mindfulness into action—teaching you to carry calmness and focus off the training ground and into daily life.

Community & Connection
Practicing Tai Chi together in a group creates a sense of belonging and shared energy. The pace is relaxed, supportive, and inclusive, making it a welcoming space for anyone to explore movement without pressure. For many, this social aspect becomes just as valuable as the health benefits.

Who is it for?

Our classes are community-based and especially welcoming for those 40 years and older, but they are open to anyone interested in gentle, mindful movement. You don’t need prior experience, flexibility, or special equipment. Just bring yourself, comfortable clothes, and a willingness to explore.

When & Where

Morley Noranda Recreation Centre
Saturdays, 7:30–8:30am
(We train outside when weather permits.)

Come along and experience Tai Chi as a practice that supports body, mind, and spirit. Over time, it becomes more than just exercise—it’s a way to cultivate calm, clarity, and resilience for the long game of life.