Carol Kirkwood
Beginning Jan. 7, 2026, Stillness in Motion will combine Qigong and Tai Chi into one single class. The first half of the 50-minute session focuses on Qigong, while the second half involves Ten Posture ‘Yang Style’ Tai Chi.
Qigong is an ancient Chinese mind-body practice combining slow, flowing movements, deep rhythmic breathing, and focused meditation. Although Qigong is an ancient Chinese martial art form, western medical research supports the health benefits this practice offers. It can improve overall health with coordinated posture, breath, and body awareness, and at the same time it enhances physical and mental resilience.
Tai Chi, often called “moving meditation,” uses slow, graceful, flowing sequences of movements (called forms) rooted in Qigong principles to integrate mind, body, and spirit.
Practiced together, these mind-body martial art forms offer a long list of health benefits such as helping to reduce stress, improve balance and strength, and enhance cardiorespiratory fitness. They offer many of the same physical rewards as traditional workouts but with low impact to the body.
Charles Gill, Director and Senior Instructor at the Southwest Taiji Center, relies on his many years of experience and study to guide participants through each movement with patience, kindness, and humor.
I joined Charlie’s class barely two years ago, and I can feel improvements in my overall health. Thanks to Qigong and Tai Chi and Charlie’s expert instruction, I have become more aware of the value and importance of deep diaphragmatic breathing. Regular practice of these two Chinese martial art forms has also helped me focus my thoughts and calm my mind. Finally, taking Charlie’s Stillness in Motion class has given me the opportunity to make some wonderfully kind and supportive friends.
Stillness in Motion (Qigong/Tai Chi) takes place in Studio 3, at the Tuscany Falls Fitness Center, at 8 a.m. each Wednesday. Refer to the Fitness Schedule or contact Lynne Carlyle at Lynne.carlyle@robson.com for further information. Stillness in Motion would be a great way to begin your new year.