Tai Chi

Tai Chi, the gentle form of exercise often called meditation in motion, has been practiced in China for hundreds of years. This ancient art helps relieve stress, increase strength and flexibility, improve balance, coordination and circulation. Its slow and graceful movements make it accessible to anyone, regardless of age or level of physical fitness. While Tai Chi improves overall physical and mental health, it is also an effective martial art. Class sizes are limited. The instructor, Gwen Roman has extensive experience in the Arts of Tai Chi and Jin Shin Jyutsu. Gwen Roman has extensive experience in the Arts of Tai Chi and Jin Shin Jyutsu. She has extensive experience teaching Tai Chi and trains with Myles MacVane and Master Alex Dong. She has taught in Ridgefield for years.

Beginning Tai Chi (Yang Long Form)
Tai Chi, described as “meditation in motion” is a centuries old Chinese discipline used for health, relaxation, meditation and self defense. Relaxation and inner calm and strength are emphasized. It can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age, sex or athletic ability. Tai Chi is considered a healing exercise. Taught by Gwen Roman. Gwen Roman has extensive experience in the Arts of Tai Chi and Jin Shin Jyutsu. She has extensive experience teaching Tai Chi and trains with Myles MacVane and Master Alex Dong. She has taught in Ridgefield for years. Snow date is 1/4.

6 Sessions $ 73 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 55)
Wed., 12/14; 1/4, 11, 18, 25 & 2/1 NOTE: 1/4 is the make-up class for 12/7.
6:55 to 7:55 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School

8 Sessions $ 95 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 71)
Wed., 2/8, 15, 22, 29; 3/7, 14, 21 & 28 from 6:55 to 7:55 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School

The next session will start in April or May. Check back here mid-March for details.

Tai Chi Intermediate (Continuing)
This intermediate class is for students who have completed the first level class. Tai Chi, described as “meditation in motion” is a centuries old Chinese discipline used for health, relaxation, meditation and self defense. Relaxation and inner calm and strength are emphasized. It can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age, sex or athletic ability. Tai Chi is considered a healing exercise. Taught by Gwen Roman. Gwen Roman has extensive experience in the Arts of Tai Chi and Jin Shin Jyutsu. She has extensive experience teaching Tai Chi and trains with Myles MacVane and Master Alex Dong. She has taught in Ridgefield for years.

6 Sessions $ 73 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 55)
Wed., 12/14; 1/4, 11, 18, 25 & 2/1 NOTE: 1/4 is the make-up class for 12/7.
5:45 to 6:45 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School

8 Sessions $ 95 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 71)
Wed., 2/8, 15, 22, 29; 3/7, 14, 21 & 28 from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School

The next session will start in April or May. Check back here mid-March for details.

Qi Gong

Qi Gong: Level 1
In Chinese Medicine, the condition of one’s Qi is the most critical determinant of health status. This life force is omnipresent and can be transferred and absorbed. In this series, participants learn a set of Qi Gong exercises for self-cultivation of one’s Qi. Practicing these exercises can yield benefits in maintenance of good health and prevention of disease. The students first learn to sense and enhance the flow of Qi within the body and around the inner organs. Then the student learns to improve his/her Qi balance through meditation. The student will learn techniques for the expelling of bad Qi and the drawing in of good Qi from the outside. Students from prior classes are welcome back. Taught by Debbie Dong, owner of Meridians, a provider of Eastern Health Alternatives in Ridgefield. She has taught Qi Gong for many years.
4 Sessions $51 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $38)
Mon., 3/5, 12, 19 & 26 from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.; Venus Bldg.

The Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique is a method for easing back pain, improving posture and increasing coordination. Through gentle hands-on guidance, discussion and observation, students learn about stressful habit patterns and how to change them. It helps eliminate repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, tempomandibular joint syndrome, sciatica, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, asthma, back pain, or pain in other areas. It also teaches participants to maintain calm in times of stress and anxiety and to find a balance between being sleepy and hyper, as well as to increase awareness in daily life, connect with oneself and others and to complement a practice of Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, meditation, etc. Taught by Susan Pfeffer. • Susan Pfeffer took her first Alexander Technique class out of curiosity and soon discovered that she was able to move out of a habitual slouch, eliminate tempomandibular joint disorder and become stronger overall. She is a graduate of The American Center for the Alexander Technique, a member of the American Society for the Alexander Technique. She has taught group and private classes at universities and various organizations in the U.S. and abroad.

10 Sessions $ 117 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 88)
Wed., 1/25; 2/1, 8, 29; 3/7, 14, 21, 28; 4/4 & 11 from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.; Venus Bldg.

10 Sessions $ 117 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 88)
Thur., 1/26; 2/2, 9; 3/1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 4/5 & 12 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.; Farmingville School

Medical Questions:

We expect students to have consulted with their doctor before starting any new exercise program.