Page 30 - Thrapston Life September 2024

U3A SPOTLIGHT
Activity groups: Tai Chi
Did you know that Thrapston and District U3A now has 260 members? We have a monthly meeting with an invited speaker, social activities and 32 activity groups. These are run by the members for the members, and over the next few months we’ll be shining a spotlight on many of these groups.
Our first spotlight is on Tai Chi. We have two groups: our original group led by Linda on Thursday afternoons, and a beginner’s group with additional sabre set run by Colin on Tuesday afternoons. Both meet at Islip Village Hall and last 1-1.5 hours. A £2 per week charge covers the hire of the hall.
Tai Chi Group 1
We are various shapes and sizes with different physical abilities ... but we have lots of fun!
We practice Yang style Tai Chi and
Qigong. We begin with warm-ups, progress
to foundation exercises, and then practice our Tai Chi, learning and refining our movements. These consist of gentle low impact movements accompanied by calm music to promote health and well- being in a relaxed atmosphere. Suitable for everyone with many benefits, including improving balance and confidence,
reducing blood pressure and relieving stress. Energise yourself whilst harmonising mind
and body!
Tai Chi Group 2 and Sabre set
The Tai Chi practised by this friendly beginner’s group is the 108-move set based on the Chinese Yang Form. We also practise the Tai Chi Sabre Set, following the main group.
We adopt a staged approach teaching, starting with the basic choreography and postures of
the set. Once the student has mastered the basic moves, we teach again from the beginning, but in more depth and detail, refining the patterns and methods common to all moves. This helps with the internal health benefits.
Come along to one of our upcoming meetings at the Plaza on Fridays 10am-12 noon: 19th September and 18th October. Membership costs £20 per year.
If you are interested in joining our U3A, please find further details and information on all our groups on our website www.thrapstonu3a.co.uk
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