Free Tai Chi classes will be available in Forbes for at least the next 19 weeks, with Forbes Shire Council teaming up with two local Tai Chi instructors to hold weekly classes for all residents.
Cheryl Shirvington and Sandra Nicholson both have experience in teaching 10 different forms of Tai Chi, and have been sponsored by the Council to run a 20-week program of weekly classes, which started last Tuesday.
Classes are being held at the Uniting Church on Brown Street on Tuesday mornings between 10am and 11am, with morning tea also provided.
The program is aimed at encouraging locals, of all abilities, to increase their health and fitness, and instructor Cheryl
Shirvington said that Tai Chi provided for people of all ages. “Because Tai Chi is a slow and relaxing form of exercise, people think that it is only for senior citizens, but this is completely wrong,” she said.
“Tai Chi offers challenges for both young and old, and is definitely a great way for youth to exercise as well.” Mrs Shirvington and fellow instructor Sandra Nicholson are teaching the form of Tai Chi known as ‘Yang 24 Forms’, which Mrs Shirvington described as being “what you would normally see in the park or on TV”.
She said each class would offer something new, but that they were also tailored for people of all abilities. “We teach in a very inclusive way to include all abilities. If there is something that someone cannot do, we’ll always give
them alternatives,” she said. Residents can contact Mrs Shirvington on 0400 984 114 or Mrs Nicholson on 0437 522 778 for more information.
By Joshua Matic