Minnesota Zoo Qigong & Tai Chi

Naturally Wild Qigong & Tai Chi (in-person)

You may have heard of Qigong or Tai Chi, but what are they? Are they martial arts? Are they meditation? Are they something mystical, magical, or spiritual? It’s none of these while also some of these.

Qigong (chee-gong) was developed as a part of traditional Chinese medicine and is the practice of energy cultivation. Qi, meaning vital energy, and Gong, meaning mastery of a skill requiring dedication. There are hundreds of styles, but most use gentle and intentional motions to focus and connect our body, breath, and mind.

Tai Chi is based on martial arts movements but is now practiced primarily for health cultivation. And like Qigong, it also focuses your body, mind, and breath. Move slowly and allow your mind to quiet in our fast-paced world with circular movements that invite gentle stretching, while building strength and balance.

Are you still not sure what they are? Then come find out for yourself. Join a class today and let the natural beauty of the Zoo be your classroom.

Dates: (Thursday mornings)
• April 18, 2024 (Indoors – Discovery Bay*)
• May 9, 2024 (Outdoors – Treetop Trail – Reflection Pond Overlook*)
• June 13, 2024 (Outdoors – Treetop Trail – Reflection Pond Overlook*)

Time: 7:45-8:45 a.m.

Ages: 13 and up

Fee:
• Members: $11/class
• Non-members: $15/class
• If you want to visit the Zoo after a class, you must purchase a separate Zoo admission ticket online.

Arrival Time: For classes that take place on the Treetop Trail, please arrive no later than 7:30 am as it may take 15 minutes to walk to that location.

*Locations, and which animals may be visible, may change based on weather, Zoo operational activities, and an animal’s willingness to participate.

Solar Seasons Qigong & Tai Chi (in-person)

The change of seasons is not only marked with a change in weather, but also a change in the position of the sun. Celebrate the change of seasons at the Zoo on the days when the sun is the closest and the farthest away. The Solstice and Equinox events are fascinating phenomenon, from the longest and shortest amounts of daylight to the days and nights that are equal in length. Practice your wellness while we marvel at the solar system and all its wonder.

Dates:
• March 19, 2024 (Indoors – Discovery Bay*) – Spring Equinox
• June 20, 2024 (Outdoors – Treetop Trail – Reflection Pond Overlook*) – Summer Solstice
• September 22, 2024 (Outdoors – Treetop Trail – Reflection Pond Overlook*) – Fall Equinox
• December 21, 2024 (Indoors – Discovery Bay*) – Winter Solstice

Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Ages: 13 and up

Fee (in-person):
• Members: $11/class
• Non-members: $15/class
• If you want to visit the Zoo after a class, you must purchase a separate Zoo admission ticket online.

Arrival Time: For classes that take place on the Treetop Trail, please arrive no later than 6:15 pm as it may take 15 minutes to walk to that location.

*Locations, and which animals may be visible, may change based on weather, Zoo operational activities, and an animal’s willingness to participate.

In case of inclement weather, you will be notified if classes will be cancelled, and a refund will be given.

Qigong and Tai Chi Instructor

Linda Ebeling is a certified tai chi and qigong instructor and a Master Trainer for Tai Chi for Health Institute with over 20 years’ experience. A member of Dr. Paul Lam’s teaching team for his National June workshop, Linda also served on the Board of the Tai Chi for Health Community from 2011 – 2017. She has a background in Secondary Education, teaching classes at high school and college level. Linda likes to help her students discover how Tai chi and qigong can empower them to take an active role in bringing balance to their health and lives.