Qigong & Tai Chi

Looking for balance in your life while having fun? Join a Qigong & Tai Chi class virtually or in person at the Minnesota Zoo to expand your wellness practice, change-up your workout, and try something different.

These classes are perfect for all levels from beginners to advanced practitioners.

Register Today!

Try out a class this fall and stay tuned for more possible offerings.

Qigong & Tai Chi (in person and virtual)

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.

If you need more reasons to attend, the benefits from Qigong and Tai Chi may include:
• reduced stress
• increased balance, strength, and vitality
• stimulated blood circulation
• increased flexibility and muscle tone
• calmed mind and body.

Wellness builds a holistic sense of existence and fulfillment. It is positive, self-directed, evolving, and active. It provides balance to mind and body, and can also provide spiritual, intellectual, and social benefits. Let the Zoo be a place for your wellness.

Can’t make it to the Zoo or want to take this class on your own schedule? Each class will be recorded, and the link shared with all participants. So your registration is good for one in-person or virtual class, and a recording of the class to enjoy whenever you wish during that week. For virtual attendees, classes use Zoom as the online platform.

Dates:
• Saturday, September 9
• Thursday, September 28
• Sunday, October 8
Time: 7:30-8:45 a.m.
Ages: 16 and up
Fee (in person or virtual):
• 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.
Location: Classes will take place on the Treetop Trail*. It may take 5-15 minutes to walk to the location. We will start and end each class with walking meditation or other exercises.
*Locations, and which animals may be visible, may change based on weather, Zoo operational activities, and an animal’s willingness to participate.

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.

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