Community Center offers free tai chi, qigong class Saturday

The Whitefish Community Center is holding a free beginner’s class in the art of tai chi and qigong Saturday, April 29.

David Calabretta and Karen Nesbitt will be giving demonstrations and instructions for all ages and abilities during the event from 10 a.m. to noon.

Tai chi often leads to more vigor and energy, greater flexibility, balance and mobility, and an improved sense of well-being. This gentle form of restorative exercise helps people of all ages, and the social support opens doors of many kinds.

Tai chi focuses on slow, continuous, relaxed and repetitive movements which will result in dynamic stretching. Participants will also learn to focus on self-awareness, relaxation, proper alignment and breathing.

Qigong is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention.

Calabretta began learning tai chi in 2003. He teaches at The Wave, The Springs at Whitefish, Whitefish Community Center, Buffalo Hill Terrace, Flathead Health and Fitness, and Immanuel Lutheran Communities.

Nesbitt is the co-founder and director of The International Qigong Foundation, Inc. Nesbitt has taught credit courses in both qigong and taijiquan for the University of Hawaii and non-credit courses for the Oshler Lifelong Learning Program. Nesbitt continues to instruct qigong and taijiquan students privately and in classes around the world as well as facilitate study tours to China.

For more information, call the Community Center at 862-4923.