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During the Pandemic

Free: Tai Chi and Moving Meditations


These sessions are custom-designed to support you with your mental and physical well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic, when indoor activities are very limited. The curriculum was specially designed to give you an intense, but relaxing workout, which also helps with stress release; agility, fitness, balance, mindfulness - and some fun with others in these difficult times. 
The moves and sequences we selected can be taught at a safe social distance (in the park) or done in a small space at home (per Zoom). We will teach short sequences, but not our long form or applications. If you like more in-depth Tai Chi training, please look at our Beginners Classes or  Private Lessons. 
​​

Tai Chi in the Park

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  • When: Saturdays, 1.15-2.00pm (weather and Covid rules permitting, not on 21 Nov and 5 December).
  • Where: near Bunny Park, Hanwell, West London. You will receive more info, directions and the Covid-19 safety guidelines upon sign-up.
  • What: see content below - the moves we selected can be done at a safe social distance.  
  • Costs: Free (donations welcome;  paypal.me/AndreaBugari)
  • Sign-up: Please sign-up to receive info and directions. ​Based on Covid-19 guidelines, we cannot organise this as a drop-in class (we will have to manage participant numbers)

Tai Chi in the big Park (Zoom)

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  • When: Mondays, 7.00-7.30pm. 
  • How: per Zoom. Zoom is easy to use and you do not need to download the app.
  • What: see content below - the moves we selected can be done in a limited space at home or at work.  
  • Costs: Free (donations welcome;  paypal.me/AndreaBugari)
  • Sign-up: Please sign-up to receive information and the Zoom link. 

Info/Sign-up

Content of the Sessions

We start with a Chi Gong warm-up and guided meditation. Chi Gong is part of Chinese medicine - a massage for your energy system. Our style is called Crane's Wing Chi Gong;  your arm movements will imitate 'flying' motions.  
The meditation will help you anchor yourself and find new strength and inspiration. Ever once in a while, we may do a different meditation such as Hatsurei Ho (from Japanese Reiki system), or Guided Visualisations. 


We then do basic Tai Chi exercises which will give you a soft workout, and train your coordination and balance. Some of the basic moves are put together into short sequences, where you can just go with the flow without thinking too much... Some of these sequences have a specific purpose; e.g. raising your energy or calming yourself down. Others help to protect your personal space or to interact with your environment in a self-confident way. 
Our style is called 'Shaolin-Tai Chi'. It is related to Kung Fu, so it is half hard, half soft, and every single move has a health and a self-defence application (read more about our style). However, in the Exercise class, we won't talk about the martial art side very much. If you are interested in these aspects and would like to learn our form, please attend our Beginner classes. 

Who can participate?

  • Tai Chi can be done until late in life. Our eldest students are just approaching 90 years of age.
  • Children usually do not enjoy Tai Chi, as it is a bit too slow for them (teenagers may be fine). Children in the outdoor session are only allowed if a grown-up trains with them (you cannot sit on the bench and watch your kid doing it...)
  • For indoor sessions: You need some open space where you can train without running into furniture; so the number of participants in one room may be limited. 
  • Tai Chi is gentle on your joints and body, but if you have any health problems talk to a medical professional before you join.  Read more about Health and Safety below. 

Benefits

Tai Chi is great for your mental, physical and emotional health: 
  • You will train different muscles, and work on your fitness, balance and agility
  • You will learn how to work with your energy - your 'Chi'; calming yourself down when you feel nervous, or finding your focus when you need to get ready for a difficult task
  • You can release stress and gain a new perspective through Tai Chi, finding your inner smile again when you feel a bit grumpy or stuck. 
  • In these difficult times, we will create an 'oasis' of good energy where we can let go of our worries for an hour. There is so much more to our lives than Covid 19! Do have some fun and enjoy your time-out!
  •  read more

Important

  • If you attend these sessions, you take full responsibility for your health and well-being.
  • You won't have insurance
  • For the outdoor classes: You agree to conform with Covid-19 guidelines (will be sent to you) and follow safety instructions of the teacher
  • If in doubt whether you can do Tai Chi, please talk to your GP or health professional. 

About Andrea

Andrea is a certified Tai Chi Chuan and Kung Fu instructor and offers classes in West London.  She is also a meditation teacher and leadership development coach. She  has worked with professionals and teams in an international context for over 30 years.
​
Read more.

Contact us

Flexible Group Sessions: outdoors or per Zoom

This is for groups of friends or families who would like to train together, at a time that suits you. 
Cost:  £45 for a group of five for one hour (outdoors - around Ealing; dependent on Covid-19 rules), or an unlimited number of your friends/family members per Zoom for £35. Please note that we cannot give detailed individual feedback to more than five people online. Concessions; If your group/family struggles in the Pandemic, we are happy to give you a concession.
Once the session is scheduled, you will have to pay the full group price, even if some members of your group can't make it. 
Before we start your sessions, we will have a phone conversation to discuss your specific need (age groups, physical mobility, learning goals, etc. ).

Health and Safety: Please read before you join.
(you agree to these terms if you join our sessions)


  • If you join our classes online or outdoors, you agree to take full responsibility for your health and safety. You won't be insured. 
  • If you have any concerns about your ability to attend  you may want to talk to your doctor first.  This will be important if you have undergone recent surgery, or if you have joint problems, heart conditions, high blood pressure or any chronic illnesses.
  • For outdoor sessions: Please respect social distancing rules and don't attend if you have Covid-19 symptoms or are supposed to self-isolate. We will ask you to read/sign our Covid-19 guidelines before your first session.  We will work on a grass pitch - the grass may be wet and the ground slippery during the winter months - please wear appropriate shoes and do not attend if you are at risk of falling. 
  • For Zoom sessions: You need a safe, empty space in your home (no sharp edges of furniture in case you fall or bump into something). You should be able to take about two short steps forward, backward and to the sides. If you are a bit wobbly on your feet: Feel free to have a chair handy - many of our exercises and meditations can be done while sitting down. 
We would love to hear from you.

Give us a ring: 07766 464623  or email: vitalityleap@gmail.com

Follow us on Facebook:  Our page:  @vitalityleaplondon  Our group: @vitalityleapcommunity
  • Home
  • About
  • Tai Chi Chuan
    • About Tai Chi
    • Benefits and Testimonials
    • Beginners-Intermediate
    • Advanced Classes
    • Tai Chi Private and Group Lessons
  • Nordic Walking
    • About Nordic Walking
    • Benefits and Testimonials
    • Courses and Private Lessons
    • Group Walks
  • Mind and Body
    • Mind-Body Hotline
    • Guided Meditations
    • Stress Release
    • Weight Management
  • Vitality at Work
    • Tai Chi and Coaching for Leaders
    • Stress Management
    • Team Sessions
    • Artists and Athletes
  • Contact us
  • Blog
  • More info
    • Gift Certificates
    • Nordic Walking Teaching Method
    • Nordic Walking - Meeting points-maps
    • Ticks and Lyme Disease
    • Videos Tai Chi >
      • Videos Beginner
      • Videos Advanced
      • Videos Kung Fu