Taiji for Balance

Improve Your Balance & Reduce the Risk of Falling

At GateWay, we offer fun and effective classes for students who want to improve their balance while learning Taiji. We work with techniques from the Taijiquan: Moving for Better Balance curriculum developed by Dr. Fuzhong Li and a group of researchers at the Oregon Research Institute. Students enjoy learning basic Taiji movements to improve their balance.

Our balance classes are offered every Tuesday & Thursday, 10:30am - 11:30am. Instructor: Bill Buckley.

Proven Results

Numerous clinical studies have shown that Taiji practice can result in:

Improved strength, balance and mobility
Reductions in risk and fear of falling
Improved postural stability and walking
ability in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Improved quality of sleep and well-being

Download our overview of the balance benefits of Taiji practice.

What You'll Learn

In a beautiful, sunlit studio, you’ll learn a set of simple, therapeutic and functional exercises adapted from taiji movements. These movements emphasize weight-shifting, postural alignment, coordinated movements, visual and breathing techniques.

What GateWay "Balance" Students Say About Our Class

I thoroughly enjoy the tai chi for balance class. It has helped more than my balance greatly. Stretching the old muscles is always needed. Bill is very specific with his instructions and easy to follow. Great class. - PE

An hour in this class alleviates the aches and pains in my body almost completely. - LE

When I enrolled in tai chi, I quickly realized I was balance-challenged. The balance class introduces tai chi moves slowly and also works on basic balance and centering. I hope to be able to soon try regular tai chi class again! Bill is an informative, non-judging, relaxed teacher who encourages light conversation during the first half of the class – waking up chi, stretching, resetting ear crystals. The second half – balance on one leg, walk heel-toe, and a few tai chi moves – is more challenging, but just as enjoyable. - CW

I recently had a total hip replacement and my surgeon complimented me on the strength and excellent condition of my bones ... for a women of my age, 77. For me, that strength has come from Taiji for Balance. - BB

The Tuesday and Thursday classes are a big part of my life! Taiji has held my interest so much that nothing else interferes in my mind while I'm learning the movements. Bill Buckley has fine human qualities with integrity and a great sense of humor. He directs our class, helping us to understand without judgement. My balance has improved, and I'm learning to be mindful, the latter enriching me in many aspects of my life. - JC

Wanting a better approach to moving physically for better balance and an introduction to taiji, I joined the 'Taijiquan: Moving for Better Balance' class at Gateway. Not only did my sense of balance and movement improve, our class developed a strong bond through the gentle and supportive atmosphere created by the teachers, who led us all to better skill in taiji. I look forward to participating in upcoming classes at the beautiful GateWay Taiji! --LS--

I started taiji 4 months ago as a beginner with no previous experience.I was initially very impressed with the beautiful new studio and the sense of calm and relaxation one feels. The class focuses on taiji basic movements to improve balance and prevent falling injuries. Master Instructor is Bill Buckley who exudes. self-confidence, happiness, and a love of what he does so well. Bill welcomes students to his studio and shows them step by step how to learn taiji. He has got to be the MOST patient teacher in the world. He never tires of repeating instructions over and over again until each student masters each move. Bill Buckley has a great sense of humor, and makes taking his class just a whole lot of fun! To me its the perfect blend of easy physical pre-warm ups and doing the Tai Chi moves on the floor as a group. Bill has inspired me to continue my studies and move on to more advanced classes this Fall. - GS

Bill's class is very 'comfortable'. He is always willing to fully and clearly answer questions and each student goes at their own pace. I found results came gently and effectively. - JP

I have a spinal chord injury that has greatly decreased my strength on one side and diminished my overall balance and coordination. Taijiquan: Moving for Better Balance and the Qigong programs at Gateway have helped greatly with my rehabilitation and understanding of my everyday movements and capabilities. All experience levels attend these classes in a very supportive, non-stress environment. - MB

What the Research Shows

Balance impairment is a serious health issue affecting millions of Americans; nearly 1 in 3 people over 65 fall each year. Taiji has been shown to measurably improve balance and reduce falls.

Harvard Health Letter - June, 2016: "Our Best Balance Boosters"
Click here to read the article

Harvard Health Blog - August 23, 2012: "Try tai chi to improve balance, avoid falls"
Click here to read the article

New England Journal of Medicine - A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that Taiji improves balance and movement control for people with Parkinsons. Past studies have shown that tai chi reduces falls and depression among the elderly, and lessens pain for patients with arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Read the story in the New York Times
Listen to a segment on NPR

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