Find a tai chi class near you

Tai chi, answered before your first class

Is tai chi good for seniors?

It's one of the most recommended forms of movement for older adults. The movements are slow, gentle and low-impact, so they're easy on the joints, and research suggests regular practice may improve balance and reduce the risk of falls over several weeks — which is why tai chi turns up in the CDC's fall-prevention guidance. 814 studios here are flagged by students as especially good for seniors and mobility — look for the "Seniors welcome" note. As always, check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program. Find tai chi for seniors →

How much do tai chi classes cost?

Where studios post a price, classes tend to run around $20, though it varies a lot by studio and format. The low-cost way to start: 338 classes here are free, donation-based, or held outdoors in a park, and some senior and community centers offer tai chi at little or no cost. Prices change often, so always check the studio's own schedule. See the tai chi cost index →

Do I need to be fit or flexible to start?

No — and that's part of the appeal. Tai chi meets you where you are: the movements are slow and gentle, you set your own pace, and many forms can even be done seated. You don't get flexible and then start; you become steadier and more mobile by practicing. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in and flat, flexible shoes, and tell the instructor it's your first class. 830 studios here are flagged as genuinely beginner-friendly. New to tai chi? Start here →

What's the difference between tai chi and qigong?

They're close cousins, and many classes teach both. Qigong (chi kung) is a set of simpler, often standalone exercises that pair slow movement with breathing to cultivate energy and calm — you can learn a piece of it in one session. Tai chi is a flowing sequence, called a "form," rooted in a Chinese martial art, so it usually takes longer to learn but offers the same "moving meditation" feel. 1,137 studios here list qigong or breathing work alongside their tai chi classes. Find qigong classes →

Is tai chi a martial art or exercise?

Both, really. Tai chi began centuries ago as a martial art — its full name is tai chi chuan, or taijiquan — but today the vast majority of people practice it purely for health: balance, gentle strength, stress relief, and that calm, meditative focus. The classes in this directory are overwhelmingly about wellbeing and gentle movement, welcoming to all ages and abilities. You can explore the deeper tradition as far as you like, or simply enjoy the movement and the quiet. Explore the tai chi styles →

Can beginners join a tai chi class?

Yes — most classes are built to welcome first-timers, and plenty run dedicated beginners or all-levels sessions where everyone is learning together. There's no experience required, no equipment to buy, and no pressure to keep up. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, arrive a few minutes early to meet the instructor, and simply follow along at your own pace. 830 studios here are flagged as beginner-friendly — check the "Beginners welcome" note and the studio's own schedule. Find beginner tai chi classes →

The health notes here are general information, not medical advice. Tai chi is gentle, but it's still exercise — check with your doctor before starting a new program, especially if you have injuries or a health condition, and let your instructor know so they can adapt the class for you.