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Barelas Senior Center

4.4 ★★★★☆ 147 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Seniors welcome

Plan your first class

  • Great for seniors welcoming to older adults, with slow, low-impact movement for balance, mobility and fall prevention
  • Free / donation / in the park free, donation-based, or outdoor park classes — a low-cost way to try tai chi; confirm times on their site
  • Class prices classes from $15 — check their schedule for drop-in, class-pass and membership options
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule cabq.gov — see the live class schedule and book
  • Phone (505) 764-6436

Hours

Monday 8 AM–5 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–5 PM
Thursday 8 AM–5 PM
Friday 8 AM–5 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, workshops, and seasonal outdoor sessions — worth a quick check before a special trip, and class times can differ from the studio's front-desk hours.

The classes they run

Tai chi and qigong classes on the schedule at Barelas Senior Center, drawn from students' own reviews and the studio's info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧓 Seniors 21 mentions

“A lovely and affordable breakfast and lots of senior activities not far from downtown.”

All studios that run seniors →

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 147 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧓 great for seniors & mobility 21 mentions

“A lovely and affordable breakfast and lots of senior activities not far from downtown.”

🤝 strong, friendly community 14 mentions

“This place is always clean, the meals are great, the people friendly, lots of activities and social events, good cake”

From the reviews

10/14/21: So.....I've been going to those gyms where you pay $39.99 and up. When I found out that I am a Senior and it only costs $20 for the entire year???? Sign me up and that's what I did! Staff was very friendly and extremely helpful. Very clean facility and restrooms.

★★★★★ — Demetris, Oct 2021

I have always enjoyed visiting with my elders. I teach a yoga class here at this Center. And every Thursday the Seniors set up their own Flea Market. Its a great time to socialize and buy some art, clothing, or jewelry from our amazing community members. Definitely a family event!

★★★★★ — Celina, Aug 2019

The building itself is old and dreary with a confusing maze set up and few windows. The programs and staff more than make up for the place. A lovely and affordable breakfast and lots of senior activities not far from downtown. Lots of parking.

★★★★☆ — Sonyia, Feb 2023

Awesome resource for Albuquerque seniors... Met Isaiah Valenzuela who signed me up for Americorps... A well-informed young professional... All in all very enjoyable experience you should check it out sometime...

★★★★★ — Gd, Mar 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 147 reviews →

Your first tai chi class at Barelas Senior Center

Nervous about walking into a tai chi class for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good instructors expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a gentle warm-up, then learning a few slow movements of the form, step by step — no pressure to get it perfect, and you can rest or sit whenever you need to. What to wear: loose, comfortable clothing you can move in, and flat, flexible shoes (some studios practice in socks or bare feet). What to bring: water, and that's about it — there's no equipment to buy. Arrive a few minutes early to say hello to the instructor and mention it's your first class. It comes together faster than you'd think — most people feel far more at ease by their second or third visit.

Tai chi is gentle and low-impact, but it's still exercise, and the health notes here are general information, not medical advice. If you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them to the instructor before class, and check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

Where to find Barelas Senior Center

714 7th St SW, Albuquerque, NM87102

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Teach here or own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.