Tai Chi: Introduction to Yang Style with Autumn Hayes Every Wednesday at 7pm

Join Autumn Hayes of Two Fish Tai Chi and Arts for a restorative session of Qigong Tai Chi with meditation in our calm space for wellness at OEP Athens.

Autumn Hayes is a writer, educator, life coach, and poet. Her work ranges from teaching tai chi to leading philosophy and English seminars to writing sci-fi pilgrimage poems, contemporary sonnets, movie reviews, pop-culture pieces, and choreopoems in Greek. Her love for movement, language experiments, and mashups comes from a lifetime of traveling between cultures and crossing borders. A former dancer and athlete, she has read, performed, and presented in Los Angeles, Australia, and various cities in Texas.

Yang style tai chi is the most popular and widely practiced form of Tai Chi in the world, characterized by slow, graceful and continuous movements. It was founded in the 19th century by Yang Luchan after he studied the older Chen style and softened its explosive elements.

Key Features

• Slow and Steady: Movements are performed at a uniform, even pace without sudden pauses.
• Soft and Circular: Postures flow smoothly into one another using round, open shapes rather than hard angles.
• Relaxation: Focuses heavily on releasing physical tension, deep breathing, and mental calm.

Yang style tai chi offers significant, scientifically verified health benefits, primarily focusing on improving balance, reducing stress and enhancing lower-body strength. Because its movements are large, open, and gentle, it serves as an accessible low-impact workout for all ages.

Physical Benefits

• Superior Balance: The continuous weight-shifting trains proprioception, which makes Yang style highly effective for fall prevention.
• Joint Lubrication: The slow, circular motions stimulate synovial fluid production, safely reducing stiffness for individuals with osteoarthritis.
• Functional Strength: Holding deep, slow stances provides a form of resistance training that strengthens the core, thighs, and calves.
• Cardiovascular Fitness: Over time, the sustained movement patterns lower blood pressure and improve overall aerobic capacity.

Mental and Brain Benefits

• Neuroplasticity: Memorizing and executing the flowing sequences triggers brain re-wiring, which can significantly improve memory and cognitive focus.
• Stress Reduction: Actively coordinating deep diaphragmatic breathing with slow movement triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering cortisol.
• Better Sleep Quality: Regular practice helps calm autonomic nervous system activity, helping to mitigate insomnia.

All classes at OEP Athens are limited to 6 places so it's vital to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

All necessary equipment is included and after your session feel free to enjoy a complimentary matcha latte upstairs in our community space.