Daily online tai chi and mindfulness classes for beginners
Learn to reduce stress and anxiety
Use movement to become more mindful
Reconnect with your body
These daily online classes are suitable for those who want to get some light exercise and meditate in the comfort of their own home.
Excellent class today. Felt much better afterwards and it was good to chat. Feels like I was doing something positive!
Gill
Class timetable
Please log in 5 minutes before the start time.
Weekly class schedule is as follows: wimble.com/classes
Coffee and chat after every class.
Please note: you will be sent the class address after you book your place.
If these times don’t suit you, please check out our Library: https://www.wimble.com/library/
Location
All classes will be run via the Zoom app and are accessible on most computers, tablets and smart phones (Android and iPhone).
Once you’ve paid for your place (see class bookings below), you will be sent the link to connect to the virtual classroom.
Note: I may not be available to reply to emails or phone calls in the final minutes before a class starts.
Thank you so much for today, it really was a morale booster. Such a great thing to be doing. Well done to you. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow and many more sessions. I have also mentioned to my friends who are also interested.
Lyn
Doing tai chi in your own lounge is great for mind and body as well as being part of a group. We both got more out of the virtual session as we can see and hear Darren clearly on the screen, being hard of hearing it can be difficult in a hall. The coffee and chat afterwards works really well. We look forward to many more sessions in the comfort of our own lounge.
Mike & Annie
How to book your place
These classes are part of the Wimble Library membership – please join the Library here: https://www.wimble.com/library/
Got a question?
Frequently asked questions are below.
Class questions
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes, the beginners class is aimed at people new to tai chi.
Can I do this sitting down?
Yes, you are welcome to just move your arms as guided.
What is tai chi?
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that is practised slowly and helps with balance, leg strength and stress.
What is energy meditation?
Energy meditation or chi kung is a Chinese practice that involves building up energy (chi), encouraging the flow of your energy and getting rid of toxic energy.
What is mindfulness?
This is a meditative technique based on focusing on the present and helps with stress and anxiety.
Will you still be raising money for Princess Alice Hospice or doing other charity work?
This new format has been set up so quickly that I haven’t had a chance to review how much it will cost me to run and whether I need new equipment or not. I plan to give at least 50% of takings to charity but time and feedback will dictate what costs are involved. Right now, all classes are free for keyworkers.
Is the price per class or per day?
It’s actually per day to keep things simple. So you can pay the price and attend both the intermediate and beginners session depending on your own level of experience.
How do I know which class is suitable for me?
Please email me below to discuss your level. The intermediate class will assume a level of knowledge about movement and the form. You will be expected to warm up before the session starts.
What clothing and footwear should I wear?
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing suitable for doing sports or other physical activity. For shoes, you can go bare foot or wear socks if on carpet, or flat trainers if outside or on smooth surfaces. Please consider your safety and comfort.
How much space do I need?
I would recommend having at least 2m by 2m available to move around. Be careful of sharp corners and breakable objects in your home. I cannot be held responsible for any damage or injury caused as a result of attending my classes as I cannot do a risk assessment of your space!
How do I know if I am fit enough to participate?
Listen to your body and don’t do anything that you feel uncomfortable doing. If you prefer to sit down or sit out for some movements, then go ahead. I cannot check your form or ability in such a delivery of the class. Listen to your body and “do no harm”.
Students’ participation in the class/instruction is at their own risk and subject to and governed by English Law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales.
What about background music?
For background music, choose one of these options:
- pick a video from this playlist on another device or computer: https://www.youtube.com/
- For an Alexa-enabled device, depending on your taste, try
- “Alexa, play chillout!” or
- “Alexa, play relaxing classical music!” or
- “Alexa, play meditation music!”
Is there a register for each class?
We will base payments on trust for the moment and assume that everyone will pay for the classes that they attend. The payment system may be updated in future if the numbers don’t “add up”.
How can I learn more advanced and detailed mindfulness?
Please contact me using the form below to discuss private tuition.
Technical questions about your setup and using Zoom
Are there any videos for beginners?
You can find tutorials on using Zoom here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-Video-Tutorials
Do I need a webcam or to be on the video?
In order to help you to get the best out of the classes, I would prefer it if you can have your video switched on. You don’t need to have your microphone on. For the chat/social afterwards, you will need to at least turn on your microphone to talk to others. You can do this on your smart device or computer.
In light of the new security settings for Zoom, is there anything I need to know?
Remember to download Zoom if you haven’t already. You can access it here: https://zoom.us/download
Due to improved security, you must be logged in to Zoom if you’re using a PC or Mac: https://zoom.us/signin
When using a desktop or laptop, you are advised to use Google Chrome as the browser rather than any other web browser.
Do I need to pay £10 a month to use Zoom?
No, Zoom is free to use if you’re attending one of my classes; you only need to pay for Zoom if you’re leading or hosting a session.
Can I watch you on the TV?
It’s kind of you to think that I’m a celebrity… oh, you didn’t mean that. Yes, you can watch the Zoom video on your TV if you have a suitable cable (HDMI) and use it to connect your smart device or laptop to the TV. (If you are not sure how, then please ask a friend with a bit of technical knowledge.)
Another way is to cast your phone’s screen to Chromecast and then fire up Zoom. A few students have had success doing it this way.
What’s the total size of each class?
The maximum size is 100 people.
This will only be an issue for socialising afterwards. If this is the case, then we can use the breakout room feature to split people into smaller groups when we have the coffee and chat.
How do I stop getting disconnected repeatedly when I’m using my laptop, phone or tablet?
Many wifi hubs broadcast on a particular channel which is selected based on the current usage in your area at the time you switched the hub on. As this usage changes over time, some channels become more clogged up. The simplest way to deal with this is to regularly switch your hub off and back on again!
Do you have any guides for installing Zoom on my device?
Please select from one of the following documents:
Zoom for Android.docx
Zoom for Google chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Windows Explorer.docx
Zoom for apple (IOS).docx
Create Zoom account on App.docx
If you have any further questions, please use the form below.