Tai Chi in the Highlands
Tai Chi (Taiji) is a centuries-old Chinese martial art practised today for its health benefits as much as its history. Slow, deliberate movements build balance, leg strength and focus over time — and it's available at Inverness Leisure and Craig MacLean Leisure Centre in Grantown-on-Spey.
What happens in a Tai Chi class?
Tai Chi — short for Taijiquan, meaning "supreme ultimate fist" — is an internal martial art rooted in Daoist ideas of softness overcoming hardness. Rather than power and speed, it trains a straight spine, natural breathing and a relaxed, controlled range of motion.
This class teaches a traditional form, built up gradually, movement by movement, so you're never expected to arrive knowing it. The class is spent on your feet throughout, moving through the sequence together as a group.
Is Tai Chi right for you?
Because the class is spent standing throughout, you'll get the most from it if you already have a reasonable level of balance and can comfortably stay on your feet, shifting your weight, for the full session. No martial arts experience is needed — instructors will guide you through the form step by step — but it's worth knowing this isn't a seated or resting class.
Looking for something else?
- New to exercise, or want a class you can do seated? Qi Gong is a slower-paced practice suited to complete beginners.
- Want more variety, with yoga and Pilates alongside Tai Chi-inspired movement? Body Balance blends all three into one class, set to music.