How to Keep Your Tai Chi Qigong Class Engaging (and Why Familiarity Often Keeps Students Coming Back)

One of the questions I’m asked most often by other Tai Chi instructors is: "How do I keep my class interesting enough, so people actually want to come back?”

It’s a fantastic question—and one that’s often misunderstood.

The truth is, what excites us as teachers isn’t always what makes our students feel good.

The Teacher vs. the Student Experience

As instructors, we practice constantly, explore new routines, study forms, and deepen our understanding of Tai Chi and Qigong. Variety keeps us motivated.

For many students, though, class happens only once a week. They may not practice in between, and that single hour is often their moment of calm, community, and gentle movement.

Familiarity can be a comfort. Knowing what to expect—the flow of the class, the rhythm, the friendly faces—helps students feel relaxed and secure. Too much change, and they might feel lost rather than inspired.

The real art lies in balance: a consistent structure paired with small moments of novelty and personal connection.

What the Research Says

While research specifically on Tai Chi class design is limited, studies from yoga, fitness, and motor learning offer insight:

• Predictable structure matters: A 2018 yoga study found students valued predictability; too much complexity discouraged attendance.

• Connection keeps people coming back: Group fitness studies show social bonds are strong predictors of ongoing participation.

• Minor variations support skill retention: Motor learning research shows gentle variation keeps the mind engaged, especially for older adults.

• Autonomy and meaning matter: People stay when a class feels personally relevant, not just like a routine to follow.

The winning mix? Structure, variety, connection, and choice.

How I Structure My Classes

My Tai Chi and Qigong classes are one hour long, with a rhythm students quickly come to know and love.

1. Bow-In

We start with the traditional Tai Chi bow-in, a simple gesture of respect and connection. Standing in Wuji posture, we bring the left open palm over the right soft fist at chest height and bow gently.

• The open hand represents peace and humility.

• The fist represents strength.

Together, they symbolize harmony between softness and power—a lovely way to centre ourselves and honour the practice, our teachers, and each other.

2. Warm-Up (10–15 minutes)

I rotate six different warm-up routines throughout the term. Some are soft and relaxing; others are a little more uplifting.

This sets the tone, loosens the joints, deepens the breath, and calms the mind.

I always play soft, relaxing music in my classes. Gentle music helps students settle into their bodies and minds, which supports the flow of Qi during Qigong and Tai Chi. It subtly enhances relaxation, focus, and the overall sense of harmony in the room.

3. Main Practice (20-25 minutes)

We then move into Qigong practice, often a Shibashi set (I like sets 1,2 and 3) or the Eight Brocades, followed by Yang Style Tai Chi. Beginners practice the 10-form, while advanced students may explore the 24- or 88-form routines.

For instructors teaching Qigong only, this is a perfect opportunity to introduce seasonal themes based on the Five Elements or to focus on movements for a particular organ system, such as the lungs, heart, stomach, or kidneys.

4. Group Connection Time (10 minutes)

If there’s time, I split the class into small groups for ten minutes. Each group chooses a movement from a Tai Chi or Qigong routine we have been learning and practices it together.

It’s simple but transformative. Students chat, laugh, and learn from one another. This builds community, confidence, and joy, which are just as important as the movements themselves.

5. Cool-Down & Meditation (10–15 minutes)

We finish with a seated guided meditation, usually tailored to the theme of the day, such as breathing, releasing tension, or a walk through a woodland. I have about 10 different meditations that I can choose from, depending on what feels right for the group.

If we don’t have time for a seated meditation, we’ll finish with the Qigong practice of Mountain Top, Zhan Zhuang poses, or some simple breathing exercises instead.

These options leave everyone calm, centred, and grounded, a gentle, mindful close to the session.

Why This Approach Works

This structure offers:

• Comforting familiarity through a consistent rhythm.

• Engaging novelty through varied warm-ups, themes, and group activities.

• Holistic balance through bow-in, warm-up, main practice, connection, and meditation.

  
  

In the end, it’s not about constantly reinventing your class. It’s about nurturing the group’s energy, giving students room to grow, and helping each person feel part of something meaningful. That’s what keeps them coming back, not just to learn Tai Chi, but to feel good in body, mind, and spirit.

Inspiration for Fellow Instructors

If you are a Tai Chi or Qigong instructor looking for fresh warm-ups, new routines, or seasonal ideas, explore my website www.taichiandlemons.com or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/taichiandlemons. Take what resonates, make it your own, and let's keep learning together. 🌿

Questions or stuck for ideas? Drop me a message, email taichiandlemons@gmail.com

I’m always happy to help. 😊