Lynne Donnelly, CST-T, EFTCert-II
Bring a Healing Balance to your life
Never Better Tai Chi & Qigong
Would you like your life to be on an "Extraordinary Health Trajectory?" A recent study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that older adults who practice tai chi were on just such a trajectory.
Tai Chi is a system of slow, gentle movements that work all the major muscle groups and joints. It is also a form of "moving meditation," which integrates body and mind and can improve mental functions and enhance health.
The controlled movements of tai chi balance the body's internal energy, which connects body and mind. It also increases the circulation of blood and energy in the body, producing a state of relaxation and calm.
Qigong (pronounced "chee-gung") literally means "developing or cultivating your life force energy." There are many forms of qigong, from simple breathing exercises to more distinct physical exercises, including tai chi.
I teach weekly tai chi and qigong classes in Freeland for adult students of all ages, even into their 90s. Tai chi has been shown to be a tremendous benefit especially for seniors, reducing by 47% the number of falls and significantly reducing injuries from falls that did occur. It is also beneficial for chronic conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, Parkinson's, MS, back and joint pain, and many other conditions.
The controlled movements of tai chi balance the body's internal energy, which connects body and mind. It also increases the circulation of blood and energy in the body, producing a state of relaxation and calm.
Qigong (pronounced "chee-gung") literally means "developing or cultivating your life force energy." There are many forms of qigong, from simple breathing exercises to more distinct physical exercises, including tai chi.
I teach weekly tai chi and qigong classes in Freeland for adult students of all ages, even into their 90s. Tai chi has been shown to be a tremendous benefit especially for seniors, reducing by 47% the number of falls and significantly reducing injuries from falls that did occur. It is also beneficial for chronic conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, Parkinson's, MS, back and joint pain, and many other conditions.
Some of the proven benefits of tai chi and qigong include:
• Bigger brain! • Better balance • Reduced stress • Lower blood pressure • Improved coordination • Increased flexibility • Greater self-awareness • Improved mental function • Better general health • Improved posture • Increased peace of mind
In Person & ZOOM Class Schedule & Cancellations
IN-PERSON CLASSES and ZOOM CLASSES!
I currently teach four weekly tai chi classes on Whidbey Island in Freeland. I teach everyone from beginners to advanced students. For BEGINNERS, the class times are:
• Tuesdays and/or Thursdays at 2:00/2:30 p.m. at my office/tai chi studio at 5548 Myrtle Avenue, Suite 303 in Freeland (opposite the Chase Bank) and on Zoom.
Starting in December 2025:
Continuing beginner students (those who have been taught the initial form) should come at 2:00 p.m. for their form instruction.
New students should arrive at 2:30 p.m., when we will all do Qigong together. Then at 3:00 p.m. the continuing beginner students leave and the new students will have their form instruction class, lasting until 3:30.
The beginner classes are all in person; no Zoom. If you are a new student and would like to join, e-mail me at Lynne@Lynne.org. I will send you information about the class and also links to some private YouTube videos I have made to enhance learning.
For approved INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED students, the class times are:
• Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. at my office/tai chi studio at 5548 Myrtle Avenue, Suite 303 in Freeland (opposite the Chase Bank) and on Zoom.
The classes are a hybrid of in-person and Zoom, so you can join from anywhere you have good internet OR come to the studio.
All classes include work on the tai chi form we're learning as well as qigong and stretching exercises. The classes are appropriate for anyone, from beginners on, especially older adults who would like to begin an exercise program or improve their balance, flexibility, or strength.
Instermediate and Advanced students can also choose to join me in the studio in Freeland. Being in person offers advantages the Zoom version doesn't, like an improved ability to see what I'm doing in three dimensions and for me to see what you're doing. Plus, the energy of having people in the room doing tai chi together is fantastic!
All classes include work on the tai chi form we're learning as well as qigong and stretching exercises. The classes are appropriate for anyone, from beginners on, especially older adults who would like to begin an exercise program or improve their balance, flexibility, or strength.
Instermediate and Advanced students can also choose to join me in the studio in Freeland. Being in person offers advantages the Zoom version doesn't, like an improved ability to see what I'm doing in three dimensions and for me to see what you're doing. Plus, the energy of having people in the room doing tai chi together is fantastic!
FEES:
Your first class is free, to see if I’m a good fit for you as a teacher. After that the fee is $70/month. Your first month may be prorated to reflect the number of remaining weeks in the calendar month if you are started later than the first week. If you are coming in person or pay via PayPal you can instead pay the weekly fee of $20 for whichever weeks you are there. The fee is for a weekly class, but you can come to both classes for no extra cost.
"Tai chi has given me self-confidence in my physical abilities that is even more important than the health benefits I've derived. And we have a lot of fun!"--MKB
"It's a wonderful form of relaxation
and keeps a nonagenarian supple."--SW, age 94
CANCELLATIONS/CHANGES:
No classes from December 24, 2025 through January 1, 2026. Classes resume January 2, 2026.
DISCLAIMER: Please consult with your physician before beginning any tai chi or exercise program. You know your own body, so listen to it carefully. By performing any fitness exercises, including tai chi, you perform them at your own risk. Lynne Donnelly will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of online, in-person, livestream, videos, or information shared on this website or via e-mail. The use of any of the material found on this site is at your own risk. Visiting this site and/or registering/attending Zoom or in-person class implies that you have read, understood, acknowledged, and consented to this disclaimer.
Saber form at Ft. Casey
In the News
Sometimes in the summers I teach the tai chi Saber form to invited students. And we've made the print and TV media! Here are links to the stories about us.
KING5 NewDay Northwest:
https://www.king5.com/video/entertainment/television/programs/new-day-northwest/tai-chi-classes-saber-whidbey-island-lynne-donnelly/281-407d4a81-1f50-489a-928d-c0a27c5cb818
Whidbey News Times:
https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/life/for-tai-chi-class-yielding-sabers-all-about-better-balance/
KING5 Evening Magazine:
https://www.king5.com/video/entertainment/television/programs/evening/you-can-learn-the-art-of-tai-chi-with-a-sword-on-whidbey-island-king-5-evening/281-10bd9464-9f06-423b-99b5-ceb231e4f28e
KING5 NewDay Northwest:
https://www.king5.com/video/entertainment/television/programs/new-day-northwest/tai-chi-classes-saber-whidbey-island-lynne-donnelly/281-407d4a81-1f50-489a-928d-c0a27c5cb818
Whidbey News Times:
https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/life/for-tai-chi-class-yielding-sabers-all-about-better-balance/
KING5 Evening Magazine:
https://www.king5.com/video/entertainment/television/programs/evening/you-can-learn-the-art-of-tai-chi-with-a-sword-on-whidbey-island-king-5-evening/281-10bd9464-9f06-423b-99b5-ceb231e4f28e
Private Lessons
I offer private and semi-private classes in both tai chi and qigong in your home or my studio. Qigong exercises are a wonderful way to re-energize and rejuvenate during your workday and can help eliminate or reduce problems from repetitive stress or excessive sitting.