Breathe. Move. Refresh.

Ongoing Classes & Special Programs

NG Energy offers ongoing Tai Chi and Tai Chi Fit classes as well as special programs that promote personal growth. These classes and programs are suitable for a variety of age and fitness levels. Participants consistently experience improved strength, balance, and emotional well-being.

NG Energy classes and programs also help counteract the negative effects of stress, a huge contributing factor in most of the diseases of our society. Combining the knowledge and experience gained in more than 30 years of martial arts and Qigong training, and work in a number of healing modalities and earth-based practices, Nancy Gardner offers tools and techniques to revitalize, restore and maintain health.

Ongoing Classes & Special Programs

Tai Chi / Senior Wellness

Ohio Living Rockynol
Mondays, 11 to Noon
Free for residents; $5 per class for non-residents
Tai Chi / Senior Wellness
Ohio Living Rockynol
Mondays, 11 to Noon
Free for residents; $5 per class for non-residents

Tai Chi is a low-impact, weight-bearing form of exercise practiced for its many health benefits. The movements are slow and deliberate, and are coordinated with specific breathing patterns. Open to the public, this class is geared to the senior population.

Tai Chi has been shown to improve cardiopulmonary fitness, bone health, endurance and coordination. It also can be “played” to relax and re-energize. And, it's good for the brain!

Regular practice can provide:


  • Increased leg strength

  • Improved balance and a lower risk for falls
  • Increased range of motion in the joints

  • Improved breathing

  • Reduced pain and stiffness

Studies also show promise that Tai Chi practice may be beneficial in treating hypertension, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's, fibromyalgia and sleep problems.

Address: 1275 W. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44313
Room: Carrell Center
Sessions: Start any time
Registration: Appreciated. Call 330-945-5533 or email nancyg@ngenergy.us.
Note: Wear loose, comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. Bring water.

Tai Chi... Meditation in Motion

Fairlawn Community Center
Mondays, 6 to 7:15 PM
$60 for each 5-week session.
Tai Chi... Meditation in Motion
Fairlawn Community Center
Mondays, 6 to 7:15 PM
$60 for each 5-week session.

Tai Chi is an “internal” Chinese martial art, practiced for its many health benefits. The movements are slow and deliberate, and are coordinated with specific breathing patterns. Tai Chi is a great exercise program for people of all ages and physical abilities; a great cross-training program for athletes.

A low-impact, weight-bearing exercise, Tai Chi has been shown to improve cardiopulmonary fitness, bone health, endurance and coordination. It also can be “played” to relax and re-energize. And, it's good for the brain!

Regular practice can provide:


  • Improved physical conditioning, muscle strength, coordination and flexibility
  • Improved balance and a lower risk for falls, especially in elderly people

  • Increased range of motion in the joints

  • Improved breathing

  • Reduced pain and stiffness

Studies also show promise that Tai Chi practice may be beneficial in treating hypertension, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's, fibromyalgia and sleep problems.

Address: 3486 S. Smith Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333
Sessions: New sessions begin every five weeks. Call 330-945-5533 or email nancyg@ngenergy.us
 for next start date.
Registration: Arrive 10 minutes early the first week.
Note: Classes held outdoors as the weather allows. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. Bring water.

Kung Fu Fit

"Build A Body" in Green
Tuesdays, 6 to 7:15 PM
$60 for each 5-week session.
Kung Fu Fit
"Build A Body" in Green
Tuesdays, 6 to 7:15 PM
$60 for each 5-week session.

Kung Fu Fit is a martial arts class that includes weapons work, weight training and Qigong (pronounced "chee gung"). This unique, high-energy class can be a great stand-alone fitness program, a complement to Tai Chi or an effective cross-training workout.

Class includes Praying Mantis style exercises, forms and two-person techniques. Praying Mantis teaches the power of stillness. Still the outer mind, go within and from there draw upon greater power – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

Regular practice can provide:


  • Improved core strength
  • Improved aerobic capacity
  • Improved flexibility and balance
  • Increased range of motion in the joints
  • Improved body alignment
  • Improved left/right brain integration

Classes include:


  • Stance training, kicks and punches
  • Unique weight training exercises

  • Short- and long-stick work with self-defense applications
  • Qigong exercises

  • Solo and partner stretching

Address: 3339 Miller Park Rd., Akron (Green), OH 44312
Sessions: New sessions begin every five weeks. Call 330-945-5533 or email nancyg@ngenergy.us
 for next start date.
Registration: Arrive 10 minutes early the first week.
Note: Classes held outdoors as the weather allows. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. Bring water.

Tai Chi... Meditation in Motion

"Build A Body" in Green
Tuesdays, 7:30 to 8:45 PM
$60 for each 5-week session.
Tai Chi... Meditation in Motion
"Build A Body" in Green
Tuesdays, 7:30 to 8:45 PM
$60 for each 5-week session.

Tai Chi is an “internal” Chinese martial art, practiced for its many health benefits. The movements are slow and deliberate, and are coordinated with specific breathing patterns. Tai Chi is a great exercise program for people of all ages and physical abilities; a great cross-training program for athletes.

A low-impact, weight-bearing exercise, Tai Chi has been shown to improve cardiopulmonary fitness, bone health, endurance and coordination. It also can be “played” to relax and re-energize. And, it's good for the brain!

Regular practice can provide:


  • Improved physical conditioning, muscle strength, coordination and flexibility
  • Improved balance and a lower risk for falls, especially in elderly people

  • Increased range of motion in the joints

  • Improved breathing

  • Reduced pain and stiffness

Studies also show promise that Tai Chi practice may be beneficial in treating hypertension, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's, fibromyalgia and sleep problems.

Address: 3339 Miller Park Rd., Akron (Green), OH 44312
Sessions: New sessions begin every five weeks. Call 330-945-5533 or email nancyg@ngenergy.us
 for next start date.
Registration: Arrive 10 minutes early the first week.
Note: Wear loose, comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. Bring water.

Lunchtime Tai Chi at Main Library

60 South High St., (Indoors, Science & Technology)
Five Wednesdays, June 12 - July 10, 12:15-1:00 p.m.
Free Program
Lunchtime Tai Chi at Main Library
60 South High St., (Indoors, Science & Technology)
Five Wednesdays, June 12 - July 10, 12:15-1:00 p.m.
Free Program

Come relax and re-energize with Tai Chi, an "internal" Chinese martial art practiced for its many health benefits and mind/body connections. The slow movements and mindful breathing make Tai Chi the perfect exercise for people of all ages and physical abilities.

This will be our FOURTH YEAR holding lunchtime Tai Chi classes at the Main Library. This year, because of all of the construction on Main Street, we'll be meeting indoors, lower level, Science & Technology.

Flyer... please share

Summer Qigong at the Signal Tree

Cascade Valley Metro Park, Chuckery Area, 837 Cuyahoga St., Akron
Saturday, June 22, 9:30 a.m.
Free Program
Summer Qigong at the Signal Tree
Cascade Valley Metro Park, Chuckery Area, 837 Cuyahoga St., Akron
Saturday, June 22, 9:30 a.m.
Free Program

Come learn/practice the "Four Golden Wheels" Qigong. These simple exercises can improve your energy flow and benefit body, mind and spirit. No prior experience necessary. Dress for the weather.

NOTE: The "drive" back to the Signal Tree off Cuyahoga St. is also known as Peck Rd. (Park in first lot.)

Tai Chi in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Ledges Shelter (field), 701 Truxell Rd., Peninsula
Three Wednesdays, July 31, August 7 & 14, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Free Program
Tai Chi in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Ledges Shelter (field), 701 Truxell Rd., Peninsula
Three Wednesdays, July 31, August 7 & 14, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Free Program

See the class description above.

This will be the SEVENTH YEAR of Tai Chi classes in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The setting alone is worth the drive... birds soaring, deer crossing the field, and beautiful sunsets. The Tai Chi is a lot of fun too!

PLUS, this year classes will be followed by a night hike, 8:15 - 9:30 p.m.

Dress for the weather and note the different evening this year!

Learn More About Our Classes & Programs

Benefits of Tai Chi

By coordinating a series of deliberate movements with our breath, we energize, strengthen and refresh our bodies.

Benefits of Tai Chi Details

Regardless of age or fitness level, Tai Chi’s many benefits can play an important role in our overall health and vitality. We can practice it (also referred to as “play”) to relax or re-energize... as a physical workout... an emotional release... as “meditation in motion.”

Grounded in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Tai Chi offers relaxation and strengthening, flexibility and balance, and improved overall health on many levels. Tai Chi (and Qigong) are considered “complementary health approaches” by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). While additional research continues, clinical studies have provided compelling data that suggests Tai Chi may slow various aspects of aging and improve our health on many levels:

  • Cardiopulmonary fitness
  • Bone health
  • Balance and fall prevention
  • Self-efficacy (confidence/perceived ability)
  • Stress reduction
  • Quality of life

Our training focuses on three primary areas – physical conditioning, flexibility and breathing with movement. While we do not emphasize the “fight” of Tai Chi, we do incorporate its principles of discipline, balance, body alignment and core strength training.

When we practice the specific, intentional movements of the form, we increase the connections between body, mind and spirit, and develop a relaxed awareness of where our body’s energy (qi) is going. In time, we learn to direct this energy to attain greater well-being.

Personal Growth Programs

Achieving our fullest potential is a journey, not a destination. NG Energy offers a variety of programs to energize and support you along the way.

Personal Growth Programs Details

Participants of our personal growth programs experience a renewed sense of well-being, increased confidence, improved coping skills, and a deepened sense of connection.

  • Energize Your Day

    For those who sit at a computer for hours at a time and for those who are on their feet all day, several de-stressing, healing and re-energizing applications are taught. This program incorporates movements from martial arts, Yoga, Qigong and Polarity Therapy as well as self-massage, acupressure and eye care. Seminar includes handouts of the exercises covered. Appropriate for large and small groups. (A great wellness program for a variety of audiences – as a conference break-out session, corporate “lunch-and-learn” seminar or private group meeting.)

  • Qigong... Working with Your Vital Energy

    Qigong (pronounced “chee-gung”) is an ancient Chinese healing art and science that works with your vital energy (qi) to benefit body, mind and spirit. This Qigong seminar focuses on breathing exercises that build and circulate qi. Through regular practice, you can learn to deal effectively with stress, keep your body relaxed and supple, and improve the quality and flow of your internal energy. (Full seminar requires a two-hour time frame; a shorter version is available.)

  • Elixir Light Qigong

    Qigong (pronounced “chee-gung”) is an ancient Chinese healing art and science that works with your vital energy (qi) to benefit body, mind and spirit. In this seminar, you will learn the “Four Golden Wheels” – gentle movements, self-massage, breathing techniques and meditation. Designed to activate and balance the primary energy centers, this Qigong practice can influence every aspect of your life in a positive way. (Full seminar requires a three-hour time frame; a shorter version is available.)

  • Stretch, De-stress and More

    Headaches? Back Pain? Tight Muscles? Achy joints? Learn how to eliminate or minimize them through this series of classes. Sessions focus on participants’ health concerns and incorporate techniques to heal headaches, backaches, neck and shoulder pain; stretching and movements to reduce stiffness and increase joint mobility; self-massage and acupressure points to maintain health; and Polarity Therapy, Yoga postures and Qigong breathing to improve overall vitality. (Ideal as a mini-series of wellness classes.)

  • The Dragons Within

    Can you name your "dragons"? Past hurts, fears, anger, abuse? Rage, frustration, resentment? Bad relationships? Addiction? Negativity? How are they affecting your professional and personal life? Once we identify, name and tame our dragons they become our allies and help us move to a place of greater harmony. In this session we address principles of wellness and learn how the energy of our words feeds our dragons. (Various programs are available.)

  • Expanding Your Senses

    Refresh your spirit and stretch your boundaries in nature’s environment. Questions asked are “Who are you – now?” “What is your story?” “Are you where you want to be, doing what you want to be doing?” Originally designed as a weekend retreat in the Allegheny National Forest, this program can be tailored to an urban environment and shorter time frames. (Various programs are available, depending on your group’s goals.)

  • Hiking Stick Exercises for Health and Self-defense

    Adapted from a martial arts staff form, this program teaches stretches and movements with a hiking stick (or "long staff"). Benefits include improved postural alignment, increased range of motion and left/right brain integration. When appropriate, two-person techniques and self-defense applications are practiced as well. (Various programs are available.)

  • Partner Massage

    Massage can be therapeutic. It also can be a great way to express your love. In this seminar you will learn several massage techniques and practice them on your partner (significant other, parent, child, sibling, friend). The work will be personalized to your needs or preferences: head, neck and sinus points; shoulders, arms and hands; back, legs and feet. (Available for private and small-group gatherings.)

  • Get Strong, Get Balanced

    An exercise program designed specifically for seniors who want to stay on their feet! A combination of martial arts kicks (practiced slowly), light weight work, gentle body movements and Qigong breathing is employed. Exercises can be done sitting or standing. (Various programs are available.)

  • Eastern Healing Therapies

    This three-part seminar teaches ways to stimulate self-healing through acupressure, Qigong breathing and Chinese health balls. These valuable techniques easily can be incorporated into your health-maintenance program. Because of the detailed nature in teaching acupressure points, group size is limited to 15 or fewer. (Full seminar requires a three-hour time frame; a shorter version is available.)

  • Polarity Therapy's Energy Exercises

    Polarity Therapy is an energy-based healing modality. It incorporates bodywork, energy exercises, mindful breathing, self-awareness practices and diet. Working on yourself or on another person, it is effective in relieving minor aches and pains and improving overall health. This seminar focuses on healing and energizing techniques. Self and partner work will be practiced. (Full seminar requires a three-hour time frame; a shorter version is available.)

  • Lunar Wisdom... Living in Sync with Life's Cycles

    The moon goes through eight phases every lunar cycle (starting at each new moon) and every solar cycle (starting on the first day of spring). Understanding the energy of each of these phases helps us better "go with the flow" of life rather than struggle against it. Further discussion explores how the phases can be used as guides for accomplishing goals as well as for understanding specific life cycles. (Full seminar requires a three-hour time frame; a shorter version is available.)

  • Native American Medicine Wheel

    The Medicine Wheel is a ceremonial center. 
It is a place to strengthen our connection with nature; a place to pray, meditate, contemplate. In this workshop, we create a 36-stone Medicine Wheel, exploring what each stone represents (direction, animal, color, plant, mineral). Once built, we "Walk the Wheel," then take quiet time for reflection and/or journaling. After a period of sharing, the Wheel is dismantled, also in ceremony. (Full seminar requires a three-hour time frame; a shorter version is available.)

"Prior to beginning Tai Chi at age 57, I had problems with both of my shoulders, characterized by stiffness, limited movement and pain, which disturbed my sleep. Shortly after starting Tai Chi my shoulders began to steadily improve and now, 10 years later, I am still at it and my shoulders are pain-free with unlimited movement."

Bruce Greer
Retired, Harwick Chemical