World Tai Chi and Qigong Day could be just the thing to stop and recharge.

I have always thought there was something quite mesmerising and soothing watching someone perform Tai Chi.

Quite often around town I will see someone peacefully doing it and stop to watch for a few minutes.

It looks relaxing and a great way to stay mobile for all ages and abilities.

If you have always wanted to experience it then Saturday at Foreshore Park may be your chance.

Every year on the last Saturday in April at 10am local time, cities around the world take part in World Tai Chi and Qigong Day.

Students and instructors of the Tai Chi Centre will run a free session for Novocastrians at Foreshore Park.

Instructor Amanda Amanda Heidke is encouraging community members to get along and take part or just watch a range of performances.

“We celebrate the day for the health and healing benefits that Tai Chi and Qigong provides for individuals, communities, and nations,” Amanda said.

“We bring people across racial, economic, religious, and geo-political boundaries together for the purpose of health and healing, and we thank Chinese culture for creating and sharing these valuable gifts with us.”

She said regardless of age, physical challenges or fitness levels, everyone and anyone can participate.

“Simple Tai Chi routines will mean everyone gets the opportunity to experience the healing benefits of this ancient Chinese art form and share in the global phenomenon known worldwide as Tai Chi and Qigong Day,” Amanda said.

“This year we will be at Foreshore Park which provides the perfect environment for members of the community to join together and participate in this healthy activity, to connect with each other, the surrounding locality and the world. It doesn’t cost anything, so just come down and share in the energy.

“The message we want to share is that it is for everyone, whether you’ve done it before or you haven’t, just come down and investigate it.”

The Tai Chi Centre have been hosting the free community event in Newcastle for the past few years.

Ahead of last year’s event, Amanda explained to me that Tai Chi could best be described as “a complete system for focusing and balancing body, mind and spirit for living a long, healthy and happy life”.

It is accessible to “almost anyone” and can help with relearning correct posture and body alignment and can also help mange health conditions and alleviate stress.

“Several weeks of very simple movements will improve flexibility, strength and balance, with other benefits including improved functioning of internal organs, better breathing and improved sleep,” she said. 

World Tai Chi & Qigong Day, Foreshore Park, April 28: At 10am local time in cities around the world, community members are encouraged to breathe together and send a 'healing wave' around the globe. Regardless of age and fitness level, all are invited to get along and join in or just watch. Dogs and kids are also welcome.

Port to Port MTB, May 24-27: Starting at the Hunter Valley Crowne Plaza and finishing at Dixon Park, this four-stage mountain bike ride is designed to test riders of all levels. There is a new course this year, with challenging climbs, thrilling descents and loads of single track.

The weather is threatening to put a dampener on outdoor fitness towards the end of the week with cooler weather and rain predicted.

A circuit is a failsafe way to get in a good session if space is limited and staying indoors looks a better option than venturing out.

Pick 10 exercises ensuring muscular balance (ie pair a push exercise with a pull/row exercise) and aim for 2-3 times through each for a set time. 

You can make them all strength, all cardio or a mix. 

An example is: Squats, mountain climbers, push-ups, running arms with dumbbells, lunges, squat jumps, pull-ups/rows, plank jacks, V-sit, glute bridge.

Renee Valentine is a writer, qualified personal trainer and mother of three. r.valentine@fairfaxmedia.com.au.