Chiswick's very own Strictly resident Kele Baker is bringing a new force to the borough with Chi gong classes.
Strictly Come Dancing's Argentine tango choreographer and director of Life Force Chi Centre launched the first drop-in session on Monday (March 2) at The Pier House on Corney Reach Way.
The Chi gong (pronounced chee gong; also spelled qigong) instructor led two 45-minute classes with slow, gentle, easy-to-do, flowing movements, synchronised with deep breathing and mindful awareness.
Known as a branch of traditional Chinese medicine which for centuries has been practiced by millions of people all over the world, daily, it helps maintain health and wellbeing by transforming stress into vitality, tension into energy and worry into peace of mind.
Ms Baker who has been teaching and choreographing ballroom, Latin and Argentine tango for over 20 years discovered chi gong as therapy when recovering from whiplash.
She said: “Practicing chi gong every day helps keep my neck, shoulders and back moving freely, as well as instilling in me a sense of calm alertness and relaxed awareness.
"Chi gong saved my sanity as well as my body.
"I have lived in Chiswick for 20 years, so I’m excited to be sharing the therapeutic benefits of chi gong with my local community, especially at The Pier House, situated by our magnificent river.”
The Life Force Chi Centre will be donating part of their income to support the work of the Chiswick RNLI.
Among its many known health benefits are supporting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, relieves back pain, reduces high blood pressure, improves flexibility balance, supports the functioning of the internal organs, and combats stress and depression.
It’s never to late to start taking care of your own health, so why not give it a go after work?
What: Chi Gong drop-in classes
Where: The Pier House, Corney Reach Way, Chiswick, W4 2UG
When: Monday evenings at 6.45pm or 7.45pm
Cost: £8 each with a special offer to attend five classes and get the sixth one free
