Walnut Creek Seniors Club members can take two free weekly Qi Gong classes focused on balance and flexibility at the Civic Park Community Center and on Zoom.

The Walnut Creek Seniors Club runs both sessions, led by instructor Bob Wolf. The classes are open to current club members at no charge, and no prior experience is needed, according to the club's website. Membership costs $20 for 2026.

The Tuesday Zoom class meets from noon to 12:15 p.m. and includes gentle stretching intended to strengthen core muscles, according to Wolf. The Wednesday in-person class runs from 12:30 to 12:50 p.m. at Civic Park Community Center, 1375 Civic Drive.

Wolf centers the Wednesday session on the Five Animals routine, an ancient Chinese practice that simulates the slow movements of the tiger, deer, bear, monkey and bird. He reviews one section of the routine at the start of each class, and the same sequence repeats weekly so participants can learn the movements gradually.

"If you want stress relief, Qi Gong is ideal," Wolf wrote on the club's blog.

Wolf wrote that practicing the movements slowly can strengthen muscles used for balance. He said the exercises encourage participants to notice their posture and coordinate changes in weight, potentially improving stability during everyday movement.

Wolf describes Qi Gong as gentle stretching combined with focused attention. Tai chi originated as a martial art, but versions practiced for health are considered a form of qigong, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

In an August club blog post, Wolf described the practice as roughly 3,000 years old. He wrote that combining movement, breathing and concentration may ease tension and encourage relaxation. The club said participants describe feeling calmer and refreshed afterward.

Members who want to join the Tuesday Zoom class can request a link by emailing [email protected]. Prospective members can call 925-295-1490 or email the same address for information on joining the club.

The Walnut Creek Arts + Rec Adult 50+ newsletter also lists the club's other drop-in programs, including bingo, mahjong, bridge and trivia. The September newsletter lists Civic Park Community Center hours as Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.