Find out more about how others are benefiting from yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong lessons with Paul Houghton.
Over the coming weeks and months we’re going to be getting a lot more information up on the site about Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, Meditation and healing.
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Classes and tuition
Find out when your nearest class is available in the Warrington area, or contact Paul for more information about private tuition and corporate services.
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Just a short note to encourage people to join Paul’s Friday morning class at the Baptist Church Latchford. The benefits from just one hour’s yoga are amazing. You can feel the tension in your body, then whilst doing the exercises, feel it start to loosen and go.
Paul’s relaxed, pressure-free and humourous style is all you need to want to practice yourself.
And if yoga isn’t your bag, why not give Tai Chi a go? What is your goal? ‘Fitness’ ? How red-faced and sweaty you get? How about well-being? How about peace and calm mind…
Paul Houghton is an exceptionally talented man, both in his specialism, Tai Chi, and also in his ability to deliver the teaching of this art at a pace that is sympathetic to all levels of skill. He has a gentle, charismatic approach that will put you at ease from your first session. I have found learning to manage stress through Tai Chi to be rewarding and effective. I feel energized and a very positive measure of the success of attending these sessions has been a reduction in my blood pressure. I would recommend the services of Paul Houghton to anyone hoping to increase their well-being in a natural and holistic way.
Tai Chi is the best activity l have taken up.
I have been going to Paul’s Tai Chi class on thursday nights for seven years now. Each week l look forward to the warm cheerful class, where lam always learning and achieving more routines (at my own pace) , with the help and support that Paul gives.
In addition to Tai Chi Paul teaches meditation, relaxation and healing the mind, to live a stress free life.
Paul always say’s “practice, practice, practice”
Thank you Paul for teaching the art of Tai Chi and the support you have give every week.
Yoga on a Monday – Warrington
My mum taught me Hatha Yoga when I was 10 and like all teenagers I gave it up until I reached my early 20’s and I started going to any classes I could find and fit in my schedule but I never kept them up.
Not until I discovered Paul’s yoga class in 2006. I’d broke my arm earlier that yr, had a pin put in and though I had tried other classes since the brake, they all seemed too serious or hell bent on me braking my other arm too. Paul was and is understanding of your individual needs and ability, his wonderful friendly character makes any nerves disappear and he’s a fabulous yoga instructor, who likes to take you back to basics one week and remind you of the techniques that may have got sloppy or surprise you the next week with standing on your head. I always leave class feeling completely relaxed but full of energy and sometimes soaking with sweat! You just have to remember to hold your concentration as Paul encourages laughter, likes a chat & usually has a joke to share at the beginning of class, once we’ve all stopped nattering.
I’ve also attended Paul’s YOGA WORKSHOP which I have taken friends along too that have never tried yoga and they have been back to the 1 day events, they are brilliant. You get to have a giggle, learn a full routine that you can take home and adapt to fit into the time you have.
I’d recommend a yoga class to anyone, both Paul and fellow yogi’s are friendly and helpful. Try it – what have you got to loose.
I have tried the liangong on a Tuesday evening. it’s a big change from tai chi, but I have found it not difficult to do, and really enjoyable.
Hi Paul
Your website looks very interesting and informative, I look forward to reading more articles.
I really enjoy Paul’s Friday morning classes at Latchford church. He gives the class very casual atmosphere. They are a good balance of hard work (stretching, balance, use of core muscles) and relaxation. I have wanted to do yoga for a long time to help me improve my sleep. I feel it has definitely helped me to relax. The classes are also very good for improving flexibility, circulation, muscle tone, core muscle strength and balance (which is good for my injured lower back), loosening clicking joints, and I think it s good for getting rid of dimply thighs!
Even though I am young (25) and fit, I have found Paul’s class very beneficial in many ways. I recommend it to people of age and level of yoga experience.
Monday evening Hatha Yoga – Warrington
The Website is very informative and shows the scope of Paul’s knowledge.
My wife and I have been going to one of Paul’s weekly Yoga classes for 4 years. We find it very beneficial both physically and mentally. After a short time we both felt better in terms of joint flexibility, muscular strength and balance. Also we found ways to achieve relaxation and serenity, even when away from the classes.
He pushes the class without making it too strenuos or onerous.Although Paul is very enthusiastic about the Yoga he manages to add humour to make it enjoyable.
I used to think Yoga was primarily a female past time, yet I am among a number of males who regularly attend.
I would equally recommend Paul’s classes to men as well as ladies.
Keep the classes coming Paul – we’ll always be there if you do!!
Joining Paul for an hour of yoga after work is always worthwhile. Paul leads you through a series of gentle stretching and breathing exercises to ease the stresses of the day. You leave in a more relaxed state, both physically and mentally. Highly recommended.
World Tai Chi in the Park Day – Warrington
Hi Paul
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed this morning! It was great doing Tai Chi out in the fresh air with lots of others. It reminded me to try practising outside again now the warm weather has arrived.
Many thanks. Jean
Hi Paul,
Really enjoyed the Sunday morning Tai Chi session – it was great meeting people from the other groups and chatting about shared experiences.
Thankfully the weather held and it was fun being able to bring Tai Chi to the centre of Warrington; more please!!
cheers Steve
I joined Paul’s Tai Chi class back in 2001 after experiencing Tai Chi first hand on a visit to China. He persuaded me to try the yoga class which I found very beneficial. Haven’t been able to get to a class for a while but I am sure I will return one day. In the meantime I will keep a look out on here for any forthcoming events.
Comments made by the Y6 children @
Sycamore Lane, Community Primary School, Warrington
* Paul, the Tai Chi master, astonished me with the moves he could do!
* It was exciting!
* I found the Tai chi session very relaxing.
* I thought it was relaxing and fun!
* The Tai chi session was phenomenal! It had a calming effect!
* I felt calm and collected.
* It made me flexible!
* The game was hard and required good concentration and focus.
* It was good, very, very good- phenomenal!
* Tai chi Paul was very professional.
* Tai Chi cleared the negative thoughts and worries I had about SATs.
The Tai Chi helped the children relax and calmed the atmosphere after a morning of testing. Paul was kind and helpful throughout the session.
I really liked the bow and arrow move.
We thoroughly enjoyed the session and would love it to happen every week!
My first encounter with Paul and Tai Chi was at my local Day Centre, where I attended an open day for parents and carers. After a brief introductory talk about Chinese exercising for health and its benefits, Paul led a group of about 25 of us who were new to this kind of exercise, through some gentle stretching and breathing Tai Chi and Qigong moves which I found were just at the right level for us all.
The exercises that we did left me feeling fantastic, as a result I enquired if there were classes suitable for me to attend in the Warrington area (that was September 2007, when I was 80 yrs old). It turned out that Paul’s Thursday evening class in Warrington was ideal for me. This is a warm and friendly class where you enjoy learning and where you don’t feel out of place. Over the following months with Paul’s help and guidance I learned a wonderful healthy exercise practice called Shibashi and even learned how to meditate, which have worked wonders on both my breathing and body.
I have been an asthmatic from birth having received no medication that really helped until I was 75.
I also inherited an un-natural curvature of the spine and over the last four years have been visiting a chiropractor on a monthly basis hopefully to control any further deterioration.
The stretching exercises which the chiropractor prescribed are very similar to the exercises which we do at Paul’s classes; I have found that the Tai Chi and Qigong exercises have helped to keep me very active despite my advancing years. Since starting Tai Chi and Qigong exercising the chiropractor has commented just how much more flexible my spine has become and that my balance is now remarkable.
Now, after practicing Tai Chi and Qigong exercises for 2 ½ years I have had my medication reduced from using inhalers, during both the night time and morning to only once a day and my back is now feeling better than ever before. I can not recommend these classes highly enough; they are brilliant and make you feel great.
I have suffered with back pain for quite a while with no successful treatment from orthodox sources. After Paul’s Hatha Yoga classes – Wednesday at the gym (Total Fitness) and Friday morning in Latchford – I am pain free for days.
There is also another plus – the classes are not just for people who are “bendy”- we are a mixed bunch just trying to improve our health. There is no pressure to stretch further than you can manage – just do what you can with hope that time spent in Paul’s classes will improve suppleness.
I come out of these classes with a feeling of well being and that my posture has improved. I am now more conscious of the way I sit and stand and breathe in my everyday life. I stumbled on Paul’s Class by accident thinking it was an abs class and its been the best mistake I have ever made.
Liangong shi-ba-fa Qigong on a Tuesday – Warrington
Hi Paul,
Nice simplistic website with plenty of useful information.
I am also enjoy the Tuesday night Tai Chi / Qigong class, especially learning
how to breathe more effectively.
Keep up the good work
I first started to have problems with my back in my early 20’s. This sometimes caused a great deal of pain and discomfort, especially when walking, putting my right foot down on the floor or when getting up after being sat down for any length of time, not to mention all the time off work due to sickness.
Then in 2004, while in hospital recovering from illness, my GP suggested that I should try Yoga or Tai Chi therapy as an alternative to pills. The hospital at that time was promoting complimentary therapies as part of their occupational health programme, which included Yoga, Tai Chi /Qigong sessions which were facilitated by Paul. During my five month stay at the hospital I managed to attend weekly sessions, finding these classes the most beneficial of all the therapy sessions on offer, learning to relax and slow down, needless to say that after leaving the hospital I continued to attend weekly classes with Paul up to the present day.
I had no further problems with my back until just before Christmas 2009 when I experienced continual aching carrying on for weeks. I asked Paul for advice and he suggested that I could try several sessions of Reiki healing. During the sessions I was instructed to sit with an upright relaxed body and to rest the palms of my hands down on my lap and to close my eyes. As soon as Paul placed his hands on my shoulders I could feel a deep heat spreading across my shoulders, up my neck then down to the bottom of my spine to the source of my pain. I continued to sit with my hands in my lap and eyes closed as instructed until the Reiki session was ended, at which time I felt full of energy and the pain was totally gone. “It worked almost instantly”
Paul followed up the treatment issuing common sense advice “take it easy for a day or two” which I did and seven months after that first and last session I am still pain free.
Paul came in to visit the Key Stage One children at Bradshaw Comunity Primary School. It was a very hot day and his session helped to relax the children and make them feel calm.
These are some of the comments made by the Year One children about the session:
It was fantastic!
It was fun.
It made me feel happy.
It was exciting!
It was very calm.
Some of the Year Two children commented:
It made me feel relaxed and calm.
It made me feel very relaxed.
It was amazing!
It made me feel joyful.
It was fantastic!
I would like to say a big thank you to Paul for a very enjoyable afternoon.
Liangong shi-ba-fa Qigong on a Tuesday – Warrington
Hi Paul,
I started Liangong Shi-Ba-Fa part way through this present 8 week class. In fact will only have done 3 classes before next session starts.
Last week was first week. Apart from realising I have no co-ordination, left foot right hand, AND I have to breath.
….. later that night, early morning actually, I awoke to find I was lying on my sore shoulder. Haven’t been able to lie on it for ages due to the discomfort. Couldn’t believe that after only one class I felt a difference. Didn’t want to believe it, not losing the discomfort after one class, but I can’t put it down to anything else as I have a damaged shoulder due to long standing injury.
So, co-ordination aside, thank you, and I look forward to gaining the experience to have those flowing movements other more experienced members of my class have.
After 2 lessons I do feel a difference.
again, thank you.
Ann
Tai Chi & Qigong at The Brindley Arts Centre Runcorn – Wednesdays
Hi Paul
Sorry I’ve had to miss some classses recently.
Having to deal with health problems of older and younger family members at the same time has been a very stressful time for me, especially as I’m a pensioner myself.
Just thought I’d let you know how the breathing and meditation exercises you taught in classs really helped me (and my husband) relax , calm down and be in control.
Thanks Paul. Looking forward to getting back asap.
Comments made by the children in class 12 at Sycamore Lane Primary School
* Tai Chi was very exciting and relaxing.
* I thought the game was hard.
* It made me feel very relaxed.
* After the session, I felt calm and peaceful.
* It was amazing how far Paul’s legs could go!!
* I liked the relaxing music at the end.
* I enjoyed the snake stretch.
* I liked the bow and arrow exercise.
* It was challenging to do all the poses.
We really enjoyed your lesson especially the ‘cash machine move’. You made an ancient and
traditional art really fun to do. Thank You. We also enjoyed the rowing the boat moves.
In all we had a really fun time.
Children from Penketh South Primary School, Warrington
Hi paul you are really awesome thanks for teaching us,
Tai Chi is really intresting Charlotte and Emily is at my house when i was typing but i couldn’t fit there name on.
Tai Chi & Qigong practice took place on Thursday evening in the park on a glorious mid summer evening with both beginners and advanced students. In this large group it was particularly empowering to be able to practice these postures and techniques together in the open – but this time with passers-by sharing in the experience. With such a great bunch of people and the perfect weather it gave me a great sense of belonging to a group of lovely like minded people. The power and grace of Tai Chi & Qigong in the park was very energising and uplifting and Im sure was inspiring for those watching on. What a wonderful way to spend an evening!
I returned to yoga after a couple of years break while I undertook other pursuits. I came back now with the knowledge that no other activity gives my mind and body the same benefit that yoga brings. The effect of yoga continues on after the session and compared to going to the gym, I look forward to the next session with eagerness to test my bodys strengths and limitations, in the safety of Pauls teaching. The effects of yoga are immediate in a subtle sense – there is no stess on the mind or body in fact the opposite, there is a sense of happiness because I feel wonderful, calm yet energised and full of life. After a couple of years of low activity levels (studying at university) yoga has been a gentle way of increasing physical activity and I feel full of energy once again. I smile more too (inside and out 🙂 xx
Warrington Borough Council – Pre-Retirement courses
For a number of years Paul has provided Tai Chi / Relaxation taster sessions for these courses. Paul’s sessions are always well received and the feedback from delegates is always very positive”
This is what attendees from our recent Pre-Retirement course said after their session
* Well presented, very relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable.
* Enjoyed it very much, a good part of the course.
* I found it to be a very calming and relaxing experience,
to which I thoroughly enjoyed.
* Thoroughly enjoyed the session and experience.
* I really enjoyed the session.
* it was very relaxing and has given me something to think about
* I prefer gentle exercise and this seems ideal.
* Excellent session, would recommend this form of exercise,
* Easy to follow instruction “thank you”.
* What about doing a regular sessions at our office?.
I joined Paul’s regular Tuesday evening Tai Chi & Qigong class a number of months ago after discovering that pains that i had in my back were rheumatic and was advised to take pain relief tablets, I was disturbed by the amount of them that I required (daily). The gentle Tai Chi & Qigong exercise has had a surprising almost immediate result and I have no longer use tablets. The gentle exercises together with the seated meditation practice have convinced me to carry on attending the classes which i find thoroughly enjoyable and would highly recomend everyone to try Qigong.
I have also had breathing problems ever since i was a child and have never been able to find anything which would really give longterm help, but the simple Qigong breathing exercise which Paul has given me has surprised me with its effectiveness and has assisted me greatly.
Runcorn and Halton Dementia Group
Many thanks Paul, for instructing at two Tai Chi sessions at Murdishaw Community Centre, Runcorn and St Lukes Scout and Guides Hall in Farnworth, Widnes with our Dementia Lunch Bunch group in Halton. At Widnes, the class ages were from Grandchildren to Grandmothers and everybody had a relaxing and fun time.
These are some of the comments from the sessions –
Adults:
* Enjoyed every minute of the sessions.
* Liked the relaxation at the end. Very good.
* Felt the stress leaving me, Thank you.
* Enoyed every part of it and felt relaxed throughout.
* I want to do it again and can’t wait until Doris arranges another visit.
* The patting exercise felt as invigorating as having a shower.
* Great for a group activity.
* Loved the stretching and the movements.
* Wonderful session.
Children:
* The meditating made me feel calm and relaxed.
* I was going asleep.
* I loved the music.
*I had a lovely time.
My Tai Chi Qigong experience, with the Warrington Tai Chi Qigong class and Paul:
Having been an athlete during my young life, then trying various sport and exercise groups, having been a busy Mum of two and an even busier career person; at 64 years old I joined the Tai Chi class as part of my spiritual journey.
The gentle exercises in the class focus on the ‘breath’. For me, it creates a sense of calm and well-being. The systematic approach to posture and forms gently stretches your joints and muscles while you concentrate on breathing. The breath and movement raises the body energy or Chi. The exercises help with flexibility, improved blood circulation and transforms your mind and spirit to be happy, healthy and abundant.
The practice of Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, has enriched my life, and taught me to be more reflective of life and all things around me, embracing tolerance and clarity of situations thus being able to cope with life every day.
The class is taught in a warm friendly atmosphere overlooking the Mersey Canal. The flight of water- birds and flow of water deepens the whole experience of the Tai Chi class. Personal attention is given to posture and movement, encouraging each one to practice various movements for their benefit.
I highly recommend this form of exercise for anyone, any age, any ability, interested in finding calm and stress relieve in one’s life.
Philomena Mann
Runcorn
23 Jan 2013
Hatha Yoga on a Monday evening, Friday morning – Warrington
I have only recently started to attend Hatha Yoga sessions with Paul, but so far, I have enjoyed his classes very much. I have lived in Asia on and off for around four years and although my experience of yoga there has been quite limited, it was important to find something back here other than a very Westernised gym-style yoga: something more than just a workout or exercise routine.
After Monday night’s class at Bold Street, I felt very calm, relaxed and more centred and I particularly enjoyed the long period of breathing, meditation and relaxation. The level was ideal for me as I have become a little rusty and seized up of late: it was calmly paced, not too strenuous and everyone was free to take each pose to their own limit.
Friday’s class at Loushers Lane was even more relaxed and I particularly enjoyed some tea at the end with the rest of the group. I thought that was a lovely idea and it gave me a chance to talk to Paul about his experiences and to learn more about the benefits of some of the other practices he teaches.
I am very glad to have found these classes as they are super warm and friendly and feel very much in tune with what I was looking for. They have created a space for me back home in the UK that resonates with some of my time abroad in very different cultures, which is of great comfort. I look forward to continuing to develop a personal yoga journey through learning with Paul.
My Friday morning Hatha Yoga class experience – Warrington
I have been attending Pauls Yoga class at Loushers Lane Baptist Church on Friday mornings for the past 5yrs and I can highly recommend it to anyone considering joining a Yoga class. The class is set at a suitable level for all ages and abilities. I know if I miss a week (rarely) as I will feel stiff and lethargic. I cannot recommend it highly enough, try it, you will feel brill afterwards. The class has a light-hearted atmosphere and is very enjoyable. The work varies from week to week offering new and different sensible challenges for all abilities, but allows you to explore your own level without feeling pressured. Everyone is welcome to join us, You even get a cuppa and a biscuit at the end of the session!
Carol.
I have only met Paul the once and that was a two hours session to ” model” one of the moves in Tai Chi for a project I had to complete for my NLP Master Practioners course.
Paul is so approachable and went out of his way to assist in what was, I guess, a very strange request from me! He followed my instructions to the letter and had patience. A humble and nice man. It was obvious that I was in the presence of an expert in his field. Based on my time spent I would recommend Paul to anyone who wishes to improve their quality of health in both mind and body. Thanks again, Paul and no doubt will meet up again. regards
Les
Monday evening Hatha Yoga in Warrington.
Wonderful class last night Paul who would’ve thought all that hard work would make me feel great this morning. Anyone who needs stretching in both body and mind should visit your classes. Been to your classes for many years and you are the most excellent of yoga teachers. Thanks again Paul.
Halton Dementia Group, aka: The Lunch Bunch.
Hi Paul. Many thanks for your super visit to the Lunch Bunch at Murdishaw Community Centre yesterday and great to hear you on the Community Radio after.
We had lots of fun with some really relaxing instruction and wonderful music.
Some of the comments given after the session were:
Felt relaxed.
Calm.
Peaceful.
Refreshed and invigorated.
Felt soothing.
Felt like I had just had a shower.
Fantastic experience by all and we can’t wait for your next visit. Cheers. The Lunch Bunch.
Stockton Heath, Thursday morning’s Qigong:
I have been going to Paul’s Qigong class for a year now, and have found it greatly beneficial. I have practised Iyenga Yoga for about 12 years and notice many links between the two Arts. However, unlike yoga, I have found immediate emotional benefits from the Tai Chi and Qigong, in an easily accessible and non-time consuming way. A daily run through of a set of movements need only take a few minutes and I immediately feel calmer and more in control.
My heart rate, previously higher than average, has dropped to a more healthy level too!
If I had to give up all my activities, Qi Gong would be the last one I would let go of!
Thank you Paul!
Paul has been visiting our company, providing weekly lunchtime Tai Chi classes for quite some time now.
All participants have noticed a considerable difference in their physical and mental wellbeing since the very first session. The breathing exercises and gentle movements really help to clear both mind and body from the stresses of work and the modern lifestyle. Our class consists of people of various ages and abilities (the youngest being 30, eldest being above 60) and it suits us all well.
Attendees have stated:
“I have particularly found the breathing exercises and gentle stretching of particular use – the Yin to my Yang of hectic day-to-day workloads and sporting pursuits!!”
“Have tried meditation previously but was completely new to Tai Chi style of meditation”.
“The routines are a great distraction from a mornings work and I find that along with the mediation period at the end of each session, leaves me in a better frame of mind for the afternoon”.
“Paul makes the sessions interesting and fun.”
We would definitely recommend giving Paul’s sessions a try, whether it’s a one to one session, in groups or as a business.
The Best Sense of Well Being:
Having retired from a very busy job, I was concerned to maintain my levels of fitness into retirement. I already had a fitness regime using the gym and a personal trainer but I wanted to add a new dimension to both my fitness training and to my way of life.
I had met Paul before, liked his demeanour and knew that he was a good teacher so I was pleased to find that he was running the class at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Stockton Heath on a Thursday morning. I also attend his session at Grappenhall Library on a Wednesday morning.
I still go to the gym two or three times a week and I go to ballroom dancing (both of which are enjoyable) but the sense of well-being that I get from the Tai Chi/Qigong & Meditation class is a feeling I do not get from any of the other activities.
The mix of stretching and breathing exercises, the challenge of moving and co-ordinating my movements and the meditation exercise at the end of the session are the perfect way to train both mind and body. For anyone who may have concerns, the meditation does not have any religious content but rather it is an exercise that concentrates on breathing and awareness – exercises we can use at home to create a calm state of mind and body. For those of us in a new phase of life (I prefer this to retirement!) we are reaping benefits that are supporting us towards a happy and healthy future.
I am convinced that Tai Chi is the ideal way to promote health and fitness as by the end of the session every part of my body has been exercised without putting stress on my joints and muscles. Paul quietly (and with good humour) takes us through our routines and I leave with both a sense of achievement and the knowledge that I am helping myself to stay fit in the next phase of my life.
In our group we have men and women of a variety of ages and abilities but we enjoy the class, the exercise, the meditation, the breathing and the opportunity to meet new friends.
I recently took up the Tai Chi class on Thursday nights in Warrington town centre (Bold Street class). I wish I’d discovered it years ago. I get THE best night’s sleep after class and wake up feeling limber and refreshed on a Friday. I would recommend all and everyone to take it up.