During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Rosie Segil spent a lot of time doing what she loved on the beach. People would come up to Segil and ask exactly what she was doing.

“This is Tai Chi,” Segil would reply.

Word spread around, and, not long after, Segil found herself transitioning from a student of the practice to a teacher.

Today, Segil and Robert Chavez, offer weekly Tai Chi and Xigong classes in Swampscott at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lynn, at 103 Forest Ave. Xigong is a martial art very similar to the low-impact meditation-in-motion Tai Chi.

“Growing up, being ethnically Chinese, I was exposed to all sorts of folklore,” said Segil. “After having children, I had free time. I took the time at night to start practicing and it just blossomed into this passion.”

Segil described Tai chi and Xigong as graceful practices that incorporate the body and the mind.

“We believe that everybody has nourishing energy in their body,” said Segil. “Xigong is a preventative measure that incorporates breathing and movement. Tai chi involves meditation and movement.”

The classes are low impact and slow. Tai Chi is often misunderstood, according to Segil.

“The conception of young students is that Tai Chi and Xigong are for old people, but it’s actually not,” said Segil.

Elements of Tai Chi have been practiced for over a thousand years. Segil said recently studies have shown that it has wellness benefits.

Tai Chi and Xigong are for everyone, Segil said, even for people in their upper-80s. People with bad knees or hips can also still practice.

“It’s really low impact,” said Segil. “Every movement we do has intention. It addresses balance and builds strength.”

The inspiration behind most Tai Chi movements comes from animals, nature, the sea, the sun or mountains.

Siegel’s favorite part of teaching is introducing students to elements of a different culture.

“It’s not just about learning movements,” said Segil. “It’s about learning philosophy.”