Our story
Every woman deserves to be strong and seen at every age.
ChiBall brings together movement, colour and aroma to help women feel confident, radiant and valued, wherever they are on their journey.
Since 1997
Born in Australia
ChiBall was created in South Australia, in 1997 by Monica Linford, a dancer who trained with the South Australian Ballet Company. Monica studied Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shiatsu, yoga, Qi Gong, Pilates and the Feldenkrais Method. From these learnings ChiBall was created. A flowing movement with a small, soft, aroma-infused ball, in harmony with the five elements and the seasons.
Monica’s book, Awaken Your Body, Balance Your Mind, was published by HarperCollins in 2000, and the ChiBall Method has since been taught around the world.
The business continues to be owned and operated from Adelaide.
What we believe
Strong, radiant and valued
Seen at every age
Women don’t become less valuable with time. We celebrate every stage of the journey.
Strength, radiance, calm
Feeling great is about resilience, energy and peace of mind, not chasing youth.
Put yourself on the list
Your wellbeing matters as much as everyone you care for. Start with one small ritual a day.
Lift each other up
Through our teachers, our community and our giving, women help women thrive.
The ChiBall Method
Colour, aroma and gentle movement
The ChiBall Method blends flowing movement inspired by tai chi, qi gong, dance, yoga, Pilates and gentle awareness work with mindfulness and breath. Each soft ball carries a colour and aroma rooted in the five elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.
The ChiBall Method
One class, one complete cycle of energy
Inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine, every ChiBall class follows the natural cycle of yin and yang through the five elements and the seasons. Six movement disciplines flow one into the next – from mindful movement, up to energy and back down to stillness – with an aromatherapy ChiBall in your hands the whole way through.
- 1
Rising yang · Wood · Spring
Tai Chi–Qi Gong
Slow and mindful. Waking up the body and the breath.
- 2
Radiant yang · Fire · Summer
ChiBall Dance & Yoga
Energetic and vibrant. Flowing, heart-opening movement.
- 3
Descending yang · Earth · Late summer
Pilates
Centred and focused. Core strength, stability and posture.
- 4
Rising yin · Metal · Autumn
ChiBall Release
Gathering in and letting go. Gentle, playful awareness work.
- 5
Condensed yin · Water · Winter
Breathing, relaxation & meditation
Stillness and integration.
Our seasonal classes give extra time to the phase of their season – more Pilates in Late Summer, more relaxation in Winter.
Our values
Five values, one for each element
Our vision is a world of people living in harmony with nature. Five values guide how we design our classes, teach and look after our community – one for each of the five elements.
Wood
Innovation
We blend timeless wisdom with fresh ideas, so ChiBall keeps growing with our community.
Fire
Passion
We bring warmth and joy to every class, course and product.
Earth
Authenticity
What we say and what we do line up – honest, grounded and caring.
Metal
Respect
Every body, every age and every stage of life is welcome.
Water
Simplicity
Clear, kind and uncomplicated, so wellbeing feels achievable every day.
Paying it forward
A company that gives back
The Pink ChiBall
Inspired by the UK charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the Pink ChiBall stands for compassion and care. Over the years we have supported the charity through events and personal giving.
Classes for every community
ChiBall Gentle Moves is designed for aged care, and many community associations and aged care facilities run free ChiBall classes for their members and residents.
Teacher scholarships
Over the years we have awarded many scholarships to people working in their communities to improve others’ lives.
“In my 85th year there has been enormous improvement in my suppleness, balance and posture.”
Jean M. Cook, class participant