Larry VanBuskirk, 80, recently took up Tai Chi because the arthritis in his hands, particularly his thumbs, was starting to really set in and cause him pain.
“The exercise really loosened him up,” said wife Norma VanBuskirk, who also takes the Tai Chi classes with Larry. “The chi that flows through your body is very warm and soothing, and he is quite pleased with the results.”
Larry VanBuskirk said as long as he keeps doing the Tai Chi he would not be worried about simple things like picking up a cup to have a glass of water.
“I used to get a sharp pain in my hand and just drop the cup, now that is gone,” he said.
Seniors from the ages of 55 to 94 had a Tai Chi performance last week in the courtyard of the mall on the corner of Military Trail and Old Boynton Road.
The presentation of the internal Chinese martial art often practiced for health reasons, was part of classes that run twice a week 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Fridays for seniors with physical problems.
The classes take place at the United State of Fitness located in the outdoor mall.
Tai Chi instructor Lee Ann Ingram teaches a class of 30 seniors including a woman, Francis, who could not walk when she started the class.
“One day she just decided to stand up and everyone started to clap for her,” Ingram said.
Ingram said many of her students feel a major difference after the classes, some even healing.
“These people are people who are crippled and have serious arthritis, and this is therapy for them,” she said.
Shirley Hunn, 72, started taking the classes because her doctor recommended them after her bout with pelvic cancer.
“It has really helped me,” she said. “I’ve lost 17 pounds. I was so stiff before and my doctor said if I didn’t do some form of exercise, the stiffness would not go away.”
She said before taking the classes, she could not even bend down to put on pants.
Anyone looking to take classes can call Ingram at 561-742-9694.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.