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Sunday, December 15, 2013 The Bakersfield Voice
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‘Tai chi guy’ devoted to healthy practice BY HILLARY HAENES B Well Staff Writer
Editor’s Note: This is part of a series on locals older than 60 years old leading an active and healthy lifestyle. arry Costner is serious about tai chi. In fact, it's become his way of life — the 65-year-old hasn’t missed a day of practice in 14 years. He usually puts in one hour a day, or at least a full set, which takes about 20 minutes. “For me, it’s kind of addictive,” he said. “I get up in the morning looking forward to practicing.” The retired teacher, who taught in the Bakersfield City School District for 37 years, read an article in the late ‘90s about tai chi’s health benefits and decided to pursue it. He’s taken basic classes locally and spent several summers traveling to Portland, Ore. for seminars taught by a Chinese master. “Tai chi is a moderate, gentle exercise that promotes flexibility and balance, as well as being a great stress reliever,” Costner said. It’s even helped diminish his back pain, he said. Known around Bakersfield as “The Tai Chi Guy,” he’s been teaching the traditional Yang style of long form tai chi for 10 years. Costner now privately teaches from home, so his classes are limited to individuals and small groups. Some of his students have been with him for several years, and
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see value in it. “Many of my students — some of whom are in their 70s and 80s — have bum knees, replaced hips or chronic conditions. But they use tai chi to make lemonade out of the lemons that life has thrown them.” “Tai chi is not just for seniors, it’s beneficial to people at any age who want to exercise,” Costner said. “It is something younger people should do in preparation for getting older. And, it’s something older people should do to feel younger,” he said. “Being fit doesn’t mean having perfect health. It means working with what you have to maximize your life.” Costner also stays healthy by following a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet, and expects to continue doing tai chi every single day for the rest of his life. “It's something you’ll always have with you if you find a park, or go in your backyard.” If you’re interested in learning more about Costner or want tai chi lessons, visit thetaichiguy.com.
This article first appeared in Bakersfield Wellness Magazine, BWell. For more on local health and wellness, go to bwellmagazine.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter (@BWellMag).
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Larry Costner is serious about tai chi — in fact, it’s become his way of life. The 65-year-old hasn’t missed a day of practice in 14 years.
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