Bonita Bay residents relax at Tai Chi class

This story was written for the Friends & Neighbors center piece. The page is dedicated to covering community news and events within gated communities in Bonita Springs and Estero.


(right) Nancy Ward and (center) Sharon Burton take Tai Chi at the Estero Bay Park within Bonita Bay.


Sonny Panpakdeediskul leads a class of participants including Brian Burton (far right) who follows the slow 108-movement "yang style" of Tai Chi that takes up to 15 minutes to complete.

Tai Chi is relaxing for the mind and body and that’s why Sonny Panpakdeediskul began offering Bonita Bay residents a chance to stretch their muscles and spend time enjoying the Chinese discipline.

“Everybody can do it and it has so many health benefits,” said Panpakdeediskul who began offering the classes in October of 2006. “During the season we have everybody sign up because it is so good.”

But good for you is an understatement according to class attendee Nancy Tait.

She has been taking Tai Chi since Panpakdeediskul started to offer it at the community’s Estero Bay Park in Bonita Springs.

“It does make a difference. It helps relax the muscles and you get in the zone and it keeps you from feeling pain,” said Tait, about the class that is only available to Bonita Bay resident.

Sharon Burton joined the class and has also seen a difference. It’s a work out like no other, she says.

“It makes you feel good,” Burton said. “It doesn’t look like you are exercising but I’ve been in pain afterwards.”

The “pain” some experience is unexpected because the class, which is taught in the “yang style” is composed of 108 slow movements that can take up to 15 minutes to finish.

“I used to have pain and my arm was numb so my doctor told me to go back to doing it and it has really helped,” said Panpakdeediskul, who learned the discipline from his mom when he lived in Thailand.

After living in the states for many years, his body started to feel pain until 1999 when he began doing Tai Chi again.

“He is so generous with his time and he wants everyone in the world to know Tai Chi,” said Johne Mc Tavish, of the instructor who has worked in Bonita Bay for two years as a landscaper.

Panpakdeediskul devotes so much time to his students because he understands the value of the class.

“This will make all your muscles stronger because all the joints have to work together for balance,” said Panpakdeediskul who will be offering a class open to the public at the Estero Community Park in July. “It’s just very relaxing and good for you.”