TAI CHI KEEPS SENIORS MOVING.

Byline: - Amy Sorkin

Seniors: Don't be scared off by the foreign name - tai chi is an excellent way to keep the body moving and get relaxed. Just ask Fran Tygell, a senior tai chi student at the Valley Storefront Multipurpose Center in North Hollywood who's thrilled with her recent discovery of this ancient Chinese art.

``I'm not a person who does a lot of exercise, but tai chi makes me feel good physically and mentally,'' says Tygell, who attends a class twice a week. ``When I'm in class, my worries leave me, and I'm just having a good time. I look forward to it every week.''

Kiko Kiko, the instructor of Tygell's class, explains that tai chi is a very slow, meditative Chinese movement exercise that centers on breathing. It is used by many Chinese monks, often in preparation for the practice of kung fu.

``Older people need more exercise,'' says Kiko, ``And tai chi is perfect for them because it is very slow and much easier than yoga and other physical activities. You don't get hurt when you do tai chi.''

Valley Storefront Multipurpose Center, 12821 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood; [phone].

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Kiko Kiko leads a group of seniors in a tai chi class at the Valley Storefront Multipurpose Center.

Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News