DANVILLE -- Rosalie Shoemaker said by the end of the hour of Tai Chi she does each week, she finds herself feeling refreshed.

"I'm achy when I come to class," she said, "but when I leave I feel better."

Shoemaker, of Danville, is one of four participants in a Tai Chi class, offered by Geisinger HealthSouth, that focuses on those suffering from arthritis.

She's been attending the weekly class for three weeks now, and there are two remaining.

She and her classmates said they thoroughly enjoy the class and would all take it again if offered.

Janet Steele, of Danville, said she has learned balance and movement, while Mary Margaret Brown, of Danville, said she has learned how to relax and breathe better.

"I look forward to coming back each week," Brown said.

Flexability and good posture are also focused on.

Emily Fiocchi, a physical therapist assistant and certified yoga instructor, teaches the class and said it has been going well.

"Because the focus is Tai Chi for arthritis, there are limited movements and we can't go too quickly," she said. "I'm trying to enforce practice at home."

Certified through the Arthritis Foundation, Fiocchi said she teaches the Sun Style which doesn't have prolonged bending, swooping, etc., and two feet always remain on the ground.

Tai Chi from The Arthritis Foundation is designed for the individual with or without arthritis, rheumatic diseases, or related musculoskeletal conditions, according to Geisinger HealthSouth's Web site. Movements incorporate high stances and slow agile forward and backward weight shifting, maintaining weight on both feet at all times. This program facilitates healing, promotes relaxation, improves breathing and delivers relief from pain and stiffness, the site says.

Brown said while only three classes have been held so far, she has noticed that just relaxing has helped her deal with the arthritis.

Ideally, each individual will learn exercise in general, Fiocchi said, such as gaining stronger muscles, flexibility, less pain and increase in circulation. Increase in strength and flexibility, increase in mental clarity and improved breathing and body/mind concentration will also be a focus of the classes.