Tai Chi with Papi: “It can change your life”
High on a hill near a peaceful koi pond, seniors are getting stronger. All eyes are on their instructor, a longtime weightlifting champion. At 68, Perparim (“Papi”) Ferunaj is still winning —at weightlifting, and in his mission to keep people moving.
“I compare their fitness to the fish in this pond,” says Papi (pronounced Poppy), leaning
over the deck rail watching the colorful koi darting. “I want these seniors to keep moving like the koi. It’s so important for them.”
On this warm morning at Oatfield Estates Elite Care, a waterfall serenades and a gentle breeze cools the group he’s working with. They attentively follow Papi’s words:
“Circle your shoulders. . . raise your knees. . . interlock your fingers and move them in a circle. Breathe in, breathe out. . . reach both hands out like you’re flying.”
Passing out books, he says, “Raise the book over your head. . . this is good for your shoulders. Breathe in. . . breathe out.”
Christine has attended Papi’s class twice weekly for seven years. “I’ve had many injuries, including a broken femur, and I use a walker,” she says. “I love this class and am much better now because of him.” Papi adds, smiling, “She fell but she never quits.”
Papi has taught this class — a mix of exercise and tai chi — for nine years at Oatfield, other retirement communities, and the Multnomah Athletic Club.
His Senior Strength class at the MAC began online during Covid. Focusing on balance, strength, flexibility and coordination, class size quickly grew from two couples to 60 seniors.
In addition to the benefits of the class, many are drawn to Papi’s approachable personality and fitness expertise. He keeps the class moving for an hour, sharing stories and tidbits from 40 years of experience. He occasionally bursts into song, sometimes stepping off stage to help someone along. Everyone leaves shining with sweat and smiles.
Papi touts the health benefits of tai chi. The ancient Chinese mind-body practice combines slow, gentle movements, deep breathing, and meditation — often called meditation in motion.
“It improves balance and prevents falls,” Papi says.“It looks difficult, but my method makes it easier. Walking tai chi is popular now, which is beneficial, but not as much as social media promotes. It’s basically mindful, slow-motion walking that helps strengthen legs but not the upper body.”
Papi also coaches adult Olympic weightlifting. He’s helped local athletes break state records and still competes himself, winning his own state records in masters.
Born in Albania, Papi was active in athletics from childhood. “The sport system there recruited people gifted in sports. During summers I did swimming, jumping, and general fitness training at a government camp where I was part of a weightlifting team.”
He was recruited at 15 to be a weightlifting coach. He began competing at 17, and two years later was Albanian national champion — for 15 years running!
After high school, Papi served the required two years as a soldier. Maintaining his training throughout and earning a PhD in weightlifting, he spent the next 31 years as a teacher and researcher at the Sports University in Albania.
“By 2016, my wife Anila and I didn’t foresee a good future [in Albania] for us and our son
Jon, now 34,” Papi says.
“So, we moved to the United States. I’ve found it’s easier to teach here because student listening is more mindful. People are so nice here. We love it.”
To all older adults, Papi says, “Keep moving! Just walking is not enough. You need strength training.” He recommends fast-walking, swimming, pickleball, and weightlifting.
“I love to see seniors progress and get stronger!” he says. “I love the word ‘teacher’ because I love teaching people to see how I can change your life.
Whether I’m teaching five seniors or 60, I do it the same. I focus on technique but teach with my heart.”
Candy Puterbaugh is a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, groan-inducing punster, writer, competitive runner, pet lover, and tender of gardens.