Product Details

• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00000JPS9
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #705,506 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent video to start with..., August 6, 2002

By 

W. Wallace "SpinThisBook (dot) com" (Toronto) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Living Tao: Energy Chi for Beginners [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I have always had a passing interest in Tai Chi. Recently, I search on the Web and read good things about this video.

As a complete beginner, I was hoping for a tape that wouldn't leave me feeling intimidated, yet something that would challenge me far after the first few uses.

I have to admit, I found this video exceptional.

Shot in a serene tropical location, the instructor, David-Dorian Ross takes the viewer through a 20-minute gentle Chi experience.

Ross certainly isn't the most charismatic instructor I have watched. He is very serious and, well, a little boring. But he does know his stuff. Before he begins the moves, Ross gives a brief and concise explanation about the history of Tai Chi and the benefits of it. Without being long-winded or too new-age-y, his words, I think, really do inspire a respect for the movements and practice of Tai Chi.

After his sitting introduction, Ross moves to a deserted beach to begin the "workout" (for lack of better words). And as cheesy as it sounds, I'll admit, watching the waves roll in and wash the sand, and his feet, is quite calming.

While doing the moves, instructions are given as a voiceover. For me, this added a degree of credibility to the workout. Watching Ross, mouth closed, fully concentrating on form rather than talking and moving at the same time, made it far easier to focus more on the task at hand rather than being distracted by him. The voiceover was like a whisper in one's ear as opposed to having someone talk at you.

Each move was described thoroughly. Ross refers to each move by name, explains how each body part should move and, at times, offers visualizations to help the viewer better understand and hold the pose.

When I first discovered this tape was 20 minutes, I thought, is that it? But, I have to say, 20 minutes is plenty for this beginner. Ross offers a succession of moves (I'd say easily 20-25). And the moves run fluid, but quickly. Sometimes I find them to be too quick. I'd rather have some time to ease into the moves and get the form correct before going to the next move. If I have one complaint about the tape, it would be that--it moves a bit too fast.

I am pleased with this tape. While Ross didn't exactly leave me with a deep-seated love for Tai Chi, he certainly did widen my curiosity. I do not find this tape intimidating and I see myself doing this tape a few times a week for a few months before I go searching for something a little more challenging.

I find this video to be an excellent introduction into Tai Chi--both intellectually and physically.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars i like it, July 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Living Tao: Energy Chi for Beginners [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I like this set (Beginning Chi by LivingArts) a lot. It's good for a slow day or after injury. At times, the circular motion seem hypnotic.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great product for beginners, December 16, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Living Tao: Energy Chi for Beginners [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I purchased this video about a year ago and find it an excellent resource. Its well produced, well priced and relatively easy to follow (some moves are a challenge if you are uncoordinated like me). I have arthritis and I find that I can follow along quite well. The location of the shoot, the score and the instructor make for a great workout that is both relaxing and energizing (go figure). If you're looking for an introduction to chi this is it.