Customer Reviews

Element: Tai Chi for Beginners

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I practice TaeKwon Do and I got this DVD as a kind of complement to the courses I take, knowing that Tai Chi is much lower impact and meditative, yet it still has elements of balance and energy that might hopefully help me improve in my practice. It's a lot like what I expected, very slow and careful movements that flow in time with your breathing, and I think it's very peaceful and yet still decent exercise.

I found this DVD to be an absolute wealth of information. The instructor sure manages to talk about absolutely everything, so you have no problems understanding where your feet are supposed to be, or where your weight is, or what each posture is supposed to be representing. It was really quite useful, and while he covers a lot of material very quickly, even in the introductory section while we're learning the postures, I managed to remember a lot of it, and it did seem natural after only a few practice sessions.

My problems with this DVD are minimal. First, I would like him to go a little slower in the Qi Gong section. While I know that everyone is different and will move at their own pace, he says to time your movements to the inhale and exhale of your breath, and to use your full lung capacity with each movement, and yet, I was halfway through one inhale/exhale combination when he was done with his second, so I was kind of left behind at a few points. Maybe I just have exceptional lung capacity, but as an ex-smoker, I kind of doubt this.

Another problem that I found was that I don't think that the flow gives equal attention to both right and left legs, as I found my right side to be harder worked than the left. A reverse flow might also have been helpful, but perhaps there is a good reason this is not included. According to instruction, each direction of movement is supposed to have specific metaphysical benefits.

Let me start off this review stating that I am a complete newcomer to Tai Chi. I've seen people do it in groups and wanted to try it for health and fitness benefits. This DVD got good ratings so I got it.

I noticed right away that as another reviewer noted, he teaches you in "mirror" style, which was confusing to follow at times but not hard to figure out after a few rounds. I liked the step-by-step manner in which he taught, and the soothing music and scenery. A we progressed through the forms, I noticed that some of the movements I thought of when I thought of Tai Chi were not present in this DVD. After researching I discovered that there is no "one" style of Tai Chi, there are many schools and styles, and what I was probably thinking of was the 24-form "Beijing" style. So I was a little disappointed that this was not the 24-form Tai Chi I was hoping, but rather a 13-form style that I couldn't identify from watching Tai Chi videos on the internet, so I'm not sure where these forms he uses come from. He doesn't give any history or background to his style so it's a mystery to me.

Lastly, the Qi Gong section was just a little too new-agey for me. I wanted to learn Tai Chi for better balance and concentration and to improve my fitness routine. If that's what you are looking for too then I would try another Tai Chi DVD from a different instructor.

just received the DVD and i am watching it- i like the instructors calm non hurried yet comprehensive and informative manner and his enthusiasm for the exercises he teaches both physical and spiritual- this is how i got hooked on yoga years ago= and i can see why his studio has been a success. i needed a beginners because i know NOTHING aboubt Tai chi or Qi Gong and have heard good things so i thought i'd try this DVD to include it into my workout schedule. i believe watching this DVD it is the program i am looking for. its got Qi Gong to prepare yourself then breakdown of Tai Chi moves- then he teaches you how to do the flow so it has slow steps for people like myself to build my practice without being overwhelmed. the first time i tried it with a VHS years ago i dont even remember who it was by- was certainly not like this Element DVD! they simply threw too much at me all at once. the background is lovely view of the ocean which i also love. Highly recommend! adding to my review March 11 2009- i've been using this DVD for the past week Three days i injured myself after i first received this DVD and my plans to use it had to be put on hold. After being upset that i couldnt do my yoga i discovered i CAN do this so far its helped heal me by getting me moving but not aggravating the healing muscles from my injury. i throughly enjoy it and look forward to the time i set aside to do this- The qi gong section is 18 minutes if i can stand injured for 18 minutes and do this i recommended it to my friends and family as well. i guess i'm not as visual as the other reviewer as i just now figured out that mirror image problem they had it really hasnt mattered to me and i wouldnt give a low rating to something when its your personal preference. i have no problem following along with the excellent and detailed verbal instructions and mimicing the instructor and have spent many enjoyable sessions doing this practice and would recommend it it to anybody to include in thier workout. i feel calmer yet energized after it. still highly recommend

Element: Tai Chi for Beginners
This is an encouraging and easy-to-follow instructional DVD. Mr. Barnes has a wonderful manner of gradually walking you through each movement so that the beginning student can master it and continue to build on that rather than quit too soon out of a feeling of exasperation.

I have watched elderly folks in the San Francisco parks doing Tai Chi often. I am always impressed by their agility and grace. Years ago took a weight lifting class from a man who was a professional body builder. He urged all the class members to take Tai Chi to learn so many valuable things physically, mentally and spiritually that were not addressed by strength training alone.

I am now enjoying the flow of Tai Chi and the gently easy instructions from Samuel Barnes. Each time I watch this video my confidence grows. Think I'm ready to move ahead beyond beginners level.

Excellent investment

I read in a mag that Tai Chi was a very healthful way to energize the body and calm the mind. After just the first session, I am HOOKED! I loved pretty much everything about this class. I was able to follow it with no problem and enjoyed it immensly! Looking forward to many mornings getting energized and ready to face my day! :-)

The Tai Chi leader goes through the moves but the narration giving instructions for performing right or left movements is wrong. If the instructions were consistantly stating move right for left movements, the student could assume that the instructor is performing a mirror image for the student; however, the narration switches left meaning right to left meaning left which confuses the student. I would not recommend this video...

JZ

I have an autoimmune arthritis. When I move I creak and I am only in my early 40's. I have sat around for 5 years because no matter what exercise I did I found it very painful. The first section of this DVD is fantastic and gently opens my joints. By the time I am done with the intro I am not creaking and popping and feel energized.

It is slow paced, which I need. My husband is in the medical field and recommends this DVD now to his patients. He has seen what it has done for me and believes it will help them too.

I will admit I cannot do all the exercises yet, but I am working up to them slowly. I don't have quite enough balance yet for some of the more complicated moves and some seem to put excess pressure on my knees.

This is the perfect CD to get for beginners - the pace is perfect - He does his moves in reverse, so when you are facing the TV, it is so easy to follow along. I had gone to a class once - thought it would be fun -and instantly knew I should first learn the moves at home - I have a hearing problem and it was quite difficult following along. I would recommend this to any beginner! I still plan on joining a class some day for the enjoyment - But at least I'll know the moves and will be able to keep up! Thanks!

This was my first experience with Tai Chi, and the video was just what I'd hoped for.Other reviews questioned the mirroring concept. Don't worry about it, it's like looking in a mirror. Exercises are mild, meditative, enjoyable, and yield results. I'm older and haven't gotten much past the basics yet. I'll be using this video for a long time. I highly recommend it.