Customer Reviews

A.M. and P.M. T'ai Chi With David-Dorian Ross and CJ McPhee

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have focused on the PM version of this DVD, and it's just fine. We feel great and so relaxed and ready for a good night's rest after this. I found the instructor relatively unobtrusive, which is what I would want. I have recommended this to others based on my positive experience.

I have never taken a class in t'ai chi and do not claim to have any grand understanding of it. I stumbled across the practice by accident when a small bit of it was included in an exercise video I was using and, because I liked the relaxed feeling I encountered, I'm beginning to explore it a little further through more videos. With regard to AM and PM Tai Chi, I disagree with the reviewers who said that CJ McPhee was grating, loud, robotic or scary in the PM Chi. I found her voice soothing and enjoyed her beautiful descriptions of the movements. I found PM Chi relaxing and will continue to use it. I can't say that I felt the same way about AM Chi. Perhaps it is just a case of personal preference, but I did not enjoy David Dorian Ross' teaching style and can't imagine that I will revisit that portion of the DVD.

I got this DVD last Christmas and I have to admit base on my knowledge (slightly above novice) of Chinese "healing arts" this DVD should be referred to as AM and PM qigong. No form of t'ai chi is actually taught. This is unfortunate as someone who is looking for an introduction to basic qigong movements wold benefit from this DVD, but would probably not find it when they search under that subject. That being said, I do highly recommend this "qigong" DVD.

meow!

A nice 20 minute warm up to get you started in the morning. After a week am very comfortable w/ all the motions. Took a little longer to coordinate the breathing.
Any one can do this.

I bought this DVD a little over a year ago. I have fibromyalgia and am pretty much in constant pain. My doctors recommended Tai Chi and yoga to help manage the pain and increase mobility. I tried yoga, but it is not really my "thing". So, on to Tai Chi. Wow! This is where I belong!
I love how the DVD is divided into AM and PM practices. The AM is for first thing in the morning, to refresh stagnant Chi. Dorian Ross is wonderful with guided imagery and the exercises really open up the major muscle groups, and allows the flow of Chi. I do find that my shoulders, hips, and neck really respond to this exercise, which is at times both relaxing and challenging.
There is also an intro by David Dorian Ross, where he explains the basics of Tai Chi or Xi Gong, and his approach. On my DVD player, you can choose not to view this, but I would recommend watching it at least once.
I really also like the PM Chi, which is designed to practice just before bed. It helps me unwind after a stressful day. I find I sleep better and have less aches during the night. Carolyn McPhee also has a good use of guided imagery, "imagine moving rose petals back and forth through warm water".
I am kind of surprised that some reviewers hate McPhee, and to a lesser extent, Dorian Ross. Actually, the only reason I'm giving this review 4 Stars instead of 5 is that both my husband and exchange student really dislike the PM Chi practice. My husband didn't like the sentiments, for example "drinking in the moon," etc. Our exchange student actually found parts silly. Personally, I really relate to both AM and PM practices. Again, there is an interview with Carolyn McPhee that I feel is helpful in understanding Tai Chi, and how McPhee became involved in it.

Both the AM and PM versions are beneficial. Basically, the promise is that by performing the movements, one will feel calm, relaxed, and joyful. I found the promises to be true. Both instructors perform the various movements with ease allowing the beginner easy access to this ancient art. I highly recommend this DVD.
Michael L

It's not t'ai chi, folks. It's qigong. The "title" and graphics on the DVD cover are misleading, but the qigong practices in these two videos are really great. I only wish they had focused more on the visualizations that accompany the breathing meditations that comprise the qigong movements. Still, very good.

Takes you through the Eight Pieces of Brocade one step at a time. Good explanation, great teachers. Overall Excellent!

My husband and I decided to try Tai Chi. This was the first DVD we purchased and we have enjoyed the workouts. We like the step by step instructions and the background is absolutely beautiful.

The AM session is well demonstrated. DDR does it mirror image and it is easy to follow. It is well suited for seniors.
The PM session is hampered by its more "arty" production at the expense of clearly viewing the movements