Customer Reviews

Tai Chi For Arthritis DVD

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Good video with clear instructions. I had been trying to do this in a class, but it was hopeless and I kept getting lost (don't know my left from my right) but this is very clear, goes over every movement very slowly and clearly...I have just used the first 12 movements thus far and the warm up exercises...there is more to come and I look forward to continuing on with the "breathing" that will come next after I have perfected this beginning part. A very useful video all told.

I have this. I use this, I love this! Dr Paul Lam very clearly, and very slowly, guides you literally step by step through gentle rhythmic movements. His participants, just a tad older than I am, demonstrate the movements from the back, in the same position that you are in when you watch the DVD.

I've never been able to follow an exercise programme from watching a video or disc before, but this one I watch and follow twice a week, all at my own speed. Fortunately, my arthritis is sporadic and more irritating than dehabilitating, but it's the regular exercise of tai chi and walking that keep it under control.

I have watched Dr Lam's tutorial so ofter that I think of him as an old friend. And, just like an old friend, he gives me good advice.

Learning from most tapes and DVDs is difficult at best but Dr Lam has great clarity, focus, different angles to view, and some repetition for learning from tape or DVD. He had Arthritis himself before becoming world class martial artist and has a special interest in the subject. He shows the form and explains; then he comments on a single student doing it; then a group of students do the form with a leader facing them so one can watch both from the front and behind. He also uses balck background for demonstration by instructor in white uniform.

Having just started the study of Tai Chi, learning the basic moves is very important. Dr. Lam is a wonderful teacher, and his directions are easy to follow. The sequence of the moves, or forms, is very well thought out, and he is specific about hands, feet, and breathing. Well worth the price, this DVD will bring you the peace of a mental and physical exercise that strengthens the body and spirit. Love this DVD!

This is my first Tai Chi video so I have nothing to compare with. Overall, I liked the excercies and I liked how he broke every move into multiple segments to make sure the viewers get it. But his explaination of each move is not very clear and sometimes lacks details. For example, he should point out when a movement requires shifting weight or bending knees. These details are ommitted from time to time. He also needs to incorporate more breathing instructions into the movements. I was able to follow it, but my mom (whom I bought the DVD for) was confused by the instructions.

This video is very helpful to beginners in Tai Chi. The repetition and slow motion of his moves make it very easy to follow. I found it very useful. I would definitely recommend it to everyone whether you are a beginner or an old pro in need of a refresher course.

This dvd augments a four session class I attended at our local community college. I liked the way it showed each movement in detail. It was easy to start and stop and follow. With only four hours of class instruction and practice it was difficult to remember all the fine points of the movements. This dvd augmented my class beautifully.

This tape goes well with a Tai Chi course I am taking. It's aimed at arthritis sufferers. I don't have arthritis but I do have a disc problem in my back. I use the tape to practice what I learn at the course. I like the presentation.

This may be just what I need. I have rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, so my exercises are limited. This is relaxing and helpful. I especially like that Dr. Lam has a student show the exercise from the back so I can follow it and not confuse my right from my left as I typically do with tapes. I can't wait to get these steps mastered, so I can go to the next tape!! This is very beneficial for someone who (at age 41) has little physical activiy. I started this tape having an intense headache and body ache. They were almost gone afterwards!

Jamie

There is quite a bit of extraneous informational/promotional material at the start of the DVD. I was not interested in being told at length about the history and value of Tai Chi, I just wanted to learn how to do it.

I gave this two stars because the instructors broke a basic rule for teaching any kind of physical movement: they started their teaching of each position while facing the camera, thereby forcing the viewer to try to learn by mirror image. They did break the positions down into steps and slowed them down, but as someone new to Tai Chi I still found it nearly impossible to follow along with a mirror image. Eventually the teachers turned around, but at that point they demonstrated the move at regular speed, assuming you had already mastered it. Which I hadn't. Not an insurmountable problem for the basic positions, but when they moved on to the advanced ones I gave up. And I'm not new to learning steps or positions, having had 20-plus years of dance lessons.