The Tao of Health and Fitness: The Kung-Fu Master's Workout (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

For centuries, China's martial arts masters have been famous for maintaining extraordinary health, vitality and fitness into advanced old age. Their secret? -- A series of traditional exercises that strengthen and tone muscles, promote better circulation and breath control, and create a mental state of relaxation and invigoration. This book, illustrated with over 350 photographs, reveals each of these exercises. Readers will find the exercises simple and not too taxing to perform, and will be amazed at the beneficial effects of incorporating them into a regular workout routine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Unique Publications; 1st edition (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892515199
• ISBN-13: 978-1892515193
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,361,074 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fair Guide to Basic Chinese Martial Exercises, March 7, 2003

By	C. J. Hardman (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The brief introduction contained in this volume describes the exercises within as simple, requiring no martial arts experience to learn. In reading through this volume, I found that to be accurate--If you're already studying a traditional school of Chinese martial arts, this book probably isn't going to offer you anything new. However, this book is perfect for anyone with little or no background in Chinese martial arts who is looking for a decent low-impact workout.

This no-nonsense 130-page volume is a collection of rudamentary exercises taken from a variety of different Chinese chi-gung and martial arts sources. The focus of this book is entirely upon the physical exercises themselves, you will find nothing on history or philosophy. Illustrated with numerous easy to follow photographs demonstrating the techniques, each sequence is accompanied by succinct descriptive narratives.

This volume contains 11 chapters of exercise "sets" presented in 2 sections. In the first section are: 1. Breathing Exercises (2 exercises), 2. Stretching Exercises (9 movements), 3. Waist Exercises (5), 4. Leg Exercises (7), 5. Arm and Finger Exercises (5), 6. Ankle Exercises (2), 7. Full Body Exercises (4), 8. Relaxation Exercises (2), 9. Dry Bath Exercises (4), and two advaced exercise sets, 10. Tai Chi Chuan Exercises (10), and 11. Sinew Transforming Exercises (14).

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars These exercises are really helpful, September 5, 2000

By	John Moyer (Phoenix, Arizona USA) - See all my reviews

The correct way to master the art of traditional Chinese exercises is to begin with a stationary pose and some simple repeated exercises. Some people might think it is a waste of time learning and practicing these simple exercises, but actually you will find it very helpful for keeping fit and mastering some more complicated skills. The breathing exercise in this book is the essential exercise for mastering the exercises that follows. It helps you to sink the chi into dantian and to build a correct pattern of breathing. The dry bath exercises introduced in the last chapter help you to relax after hard work and clean up the way for chi. The rest of the exercises can help you either to stretching your tendons or strengthen your muscles. You might have noticed that Chinese Kung-Fu masters although not look very strong and their vessels not protruding under the skins, they are very powerful even when they getting old. One of the major reasons is they benefited from these simple exercises.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional, August 25, 2005

By	M. Miller (Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this book in the hope that it would provide a daily routine of exercises that incorporated both the Eastern health and well being style as well as something more Western in the sense of muscle development. I wanted instruction in an exercise set I could practice myself, with repetitive and intelligent movements. This is exactly what I got with this book.
Perfect for the martial artist looking for a routine to incorporate into his/her daily training, and also perfect for someone looking to get fitter and healthier.
Exceptional book.