A.M. and P.M. T'ai Chi [DVD]

I have been using this, day and night, for over a year; what a great instructional set!! Very pleased! I have taken both t'ai chi and qi gong from masters in the past; these are easy enough exercises for out-of-shape seniors like myself, at just the right length. First off....yeahyeahyeah; it's not really t'ai chi, it's qi gong (both instructors, in their interviews, tend to use the terms interchangeably). if you consider qi gong to be discrete exercises--that is, do one movement, stop, now do another, stop, do another...; whereas t'ai chi blends the movements together into a dance (martial artists would call it a "kata"). In the East, things are not so dicotomous, so clear-cut as in Western thought; there is some overlap between the two terms, many thinking t'ai chi is a small part of qi gong wisdom....and the term t'ai chi is much more well-known in the U.S.A., and would sell more.....so what? What a great set of chi-building exercises!! Also, Ms. McPhee is not at all robotic or grating; she's very soothing and seems to move more slowly than DD Ross. You can get it all---understand everything necessary to do the exercises--if you pay attention (isn't that the way life is?). Strangely, she's just an ordinary-looking lady, but once she gets started in her chi workout, and gets wrapped up in her alpha or delta state, she's incredibly beautiful!! In my humble opinion... Worthwhile study!

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.

On a scale of 1 to 5 I give this a 10.I have done the weight training Linda Hamilton did for Terminator 2.I have studied ballet.And I have found the A.M. and P.M. T’ai Chi exercise to be the most satisfying (dread free) workout of all time.Plus, I don’t need any additional equipment or ballet bar all you need is yourself, a few sq. feet and something to view it on. If you are looking for the beautifully choreographed T’ai Chi this isn’t it.A great beginner’s version of that can be found in T’ai Chi beginning practice also with David-Dorian RossDon’t kid yourself when this is done as David and CJ do it you will have a workout.They are easy to follow.Remember to keep, knees bent, tailbone tucked down.Work at mimicking their movements and postures exactly, some things are very subtle, so watch closely.Work slowly towards doing as they do.Be patient.Even if I am burdened w/stress somehow the exercises wash that away.This is relaxing and stimulating at the same time leaving one w/a healthy feeling.It is a 'total feel good workout'..I highly recommend it.Also, the T’ai Chi beginning practice mentioned earlier and his Energy Boost For Seniors

The only thing I can say is a negative about this is they did not remaster it from the VHS. However this one is a tried-and-true for me and I'm glad that I'm able to at least get it on a DVD it has both the a.m. and the PM on the disc. I did receive it with the case crushed however the DVD was still in good shape. It's because they're trying to conserve on plastic so I guess it's good for the environment. All right enjoy

I highly recommend this video/these routines.After you watch the prologue the first time, you can just NEXT with your remote to chapters 3, which are the actual workouts, both AM & PM. I love the beach setting, the colors, the waves, the sand, that alone is very energizing in the morning and relaxing in the evening. The photography is professional. David-Dorian's voice over is better than CJs, it's more detailed and timely, and that's why I took away one star. I can follow her routine, with the voice over, but it's not nearly as complete or informative as hers. I enjoy both routines and they do exactly as promised. My muscles are warm and my attitude is positive after both. I'm not sure how my "CHI" is, as I'm a skeptic, but I FEEL better and my body MOVES better when I'm done, so good enough. And after a month of doing these routines morning and night, I can move significantly better than when I started, I'm more limber and stronger.I did have a question, and don't know how to get it answered. Should I be doing any stretches BEFORE doing Tai Chi? The first full bend at the waist is awkward and almost painful. But the ones after are easier because I'm warmed up with twisting exercises before we get to them.

I haven't tried the A.M exercice yet, but the p.m. exercice wasn't to my liking. The movements aren't explained enough and although the routine is relaxing, I expected a better video and sound quality. The delivery was quick and efficient and the product in perfect condition. Would buy again from this seller in the future, but don't feel the need for more dvds like this one.