What To Look For
The martial art Tai Chi is a popular physical and contemplative practice. The movements of Tai Chi, called "forms," are performed slowly and in a specific order. The best Tai Chi videos offer audio and visual instruction, and guide you to performing the movements with the proper timing. Because Tai Chi exercises involve facing in different directions and moving your gaze, you'll need more than the visual example.
Tai Chi is a slow, no-impact movement practice at every level of expertise, so you will not be limited by choosing a beginning or intermediate workout.
Common Pitfalls
Many Tai Chi videos present the movements without much instruction. If you select a DVD aimed at beginners or one from a production company you are familiar with, you'll have a better chance at getting a workout you can follow easily.
Some Tai Chi DVDs are aimed at specific populations, such as seniors or people suffering from arthritis. If you have any medical conditions, ask your health care practitioner before you undertake a new exercise routine.
Where To Buy
You can find a huge selection of Tai Chi instruction DVDs online at general merchandise outlets, such as Amazon. Health and wellness companies that produce Tai Chi instruction videos also sell them through their own websites. Gaiam and YMAA, for example, sell a number of Tai Chi videos.
Cost
A thorough, single-disk Tai Chi instruction video will cost between $18 and $30. You can find more elaborate instruction packages and double-disk sets for up to $40. You can often find used and new top titles on private-seller websites such as Ebay and Craigslist or on the Marketplace section of Amazon. These sites sell at a deep discount, but you might not be able to return your purchase or get a refund.
Comparison Shopping
The YMAA Tai Chi instruction series with Ramel Rones is well-regarded by consumers. There are two videos, one for an energizing morning routine and another for a relaxing evening workout. This theme is also a part of the Gaiam Tai Chi video series with David-Dorian Ross. AM/PM Tai Chi is a single video with two workouts, offering either an energizing or relaxing workout.
It would also behoove any newcomer to Tai Chi to invest in a book or poster that outlines the Tai Chi forms. Studying the positions and movements from many angles and reading about them in detail will enhance your workout.
Accessories
In addition to a good video and maybe an accompanying book or poster of the Tai Chi forms, you'll need a few accessories to have a successful Tai Chi workout at home. You can practice barefoot, but well-fitting shoes with thin, flexible soles can work during a Tai Chi practice. If you do not have a good floor surface, you can invest in a small carpet or mat to stand on.
If you will be practicing while seated, a simple modification outlined in many Tai Chi videos, a solid chair or bench seat without arms is key. Comfortable clothing that fits loosely and allows your limbs to move freely is also important.
Insider Tips
Tai Chi is a simple but profound martial art. The movements will likely not be strenuous or difficult, but the challenge is the pacing and concentration. Follow the pace of your video instructor, and be patient with yourself. Once you have mastered the beginning workouts and can perform the forms with minimal prompting, you are ready to move into more intermediate and advanced forms. Seeking some live instruction will enhance your home workout.
Member Comments