Book Description
Take your workout to the water!
Possibly the world’s perfect exercise, water workouts provide a highly-effective, low-impact way to burn calories, build muscle, improve flexibility, and have some fun.
International Swimming Hall of Fame board member and world masters champion Jane Katz uses a holistic approach to lead you to total body fitness, offering soothing and strengthening programs of exercises drawn from yoga, Pilates, tai chi, and popular land sports like skiing and golf. There are also high-intensity challenges and instructions for deep-water running and cross-training for athletes. Each exercise is accompanied by a simple drawing and step-by-step instructions for doing the move correctly. Programs for twenty-, thirty- and forty-five-minute workouts, including breathing exercises, warm ups and cool downs, are laid out to make it easy to dive right in. Individual exercises can also be combined to make a complete workout that is right for you.
Dr. Katz uses toys and accessories, from old-fashioned kickboards to flashy fins, to make every workout seem like play. Full of suggestions to keep your program exciting and fresh, Your Water Workout is a complete guide to working out in the water for lifelong fitness.
Customer Reviews:
Horrible.......2007-06-08
I recently started doing a lot of swimming and water exercises. There are several great books but this is not one of them. The book was done on the cheap with no photos to help you understand the exercise, just some line drawings.
FANTASTIC!.......2003-07-07
As a (almost) 16 year old swimmer who has been swimming before I could walk, I am always looking for ways to improve my swimmimg (which is the core of my fitness program). This is an excellent book and I recommend it to anyone who LOVES the water!
Book Description
The ancient Chinese art demonstrated in words and pictures -- showing the rhythmic coordination, balance, and harmony developed by dedicated practitioners of this mental-physical exercise.
B & W photographs throughout
Customer Reviews:
Watch out!.......2006-06-20
This book is definetly a valuable tool. Take a look at what you're doing and if it looks anything like the stuff in this book you need to stop. Form like this has no structure and can damage joints. You may acually hurt yourself more than help. There is a correct way to do Tai Chi and this isn't it.
Required text for all my classes........2001-05-23
Ideal text for the beginner. Easy to read. Extensive pictoral presentations in the book with dialog instructions and again at the end of the text to demonstrate the flow of the exercise from beginning to end. Students can check their positions before a 90 degree move and then after the move. If you want to get a feel for Tai Chi, this is a good, quick starter book.
The poor body structure in this book is dangerous.......2000-06-13
When I first started learning Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), this was one of the few books available. As such, it has some historical interest and some sentimental value for me.
However, as a Taijiquan teacher, I am strongly opposed to this book as a learning text. Quite simply, the body structure demonstrated in the postures in this book is potentially damaging to your body, especially your knees.
There are numerous examples, but an extreme example is the photo of Squatting Single Whip. Compare this photo to any photo of Cheng Man-ching, the author's teacher, available in numerous books performing the same movement. You will see that the author has misaligned his knee and collapsed his ankle, as well as arching his back, into an unnatural and potentially dangerous position.
If you are interested in the style of Taiji shown in this book, you are much better off with one of the books by this author's teacher, such as _Master Cheng's New Method of T'ai Chi Self-Cultivation_.
You too can be a grand master in 30 minutes.......1999-10-29
Those who are looking for moving meditation, and seek only to relax and quiet the mind for a few minutes a day may find this book just the ticket, as the form is extremely easy to master and requires nothing more than memorizing the choreography.
On the other hand, as a book on Tai Chi, this is a very disapointing book. Given the shallow, spiritless, postures displayed it's no wonder Kauz is not really sure if Tai Chi is a martial art or not in his introduction.
You need only look at the cover of this book and compare it to The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan by Wong Kiew Kit (good general overview and historical reference) to understand the vastly different levels of understanding. While the styles are different (Yang vs. Chen or Wu) Wong's model on the cover is alive, vibrant, filled with intention and awareness while on the cover of Kauz's book he demonstrates an empty, limp wristed (literally) shadow of a posture from an art form Kauz did not know at the publishing of this book.
Students of Tai Chi are better off with books from Wong Kiew Kit or Jwing-Ming Yang (most books are very subject specific) and others who are able to share the full scope of Tai Chi with their readers.
Good teaching text........1999-07-24
Traditional form. The figures in this text match my style of Tia Chi and are helpful for students to check stances and hand positions, before & after movements. If you want simple explanations but very little Chinese history or culture, this text will do very well.
Customer Reviews:
Tai Chi At It's Best.......2007-03-03
This Tai Chi book is absolutely amazing if you're trying to learn Tai Chi. This book is definitely a keeper, and I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone. I will need to buy a second one of these books just to have a second. Now only if there was another Tai Chi book that tells how to use Tai Chi in a fighting way or anything like that, in the way this book teaches would be amazing. Tell me if you know of any good Tai Chi sites that are free also. Good Book, Would buy again!!
T'ai Chi DAN.......2007-02-27
The book is a treasure.Dr. Zhang was my teacher. He was a quiet but well discipline Master.He would work with us and correcting us with a quiet "Very Good -Needs work. "He would bring his book,in Chinese, and show us the diagrams and contine to work of the simplified form .If you purchase only one book this is where you start.Clear consice instruction will allow you to move throught the form . The diagrams of the foot movement of the form (placements) is excellent.One of my fiends is a teacher by memorizing the text.You will find many books and tapes on the market,none will better for you as student in learning the "form". Treat your self to a bargin...DAn
The Detailed Instruction is Excellent.......2007-02-16
This book has a couple of nice chapters covering the basic characteristics of T'ai Chi Ch'uan and the key points of practice. It then has separate chapters on the short 24-form, the standard 88-form, and push hands. Since I do not practice the standard 88-form or push hands, I cannot comment on those chapters. The chapter on the short 24-form is excellent. Each motion is covered in great detail, both with written instructions and diagrams. The written instructions are quite detailed, yet easy to follow and there are notes at the end of each motion that provide additional focus and emphasis. The diagrams are also very well done.
Really great little book.......2005-12-02
I agree with one of the previous writers that this really is an undiscovered little gem of a book. It has some great advice that is hardly to be found in other books. For example, it has a very simple mnemonic on how to remember when you're supposed to be breathing in vs. breathing out--considered a more advanced way of doing the form, but if you read this passage you'll know it for good. Also, very cool, detailed footwork diagrams showing angle and direction both for the short and the long form. And rarely seen advice pointing out that one can be double- weighted in two ways--you can be double-weighted youself, but also you can be double-weighted with an opponent. All in all a great little book (actually not so little, with over 600 different illustrations) and well worth the money. You'll still need some professional instruction or a video to be able to get far enough to use the book, because a book really can't teach you the form or the postures, but if you do, the book will enhance your existing knowledge.
Once you have the form down, you can start to learn the martial applications if you're so inclined. By the way, learning those will help your form practice, since it will help you remember and understand how actually to best perform the movement. Perhaps the briefest definition of tai chi is that it consists of both small and large circle martial chi gung. If you understand that you will probably know more than the vast majority of the practitioners out there.
A good complement to instruction..........2005-08-03
The illustrations in the book are great and easy to follow, but won't be much use to absolute beginners. I recommend this as a reminder or a sort of "cheat sheet" for people who have had instruction or at the very least have a video/dvd. Without having seen the movements demonstrated properly it will be hard to learn from this book.
Average customer rating:
- RECOMMENDED for beginners, or anyone humble enough to improve!
- Not very well done
- Great Book With a caution
|
T'ai Chi for Dummies
Therese Iknoian
Manufacturer: For Dummies
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Accessories:
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Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor
ASIN: 0764553518 |
Book Description
For nearly 5,000 years, people have practiced T’ai Chi as a way to prolong life, build strength and stamina, improve concentration, and achieve psychological balance. Hundreds of millions of satisfied customers can’t be wrong.
Whether you already dabble in T’ai Chi and would like to get a deeper understanding of the basics, or you’re only thinking about trying it and want to find out more before you take the plunge, T’ai Chi For Dummies is for you. In plain English, Therese Iknoian and Manny Fuentes demystify T’ai Chi principles and practices for Westerners. They unravel exotic sounding terms and concepts and break down movements in ways that more traditional instructors and authors either can’t or won’t. And with the help of crystal-clear illustrations and step-by-step instructions, they get you on track with a T’ai Chi fitness program guaranteed to help you:
- Increase balance and flexibility
- Combat fatigue and reduce stress
- Tone muscles
- Unlock your power centers and boost energy
- Improve focus and concentration
- Breathe “mindfully” and meditate
- Enhance your sense of inner peace and well-being
Discover just how easy it can be to make T’ai Chi and its sister discipline Qigong part of your everyday life. With this friendly reference as your guide you’ll quickly master the basic movements and forms, as well as:
- T’ai Chi’s Yang 24-Movement Form
- Qigong and Push Hands techniques
- Techniques that help speed recovery from specific injuries
- T’ai Chi movements for aerobic exercise
Exercise is good for the body and soul. Now let Therese Iknoian and Manny Fuentes show you how to energize, find inner peace, and tone your muscles with the gentle art of T’ai Chi.
Customer Reviews:
RECOMMENDED for beginners, or anyone humble enough to improve!.......2006-03-26
Contrary to the contributer who felt qualified to submit a review despite knowing nothing about T'ai Chi, this book is most useful.
I've read everything in English I can get my hands on about T'ai Chi, and was delighted to find this. Please, all you T'ai chi teachers out there, share this with your students. Despite the cute and off-putting title, it is an excellent and worthy work. The author did her research and knows her stuff. I've studied T'ai Chi a long time, traveled to China to check it out, and find that the author has most successfully translated the elusive art to Westerners.
Congratulations to you if you can get your hands on this!
Buy the book, keep it, study it, then move on to The Tao of tai-chi chuan: by Tsung Hwa Jou. Now there is some challenging reading, worth reading over and over!
Not very well done.......2002-09-12
First off, I'm not an expert on T'ai Chi, so I'm not qualified to tell you whether this book presents an accurate portrait of T'ai Chi or not. I'm just a beginner, and I was looking for a suitable book for beginners. I have found many dummies books to be of extremely high quality, written by experts who are able to distill their knowledge effectively to teach people who don't know anything about the subject. However, I found this book disappointing. The author seems to have practiced for only a few years, and doesn't seem to have the broad base of knowledge of an expert. As such, I would feel uncomfortable relying on this book for information. It's not a bad introduction to the topic, and if all you're interested in is learning some basic moves to add to your exercise routine, this book will help you get started. But if you really want to understand T'ai Chi, I wouldn't trust this book to teach it to you.
Great Book With a caution.......2002-01-07
Lots of books on Tai Chi and Qi Gong out there, this is the best one for the beginner. Good explanations of the 24 form Yang Style set, with a sense of humor and a love of the form and its history. Does emphasize correctly the energy aspect of the exercise.Added bonus: The Eight Pieces of Brocade, a classic Qi Gong system.So what's the caution. It is really impossible to learn Tai Chi from a book or video. You need correction, correction and more correction. You need the insights only a teacher can give you. This book is great as a text to go along with what you are being taught.For that reason, I recommend it highly.
Amazon.com
This book amounts to a detailed private lesson in Tai Chi (with a non-competitive partner) by one of the most well-known experts on Tai Chi, Herman Kauz, author of "Tai Chi Handbook." Practicing Tai Chi with a partner amounts to a physical manifestation of a cooperative approach to living, a tangible way of experiencing balance and cooperative interaction. Unlike some of the more competitive martial arts like karate and judo, which can be actually stressful to some, Tai Chi with a partner, "push hands," is almost meditative and requires careful attention to one's own and to a partner's strength, weakness, position, balance--and even to a certain extent, state of mind--to help rather than overcome or beat one another.
Book Description
Herman Kauz, acclaimed author of the best-selling Tai Chi Handbook, has been instrumental in advancing the practice of tai chi chuan in America. In this exciting new book, the companion to the Tai Chi Handbook, Kauz presents detailed instruction in push-hands, tai chi practiced with a partner.
The book begins with the thoughtfully reasoned argument that a cooperative approach to living-trying to accord with life's rhythms-is superior to a competitive one. The author advocates tai chi push-hands as a method of internalizing this philosophy. The text elucidates the meditative and athletic benefits of the practice. The nearly 100 photographs help to illustrate possible attacks and counterattacks. For anyone who has practiced tai chi and is interested in expert instruction in getting started with push hands, this is the essential handbook-private lessons with one of tai chi's most accomplished teachers.
Customer Reviews:
Push Hands: my personal experience as a student.......2003-10-11
This books is an excellent source of philosophy and technique. It is not a substitute for a qualified instructor.
Being a student of Herman's is quite an experience. His knowledge and expertise is extensive, as is his patience. Push hands does not involve pushing, but more of an attempt to discover the balance of your partner, while at the same time hiding yours from them. In essence, it teaches you about yourself and about others. It requires you to live in the moment, and not think about attaining goals per se. It will increase your awareness, and teach you the true principals of Tai Chi.
If you are serious about learning the real Tai Chi, then push hands will help you a great deal. But be patient.
Book Description
Great for stress relief, t'ai chi improves the flow of the practitioner's chi -- "vital energy" or "life force" -- which is essential for physical and mental well-being. This beginner's guide offers advice on the vital components of T'ai Chi -- breathing, focus, visualization, and the flow of chi. Featuring step-by-step instructional photos and a unique hands-free design, this colorful guide is a complete introduction to T'ai Chi, with core movements that can be done at home. Each exercise is accompanied by information on its purpose, the correct technique, and how to customize the movement if you suffer from weak or swollen joints.
Average customer rating:
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Tai Chi Handbook (Handbooks)
Ray Pawlett
Manufacturer: D & S Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| New Age
| Religion & Spirituality
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ASIN: 1856058832 |
Average customer rating:
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Tai Chi for Arthritis
Dr Paul Lam
Manufacturer: East Acton Publishing Pty. Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Exercise & Fitness
| Health, Mind & Body
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ASIN: 0957860501 |
Product Description
Tai Chi is gentle, focusing on fluid, circular movements that are relaxed and slow in tempo. Breathing in deep and slow, aiding concentration, relaxing the body, and allowing the life force, or Qi, to flow unimpeded throughout the body. Total harmony of the inner and outer self comes from the integration of mind and body through the ongoing practice of Tai Chi.
Average customer rating:
|
The beginner's handbook of tai-chi chuan
Gary W Reid
Manufacturer: Drake Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
General
| Exercise & Fitness
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General
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ASIN: 0847313255 |
Book Description
Preparing for a party can be a stressful affair, but it needn't be. Packed with easy-to-prepare recipes for light bites, fingerfood , and stylish drinks, Party!! is the perfect companion to your next gathering, whatever the occasion. About the Author Fran Warde trained as a professional chef and cooked all over the world--from Australia's Great Barrier Reef to the Swiss Alps. In Britain, she ran a successful restaurant and catering business, then set up her own cooking school. She is Food Editor of Red magazine and her work has appeared in numerous publications. Fran is the author of bestselling cookbooks Simply Delicious Food and Food for Freinds for Ryland Peters and Small and The French Kitchen, which she co-wrote with bestselling novelist Joanne Harris. Debi Treloar is originally from Zimbabwe but she now lives and works in London. Her photographs of food and interiors are well known from many magazines, including Red, Homes and Gardens, and Country Living. For
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