Tai Chi for Beginners and the 24 Forms

I came across this book in my doctors office while in for a fibromyalgia follow up. I was captivated by it, absolutely captivated. The quality of the pages in this book is awesome. The lesson illustrations are gorgeous and comprehensible (see the image I uploaded for an example page). My doctor is a 1-year student, and we talked about how it might help me with my fibro issues. Coincidentally (?) the New York Times had just published an article on August 18th, 2010 about how tai chi has been found to help fibro patients. An excerpt is here:"A clinical trial at Tufts Medical Center found that after 12 weeks of tai chi, patients with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, did significantly better in measurements of pain, fatigue, physical functioning, sleeplessness and depression than a comparable group given stretching exercises and wellness education. Tai chi patients were also more likely to sustain improvement three months later."([...])I really hate the need I have to take powerful meds and narcotics to control my symptoms, and I'm hoping Tai Chi can replace some, if not all, of them. So I bought the book, signed up for a 10 week beginner class with my doctors instructor, and I can't wait to get started. I'll definitely be using this book in my practice sessions at home to gain proficiency with the moves.A word of warning - this book is definitely for the first timers and relative newbies. I wouldn't recommend it for intermediate or advanced students. Unless you just want to have it in your collection or in your office for others to see.

This is a great book for anyone who wants to use tai chi to relax and heal their bodies, minds, and spirits. It will help you to center on your breathing and learn the most commonly practiced style of tai chi in the world. This book emphasizes that tai chi can be practiced by people in all walks of life and not only experts. It explains how the unblocked flow of chi in the body can vastly improve all aspects of your life. You don't have to be a master to feel the benefits, and this book explains how tai chi can be a great model for self-care. Tai chi is gentle yet very powerful if practiced regularly, and this book is a good start for anyone.

Informative, basics and clear book.

I purchased this book on the recommendation of my Tai Chi instructor after I had been engaged in Tai Chi classes for about a year. This is an excellent overview of Tai Chi (and Qigong) - clear prose and great insights. My suggestion would be to purchase the 24 forms DVD first and work with it for a few months, then add this book for a deeper understanding.

no matter what you level of fitness is, this book will guide you through the paces. I love how it is separated into three distinct sections. And how you are told that even if all you ever do is the first set of forms, you are doing work that will make you healthier, happier, and stronger. Instead of the usual set up for failure attitude if yiou cannot even make it past the warmups, you are told that if that is where you are, then it is right for you. Thanks for a great book!

I am giving this 3 stars not for poor content. This book does all it is supposed to do. Lots of pics and instruction. However, I honestly think Tai Chi is best learned via an instructor. I had a hell of a time trying to 'reverse' the moves since I was looking a pictures that were pointed at me. And keeping the book at a distance where I could still see it and do the moves was well....difficult at best. Maybe it's just me. If you are able to take visual instruction from a book with no trouble, then it is a well put together book with basic moves to really get you started.

Did not dislike anything about the book. I Could not keep up with the students in my Tia chi class until I purchased and read the book.

I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone with a beginner's interest in Tai Chi. I started to practice the form using the book but my teacher then told me it was a slightly different form that we are using in the classes. I am still tempted to go back to the book, because it is really helpful to have a written text when you are learning and have all the moves broken down step by step.

Excellent book

This book is wonderfully written and illustrated for helping beginners like myself learning Tai Chi. It’s brilliant!!!

Another excellent book by Dr Lam which describes the different types of Tai Chi, warm up and cooling down exercises and further Tai Chi forms. Dr Lam goes through the movements step by step which is easy to follow. However, this book if used along with his DVD would be even more beneficial so that you know you have the correct positions. I would recommend this book.

Aunque no conozco mucho del tema me parece un libro de iniciación claro y equilibrado. Por supuesto, no puede sustituir a un maestro de tai chi, pero creo que es un buen complemento.

Une approche pour le débutant ou un aide mémoirepour le pratiquant ou l'enseignant. Ne remplace évidemmentpas un cours.