Instructor David-Dorian Ross combines tai chi movements with resistance training in Tai Chi Fusion: Iron. Although tai chi offers a comprehensive exercise program, Ross feels that weight training is especially important for muscle retention as people age. Here, Ross encourages viewers to be mindful while alternating between tai chi movements and work with weighted wooden stix (sticks), which are 3-to-4 pounds and contain a core of steel. As in other programs, Ross emphasizes going slow, being attentive to breathing, and letting yourself enjoy the slow flowing movements. Rather than memorizing the forms, Ross suggests that viewers should simply follow his moves with proper breathing. Iron features a short warm-up, two separate workouts (with moves including "the single whip," "playing the peapod," "chasing the snake," "taming the wild mane," and "lifting the moon"), and a cool-down. During the workouts, Ross describes each form as he demonstrates and is accompanied by C.J. McPhee, who also performs the movements. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (T. Root)
Tai Chi Fusion: Iron
(2018) 60 min. DVD: $29.95. YMAA Publication Center. ISBN: 978-1-59439-582-6. Volume 33, Issue 6
Tai Chi Fusion: Iron
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