2 comments about T'Ai Chi for Seniors: How to Gain Flexibility, Strength, and Inner Peace.

1. The title says it all...this book shows you in simple terms and easy to follow instructions the path to flexibility..strength and inner peace. I hope to see more books and maybe videos by Sifu Phil. Truly a great teacher.



2. I enjoyed reading this book and have already benefited from the exercises.
   I recommed it to all seniors.

5 comments about The Secret Art of Seamm Jasani: 58 Movements for Eternal Youth from Ancient Tibet.

1. I've done various exercise systems over the years and I'd say this one is far beyond all others in terms of giving a workout to the fingers and wrists, major sources of stress in the computer age. It is also a very methodical system, going step by step; for example, one exercise involves the legs, the next adds arm movements, and then another integrates breathing and visualization.
   
   It seems to me that there are several key questions when trying to learn exercises from a book:
   
   1. Are the exercises beneficial?
   2. Are they explained clearly enough thru static images and words?
   3. Are they presented in a way that encourages the learner to continue practicing them regularly?
   
   I just completed the 12-week program in the Chart of Pedagogy and enthusiastically answer YES to all three questions. The system provides a thorough workout, carefully and compassionately filled with reminders not to push oneself. I found the reminders helpful because my initial stance was nowhere nearly as wide as that shown in the cover photo, but it increased as time went on. I should mention here that I'm over 50 years old.
   
   The book has only a few minor flaws:
   
   a. typo on page 68 (exercise 28 was already introduced in Week 3, so Week 4 should refer to exercise 35 instead)
   b. exercise 11 on page 98 would be clearer if the arrow arc on the left side was swapped with the one on the right side
   c. exercise 33 on page 126 has impossible arrows, which would make sense if the left and right ones were switched.
   
   But the exercises constitute only about 100 pages of this 200-page book. If it focused exclusively on them, I'd rate it a 4 plus.
   
   Before reaching the experiential part, the reader must wade thru more than 60 pages of background info, including an Introduction in which Asanaro portrays himself as a rebellious Prometheus who decided to teach against the advice of his guide. There is also the hype about Eternal Youth and the Art being 10,000 years old, as well as repetition of the urban legend that humans only use 10% of our brains. All this theory and preparation is chatty, but smooth narrative flow is not sufficient evidence of truth.
   
   I suppose that having a school of meditation compels a teacher to explain how the exercises fit into broader goals, but Asanaro comes across as merely teasing: first hinting about advanced practices, then saying "That part of the art is secret and can't be taught through books." Then why mention it? In my opinion, keeping the book focused on the exercises would have been a clearer and cleaner approach, exuding the confident recognition that those who want more info will ask for it.
   
   By the way, has anyone noticed a strong correlation in the feedback from fellow customers regarding whether a review is "helpful"? It seems that a review that gives this book 4 or 5 stars will get 90% "helpful" votes but any review that gives the book less than 4 stars gets under 50% "helpful" votes and is rebutted in a subsequent review. If someone feels disturbed by the few critical remarks I've made here, perhaps he or she should read my review of Halevi's book School of the Soul.



2. This book is fantastic and has just captivated me. I found it searching for simple and effective body-mind-spirit techniques to increase my healing power, stamina and body wisdom. Illness and emotional problems happen when our energy is blocked, but we all have inside the power to heal ourselves, and I have verified that these exercises are excellent to unblock stuck energy.
   
   Most of the times we are so absorbed in what we are doing that we forget to move or even to breathe, with serious consequences to our health until we realize we need to change our habits.
   
   The book explains through clear and easy to follow drawings and instructions 58 simple and effective exercises of breathing and movements, which now I know are essential for the free flow of energy through the body, producing immediate balance, health and well-being; of course that you need to be constant and follow the program given by the author.
   
   I'm so happy to have discovered it! The practices have worked very good for me, proving once again that living a positive lifestyle can make a difference. Besides, the author has a corky sense of humor that really made me laugh.
   
   I've become vital and healthy through these simple but powerful exercises, and they have absolutely given me a boost. An incredible energy practice!



3. I am a former professional athlete and currently a martial arts practitioner for 10 years. I have been practicing this art for 3 months and I have read the book 3 times. Each practice session is a new journey. What makes this art unbelievable is that you do not have to practice each day to feel the benefits. The movements add benefit to everything you do. I would suggest this to all former athletes who want to feel the thrill of the energy of their playing days. I would also suggest to continue to read this book as it is full of clues to unlock personal limitations.
   
   Many compliments to Asanaro for providing the road map to Discipline!!!



4. Having practiced various martial arts, tai-chi, chi-gung, yoga and pilates for over 40 years this is by far the most effective and practical exercise I have encountered. By far. The book is excellent, the art of Seamm-Jasani is amazing.
   First, I was able to actually learn it from the book. I read some reviews that call the author pompous and such but I did not get that from the book at all. He is blunt and unapologetic about preferring this gentler and less violent method of exercise to say karate or weight lifting or marathon training etc. Some others observed that this is simply chi-gung revisited. Apparently these people have not had any exposure to chi-gung other than by reading books. It is not warmed over chi-gung. There are some similarities but did it ever occur to those so-called critics that this art precedes chi-gung by millennia. Chi-gung is like Seamm-Jasani not the other way around. Besides, so the genesis of the art or even the author may be in question...the results are not.
   My experience: I bought the book and practiced and learned many of the moves. I saw results very quickly and without any pain. I felt better, slept better and thought better after I started Seamm-Jasani. Mark me completely satisfied at that point.
   Then I found out that Asanaro (the author) was conducting a weekend class at the Boston Baobom School in Brookline Ma. I live in Texas on modest means but I cashed in some miles and rewards points, signed up for the session and enjoyed the best training days of my life. It turns out that the book instructions were very good and I was doing most of the movements approximately right. But the weekend transcended the practice of Seamm-Jasani. Every member of the school staff and to my pleasant surprise, each participant were simply wonderful people.
   As for the author himself, it would be hard to describe the humble, kind, almost monk-like Asanaro. The man exudes love, contentment and friendship. To say he is unique I would be guilty of vast understatement. He would patiently answer every question of every student until there were no more. He was such an amazing teacher that even people who had not read the book learned all the movements easily during the weekend's five mini workshops. His only request was not to practice the art in front of anyone because doing so would show ego and not be true to the energy of the art, which is after all, eternal youth and vitality. On that note I must add that upon my returning my friends and colleagues and co-workers could not stop talking about how much better I looked after my weekend trip.
   Let me clear up some confusion about the so-called secret part of the art of Seamm-Jasani. Each student is shown and taught all the appropriate information for their level. Each level, provides more of the art but is given as the student demonstrates the commitment to the art. There were many questions I had about things during the session and many went politely unanswered. This did not bother me, as I knew that I was simply a beginner. Some people might have a problem with that, though I can hardly imagine why. The whole process, in fact the whole art, has tremendous integrity.
   Great book, excellent instruction, easy to use and most of all it truly works. You may want to find and visit the Baobom website and see when they will repeat the course. It is priced incredibly low and no where near the value it provides for a lifetime.



5. I loved this book, and found its teachings very useful. Only problem is the repeated claims that the practice will bring about eternal life, but then again I haven't died even once since I started...

5 comments about The Healing Promise of Qi: Creating Extraordinary Wellness Through Qigong and Tai Chi.

1. After a number of readings, it is clear that this book is both broad and deep. It is very accessible for those just beginning their investigations into Qi, energy and personal cultivation. AND it is among the most penetrating books for those who seek deeper knowledge of wellbeing, energetics and even the eternal nature. There is fact (health, healing, physiology and quantum), theory (Chinese Medicine, Chinese philosophy, Daoism, Buddhism), inspiration (the most profound medicine is within, the eternal radiant spirit can be revealed), story (tales of a probably fictional mountain monastery and probably real Qi masters the author has met and studied with). There is also a profound vision for the potential of the human species as the cultivation of our deeper nature is more widely pursued.
   
   As both a doctor of Chinese medicine and a long time teacher of Qigong and Tai Chi, the author has experience, authority and very alluring language. The book is easy and fun to read. It could be opened anywhere. One endorsement, from the author of Manifesto For A New Medicine, James Gordon MD says "I look forward to referring to -- and using -- this book for years to come." And Joan Borysenko, author of many books on the Mind/Body revolution calls it "A gem that you will treasure for the rest of your life." Deepak Chopra calls Dr Jahnke, "a wise teacher and healer" and his Qigong "simple yet profound".
   
   Nowhere have we seen (and this is mentioned in a number of the Amazon reviews) such a clear map of the territory of Qigong, Tai Chi and the cultivation of personal power and virtue.
   
   I have also appreciated, very much, Dr Jahnke's first book, The Healer Within The Healer Within: Using Traditional Chinese Techniques To Release Your Body's Own Medicine *Movement *Massage *Meditation *Breathing.
   
   These are seminal works in the emerging new Quantum world of energy, empowerment and self-reliance. Qigong, it appears, is an accessible portal to our maximum potential and a method to access our deepest power -- simply yet profoundly.



2. What a great book! Well written and fascinating to read. I liked the poetic quotes from various Qi masters that introduce each chapter. I had read some other books on energy healing (e.g., "Energy Medicine"), but this book was the one that brought home the general concepts about energy healing while presenting a practice that is easy to follow without being technical (I.e, if you are interested in details about meridians and Chakras, you're better off with different book like "Energy Medicine," which to me was overwheming in its details and techniques.).
   
   "The Healing Promise of Qi" emphasizes the importance of body alignment, breath, and mind and breaks the Qigong/Tai Chi practice down into ten steps:
   
   1. Discover Qi
   2. Gaher Qi
   3. Circulate Qi
   4. Purify Qi
   5. Direct Qi
   6. Conserve Qi
   7. Store Qi
   8. Transform Qi
   9. Dissolve in Qi
   10. Transmit Qi
   
   Approximately 1-3 exercises are presented for each step (total 10-15 exercises) to help you develop the Qi flow.
   
   The book then finishes off in the later chapters with an "owner's manual" or guide for your practice and a discussion on the science of Qi (fields of energy, mind and consciousness, etc.).
   
   I have been following the practice, and the exercises have really helped me relax amid the stress of everyday life. The exercises take less than 10 minutes, plus they help me to meditate more easily.
   
   The author's words ring true and sincere, and he has organized his topics well. I believe in his general message that anyone's health would benefit from following the practice of Qigong/Tai Chi.



3. I bought this book to learn more in depth information about the qigong class I am taking. I love the way the material is organized! I read this book slowly and underlined many passages. There are some deep truths here. Whether you are trying to decide to start the practice of qigong or are already enjoying it's myriad benefits, this book will increase your understanding of the mysterious qi. There are qigong exercises presented in the book with lovely drawings, but it is still better to find a class or group to fully understand how to perform the movements properly with the breath. The practice of qigong has improved my life, my health, and my energy, exponentially! May you find great benefit, too!



4. I don't mean to dampen the enthusiasm other readers have shown. This book is a terrific introduction to the theory and idea of qi and its cultivation and uses. The tone is a bit "New Agey" though, with Stuart Smiley-style affirmations at the end of each chapter ("I create, maximize, and sustain an inner reserve of potential to optimize my health, life, and being.") And in covering a wide swath, Jahnke invariably sacrifices depth for breadth. As one reader noted, the Macrocosmic Orbit, widely considered a key to qi cultivation, is given a very cursory description. If you're new to this stuff, this book is a great overview of the subject, but understand that it is really an orientation, not an adequate how-to manual. And there's the danger that in all the warm and cozy prose, one can lose sight of the fact that the Chinese regard qi gong as a discipline requiring exactitude, discipline and dedication. So buy this or read it if you're looking to get oriented in the subject, then buy one of the clear technical manuals available or, better yet, have the supreme good fortune to find a great teacher.



5. A great book. Simple to follow but with great benefits. I would recommend this to anyone, even if they don't have health problems.

5 comments about The CHI Revolution: Harnessing the Healing Power of Your Life Force.

1. Bruce Frantzis' books on chi gung top of my list for useful, immediately applicable explanation and technique. And, for an overall introduction to the possibilities offered by chi gung, this newest book is the best of the best. It's the most user-friendly of his books yet. He provides an excellent context so you understand what he means by chi, and how delving into the world of chi can improve your life and enable you to take responsibility for your health. Then he gives clear directions for 5 energy exercises that will give you immediate results. So you get both from this book: first the words, the explanation about why you would want to develop your chi, and then practices that actually give your body the experience he's been talking about.
   
   I've been doing Frantzis's Energy Gates exercises for a few years now, and was excited that his Chi Revolution book teaches three exercises from the Dragon and Tiger set, which are new to me. The exercises are simple but powerful, and I was surprised that doing even the very first step revealed structural imbalances that I hadn't noticed--while simultaneously providing an avenue to correct them! Doing the exercises for just a couple weeks has already improved my ability to feel the energy in my other practices. I got so excited about this that I ordered Frantzis' new Dragon and Tiger Teaching Manual so I can learn the rest of the exercises. That's the greatest thing to me, that everything you learn from The Chi Revolution is remarkably useful as it is, and, if you get excited by your progress, you can go more deeply into any of the practices through Frantzis's other books and training programs.



2. The Chi Revolution teaches, in straightforward text and clear illustrations, a very good introductory workout which will demonstrate the possibilities of energy practices to someone with no previous experience. Other chapters introduce chi work in context of Eastern and Western medicine and culture. Very valuable.



3. Another accessible, very practical book by Bruce Frantzis. Read the first section of this book if you are looking for information on the benefits of chi gung and you want to understand what it will do for your health and well being. Not only is chi gung a great way to feel better and have more energy, but people are using it to prevent and heal all kinds of chronic degenerative conditions, improve their mental function, and balance their emotions.
   Read the second section of the book if you are interested in understanding the breadth and depth of what Taoist practices can offer you. In this very readable book, you will begin to understand what Taoism is all about, rather than some poetic or cryptic philosophy that is not very understandable.
   In the last part of the book, you are given an amazing gift. This section teaches you five very easy to learn, yet very potent exercises. These exercises are quite effective. Don't be surprised if you feel benefits right away. The price of the book is miniscule compared to the benefits you can begin to feel from doing these exercises. The information in the first two sections of the book will inspire you to do the exercises taught very clearly here.



4. This little book has quite a lot in it. Frantzis manages to make it both a beginner's book about Taoist Chi practices and a book relevant to those who are more advanced and are curious about the heart and soul of Taoist Chi and spiritual practices.
   
   I really found it very useful to my own Chi Gung practice. The things he emphasizes over and over again, like getting go, training to feel inside your body, relaxing at physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels really revamped my ideas of how to do Chi Gung. It is also an entertaining read, as the author has an entertaining writing style and puts in personal stories here and there about his own very interesting life.
   
   The practices towards the end of the book are taken from some of the other things that he teaches (Dragon & Tiger Chi Gung comes to mind most prominently) and to my inexperienced eye it seemed like a very good starting point for beginner practitioners. The moves are simple, and portrayed in a candid and straightforward manner.
   
   Bang for the buck, this is a must have in any Chi Gung practitioners library. Destined to become a classic of books on the subject IMHO.



5. The easy to understand writing style makes this an effortless read, which lets you get down to absorbing the information better than any other book I've read in this field. It's also a great motivator for your practice and the health giving exercises presented here really work.
   
   If you're embarking on anything chi related to improve your health, or just curious about the subject, this is an essential read and should be your first stop. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Step-By-Step Tai Chi.

1. Before purchasing this book I had attended one university gym tai chi class and taken some martial arts classes. Needless to say I was not a tai chi master by any stretch of the imagination. The book was very useful to me though. It got me into doing a daily tai chi exercise which I have been doing for about 6 months now. Tai Chi is very low impact and quite relaxing so it is easy to if you have some free time during your day. The book uses written directions and large picture illustrations to guide you through the moves of tai chi. The pictures are large and easy to understand, while the descriptions are thorough but not over bearing. The book is broken down into 5 phases so do not worry about being attacked with a ton very hard or stressful moves right at the beginning. There is a beginning phase that has the user go through the building blocks of tai chi. These building blocks will later be used to complete full forms or extended combined moves. The second phase is still a building phase but the moves are more intensive and require a little bit more effort. They aare meant to improve the strength and ability to make the correct motions. The third phase is even more aggresive moves meant to strengthen the balance and the movement of the reader. The 4 phase is kind of an offshoot that focuses on working with a partner. I have not personally tried this yet but im sure it is very helpful. The final phase is a form in which you use all previous stages to complete. This book has been very helpful to me to get into tai chi. I feel like i release a lot of stress and am doing something productive whenever I go through my movements.



2. This is such and easy book to follow for Tai Chi, excellent illustrations.
   Very well done.



3. I got this book for my boyfriend and he loves it. He uses it all the time. It is easy to read and understand.



4. This is my first book on Tai Chi and thus far I am loving it! The illustrations are wonderful as are the descriptions of the moves. It's very easy to understand and so much fun to do. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to start Tai Chi.



5. I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to follow, and it helped me to control my stress!!

5 comments about Tai Chi Chuan: 24 & 48 Postures with Martial Applications.

1. This book deals with the 24 simplified Yang postures of Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) developed by Tai Chi masters in 1956 at the request of the Chinese government and the 48 postures developed in 1976. This was done to make Tai Chi easier to learn then the traditional long form so that more people could benefit from the exercise. Master Liang and Master Wu have done a very good job putting together this book. It goes into great depth about the philosophy and history behind Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan). It also has detailed photographs and instructions on both the 24 and 48 postures. These include the martial arts application for each posture. This is a very good book to read for anyone getting into Tai Chi. While the instructions are good and you can learn from the book, it is better to take a class. I, also, strongly recommend you buy the accompanying DVD. Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) is a movement and you need to see what it looks like.



2. This book is a concise introduction to Tai Chi Chuan. It details two Yang-style forms: 24 and 48 postures and includes martial art applications for the movements.
   
   An impressive array of short biographies is presented at the beginning of this YMAA publication, providing the reader with a sense of well-founded authority.
   
   An excellent summary of the written and oral histories of Tai Chi is given, including a chart showing the origins of the five major styles of Tai Chi.
   
   The book is aimed at beginners and students with intermediate skills, so in the 2nd chapter guidelines for practicing are suggested. Warm-up techniques are clearly presented with sharp photographic images, a quality that is maintained throughout the book. Considerable space in
   
   Chapter 3 is devoted to the details of stances, basic movements and postures.
   
   Chapter 4, the core of the book, contains the 24 posture form which includes martial arts applications. The authors listed the movements and provided an excellently coded chart that shows the foot positions, the head positions, toe and heel positions, the direction of movement and the width of the stance. Each movement is described with text and images, including arrows showing the direction of movement and one or more examples of how the movement could be used against an attack Combined with an instructor, the movement description in this book would serve to help keep beginners from falling into bad habits.
   
   Chapter 5 presents the 48 posture form in same manner as was used in the 24 posture form, except the movement diagram is omitted as are the martial arts applications.
   
   At the back of the book, the authors include a list of the movement names in Chinese and English, a translation of the Chinese terms used in the book, a bibliography and an index.
   
   I would have like to have seen captions for each photographic image and martial arts applications for the new movements included in the 48 posture form. There are a few places where additional images would help clarify the meaning of directional arrows.
   
   The book is a good manual for beginners learning the 24 posture form, but it falls short of being a great manual



3. No book can be everything to everyone. That said, this book is far more informative and useful than many of the 20 or 30 Tai Chi books I own. For the beginner or intermediate student, this will be very useful. For someone interested in the martial aspects of Tai Chi, this will be a good introduction. It is, after all, only a 150 page book ! It's not a 20 volume Tai Chi encyclopedia.



4. Good overview of the practice. Explains why each movement is relevant and how it is effective. Pretty good overall.



5. It is a very good book for individual to learn and for coach to refer.

5 comments about Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi and QiGong (Book & DVD).

1. I found this book to be very informative but... there were just too many subtle (or not so subtle actually) advertisements by the author for his full length DVD program. The DVD that was included with the book was a disappointment to me also and was one hint after another to purchase the whole program from the author. The DVD also seemed to lack the essence of Tai Chi/Qigong and was very choppy (since of course it was actually a preview of the author's full length DVD program). I will refer to the book again but I don't ever want to suffer through the included DVD again.



2. This book is easy to read and has easy to follow instructions. It is not only informational, it is also a hands-on approach to learning T'ai Chi. I am delighted with the content and quality!!!



3. Ordered this book along with T'ai Chi for Dummies. Both are good and useful resources as a suppliment to formal training. If you are considering taking T'ai Chi, please do so under the supervision of a qualified instructor. The information about QiGong was also good. The video was so-so. It is also a good book to look at if you are considering learning T'ai Chi.



4. I have had a long time interest in Tai Chi, this book has provided information that has been very hepful to me. It is interesting and easy to follow.



5. When purchasing this book/dvd combination, I was hoping to get an introduction to Tai Chi that I could practically evaluate and practice. Instead, what I received was a poorly veiled advertisement for the author's 4 DVD set of instructional videos.
   
   While the book does contain certain valuable facts about Tai Chi (history, etc), this is not something that you can pick up and begin doing Tai Chi exercises within an hour. The DVD on the other hand is almost completely useless and while advertising the full length 4 DVD set - looks as if it were filmed in the author's living room with long curtains hiding his sofa.
   
   I would not recommend this product. Two stars b/c the book isn't all that bad - but is not a practical application of Tai Chi - and that may have been my mistake.

5 comments about Chi Walking: The Five Mindful Steps for Lifelong Health and Energy.

1. This book is interesting and well written. Along with its companion book, Chi Running, it provides a well-thought-out approach to walking to improve fitness and avoid injuries. My walking is easier, with better posture and less stress on my legs. I highly recommend both books.



2. I bought this as a gift for my husband and he's been able to incorporate the information right away.



3. Both Chi Walking & Chi Running have helped me immensely. I no longer have knee pain when I run and walking has felt almost effortless. The body sensing and relaxation techniques have helped so much even if I feel little twinges since the twinges go away. I highly recommend both books for anyone struggling with walking and running hang-ups.



4. Very good book Chi Walking: The Five Mindful Steps for Lifelong Health and Energy



5. excellent book. well written, and instructive without being stiff. It will definitly become a part of my reference library.

5 comments about The Art of Learning: A Journey in the Pursuit of Excellence.

1. This is one of the best books I have ever read! It is fascinating and thrilling and powerful! Highly recommended!



2. Waitzkin has so much to offer the rest of us in his rare ability, coupled with genuine desire and earthy enthusiasm, to disassemble the learning process -- as applied to both chess and Tai Chi at their highest levels --and then disseminate it. So much so that I believe this book is, unfortunately, about 10 years premature. I think he's not yet done unraveling How We Learn, and will have more revelations before he's through which will beg similar synthesization and impartment.
   
   Essentially, I think the book, as good at times as it was, missed the mark because 1) it was premature -- he is still growing as a writer and philosophical thinker (although already much better than the vast majority of us) 2) it was not well edited. It was too many things, mixed too much together.
   
   I think a 'revised & expanded' version of this book in a decade or so could be truly seminal. The raw material is already there, but too buried. He also needs some background in Education so he can bring that into his discussion. E.g. some of the things he talks about, such as integrating technical information until it becomes natural intelligence, there are already terms for such as 'scaffolding,' 'automaticity.' He is not inventing the wheel, but adding richness and layers, through his singular expertises, to what is already known.



3. A friend recommend this book.
   
   I asked why. He said "just get it"
   
   Just what I need, another book on how to learn.
   
   But wait. It's so much more. I got sucked in to the story of a kid playing chess and switching to martial arts.. weird combo.
   
   Then the secrets comes through. Doesn't matter which sport you play, what game to conquer, EVERY skill can be mastered better when you look at it this way.
   
   Did I explain this well? Maybe not.. Take my friend's advice..just get the book



4. i bought this book in may of 2007, and intended to write a review. I've been bashing my head trying to figure out how i can explain how much of an impact this book has been in my life. What i can say is that this book was written for all the right reasons.The author is not out to make a quick buck, this book is a revelation from a student of learning who has put these tools to work in high pressure moments from the last round of a chess tournament and the training before,to dealing with dirty refs in martial arts
   It does not tell you what the path is but gives you the tools to make your own way. This wonderful book is not a mold for you to put your self in, but a guide, a priceless tool that aids you in your walk toward wherever your heart leads. i have been a victim of the New York City school system. i was told that i have a problem learning because i did not do well on the city wide tests, and the label has stayed
   with me until my last days in high school when i dropped out. we don't have to label others anymore this book can help them find their own way to learn and fuel the pursuit of happiness. i have faith that this book has already changed so many lives because i am one of them and you can be too



5. .
   
   ...what happened to the kid from `Bobby Fischer', now I know.
   
   This is nice mix of self-help learning techniques and autobiography. I liked it.

5 comments about ChiRunning.

1. I haven't completely implemented Chi Running but am headed in the right direction. Book is well written and easy to follow. I am really enjoying the book and it's goal of making running easier.



2. After reading the many positive reviews and endorsements for this book, I anticipated something more thorough and more polished. The book is highly repetitive (the same amount of material might easily have been covered in 40 pages), it lacks organization, the author invents words which have no meaning ("instate" as a verb, anyone?), and the typeset is HORRIBLE.
   
   The author has some good ideas. Let's hear them.....coherently.



3. One reviewer wrote, "There is a lot of 'fluff' in this book to make it as long as it is," I totally agree, the book could be half as long, and still provide the great information on how to run pain free.
   
   I've had knee pain for the past five years playing volleyball and running to stay in shape. I purchased this book per the reviews, followed the authors suggestions and WOW, I'm know pain free 95% of the time when I run or during moving activities. Your body tells you everything!



4. What an interesting running book! Buy this book if you:
   
   -would like to be able to run well into your old age
   -would like to improve your running form and have fewer injuries
   -would like to have a more philosophical approach to your running
   -would like to increase your overall health
   
   Here's how the book roughly pans out:
   
   -Chapter 1: compares power running to ChiRunning
   -Chapter 2: goes into the 5 principles upon which TaiChi and ChiRunning are based
   -Chapter 3: gets into the "inner" skills of ChiRunning
   
   As you can see, the first 3 chapters lay out the philosopical foundation- that's so when you get to the specific techniques, they make sense.
   
   Chaper 4: learn about the ChiRunning "focuses"- which are the specific physical and mental methods used to run more efficiently.
   
   Chapters 5-9: covers program development, peak performance training and diet. Note: Chapter 7 also covers some info on common injuries such as muscle cramps, plantar fasciitis (also rec. The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution for more info on this), heel cord problems.
   
   Chapter 10: how to incorporate the ChiRunning principles into your everyday life
   
   As you can tell, ChiRunning, with its mind-body approach, is far from your typical book on running- and shouldn't be missed by any serious runner. Happy trails.
   



5. The book is very informational. At the very least it helps you "connect" more with the sport, at the best it makes it easier to do and easier on your body.