Balance & Strength Exercises for Seniors: 9 Practices, with Traditional Exercises, Tai Chi, Yoga & Dance Based Movements.

This is a great video. I've had it for several years, used it for a while and just got back to it. I really like the different options to work on different body parts. I don't get tired of doing the exercises, or get tired of hearing Jane speak.

I tried to remember all of the 'key' words that I used when I was trying to find out how much space the Tai Chi portion of this video requires and put them in the heading of this review in case anybody has the same question that I had. I ended up having to ask Jane (yes, the instructor) and she wrote back the next day (which was a weekend)! This was her response:That's a good question. In the tai chi part, we walk forward and back 4 steps, and side to side 4 steps. So you'll want enough space cleared away from your TV to walk towards it 4 good steps and still be able to see the TV.In the Stepping and Walking Balance section that is done without a chair, we walk around the room. If you've created enough space for the tai chi you should have plenty of room for this.Stay well,Jane AdamsI've been working out for about 6 months now (hand weights, barre, ab work, upper/lower body strengthening, aerobics, step-aerobics, and even kick-boxing). So, I am pretty happy with the condition that I've got myself back into. I was starting to feel like I was over working out, though. So, I decided to add some balance and flexibility work to my exercises. I needed something 'gentle' on my body. I did some research and decided to alternate between yoga and Tai Chi (doing one one day a week and the other one day of the next week). My research showed that Tai Chi was going to take up a lot of space (15' across and 10' deep) for most of the DVDs. So, I wrote to Jane. This DVD workout takes up substantially less space. I've received it and done the the Tai-Chi Full-Body Mobility portion and viewed the Practice the 8 Forms portions. So, I've verified that it does take four steps wide and four steps deep. You travel back the same direction you came from, so four steps is the total space you need (rather than 4 to one side and then 4 to the other - it's not 8 steps). I hope that makes sense. I found the portion that I did to be relaxing and my body felt good afterwards. I think I made the right choice in adding this DVD workout to my routine and I look forward to learning the 8 forms. I was surprised that moves that go so slowly would challenge my coordination. I found myself not being able to 'space out'. I actually had to pay attention. I think this will be good for my mind as well as my body.Note: The Tai Chi is last on the menu list. When you click on it, it will open your Tai Chi menu choices. I noticed some reviewers seemed to have trouble finding this portion of the video.Also, some reviewers noted that when Jane says right foot, she steps with her left and were having problems with following her directions. I don't have any problems with this, because it is the same way in all of my workout DVDs. Basically, if you worked out in front of a mirror, that's what you're seeing (except it's Jane). So, you just always step the direction she's going - like when you dance with a partner. The man (doing a waltz, for instance) might step with his left leg while the woman steps with her right - it's opposite legs, but you both move the same direction. Don't overthink it - just follow what she says and does, and it will come automatically. It's so that you don't have to reverse the instructions or image in your mind in order to perform the moves. I suspect those that were confused are new to exercise that involves an instructor (in a class or on a DVD). Most people won't even think about it.

Works good

I'm trying to get back to my "normal" self after an invasive surgery that has taken about a year to recover from. I came upon this DVD quite by accident but thought I would give it a try as I make my way back to a more active lifestyle. I needed something that was going to help me with movement and balance and this DVD was perfect. The instructor has a kind, soothing voice and gives clear instruction. Movements are smooth and slow but still challenging enough to make a difference. I particularly like the tai-chi instruction and plan to learn more to incorporate that practice into my every day life. I would highly recomment this DVD to anyone who has lost some mobility and feels they can't excercise or move as they used to. I have seen such progress over the last 10 days or so that I have been using it. Thanks to the creators of this program for the difference they are making in the lives of older adults.

As an almost 68 year old with osteoporosis not taking meds but choosing to eat healthy and do strength training and balance exercises , this DVD is just perfect for me who needs to start out slow and work my way up in strength and balance! I could do some without holding onto the chair but quickly realized how weak I am in my lower extremities so I am hopeful I will eventually becomes stronger and stronger. I viewed the Tai Chi and I’m pleased for the option workouts Jane Adam’s chose to use for this DVD. Thanks

I ordered this DVD and it wasn't working in my DVD player. I contacted Jane and she promptly sent me a new DVD. I've done some of the practices and they are really wonderful. They are perfect practices if you are older and need to start working on balance and strength. They are just enough to keep me going, without too much pressure. Jane's voice and instruction is wonderful. I enjoy listening to her instructions. I own another one of her DVDs and find it equally valuable. Do not hesitate to purchase from this wonderful instructor!