Instant Health: The Shaolin Qigong Workout For Longevity Paperback – November 9, 2009

I just completed my first workout following the instructions in the book. I first read it all the way through. While it's far too early to say how Qigong will be of value to my health, if at all, I can say that the warm-up, stretches and the workout made me feel exceptionally good and quite relaxed. I was somewhat anxious before the workout. It did take my blood pressure down. The workout didn't take long. Admittedly, I'm sure I didn't do it in any professional manner. I just followed the instructions as best I could, as instructed in the book. The feeling after the workout can best be described as total relaxation in mind and body.I generally have problems following exercise instructions in books but found these instructions to be quite good.Now, there are two ways to apply the workout. One is for health and longevity. The other is in conjunction with Kung Fu. When you use it with a martial art, it is somewhat different in many ways and that's not what I want. I do resistance exercise and don't need to add Kung Fu to the mix. But for health and relaxation, it's a wonderful addition to your workouts.The book is an easy read. Lots of big, colorful pictures, large type and nice paper. Lots of luscious photos taken in China. Makes you want to go there. You can read it in a couple of sittings. Of course, it takes many times to even get close to perfecting the complete workout. But it's a workout anyone can do. At least, most anyone. If you are able to walk and move, you can do it.The author gives a good deal of science to back up what he says. There were a few statements he made that wasn't backed by any science in the book. That concerned me somewhat. But, there was enough science that I felt comfortable doing the workout and feeling it would be helpful to me.The author is not a native English speaker, of course. If you watch his DVDs, you'll find it hard to understand him. I think he had help in the writing as it sounds British.The book is divided into three parts . . .Part One: The Art of Science of Shaolin Temple LongevityPart Two: The Fundamentals of Shaolin QigongPart Three: The Qigong Workout for LongevityEach part is divided into a number of short chapters. In one chapter, the author talks about himself and his own experiences, how he got into Qigong."I am not a great martial artist which is why I'm always training and always learning. I am not the greatest teacher but I try to give a taste of what Shaolin really is. It's not a dream or a fantasy like it is sometimes made out to be, but the art and science of true health and happiness", he says.He adds, "I believe there are no bad students: there are just bad teachers, and if you choose to study from my books then you become my student and I hope I will teach you well."Of his series of books he says it is "a culmination of my twenty years experience of martial arts and the wisdom that I have learned under the instruction of many great masters. Any errors made are not those of my masters or the Shaolin Temple, but my own", he acknowledges.I must tell you, I didn't know if I would like the book or not when I ordered it. I've read many books on martial arts and none of them really met my needs. This book, however, is quite different. Perhaps it's because I was able to quickly apply it and do the workout with some ease. I'm quite fit and far more flexible than I was a decade ago before working out regularly. I think that makes a difference. But, as I said earlier, I can't imagine anyone not being able to find deep relaxation doing this workout if they got nothing else from it.Highly recommended.-- Susanna K. Hutcheson

This is a lovely book with striking photos and large, easy-to-read text on high-quality paper that doesn't stick together when you sweat. As others have noted, this book is accessible to beginners starting their martial arts journey.You can tell Shifu Yan Lei has dedicated many years to mastering martial arts - he is incredibly inspiring.Should you buy this book, even in 2023?I'd say if you're like me and try to unplug while working out, absolutely - add it to your cart now. The photos alone are worth more than the asking price of this book, in my opinion.Shifu provides a plethora of free video content you can leverage in addition to this book. So, if you prefer videos and using your device to follow along, this book may end up as a coffee table book - still worth it for book lovers.The book is perfect for referencing during your workout - watch the video in your room and practice, once you've got it (enough), take the book outside and practice device-free. I love this book and thank you Shifu Yan Lei for creating this wonderful resource.

Before you buy this book, you should know that it is about Baduanjin, often called The Eight Treasures and other names. You will find Baduanjin in hundreds of qigong books. There are different versions of it and this one seems to have little in common with the versions most people practice. It is more complex and sometimes totally different. Is it more effective? Probably not. Complex does not mean better in soft or hard martial arts.The book also includes stretching exercises to loosen your muscles. They are as good as any. I personally favor stretches on the floor first, but Chinese teachers seem reluctant to put their body on the floor.The book also includes five stances, which are good and hard.If you are older or not in good shape, you won't be able to do some of the exercises. Also, do not expect to look or kick like Yan Lei by doing those exercises. It would take a lot more. However, you are likely to get a bit stronger, especially in the legs if you can get low enough and do the exercises with enough tension.The photos and format are very nice and the explanations clear. In conclusion, it is a decent book although the exercises it contains could be simpler and just as effectice.

I watched a documentary on healing and rejuvenating the mind and body. It was very educational. I heard mentioned Shaolin Qigong. Not sure what that means, I did a search and found many books on the subject. I chose this one. The author takes into consideration that one reading it may be new to the practice altogether in fitness level, and that one does not have to be a practicing Buddhist to benefit. But to meditate using whatever your (positive) meditation practice is and use it before or after your Qigong workout. Breath and movement go hand and hand throughout the workout. If I've been vague it's because I'm new to it as well. The Qigong workout is challenging, but no matter your fitness level, you will become stronger, more flexible, and balanced, confident and fit over time. I'm still learning! Hope this has been helpful.

Très bon guide pour passer a un autre niveau.

Una gran oportunidad poder tener este conocimiento al alcance

Très beau livre

El ezfuerzo es mas que relajacion.Me gusta mas Tai Chi, pilates.

Book is beautiful! The explanations are perfect. But you certainly need a teacher or at least a dvd to complement this. Nevertheless you can try learning a few stances from the book. Worth the buy!