Search - Janis Saffell Tai Chi Balance Workout on DVD

Lori D. (Lillori1981) from LTL EGG HBR, NJ
Reviewed on 4/18/2018...

I love this workout! It's not really a traditional Tai chi workout, Janis Saffell and Scott Cole both present the workout and I think the best part of this workout is that the majority of it is taught by Scott. He begins with a slow traditional Tai chi warm-up, then Janis warms you up with some slowed down kickboxing moves. After that, they take turns with Janis doing cardio kickboxing and Scott taking you through some faster, martial Tai chi intervals. This is wrapped up with some standing legwork drills by Janis and a cool-down and stretch with both instructors using their expertise to give a nice 8 minute relaxing end to the workout. I like Janis, but I love Scott and he's great in this one. If you're a Scott Cole fan, this is a must-have!

Another favorite workout from Janis Saffell

inkypink | Malaysia | 12/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was reluctant to try a fusion workout but I have practically all of Janis Saffell's workouts and love them, so thought I'd try this out. In the end, I loved the Tai Chi sections with Scott Cole almost as much .. if not more .. than the kickboxing sections!

The workout starts off with a 10 minute Tai Chi warmup led by Scott, with Janis stepping in to do a few quick stretches at the end. They will do this fairly often .. stepping back and forth and changing between Tai Chi and kickboxing. It is not distracting and in fact it was a nice balance as it keeps you on your toes.

Essentially you can call this circuit training as there is a contrast between the fast paced kickboxing and the slow but concentrated Tai Chi movements. It almost feels like you're having a nice stretch or massage after each kickboxing segment. Don't get me wrong, the Tai Chi segments get progressively tougher as we go along and you do work the muscles if you really focus ... so you will build up a sweat pretty quickly.

This 'circuit' goes on for about 28 minutes before going into an 8 minute strength segment. This section is very very tough and it relies a lot on balance with lots of slow movements which really makes you work those muscles. You can really feel the burn, especially in the pose that Janis takes the group through .. a flamingo-like pose where you're on one leg leaning forward with your other leg lifted high up behind you. After all that hard work you have a nice slow 8-minute stretch/cooldown.

It is also a good introduction to Tai Chi .. although I've heard that that itself is not 'pure' Tai Chi but it is a fusion of Tai Chi + aerobics. Personally I found it interesting enough to explore other Scott Cole workouts.

If you love Janis Saffell's workouts .. I'd recommend that you get your hands on this, albeit for something a little different."

Great Morning Workout!

Mariya V. Karlieva | 10/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have both of Janis's workout packs and I love them! I am fairly active, I teach spinning classes at the local YMCA once a week and during the rest of the week I plug in a workout video. I am not a morning exerciser, but once I did this DVD I figured that it is PERFECT to start your day with!!! For the past 7 days, I get up an hour earlier to do the workout and the best thing is that I am really looking forward to it! I must say that the Tai Chi sections are more fun, because they really make your body move in all directions, especially when we start swingin our arms in all directions:) I found it to be a GREAT start in the morning, makes me warm, energized and ready to take on the day! If you are not sure whether to buy this DVD, I will say that it is wonderful!! Not intesne, just perfect to warm up, break a sweat, breath in and out a lot, and feel energized! I prefer to do cardio at night and combine it with either yoga or pilates, but now that I have started working out with this DVD in the morning, I feel much better throughout the whole day!

Stay safe and don't forget to stretch! :)"

Good Beginner/Intermediate Workout

Shelley K. Gilbertson | Melrose, MN United States | 02/21/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am a huge Janis fan, and this is another great workout from her - depending on what you're looking for. The fusion of the kickboxing and tai chi is nice. There is a ton of variety here, and you won't get bored. It is also relatively low-impact, so for those looking for something without a lot of jumping and jarring, this would be a good choice. However, unless you are a beginner or possibly intermediate exerciser, you may not get much of a cardio workout. I consider myself to be at the strong intermediate - advanced level, and during some of the kickboxing sections, just when I just started to get my heart rate up, it was over. So, if you're above beginner level and looking for a real cardio workout, this may not be what you want.

This is a great intro to tai chi, though, and Janis does a lot of the kickboxing moves slowly, so it is good for checking your form. On some of Janis' other faster-paced workouts, she assumes a knowledge of kickboxing and other than occasional reminders, she doesn't go into great detail on form.

Although I didn't get much cardio benefit, I will definitely keep it for future use. I'm thinking it would be a great workout for me on days when I'm a little under the weather or just want something a little lighter if only to get the blood flowing."