Safe exercise suitable for the elderly - gentle standing exercises, easy to follow DVDs

Chi Kung: A way to improve health, vitality and well being DVD

This set of exercises is particularly suitable if you are not used to doing any exercise. They are also a good starting point if you have been doing seated exercise and now feel ready to exercise standing up.

All the exercises are gentle and slow moving. They are based on the ancient Chinese system of Chi Kung, which aims to increase energy levels and general health. You don't need any previous experience and you don't need to know anything about Chi Kung exercises to follow along to the exercises on this DVD. (Chi Kung exercises are widely practised in China to support recovery from illness and to maintain health.)

These exercises are thought to help with many conditions including raised blood pressure, brittle bones, high cholesterol levels and stress.

The exercises on this DVD will help increase mobility in stiff hips. The exercises are done with slow gentle movement and many are done with the legs bent. This puts a gentle demand on the body, improving blood circulation, strengthening muscles and increasing flexibility. They are also thought to help strengthen the bones, improve breathing and raise stamina and endurance.

As with all exercise regimes, you are strongly recommended to consult your doctor or medical practitioner before commencing.

Meditation through the practice of Chi Kung DVD

Choose this DVD if you want to extend the demand oon your body to keep growing fitter and stronger, while still working at a slow speed and in a stationary position.

Also 56 minutes long, there are fewer separate exercises on this DVD and each is practised for longer. This increases the demand on your body over time and enables you to progress.

So this DVD isn't really for complete beginners. If you have practised the Chi Kung exercises above and want to make further progress, this would make a good new stage to move onto. Or you might just be starting from a fitter starting point.

These exercises also encourgae calmness of mind. If you can manage the slightly more demanding exercsies (you can always work at your own pace and build up the times gradually) and want to reduce your anxiety levels or experience of stress, these exercises will help you to do that.

As with all exercise regimes, you are strongly recommended to consult your doctor or medical practitioner before commencing.

Tai Chi Ruler System of Energy Cultivation DVD

These exercises have a more spiritual element to them. You could say that they give you more of a "mental high" without the use of alcohol or drugs! By that we mean they cultivate a real sense of mental relaxation. Almost a feeling of fullness and lightness, if you can imagine that.

These exercises are designed to make your energy circulate even more, having a healing and calming effect. Tai Chi Chih is part of the ancient Chinese system of Chi Kung for healing and maintaining health through the circulation of energy. Chi Kung exercises are widely practised in hospitals in China today as a means of helping recovery and recuperation.

You can do these exercises sitting down as well as standing. They require the use of a Tai Chi Ruler, also available to purchase here. In fact, just sitting or standing calmly, gently holding the Ruler between the palms and allowing the mind to quieten can have a profoundly relaxing effect.

As with all Glyn Williams' Aollow Along DVDs, the exercises are demonstrated as well as a verbal explanation and you can follow along and move ahead at your own pace.

Not sure which set of exercises will bring you the benefits you most need? Please feel free to contact Glyn Williams by email to to put your question. Glyn will do his best to direct you to the most suitable exercises.

Email Glyn.