ChiBall Essentials
Reviews from VideoFitness
About the ChiBall Method: The Australian company ChiBall World has developed the ChiBall Method, an exercise philosophy which incorporates the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Tai Chi and Chi Gong, chi ball dance, yoga, Pilates, Feldenkrais, meditation and aroma and colour therapy.
ChiBall World sell their own 4oz, inflatable scented chi balls (like a small stability ball with a diameter of about 6") with a different aroma for each workout, recommending a silver, eucalyptus-scented ball for ChiBall Essentials . I have found it worthwhile to invest in one of the ChiBall World balls, particularly for their DVDs such as this one, in which the ball is used for self-massage.
ChiBall Essentials is a 60-minute practice which incorporates Tai Chi/Chi Gong, chi ball dance, yoga, Pilates and guided meditation. It's a great way to unwind after a stressful day.
ChiBall Master Trainers Lynley Gladdis, Sarah Read and Pindi Papez perform the routine on a simple white set decorated with an Asian-inspired screen. As with all the ChiBall World DVDs, the specially-composed atmospheric music enhances the soothing ambience. Lynley provides voice-over instruction.
The DVD provides a "music only" option, and is well-chaptered from the main menu into the following segments, or you can play the entire session.
Tai Chi/Chi Gong (Rising Yang) (9 mins) is a graceful, slow-moving segment incorporating the chi ball into traditional Tai Chi/Chi Gong movements.
ChiBall Dance (Radiant Yang) (9 mins) increases the pace into a more energetic chi ball dance using sweeping arm movements which provide a gentle stretch for the upper body and spine.
Yoga (Radiant Yang) (9.5 mins) uses the chi ball for focus and alignment. The music and flowing style of yoga give this segment a dance-like feel.
Pilates (Descending Yang) (11 mins) is a slow-moving Pilates-inspired segment which uses the partially-deflated chi ball beneath the sacrum to create an instability challenge.
ChiBall Release (Rising Yin) (10 mins) uses the partially-deflated chi ball for self-massage.
Relaxation (Descending Yin) (10 mins) is a guided meditation in savasana.
You can see a clip of ChiBall Essentials and order the DVDs, chi balls and music CDs from http://www.chiball.com.
Ratings out of five:
Production values *****
Workout design *****
Instruction *****
Relaxation factor *****
Music *****
Meets expectations *****
Overall *****
Fitting the relaxing feel of this workout, Lynley has a soothing voice.