This is a second book on Ai Chi. Ai Chi is a water
exercise and relaxation program that has been created to help aquatic
practitioners and students decrease stress and increase energy by
using the water in a flowing yet powerful progression. This
comprehensive, in-depth book takes experienced practitioners to a new
level of Ai Chi practice, yet will be useful to the novice as well.
Aquatic exercise instructors, personal trainers, and aquatic therapy
and rehabilitation practitioners will find the Ai Chi workout
versatile. For aquatic exercise instructors it is an efficient
exercise program that increases oxygen and caloric consumption simply
with correct form and positioning in the water. Personal trainers
will find it a perfect relaxation technique for their highly stressed,
over-challenged clients. Aquatic therapy and rehabilitation
practitioners will see improved range of motion and mobility in their
patients.
Ai Chi, created by combining Tai-Chi concepts with Shiatsu and Watsu
techniques, is performed standing in shoulder depth water using a
combination of deep breathing and slow, broad movements of the arms,
legs, and torso.
The book compares the traditional Ai Chi program for an average
healthy adult with modifications for special populations. Ai Chi Ne
(partner stretching) and Cultivating the Chi (advanced Ai Chi
positions) are defined and illustrated.
New offerings in this book include Ai Chi Ne (partner stretching), Ai
Chi in-depth, Cultivating the Chi (new Ai Chi positions), practical
teaching information, pool teaching scripts for a varied learning
focus, Ai Chi for special populations, the autonomic nervous system,
the para-sympathetic and sympathetic systems, breathing techniques and
benefits, and physical positioning.
The program and progression was created by Jun Konno, president of
Aqua Dynamics, Inc., Yokohama, JAPAN. Mr. Konno, a Japanese authority
on aquatic fitness and swimming, is president and founder of Aqua
Dynamics Institute, a consulting firm for fitness clubs and swimming
schools in Japan. He graduated from the Economics Department of
Tohoku Gakuin University, coached the Philippine Swimming Federation's
National Junior Team, and taught in the Physical Education Department
of University of the Philippine. He received the Distinguished
Service Medal from the Philippine Olympic Committee in 1973. Konno
served as the youngest ever director of the Japan Swimming Clubs
Association, became one of Japan's foremost swimming coaches and
coached Japan's Olympic swimming team. He is an advisor of the
Aquatic Exercise Association and offers the AEA certification in
Japan. Konno serves as a consultant and lecturer. Interviews with
him appear regularly in magazines, newspapers, and on television. He
has many published writings including the Japanese translation of Ruth
Sova's Aqua-fit, and Swimming Concepts, which is virtually required
reading for all Japanese swimming coaches.
The history, guidelines, research and descriptions were written by
Ruth Sova, founder of AEA and president of the Aquatic Therapy and
Rehab Institute. Ruth Sova, M.S., an internationally known speaker,
author and consultant, is founder of six businesses including the
Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute, the Aquatic Exercise Association,
Living Right Magazine, ACT, Armchair Aerobics Inc., and the Fitness
Firm. She is on the Wisconsin Governor's Council on Physical Fitness,
received the Governor's Entrepreneurial Award, was the recipient of
the IDEA Outstanding Business Award, worked on the ACE certification
committee, was awarded the first Presidential Sports Award in aquatic
exercise, and received AEA's 1994 Contribution to the Industry Award.
She is the author of numerous articles and ten books on her
specialties of wellness, aquatics, and business.
The blending of international authors and concepts makes Ai Chi -
Balance, Harmony and Healing an unusual, elite book. It begins with
an introduction to Ai Chi and the mind/body concept, and then moves to
benefits involving the neurological, cardiorespiratory, metabolic,
musculoskeletal, endocrine, and cognitive systems. Ai Chi
modifications for over twenty different special populations is next.
The physical techniques of Ai Chi are covered in Chapter Three and
include positioning, balance, pelvic mechanics and movement technique.
Chapter Four, deals with the psyche or mind and covers the concepts of
relaxation, breathing, meditation and unity. The physical
descriptions, illustrations and progression of Ai Chi, Ai Chi Ne and
Cultivating the Chi are included to assist instruction. Ai Chi -
Balance, Harmony, and Healing has a special focus on instructional
techniques which include presentation ideas, music, cueing, and
scripts to use while teaching.
Ruth Sova, M.S., an internationally known speaker, author
and consultant, is founder of six different businesses including the
Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute, the Aquatic Exercise Association,
Living Right Magazine, America's Certification Trainers, Armchair
Aerobics Inc, and the Fitness Firm. A leader in the health and
wellness industry, she also draws on her vast experience as an
entrepreneur to teach others what it takes to assume the risk of
business and enterprise. Ruth is on the Wisconsin Governor's Council
on Physical Fitness and the author of numerous articles and eleven
books on her specialties of wellness and business.
