The Smart Way to Stretch and Strengthen Your Body

I have been in the fitness industry for 20 yrs as a fitness instructor/Personal Trainer/Sports Nutrition. This system was the answer I was looking for, I teach almost evey formats you might know in a Group Fitness Class setting. Sometimes teaching several classes a day. I Needed more out of my stretching routines to keep my pace, I turn to yoga for a flexibility benefit, only to found out it was painfull to get in some of the poses it didn't feel right i was not able to fully enjoy the experiene.SO I went looking for a new answer, that is when I found Bob's book,I was ready to give something new a try after reading and reviewing the book I started to practice some of the stretches that were familiar to me from yoga, I was amazed! I could not belief what happened to my flexibility, it took one try to accomplish years of yoga practice. I now enjoy my yoga practice even more, i can get in the poses the right way, I can actually feel as my muscles are stretching and is not painfull anymore. My fitness level improved 100% Inches came off my thighs just from Stretching, My Nutrition also took a turn, i was no longer craving sugar. Bob's System has freed my body in all ways, I am able to keep with my body demands and I enjoy my job more than ever. I wanted to help my clients and my students to become more flexible I became an intern, After introducing this method to my clients and classes, we are hooked! There is no other way to get flexible now! we will never go back to stretching any other way, if you are ready to change your life, you need " The Genius of flexibility". Thank you Bob, you have not only change my life, but the life of every person I teach.

A chance find on the internet under meridian balancing and i found Luther Cowden's youtube video. He is available on[...] and i recommend his site for additional training resources. Luther was trained by Bob. From then on I found the book by Bob Cooley and I have to say the information about stretching impacting meridians, health, psychology and emotions appealed to me.

Anyone heard of emotional freedom techniques? They target the same meridians. Basically you get a good workout, and a full energy toning of the entire meridian system. so its a workout + EFT all in one.

The potential if you do it properly is quite high, as it can go into a lot of areas like love, relationships, self-esteem etc. So not just about exercise, its about emotional & spiritual health.

good luck.

i am fortunate that i've known bob and his system of stretching for over 15 years, the book barely scratches the surface of what he knows about stretching, and about how stretching affects the internal organs of the body, the flow of energy in the meridians, changes in psychological traits, et cetera... everyone has to start somewhere, you can't become an expert by a reading book, you have to become an expert through practice, and if you can't get to bob personally, to take a class, or a workshop, you are still better off having some of his knowledge, filtered through the lens of a publishing company's requirements, than having none at all. the principles outlined in this book, if adopted, practiced, and realized properly, can lead to amazing changes in your body and your life. that will take your work, and your learning. remember, it's a book, it's not a one on one session. you can read a book by the dalai lama but it won't make you enlightened, similarly, you can read this book, but you aren't going to achieve results unless you really sit down, on the floor, and follow the instructions until you recognize that you're getting it right. this book is worth owning for a variety of reasons, i'll share two, #1, it's the best book on the subject that bob has written yet, so until he writes a more thorough book, it's the only chance you'll have to get the knowledge. #2, it contains useful information about how poses can effect your physical and psychological health that are not presented anywhere else in the world as far as i know. i've seen the changes first hand, in my own body, and in others, i've seen people get 'better' from stretching, he's not making anything up, he's just very optimistic for you, because he sees your potential. start with this book, and keep going.

I purchased this book after a free introductory session at Bob Cooley's Studio 16 in Boston, from which I walked out a new woman. No more pain in my shoulder, which had been bothering me for years. This book explains the 16 different stretches that will change your life. It's a great book, providing in-depth information at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, with lots of extra information about the idea behind energy meridians, the organs they affect, and how resistance stretching affects them. Bob has developed a total system of understanding the mind-body-spirit connection that will appeal to anyone wanting to feel more grounded, more open to possibility, and just simply happy. Can stretching make you happy? When you do it Bob's way, absolutely. And I'm the living proof of it! I used to be stiff as a stick, and now I'm bendy after only a month. I have more energy and a better outlook than at any other time I can remember in my life. I'd give this book more than 5 stars if I could. Thanks Bob!

I loved Bob's book, so much so that I went on to become a Level II Intern. If you're looking for a gripping novel, pick something else; BUT, if you have the courage to explore a new way to take control of your health, this book is a must read. I thought Bob's personal story of survival, as well as the thought processes behind the creation of a new way for your body to heal itself, was compelling. No gym memberships, no special equipment, only what you see in the mirror everyday is required for healing and this book shows you step by step how to do it all. The Genius of Flexibility is packed with information while the pictures and instructions work together incredibly well. Highly recommend!!

There is certainly no lack of books on stretching out there. But Bob Cooley has taken it to a higher level and gives you a technique that really works to unknot and unwind years of overtensed and overused muscles. The sequences are easy to follow and presented in a logical order. There is enough variety for anyone to find the right stretch for their needs. I found great benefits from the self stretches, far above and beyond anything I've felt or experienced in the past with more traditional passive stretching techniques. I was able to use the book to make sense of how to do the stretching. The tie-in with traditional Chinese medicine and meridians is an added bonus for those who are interested. Any athlete will benefit from even just focusing on the stretching itself, exclusive of the psychological benefits. Still, the psychological connections to organ meridians and muscle groups is fascinating part of the book and it will be great to see Mr. Cooley write additional materials on this topic; hopefully sometime in the near future. In the meantime, as a ski instructor/coach, this is the book I've recommended to several clients to help them improve their biomechanics and thus their skiing.

When I first picked up this book, I read a few of the basic ideas and tried a few stretches right in the store. I was impressed with how well they worked and bought the book.

As I have read the book and tried the stretches, I have been amazed at how many things have transformed for me. Of course my flexibility has improved, but that has just been the tip of the iceberg. The techniques have allowed me to be more resistant to injury and to overcome some really chronic injuries and inflexibilities.

After practicing for some time, I began to understand some of the subtler effects of the stretches that Mr. Cooley lists. I had several "ah ha" moments realizing that the author really was not kidding about these effects, psychological and otherwise. It seems that each time I pick up this book, I learn something new, even from parts I have read before.

This book is a treasure house of knowledge!!!!!!!! Bob Cooley gives us in this book, keys to unlocking our own individual genius. Even better, the techniques actually work !!! Buy it, read it, practice its techniques as written. I thnk that you will be as impressed as I am.

The Meridian Flexibility System is not only the "Smart way to Stretch and Strengthen your body" it's also the easiest, most efficient way to get the muscle tone and flexibility that would take hours each week with traditional methods. I have been practicing Meridian Stretching for years, and it has honestly changed my life.

Bob Cooley's book, "The Genius of Flexibility" presents an introduction to the Meridian Flexibility System. It briefly covers what Cooley has discovered about traditional stretching vs. resistance stretching, stretching related to traditional Chinese medicine and how stretching can improve your health. The majority of the book is made up of three levels of self-stretches (beginner, intermediate, advanced/strength training) and one level of assisted stretches in the order of the energy cycle. Each stretch includes start and finishing pictures, how to get into the stretch, how to resist, how to breathe and psychological and physiological benefits of each stretch.

In order to benefit from this book, you must spend time to understand how to resist while stretching. This is not a book that you can just scan through and do the stretches. Because the stretch happens during the movement from the start to the finishing pose, some of the stretches are not easily understood by reading the descriptions. Some stretches may need to be varied or demonstrated in person. I like to look at the book as a guide for home stretching, but it does not replace my weekly sessions with a certified trainer in the system.

Besides a large increase in flexibility, I have personally experienced immediate health changes, muscle and tendon repair, reduction in back pain and personality changes. Physically, I've had serious headaches disappear within minutes. I've felt my sinuses open up in the middle of a stretching session. A twisted knee was not only healed, but strong within two weeks. Chronic neck and upper back pain disappeared. After only two months with the system, I'd gotten the body I always wanted - six pack abs and all. Psychologically, certain stretches make me laugh, think of friends and solve problems. Cooley's ideas may seem eccentric upon first reading, but from my personal experience, I can assure you he is right on.

What Cooley has discovered and created through this system is so complex and revolutionary, it would take him a lifetime to write it all down. There are gaps in the book, based on the fact that it is only 310 pages long. While "The Genius of Flexibility" doesn't give all the answers right away, it is the only book dedicated to this method of flexibility and strength training. I would highly recommend it along with taking a workshop or private session to fully understand the system.

I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy Student at one of the top ranked schools in the nation. The funny thing is that I've learned more from spending just a few days with Bob Cooley than I have in all my physical therapy classes combined.

This is the best book on stretching and exercise, period. This is the only book/program out there that gives you the tools to improve no matter where you are starting from. There are other books on flexibility that focus solely on doing the splits. Most people I know don't care about doing splits they just want to get rid of nagging injuries and see measurable improvements in their strength, flexibility, aerobic capacity and athletic performance. The Genius of Flexibility will help in all of those areas.

Mostly everything you need to know about resistance stretching is mentioned in the book, therefore it is important to use it as a reference often. If you only use it to look at the diagrams on the various stretches then you are selling yourself short. I find chapters 5,8, and 15 to be extremly important and I refer back to them on a regular basis.

Give this book a chance and you won't be disappointed!

I was enabled to survive a long period of undiagnosed illness (many years later determined to be Addison's disease and related issues) and get better by working with Bob Cooley and resistance stretching. The fact that I got better without even knowing exactly what was wrong speaks volumes about the benefits of Meridian Flexibility and Strength Training. The book serves as an inspiration and an introduction to what is necessarily an experiential path. Some parts of the book are hard to understand; partly because of the way they are expressed (many ideas linked to each other quickly), and partly because no one is really good at describing what happens to individual bodies -- it's like trying to describe the taste of peanut butter: how do you really know what another person's perception of peanut, salt, richness etc. is?? Writing about feeling is always impossible, to some degree, and thus it takes a brave teacher to attempt it. Also, an athlete's orientation is much different than a layman's, and a philosopher's orientation is much different than a plumber's, so some people will be impatient with the philosophical links between Chinese medicine and stretching, and some people will be impatient with the physiological language . . . but again, the book is an introduction to the MANY aspects of what really is a holistic system. The book invites you into a new relationship with your body, a new understanding of what flexibility means, and the discovery that your body is not separate from your mind. Author Bob Cooley presents his development of the system as it happened to him, in experiential language, not journalistic or scientific or any other kind. He writes as if he were talking to you, and sometimes his enthusiasm and his discoveries almost trip over each other. To read the book HEARING his words as you read them will help you understand that he offers the book in the voice of an excited friend rather than as a scary expert (although Bob Cooley certainly is an expert, a fact his documented success in training Olympic athletes will substantiate). But, when you're reading and you want answers to your own questions, say to do with anatomy, this can be frustrating. I think one has to read any book for what it is rather than what it isn't. Bob Cooley's book is a testimony, an overview, an invitation. It isn't a physiology manual. Since it is in its way a memoir, with of course enough guidance to get you started on the road to stretching, the language it's offered in is personal, and the description of what MFST is and why it's important come out of experience. Bob Cooley includes the links to the Enneagram, yoga, Chinese medicine etc. more or less as he discovered them. To leave any of that out would be to change the voice of the book or to neglect some aspect of the system. The author doesn't claim to have invented any of the ancient wisdom described, only to have united and refined many practices in some unique and beneficial ways. I'm now a trainer in the system myself and my way of teaching the system, while strictly following the techniques I was taught, is still unique to my background of living through chronic illness, being a writer/performer, wanting to live with greater compassion. Most really great systems are flexible enough to incorporate the varied life experience of their students, and this is a great system: efficient, far-reaching, simple yet life-altering. No, I don't think you can learn MFST completely from a book -- you need a trained practitioner to guide you. But yes, I think the book can introduce you to why you would want to do that in the first place, can provide an overview and inspiration, and serve as your guide and handbook once you are practicing.

In januari 2008, I suffered from a nerve inflamation in my shoulder. Therefore I couldn't use my infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscle. 2008 was ofcourse the year of the Olympics in Beijing and I had to qualify in may 2008 as a gymnast. In the beginning I wasn't able to do gymnastcics at all. I tried to do some easy exersises to strenghten my shoulder, but that was improving very slow. After one month I met Bob Cooley and started training with him. The movements of my arm where improving rapidly, but allso my posture was improving. I could notice these changements in my gymnastic performance. Eventough I couldn't use the both 2 muscles in my shoulder I was able to qualify for the Olympics on the discipline High Bar, and Finished 7th in the Finals on the Olympics. A great performance for me, in which the Flexibility program of Bob Cooley helped me physically but allso mentally by giving me faith.

Epke Zonderland, Dutch Olympic gymnast

This book is amazing, and I think anyone can benefit from reading it. Bob Cooley's book, "The Genius of Flexibility," offers the reader a new way to tap into the mind/body/soul perspective, and also introduces a new unconventional form of rehabilitative therapy that is extremely effective. I never thought before reading this book; that energy channels, or Meridian lines as their conventionally called, could be so effective in healing the body. This book has opened my eyes to holistic healing, acupuncture, and many other helpful ideologies. The stretches are absolutely amazing, and life changing; they truly work. I recommend this book to people of all ages; its essential to their healing, and will truly make them feel 20 years younger. We all go through life thinking as a society that we're supposed to be sore and stiff all the time, but that's not true; all we need to do is release fascia, and we can actually accomplish this goal at home by stretching our loved ones.

I have read much of this book and had a stretching session with the author. Please stay away
from this man and his ramblings. His is not a clinic; it's a cult. He is a raging narcissist,
and if you don't immediately buy into his healing powers, he quickly turns on you,
becomes condescending and arrogant, and accuses you of not having "body awareness."
The best thing I can say is that his stretching techniques are probably harmless, like most
other techniques. But don't believe his claims of other benefits, like curing appendicitis, without
scientific evidence (which you won't find in the book because in person he freely boasts about his
disdain for science).

I have had incredible results in my flexibility, strength, and over all well being thanks to the methods in this book.

This is way more than a book on stretching though. It has great advice and insights on nutrition, life, love, dedication, etc. and reads more like an inspiring and insightful story from a wise teacher than a training guide.

This book contains a lot of ideas that are packed together closely so it can be a bit intimidating at times. You find yourself wanting footnotes to go into detail on many of the points made.

This is certainly not an instant-fix method- what you put in is what you get out- but there seems to be no limit to what you can get out of this book. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their health, happiness and appreciation for life.

5/5

Bob Cooley approaches stretching in an novel and unique way. The stretches require oppositional resistance. For instance, if one does a repetitive activity (as musicians do), one muscle might feel over stretched on one side of the body, and the other side feel tight and inflexible. In fact the muscle which feels overstrtched is actually weak from overuse, and needs to be stretched {semmingly further} in order to be able to contract and strengthen. The muscle on the tight side will also lengthen as a result. This seeming simple concept is profound. My perspective (and more about me)...though I have done and do believe in Joseph Pilates work, Alexander Technique, and body massages such as Rolfing, it is even after these techniques (and having worked with personal trainers and stretched after doing aerobics and weight training) I have never stretched like this, nor had the rssults I am achieving with Bob Cooley's ideas. Olympic athletes and many others can attest. Brilliant.

R.K.

I've been working as a personal trainer/strength coach for about 8 years now training athletes. This is the best book on stretching I've seen on the market so far.It's not only that the stretching gives you more range of motion(like all the other stretching methods) but you can really biomechanicly upgrade your whole body! Which will result in more efficient movement.You will also get flexible 10 times as fast as normal stretching or yoga, if done properly.
I use it all the time. E.g athlete can't squat properly, stretch the hamstrings and it immediately improves there technique.
The psychological stuff is great but you don't learn that from just reading the book.That's why I can't wait for the second book which will explain all this more detailed.

This guy really is a genius!

If you've already tried everything, and you're SERIOUS about increasing flexibility, there are 3 essential books you must read about stretching: Relax Into Stretch by Pavel Tsatsouline, Stretching Scientifically by Thomas Kurz, and The Genius of Flexibility by Bob Cooley.

That being said, there are a few points to consider before buying this book:

1. Cooley has the background and credentials to be considered an expert on flexibility training. (work with Olympic athletes, Meridian Flexibility System founder, etc...) That being said, you have to forgive his eccentricities and get to the heart of what's in the book...how to use resistance stretching techniques safely and effectively.

2. The heart of the book (which is 302 pp. long) can be found in Chapters 2 and 3 (pp. 17-28) and the stretches (Level 1 Workout, pp. 88-119) That's really all you need to read. Why do I say that? Because (1) unless you believe increased flexibility will improve your love life, personality, awareness, concentration, physiological and psychological health, and give you spiritual insight about the universe, you don't need to read the other chapters. (I'm not joking, the list above only scratches the surface of the claims made by Cooley concerning flexibility) and (2) If you can do the stretches in Levels 2-3 you probably don't need to read this book.

3. Sometimes Cooley's world view of flexibility negatively affects the book. For example, in all of the stretch routines, he doesn't tell you what muscles you are actually targeting for stretch...instead there's a number code for a chart you refer to that let's you know that particular stretch "improves circulation and increases the health of your pancreas".

4. For me, this book was readable because I've already read Relax Into Stretch (see my review) and Stretching Scientifically. I would ABSOLUTELY NOT recommend this book for beginners who haven't already read those 2 other books.

5. Bottomline: Ignore the kooky theories about flexibility and its' application to personality and holistic healing (which unfortunately is about 75% of the book) and there is some extremely valuable information about resistance stretching.

6. The reason I didn't completely dismiss the book is I applied his techniques and I was able to stretch deeper in a forward bend stretch (page 98) than I have in my entire life. This is true and it amazed me, after only reading the first 2 chapters of the book. Only problem is I didn't warm-up and 12 hours later my lower back is still sore.

Good book but don't say I didn't warn you.

Last summer i spent a week with Bob Cooley at his workshop. There i bought his book. Best thing i have done for my Body. I am a Massage therapist and now use the stretches from his book on my clients. It is amazing what happens to people who feel well and can move as they moved in their 20's yet they are 60 years old.

The book is easy to read and easy to follow.

Every therapist needs this as their Handbook. Bob Cooley's "Genius of Flexibility is the ultimate guide to stretching. Thanks Bob my life has not been the same. People think of me as a Genius.

I highly recommend this book and will buy his next one.

Karin Vastola

True to what the book claims stretching as they instruct has changed the way I stretch and feel. This is a great book that I think everyone could benefit from! For any beginners, I found that simply performing the motions, whether you feel the stretch or not, for the first few sessions was enough to make me really feel it later on.

Robert Cooley's thirst for quality and talent for synergy have led him to discover (or to rediscover) a 'unified field theory' of ordinary human function. His discoveries have the capacity to revolutionize such diverse fields as athletics, psychotherapy and medicine, to name a few. This first book puts into practice one facet of his theory: a program of physical fitness, which, with the understanding of the nuances of the Meridian Flexibility System, is a profoundly efficient lever on emotional fitness, mental fitness and overall health.

Simply stated, Bob has discovered and painstakingly researched the bridge between Chinese Traditional Medicine, Indian Yoga Postures and Western Psychology. At last, here is explained, the long-suspected connection between Oriental and Western Medicine, presented (disguised) as a practical method for increasing flexibility.

I have been privileged to work with Bob's system, intensely at times, over eight years and can honestly say that its benefits are as profound as anything I have yet experienced in ordinary life.

Unlike many theoreticians, Bob Cooley has the 'right stuff' to bring this information to the world. Bob's success with professional athletes is already legendary; you can experience similar benefits by learning and working with the revolutionary Meridian Flexibility System.

I began working with Bob Cooley in 2003 and quickly realized the phenomenal benefits of the Meridian Flexibility System. I was especially impressed with the way that Meridian Flexibility combined ancient knowledge of yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern psychological, physiological, spiritual, and emotional fitness. After incorporating Meridian Stretching practices into my life, I've improved my strength, flexibility, health, and overall fitness faster than any other similar systems I've tried. I am grateful to Bob Cooley for putting all of this information into a fascinating, easy-to-follow book, and heartily recommend this book to anyone looking to achieve their full physical, psychological, spiritual, and emotional potential.

This book introduces stretches and strengthening exercises unlike any other I've come across. It is easy to follow, a delight to read and apply. Filled with anecdotes, pictures and a lifetime of research this is a gem for anyone in any shape/size body! It has been the key to heal my knees (from mulitiple injuries), and has helped me recover without needing surgery. The book is practical, eye opening and useful. Truly genius!

I came across this book somewhat by accident and began using it after my rheumatologist suggested stretching as ameliorative for fibromyalgia. My improvements in range of motion and strength were dramatic, and my pain lessened considerably. As a former high school head track coach with success at the state and national level, I've been intrigued by the controversy over the efficacy or lack thereof of stretching for performance improvement and injury prevention. Many studies have shown it to be ineffective. This new approach makes perfect sense and generates immediate results. Those willing to look beyond the Western medical model will find an intriguing philosophy, those who are not can still gain considerable benefit simply by doing the stretches as directed.

This is a good read. I didn't give it it's fifth star because not all information is new, however it's written in an easy to follow way and if you begin it right away, the results will happen right away. The effects were amazing and you'll notice a difference fast. This is the perfect addition to any exercise collection whether it be in books or dvds. Buy this and begin immediately. You won't be sorry.

I have read the book and begun practicing the beginner resistance stretch routine. I have seen and felt amazing results such as an increase in my metabolism and digestive system. I have also noticed more definition in my abs and have felt areas of chronic muscular tension released. Anyone would greatly benefit from these exercises!!

I am typing this in Japan. There are many stretching books in Japan, but nothing is like a Bob Cooley's. After received this book, I have been following his stretching steps for a several weeks. I was stiff as a rock, am still, but I know my bodies are loosening like a melting ice. And it is not painful, well a bit, but certainly I can bear with it. Anybody looking for a great stretching method, this is it!!

I read the book and found nothing new in this book that you wouldn't find in the book Accu-Yoga by Michael Reed Gach which came out in the late 70's or early 80's. Accu-Yoga broke down the effects of Yoga on the physical body and the meridians which are expounded in the TCM system. A lot of the exercises in Mr. Cooley's book are straight from Hatha yoga, although from what I understand the way Hatha yoga is taught today is much more physical, and outward than in the time I came to yoga. Most yoga asanas[poses, postures], naturally have the stretch and resistance aspect built in to them, if you practice them in an concious way. Paying attention to the breath and the inner movement of the body, is the way that I thought yoga was suppose to be. Nothing New!

After years of chronic back pain and spending thousands of dollars on products and medical appointments that were unsuccessful, a friend referred me to Bob Cooley. Within one two hour session of working with him and the techniques described in this book, my back was feeling great! The book is easy to read and has simple routines that you can do alone or with help that will immediately relieve tightness, pain and tension.

This book changed my body and my life. You don't have to be a professional athlete or yogi to improve the way you feel physically and mentally. The instructions and explanations are easy to follow and the effects are almost immediate. Releasing the tension in my neck and shoulders enables me to manage stress in a more healthy way. When my body feels free and balanced, my mind and emotions are, too.

i was lucky enough to be able to take bob's and his students classes while i lived in boston. it basically changed my life: how i saw the world, how the world sees me, as well as about three thousand other ways. not to mention that i was also in the best shape of my life.

but really what i find most intriguing about bob's theories is that they *arent* just theories...they are practical, effective ways to make your entire physical body healthier and stronger, without injury or harm or over-exertion, as can even be the case for many types of yoga popular today. and in addition to physical joy comes the bounty of life-changing elemental victories as well! quadruple your pleasure!!

im buying the book as we speak. congrats bob!

What a great book. This system really works to increase flexibility I thought I had lost. I am more flexibile now in my 50's after doing this resistance stretching method, than I was in my 30's. The book is easy to follow, the pictures are excellent and it is very easy to do a home program and get incredible results. I have practiced yoga for years and yet this resistance stretching has helped my back and shoulders to become more flexible in ways that yoga did not. I highly recommend this book to everyone young and old, athletes and non-athletes, recovering from injury or just feeling stiff. Thank you, Mr. Cooley for your work.

I am 7 months pregants and I've been experiencing all the joyful discomfort that comes with being pregnant. A few of the stretching techniques reported in the book have helped me tremendously. My back is no longer aching 24/7, energy level is much improved, but more importantly I am sleeping much better. I strongly recommend this book to pregnant women.

The Genius of Flexibility is simply the greatest exercise book ever written, PERIOD! I should know. I purchased the book in December of 2005. Now 30 pounds lighter, more flexible than ever (even after 3 years of being a dedicated student of yoga)and that's only the beginning. Start stretching with Meridian Flexibilty Training and there will be no limit to how your life can change for the better!

Bob Cooley and his stretching concepts have changed our lives. Say what you will about the abstract quality of his concepts but they have worked for us. Perhaps the key is being OPEN to possibilities.
Thank you, Bob Cooley, and keep the books coming!

Wow no more excuses! This book is so well laid out that even the most resistant amongst us can master this. The results are the hook. The immediate difference is felt and there is a seduction to the exercises that made me keep turning the page.Great mood, great muscles, here I come. Good Morning America show gave too little time to Bob Cooley and stretchers because the book deserves more attention -the best selfhelp tools I've ever read or experienced.Many thanks to Bob's genuis I can own mine.

Through incredibly diligent perseverance over many years. Bob Cooley is able to share the many crucial secrets to human vitality that are described in this book. Don't miss them! They certainly have improved my life. Hyperbole fuels Bob's enthusiasm. If you are a doubter just keep breathing and try the excercises a few times and perhaps you, too, will be laughing and enjoying some outrageous trust in how extraordinary life can be.

There is too much fluff in this book.

I agree with most of the other "low" rated reviews. I have had this book for well over a year now, and I still do not like it. The only reason I give it two stars instead of one, is because it did show me how to do one stretch I have never seen before.

Bob isn't just 'The Genius of Flexibility' he is an outright Genius. He has discovered something phenomenal. Even just a few stretches immediately make me feel better. Every athlete (no matter what level from recreational runner to professional) should invest some time into this training. It is also a great way to unwind after a long day at the office or as a "pick-me-up" in the morning. Most importantly it's fun, gives results, relieves my stress, and it works. It's that simple.

As an Occupational Therapist with a background in dance and Pilates, I was intrigued by the cover of this book. Unfortunately, I did not read any of the reviews and impulsively bought it.

The instructions are vague and repetetive for each and every exercise. All groupings of the exercises are numbered 1, etc...so if you are researching a specific problem area, it is impossible to figure out which #1,5,7 group to pick from. Also, the relationship to the meridians is interesting, but these stretches are not going to cure some of the ailments that are listed. It seems to me that it falsely represents a 'cure all' based on principles of Yoga, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Active Isolated Stretching...without any reference whatsoever. (with the exception of yoga)

If Doctors practiced like this...they would easily be sued...save your money!

Cooley's technique really works -- I tried his stretches and the effects were intense and amazing. The book is easy to follow, with simple instructions for doing the stretches and with good photographs. And he is really onto something with the secondary beneficial effects on physical and emotional health. You'll feel great!

Amazing! I am an avid yoga student at 71 years of age. I started applying the techniques in the book and am amazed at my increased flexibility and core strength. I also find an openness occurring (open heart) and acceptance of self. Lots of good stuff in this book. I think I've bought and given away about 15 books, certainly to a couple of my teachers and many to my grandchildren, one who is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Thank you, Mr. Bob Cooley

I have been waiting for this new concept of stretching all my life. Now, with your methodology, I experience a huge progress with those few difficult stretches that had never seemed to improve before. I can now enjoy stretching for its own sake! I recommend this book to everyone.

I have personally used Bob Cooley's stretching method for over five years and it has changed my life. " The Genius of Flexibility" has been a long awaited addition to my extensive collection of exercise and health books. I have to be honest and say that it dwarfs every book i have read by introducing an entirely new way to stretch, and upgrade oneself psychologically.

This is an awesome book. The theory behind it seems simple a combination of yoga, stretching and strengthening but the results are unbelievable. The correlation of stretching for specific meridians of vital organs in the body is amazing.

Very jumbled, pseudoscientific and not for beginners. I couldn't even do the beginners first stretch because you have to be flexible to do it! Also the instructions were hard to read and follow. You can't go wrong if you buy Anderson's Stretching.

I'm sorry to give a negative review, but this book has exercises that are only for folks who are young enough to try new stuff. The exercises are difficult to say the least, so it is not a book for the beginner. Besides, it is connected with health problems and assets which make it even more confusing.

I lost interest in this book before even getting to the chapters on stretching. I found the author's explanation of the program long, tedious and very difficult to understand. Someone who is very advanced in yoga may find this book beneficial. But for the beginner or intermediate, forget it!

I bought this book because I was looking for a good sports-medicine guide to stretching....I was very disappointed after reading only a few pages. The author apparently believes stretching is the cure for all of life's aliments - physically, spiritually, and psychologically. On page 8 the author claims that "I used those stretches to heal my appendix." That statement should be enough reason, for any person with a sliver of intellect or respect for science and medicine, to stay far away for this book. This book may sell well in San Francisco or Vermont, but for all others, I do not recommend it.

As a public service announcement: If any one is having problems with their appendix, please go straight to the emergency room. Do not waste any time touching your toes, standing on your head, or gazing into crystals. If your appendix burst you will be in a lot of pain, and could possible die.