I am currently working with stroke survivors on a weekly basis and continously use the manual to plan each training session and recommend a selection of exercises for the clients to carry out at home each week. I use the manual to help design a recovery programme for the stroke survivors in the weekly sessions. It has given me a thorough understanding of the science and application involved in creating superior therapeutic exercise programs for stroke survivors. I found it to be a major resource and the prime text needed on stroke rehabilitation. There is little comparison to other stroke rehabilitation books out there on the market because of the innovative training methods used .The manual passes on a unique knowledge of strength training techniques and martial arts combined making the coping strategies and functional training methods disclosed the first of its kind in stroke rehabilitation. It is this combination of training methods that makes the manual so unique. From the innumerable stroke rehabilitation books that I have read, it clearly provides a creative approach that traditional physiotherapy books do not offer. It will provide a critical contribution to post-stroke rehabilitation as it brings together, a selection of coping strategies that can easily be taught and developed to those affected by partial paralysis. So far I have received only very positive feedback from all the stroke survivors I have trained and with a bit of practice the essential coping strategies and functional movement techniques were quite easy to teach. The techniques have proven to very beneficial in all of the stroke survivors’ daily activities and have brought a lot of confidence to their training. Overall, the book is very easy to read from both a stroke patient or stroke therapist perspective and well organised. It displays an overview of the processes involved in recovery and learning about potentially exciting developments. I enjoyed its scope, its evidence-based approach, the breadth of expertise in stroke rehabilitation, and its ability to provide very practical guidance . The chapters are clear, with excellent illustrations, practical information, and have up-to-date references. This is an invaluable reference, and I would highly recommend to therapists working in the field of stroke rehabilitation or to those who have suffered a stroke and are looking to build on the success of the rehabilitation they have received so far towards a more functional approach. It is an excellent choice of book for stroke survivors looking to self-rehabilitate. It will provide a roadmap to recovery, offering the reader easy to follow instructions for receiving the best possible level of outcome. The simplicity of this book covers the basic aspects of relearning. Topics like repetition, proper scheduling and goal setting help to connect stroke survivors with the information they need for optimal rehabilitation. It is compacted with useful tips and encouragement using plain language to answer the questions the stroke survivors and their families will have after the stroke. Dr.Tom Balchin gives an honest and humoured outlook at the rehabilitation process to all involved and succeeds to rectify the confusion that can often surround the recovery of a stroke. Having a recovery program at home will provide much more flexibility and also means that the stroke survivor can keep their rehabilitation at a low cost. It also means that they can choose their schedule and fit it into their lives in a convenient way with this manual. The Stroke recovery techniques at home will be beneficial because it allows the survivor to practice their skills in a familiar environment. Many have to continue with their lives without progression because of the serious lack of available real-life strategies that they can access and make their own. This manual will bring them outside their comfort zones but in a safe pathway allowing for further progress to be made. In addition, the manual will also be very useful for stroke therapists as I found it to be the most comprehensive and useful resource for planning rehabilitation sessions .In my opinion, those therapists searching for an all inclusive, function based resource for stroke rehab would be very well served by this book and will find themselves referring to it frequently.. A stroke rehabilitation plan for both short term and long terms goals can literally be derived from the in-depth context between the pages of the manual “The Successful Stroke Survivor”. It will be an indispensable reference for all health care professionals who spend much of their time caring stroke patients.

The purpose of having an evaluation book is that I can use the ideas/suggested techniques during the session in which I run. I currently work as an exercise professional in running a variety of specialised condition classes as well as newly introduced stroke classes for clients who have previously had a stroke incident. I have actively used the book since receiving a copy. Not only have I picked up further techniques but I have also used it to reinforce some of the knowledge I learned during the training workshops with ARNI. There is a lot more adapted exercise which are stroke specific which can only be a good thing. The amount of different variations shows that many simple functions can be adapted to suit a stroke survivor. The book comes in great use as it’s quite easy to forget all the correct steps since the workshops and having the book allowed me to increase my confidence in teaching techniques. E.g techniques such as safely getting up from the floor. I feel that the book/manual is well put and will be of great use for both instructors and survivors. It gives a clear introduction into the issue with relevant knowledge and details and then progresses on to individual exercises. It would be quite interested in seeing the context of each of the smaller versions to see how the book is being split up as the main version does contain a lot of context. Although it is only a draft version the only fault I would say (which may be corrected in the main version) is the visual context of the diagrams of the exercises. Although the text is there to support this I feel that for a more professional look the diagrams should be put into colour, only my opinion but overall I feel that the book will be a great addition to exercise professional knowledge. I think the impact of the book will be that exercise professionals have a source which is stroke specific which they can go to and which they can use to increase knowledge and also plan sessions for a more precise workout instead of a generally cardio or MS&E. It is the only stroke specific book of its kind and can only help improve the service in which is offered to stroke survivors. I think the book is great and will be of great use to both instructors and survivors

As a Personal Trainer who has worked almost solely with Referral Patients, I found the book unique as it gave a patients perspective as well as explaining the reasons behind the various exercise techniques. The techniques are unique but have many applications in other chronic conditions where improvements in balance and co-ordination are essential for ADL to be achieved independently. As a senior volunteer instructor with ARNI, it’s great after so many years to have something to refer to! Seriously, I have used it to refer to for ideas on exercise and adaptation with stroke survivors and others. Recently, a colleague at work used Tom’s book whilst working with an amputee (left arm) who wanted to return to running marathons. His opinion was that it gave a remarkable insight into the problems not only faced by the patient in terms of rebuilding both the physical aspect of their lives but also the non physical, in terms of self confidence and motivation to improve, knowing that they could do so. My personal view is that this book has been long awaited by both stroke survivors and health professionals alike. For the majority both these groups of people, access to fully supervised exercise environments, equipped with properly adapted equipment (treadmills with harnesses for example), is very limited. This book not only shows techniques that work, but that can be done in a home environment with little or no specialised equipment and shows how to safely progress the programme with practical applications throughout. I have used it frequently already as its well thumbed condition testifies.

I am a trainer, so use it for ideas/advice when I come across physical constraints which I dont know how to overcome with my prior learning via the ARNI Trust. The book is ideal for finding exercise ideas to help individuals work on specific areas. The descriptions are excellent so you are left in no doubt what you are trying to achieve. I also use the book to help answer questions put to me by survivors and gain a good understanding of their problems. It is excellent for its purpose, be that for a trainer or stroke survivor. It encourages development through you own understanding and perceptions. For instance, different exercises suit different people for different reasons, the ARNI trust are keen to encourage "thinking outside of the box" so you can adapt such exercises to suit individual needs. The book does this well. I think the book will finally prove to the dinosaurs out their that rehabilitation exercise is not just essential but is in fairness just as, if not more important than much of the physiotherapy the survivors recieve - physiotherapy and exercise therapy should be going hand in hand when it comes to stroke survival, and I hope this book, and any other similar formats will help the rehabilitation process in the future. The more literature and studies that are completed in the area, the better.

I am a personal trainer working with stroke survivors after completing the ARNI Level 4 training. I use the book on a daily basis when working with clients. I have mainly focused on the practical training parts of the book to compliment the ARNI practical training days. I have utilised the lower body exercises on numerous occasions and have found it very useful when talking my clients through their exercises and what each one is hoping to achieve. The walking techniques have been very helpful when trying to adapt a clients walk. The stretching exercises have also been of great use and reinforced the importance of stretching on a daily basis. So far the clients I have worked with on the upper body/hand movements have had very restricted movements before I worked with them. The flexibility & stretching exercises have all given positive results. One of my clients has also remarked that her fingers, hand and forearm no longer ache as the hand is not now "gripping" the splint she has to wear. The manual has been indispensable since I started working with stroke survivors. As the ARNI training is relatively new and unknown in many circles, I have been able to use it as an introduction to the techniques and the ARNI trust. I have also taken the manual to Headway and to Stroke survivor coffee mornings where it has attracted a lot of interest from stroke survivors and carers alike. I have also used it when discussing a clients needs with them, showing the development, the style of exercises and also the exercises i expect them to do between sessions. The diagrams have been very useful too. On a personal level I have enjoyed reading the manual and found it a very easy read as there is a distinct flow to the writing with personal stories and little tips. I also lent the book to one of my clients before I started working with her. She said that she enjoyed all the parts she was able to read. Other clients and stroke survivors I have met have all asked when the book would be available for them to buy themselves. As I said above, a number of stroke survivors and carers have expressed an interest in the book. I think it will motivate them to train and attempt to do as much as possible for themselves to help recovery. During my visits to Headway, I have spoken to around 30 people who have all expressed an interest in the ARNI training so I am sure many of them would be interested in having a book available for them to read/use.

I am a trainer and I have used it while training and helping with stroke survivors under supervision from Dr Tom Balchin. I have found the book to be invaluable, both from a research view point and from view point of having a practical manual. It clearly lay out what can and should be done to progressively rehab and train stroke survivors. Handy pictures also reinforce the text. I find it especially 'real world' as it was written by Dr Tom Balchin, an obvious successful stroke survivor. I imagine that the book and the shorter manuals will, if followed by trainers and health professionals, help survivors get real world rehab and will very positively impact on their lives and ability to function better. After all the whole ethos is to improve lives through training that will facilitate improvements in every day tasks. It will clearly have a very positive impact both for trainers and the stroke survivors themselves The most telling things are that the book and its contents are being used to successfully help people already and, that it was written by a stroke survivor himself...Clearly that's proof enough of its credentials!? It would be a great shame if this experience and expertise were ignored.

The book has been provided to two of my instructors and myself by the ARNI trust as a learning aid to our 48 week feasibility study that is being carried out in conjunction with Brunel University. The manual has provided us with invaluable insight into Stroke as a medical condition and detailed guidance on the execution of Tom’s techniques for exercise. This has enabled us to read up on the exercises we have used within sessions and also provided us with some pre course reading on the subject area. As a manual the information provides any reader with a good insight into the background and experience of the writer, his techniques for improving your own functional ability and how to use these exercises effectively. This in itself will provide guidance for any individual to follow and start using the techniques. However for the greatest benefit for an individual not used to such physical activity I would suggest using the techniques in this book with the aid of a personal trainer. Thus providing maximum safety and benefit for the person concerned. I hope the book will show stroke survivors and their families that functional training is paramount to the recovery of an individual. Also this can be achieved through very little monetary outlay. All that is required is the necessary will power from the individual concerned. As for the impact on the fitness industry and circles of rehabilitation I hope it will enable us to change the direction of our work and lead to further research into Functional Training for Stroke Survivors and its validity of it use. I have found the manual easy to follow in particular the illustrative pictures provided me with step by step guidance of how best to execute each move. This is invaluable as an instructor or participant. You can also see an insight into Tom’s journey that demonstrates that this book is written from the heart. To help others realise their true potential of recovering from a Stroke.

My name is Jim Mills and I have been involved with weight training for 25 years. My father, also Jim Mills, was a British champion weight lifter as a younger man and a world record breaking strongman, and stroke survivor, when he was older. I first met Dr. Balchin several years ago at a novice strongman competition and we struck up a friendship that's grown over the years. We often have discussions via email or IM that inevitably revolve around weight training, what's good and what's not so good. We've also trained together on rare occasions, so I've seen Tom's passion for the subject first hand. It's also worth noting that I didn't realise he was a stoke survivor at first, so he must've done something right. The first thing that came to my mind after reading The Successful Stroke Survivor was what a fantastic achievement it is. Truly inspirational! Any person who's survived a stroke and is looking for a way back has the perfect manual available to them. The author has been through what you're facing and by his own tenacity has developed, by trial and error, a system that will benefit anyone regardless of age or gender. I am proud to be a friend of Dr. Balchin and inspired by his continuing accomplishments and I whole- heartedly endorse this book for anyone who either "needs" it or who has an interest in health and strength.

I am the Managing Director of Core Training UK Limited and have been a trainer for over 13 years, in this time I have been involved in many areas of health and fitness including Stroke rehabilitation. I have had a lot of dealings with GP referral and many Stroke clients and I can honestly say that this manual has been fantastic in many ways, just to name a few: This has helped regarding providing a wealth of knowledge with the bonus of being able to physically show my clients with illustrations provided. This manual helps with the descriptions of what I am using to help my clients, equally for referencing purposes either for myself, my clients or for when I speak to new potential clients this manual gives me a lot of credibility. The impact of this book is and will be hugely positive for trainers such as myself and for the whole profession who are trying to help Stroke survivors. This is a great asset for the industry and is backed by a great trust, I would recommend this manual to all who are associated within the industry, no matter what role they play.

I am a personal fitness trainer. I have been on training courses run by the author Dr. Tom Balchin on how to successfully train stroke survivors and rehabilitate them related to improving their posture, flexibility, muscular strength, ligament strength, balance and their general proprioception and co-ordination. I purchased this book as I wanted to use it as a source of information to use as a reference to support my existing knowledge in training and rehabilitating stroke survivors. I have found it especially useful and helpful with regard to the exercises and their diagrams and instructions of how to do them. This has proved to be invaluable when working with stroke survivors. There is also an excellent section on explaining what a stroke is and the different types of paralysis that follows. I think it is an excellent book that is a great support for stroke survivors to further their rehabilitation after their initial physiotherapy sessions have finished. There is excellent attention to detail in the text and graphics which is very simple to follow and understand especially the most crucial of exercises: getting up from the floor! I am not aware of any other book that offer so much support in terms of rehabilitation and how to go about achieving the best results for stroke survivors. This book can bridge a large gap between the very short course of basic physiotherapy received in hospital after a stroke and offering survivors information, knowledge and motivation to achieve the best chance of being the best that they can be. Tom's personal story of how he rehabilitated himself after having a stroke is a great inspiration to us all! It may give stroke survivors the belief and will for them to achieve great results that perhaps they may not think possible without his personal account of what can be achieved with belief and determination!

I am reviewing this book as a personal trainer and stroke rehabilitation specialist. I also have a sister who had a stroke and have actively been using this book with her. I found the book engaging and interesting to read as well as being an incredibly practical and informative stroke rehabilitation manual: one that as a trainer, I could pick up and dip into on a daily basis. The gatekeeper technique (getting down and up from the floor unsupported) is one of my personal favourites. It is an exercise that I have used with clients on a number of occasions and I am happy to report with incredible success in moving a client to that all-important ‘next level’ when coupled with regular training and a positive frame of mind. Each exercise is illustrated and presented in an easy to follow format with lots of attention to safety and technique. The book’s audience (the stroke survivor) is always the main focus. The manual contains all the essential elements for a wide range of stroke survivors to improve the quality of their daily life. As a stroke survivor himself, Dr Balchin writes with empathy but at the same time he inspires the reader to take control of his/her individual situation and make progress with a positive attitude reminding the reader that knowledge is power. I feel that this book will go a very long way to providing that power.

I was asked to evaluate the book as an ARNI instructor and Different Strokes Instructor. I have found the manual very helpful. Having trained with Tom over about one year I had already come across a lot of the functional training in the book. I have found this invaluable in working with people who have had strokes. Some of the techniques are life changing for people. This was brought home to me when I first introduced how to get from the floor to standing to the group in Colchester. 1 lady, who saw a personal training on a regular basis, thought she would never be able to get off the floor unaided. This is a cause for concern for many stroke survivor, and limits what they are willing to do when they are alone. Within a short time she was able to stand up from the floor unaided. This has since increased her independence. As an instructor the manual is a great reference both of specific exercises and of 'Best Practice'. Unfortunately I, as an instructor, only see a very small proportion of people who have had a stroke. The functional training in the manual will be of benefit to many thousands of people who have had a stroke. I also like how the manual challenges some peoples’ ideas of what is possible. So many people have the view that once their initial rehabilitation with the NHS is finished, then that's as good as it is going to get for them. Tom's presentation of what is possible, has the possibility of improving the quality of peoples' lives. I am certain the impact will be far reaching.

I am currently actively involved in leading exercise sessions for patients post stroke. The manual has been used to help create further ideas for patients attending the session and to help instructors offer variety within the exercise sessions. I have already successfully implemented the techniques of getting to and from the floor which is an invaluable tool for stroke survivors as nearly all have been unable too complete such movements post stroke. As a trainer the information around problems that occur during stroke is also invaluable as it helps with discussions between patients and as helped keep up to date with the latest information. The manual has lots of information present that I feel would be a great use for trainers working with stroke patients as a reference tool. As it contains a vast array of information and is broken down into steps I also feel stroke survivors may be able to complete selected exercises depending on their recovery and will definitely gain motivation from the manual when completing. The book can have a positive impact for stroke survivors as it may increase their chances of completing exercise which is proven to have positive effects over time. Therefore it can be suggested that the manual may help stroke survivors not only with their recovery but also to prevent future problems with their health as exercise is recognised as playing a beneficial role to an individual’s health. The manual seems to be the only manual that covers resistance exercise as a tool to aid stroke survivors and also giving the stroke survivor the information to complete as part of their own recovery. Stroke information for stroke survivors themselves has started to become more common as health professionals continue to look at ways of helping stroke survivors. The manual could be a part of a stroke survivor's recovery and help individuals learn more around coping / improving their own mobility / health, post stroke.

As I read the book (not finished it yet) I read exercises and ideas that I have already been using and seen results so I have also actively employed many other aspects/exercises/motivation skills to help with current clients/stroke survivors. I think the first few chapters help a trainer understand how to put across what self-motivation for rehab is needed from the stroke survivor and this seems to work more and more especially when combined with the active fitness and muscle usage and task related exercises. It's not just for trainers. I wish i could get this book/way of rehabilitation to every stoke or brain injury survivor I see in the streets or sat at home thinking they don't have the skills to get more out of their life. It is very inspirational and written in an easy to understand format, this helps as it is written by a stroke survivor so I think others will "get it" easier than a manual of facts and figures and set exercises and measurements of rehab. I think the wider this book gets out the more UK stroke survivors will gain and rehab back into society and carry on their new life with a lot more skills than they or their doctors predicted. It seems at the moment the news is all about how the UK is behind in this sort of rehab so it can only be good for the UK and any other stroke survivor that it reaches. Can't wait to get to the end so i can put more newly learned skills into action and combined with the ARNI course I think a whole new world of exhilarating rehab has opened up to me and any future clients i see to pass these skills onto.

As a personal trainer I have been helping stroke survivors for several years and have read a few books of this subject. I have recently read (an evaluation copy of) "The Successful Stroke Survivor" by Tom Balchin. This book manages to combine the author’s inspirational story of how he has overcome a major stroke and then show in great and practical detail how it can be done by other survivors. It can uplift you and give you belief and hope; there are no other books that come close to its value. The exercises are ones that have been used and shown to be successful by the author, based on his extensive knowledge and practical instruction of stroke survivors. I have found the book to be a brilliant tool for myself and my clients. All the exercises in the book have a full detailed description and extensive illustrations to help the reader. If you have any involvement with a stroke survivor you must get a copy of this book, it is an invaluable guide for a successful rehabilitation. You will find it is the best book ever written for stroke survivors, I can fully recommend it. Whatever it takes, obtain a copy and ensure everyone involved reads it fully. It will reveal the way to a better future for the stroke survivor.