What do you think?
Rate this book
The Shaolin Workout: 28 Days to Transforming Your Body, Mind and Spirit with Kung Fu
In a loft space in Manhattan, Sifu (Master) Shi Yan Ming trains men and women of all ages and body types in the fundamentals of kung fu. Yan Ming is a fighting monk hailing from China's Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Ch'an Buddhism and a Mecca for all martial arts. A world-renowned master of the martial arts, he has developed a kung fu-based workout programme that is unsurpassed for getting the body and mind into 'fighting trim' shape. Now, Sifu Shi Yan Ming shares the secrets of the Shaolin in The Shaolin Workout. It features a four-week programme of physical and mental training that offers the reader the chance to transform their body, mind and spirit. As well as providing a step-by-step beginner's course in Kung-Fu, Yan Ming shares his philosophy in daily lessons that are pertinent to other areas of life, such as work, relationships and family.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
164 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 11, 2012
The greatest book I’ve ever received (after the Bible, which you already know about).
DON’T stop reading if you’re over forty, or if you’re a woman. (Oh, I barely caught you, didn’t I? You were about to leave the page.)
The older you are, the more this book is for you. If you don’t care about self-defense or martial arts, this book is for you.
This book has given me peace, made me finally feel handsome, and removed all the cares from my life. It’s taught me incredible stretches, unbelievable exercises (don’t worry, it starts off slow), and indescribable teachings.
It has fundamentally improved my health, my posture, my attitude.
As I walked my dog tonight, living in the moment and enjoying heaven on earth, I realized I must share this book with everyone I can. To not do so would be a sin. It would be nothing short of theft.
And as I felt inspired to share the post, I wondered: How do you describe such a book?
How do you describe a book that has made me feel completely at peace when just minutes earlier I’d been worrying about debt, my lack of health insurance, and my job that pays me only $20,000 a year? (Please, don’t worry. Thankfully, these days my situation has improved, and I credit this book for helping make that happen.)
But back to the point, how can a book with just a few stretches, exercises, and teachings bring God into the room with you, lift your mood, and make you ecstatic you’re alive? How can it do this when minutes before you were seconds away from crying or wanting to end your life?
How can it take you from no hope to hope in just minutes?
And what would such a book be worth? My first thought tonight when I asked myself that question while walking my dog was $500.
I’ve spent $500 to travel far away and gaze at the ocean while waves lapped my feet and gulls glided by me. I’ve experienced that heaven on earth and it was worth every penny of that $500.
But, I’ve never experienced it alone in my study, just moments after feeling deeply depressed.
So, what’s a book worth that gives you that feeling of heaven any time you want, without having to travel or spend additional money? It’s given me this feeling hundreds of times.
I believe the book is worth $10,000. It’s changed my life that much. It’s made me happier, healthier, improved my posture, and allowed me to catch glimpses of God’s beauty that I’d never seen before. It’s helped me deal with angry customers and bad employees. It even has an exercise to help improve your eyes — and yes, I believe it’s helping my eyesight; certainly preventing its continued deterioration.
I’ve shared parts of this book with family and friends and they’ve all been changed. The book is that deep, and that powerful. But remember, we shouldn’t be surprised. The book contains more than a thousand years of compiled wisdom from Shaolin Monks.
These teachers have seen what bad posture does to you. How sadness and negativity can wreck your body.
They’ve seen how birds live their lives, gleeful and spry (ever seen a sad bird?) and they’ve transferred this knowledge into passed-down wisdom.
The only folks who won’t like this book are young. If you’re under twenty, don’t waste your money. You haven’t experienced the hell of life. You’re still rushing through it 90 mph convinced happiness awaits you at the next mile marker. You’ll soon learn you’re wrong, but you’re too young to listen to me.
But for everyone else, this book is over-the-top good. It will change your life, if you let it. And it is easy enough that you can start it at any age. (That’s part of what makes it unique. It starts so easy that you won’t get frustrated and quit. The first day’s exercise lasts less than five minutes — really, it’s about two minutes. Surely, you can stand up straight and stretch out your wrists and ankles for two minutes? And ignoring the exercises and stretches, I’ve got to say the teachings/meditations are worth a $100 alone.)
So, there you go. I’ve tried to explain the inexplicable. I’ve attempted to give you the greatest gift I’ve ever received. It’s taught me to slow down, live in the moment, and feel handsome and clean; like an angel on earth that God wants to wrap His arms around, not like some worthless failure who’s wrecked by the reality that he didn’t measure up, who’s frustrated his body is growing weaker and softer each passing day.
The book has taught me to love harder and give more at work and in every thing else I do. It’s taught me life is a blessing, and that I can grow younger every day — not older (you’ll understand this point when you read the book).
You can mock this post. You can ignore it. I might have, too, if the situation were reversed.
But I have attempted to hand you the greatest gift I could give you. I’m extending both my hands to you with this knowledge lying in them, like gleaming gold medicine in my cupped hands.
The book is roughly $20, depending on when you check it’s price. It’s the cost of a night out for dinner or some silly purchase you won’t remember a month later.
And it’s right there. In my hands. Glowing and awaiting you.
May it bless you and improve your life 1/1,000th as much as it has mine. And when it does, you, too, will be telling your friends about it like some silly prophet. Like you have something you must share. Trust me on this.
Stan R. Mitchell
P.S. Please, please, please. If you’re over 40, or certainly over 50, I beg of you to buy this book. Even if you hate the philosophy, which you won’t, you must keep your back and neck limber. Don’t wait until you’re hunched over or your balance is so bad that you’re sure to break a hip. Please, I beg of you. Buy this book and take care of your body in a healthy way — a way that’s safer than the gym or other things you’ve seen. Haven’t you seen 80 and 90 year old Monks doing Tai Chi and Kung Fu? You can be this way at that age, too. Don’t die a slow death each day like we do in the West. Take care of yourself starting today, and allow this book to transform your attitude and posture. And even better, experience heaven and joy right now, wherever you are, and for the rest of your life.
P.P.S. Some may think the author’s teaching interfere with Christianity. They don’t. He even says not to change religions and expresses his appreciation for Christianity. But, it will help improve your service to God through your Christianity. I guarantee it. (And honestly, if your faith is so weak that you’re scared to read a book that barely mentions Buddhism a few times, then you need to change churches and open up your mind.)
DON’T stop reading if you’re over forty, or if you’re a woman. (Oh, I barely caught you, didn’t I? You were about to leave the page.)
The older you are, the more this book is for you. If you don’t care about self-defense or martial arts, this book is for you.
This book has given me peace, made me finally feel handsome, and removed all the cares from my life. It’s taught me incredible stretches, unbelievable exercises (don’t worry, it starts off slow), and indescribable teachings.
It has fundamentally improved my health, my posture, my attitude.
As I walked my dog tonight, living in the moment and enjoying heaven on earth, I realized I must share this book with everyone I can. To not do so would be a sin. It would be nothing short of theft.
And as I felt inspired to share the post, I wondered: How do you describe such a book?
How do you describe a book that has made me feel completely at peace when just minutes earlier I’d been worrying about debt, my lack of health insurance, and my job that pays me only $20,000 a year? (Please, don’t worry. Thankfully, these days my situation has improved, and I credit this book for helping make that happen.)
But back to the point, how can a book with just a few stretches, exercises, and teachings bring God into the room with you, lift your mood, and make you ecstatic you’re alive? How can it do this when minutes before you were seconds away from crying or wanting to end your life?
How can it take you from no hope to hope in just minutes?
And what would such a book be worth? My first thought tonight when I asked myself that question while walking my dog was $500.
I’ve spent $500 to travel far away and gaze at the ocean while waves lapped my feet and gulls glided by me. I’ve experienced that heaven on earth and it was worth every penny of that $500.
But, I’ve never experienced it alone in my study, just moments after feeling deeply depressed.
So, what’s a book worth that gives you that feeling of heaven any time you want, without having to travel or spend additional money? It’s given me this feeling hundreds of times.
I believe the book is worth $10,000. It’s changed my life that much. It’s made me happier, healthier, improved my posture, and allowed me to catch glimpses of God’s beauty that I’d never seen before. It’s helped me deal with angry customers and bad employees. It even has an exercise to help improve your eyes — and yes, I believe it’s helping my eyesight; certainly preventing its continued deterioration.
I’ve shared parts of this book with family and friends and they’ve all been changed. The book is that deep, and that powerful. But remember, we shouldn’t be surprised. The book contains more than a thousand years of compiled wisdom from Shaolin Monks.
These teachers have seen what bad posture does to you. How sadness and negativity can wreck your body.
They’ve seen how birds live their lives, gleeful and spry (ever seen a sad bird?) and they’ve transferred this knowledge into passed-down wisdom.
The only folks who won’t like this book are young. If you’re under twenty, don’t waste your money. You haven’t experienced the hell of life. You’re still rushing through it 90 mph convinced happiness awaits you at the next mile marker. You’ll soon learn you’re wrong, but you’re too young to listen to me.
But for everyone else, this book is over-the-top good. It will change your life, if you let it. And it is easy enough that you can start it at any age. (That’s part of what makes it unique. It starts so easy that you won’t get frustrated and quit. The first day’s exercise lasts less than five minutes — really, it’s about two minutes. Surely, you can stand up straight and stretch out your wrists and ankles for two minutes? And ignoring the exercises and stretches, I’ve got to say the teachings/meditations are worth a $100 alone.)
So, there you go. I’ve tried to explain the inexplicable. I’ve attempted to give you the greatest gift I’ve ever received. It’s taught me to slow down, live in the moment, and feel handsome and clean; like an angel on earth that God wants to wrap His arms around, not like some worthless failure who’s wrecked by the reality that he didn’t measure up, who’s frustrated his body is growing weaker and softer each passing day.
The book has taught me to love harder and give more at work and in every thing else I do. It’s taught me life is a blessing, and that I can grow younger every day — not older (you’ll understand this point when you read the book).
You can mock this post. You can ignore it. I might have, too, if the situation were reversed.
But I have attempted to hand you the greatest gift I could give you. I’m extending both my hands to you with this knowledge lying in them, like gleaming gold medicine in my cupped hands.
The book is roughly $20, depending on when you check it’s price. It’s the cost of a night out for dinner or some silly purchase you won’t remember a month later.
And it’s right there. In my hands. Glowing and awaiting you.
May it bless you and improve your life 1/1,000th as much as it has mine. And when it does, you, too, will be telling your friends about it like some silly prophet. Like you have something you must share. Trust me on this.
Stan R. Mitchell
P.S. Please, please, please. If you’re over 40, or certainly over 50, I beg of you to buy this book. Even if you hate the philosophy, which you won’t, you must keep your back and neck limber. Don’t wait until you’re hunched over or your balance is so bad that you’re sure to break a hip. Please, I beg of you. Buy this book and take care of your body in a healthy way — a way that’s safer than the gym or other things you’ve seen. Haven’t you seen 80 and 90 year old Monks doing Tai Chi and Kung Fu? You can be this way at that age, too. Don’t die a slow death each day like we do in the West. Take care of yourself starting today, and allow this book to transform your attitude and posture. And even better, experience heaven and joy right now, wherever you are, and for the rest of your life.
P.P.S. Some may think the author’s teaching interfere with Christianity. They don’t. He even says not to change religions and expresses his appreciation for Christianity. But, it will help improve your service to God through your Christianity. I guarantee it. (And honestly, if your faith is so weak that you’re scared to read a book that barely mentions Buddhism a few times, then you need to change churches and open up your mind.)
May 28, 2012
This books is worth reading just for the pictures. So beautifully shot.
September 12, 2011
Sadly I didn't achieve my goal of working through the whole book before I had to return it to the library. But I did find it interesting, and I think that I might be tempted to get my own copy & keep trying to work through it.
I found that the first half of the book went quite smoothly but it does switch to pretty complicated sequences and starts to take up a good chunk of time. If you're looking for a really simple workout this may not be the book for you, but if you don't mind putting in a little extra effort I think it is probably a really beneficial routine.
I found that the first half of the book went quite smoothly but it does switch to pretty complicated sequences and starts to take up a good chunk of time. If you're looking for a really simple workout this may not be the book for you, but if you don't mind putting in a little extra effort I think it is probably a really beneficial routine.
April 12, 2014
This is by far the best workout I've ever done. There's a bit of fluff, (or inspiration, depending on your tastes), but for the exercises, it's more than worth it. I did it for years and it served me well... I'm getting back into after a while, and I'm realizing that not sticking with it consistently is one of the stupidest things I've ever done. Getting a muscular physique is an important goal for me, and realistic self defense/close combat has always been an interest... This isn't for either of those things, but it gives me what are IMO the most important things in a fitness regime: Agility, vitality... A body that is all-around capable, and a brain that is conditioned to control it effectively. If have experienced it yourself, you'll have no idea what I'm talking about... (You might know what I'm talking about if you've done anything like martial arts, dance, etc.) ...but this stuff seriously gives you almost super powers. The difference it makes in my balance and coordination just as go about my daily activities is noticeable and impressive. The only thing that compares to this for superb all-around physical conditioning that I can think of is capoeira.
The author points out that this is not about learning how to "beat people up". It is good and honest of him to say so. Personally, I'm very interested in learning how to beat people up. Not because I want to, but because I feel I should know how, just in case I should happen to need to protect myself or loved ones, and just because I think it's an interesting subject. For that, you need to find good reality-based instruction. This book is most definitely a fitness program, not combat training. But it will give you extreme kung fu-like agility, coordination, stamina, power...an overall extremely capable body that will serve you well in any physical activity.
The author points out that this is not about learning how to "beat people up". It is good and honest of him to say so. Personally, I'm very interested in learning how to beat people up. Not because I want to, but because I feel I should know how, just in case I should happen to need to protect myself or loved ones, and just because I think it's an interesting subject. For that, you need to find good reality-based instruction. This book is most definitely a fitness program, not combat training. But it will give you extreme kung fu-like agility, coordination, stamina, power...an overall extremely capable body that will serve you well in any physical activity.
October 5, 2016
What a great book! It boosts one's self-esteem, and gently develops habit of exercising, slowly increasing the complexity. It is so awesome that I actually bought myself a copy! Who would have thought, I enjoy following the routines, and miss something if I don't exercise. Not that I'll ever make a warrior.
February 14, 2010
Nice beginner-level take on stretching, stance work, and basic strikes. Like any martial art, you can find endless challenge even within 'basic' movements, which this book does a good job of encouraging.
November 29, 2012
Excellent! These exercises have been incorporated into my daily training regiment. This book has a very good layout and the advancement (though a little slow for my taste)has a gradual progression, which is perfect for anyone interested specifically in the health benefits.
Read
April 8, 2013galing
Read
May 16, 2013You need to be too limber. Not good for me...or you!
Read
December 12, 2013want to read
November 27, 2023
This book presents an exercise regimen based on Shaolin Kung fu as taught by a prominent New York City martial arts teacher. The book moves from gentle joint articulations suitable for anyone through to movements that require some degree of flexibility and athleticism. The sequence is presented in such a way as to build on itself, adding a bit more each time until one is doing the entire sequence.
Interspersed with the descriptions of the physical exercises are meditations, mostly of a contemplative nature. The illustrations are color pictures and provide the sequences of movement, though the textual descriptions will be necessary in many cases to clarify the transitional movements. There are a number of full-page color plates that are very well shot, though mostly for aesthetic (versus educational) purposes.
The book is probably the most pep-talk laden book I've ever read. That said, there's not much discussion of modifications or capacity building for individuals who are incapable of doing the full expression of the techniques.
The practices often reminded me more of yoga than of martial arts. There are many deep stretches and low positions, e.g. similar to Warrior I (Virabhadra I.) It's true that there are punch and kick movements, but they are done in more of a range-of-motion building way than as one would in combative arts.
It is an interesting set of movements, and I'd recommend it for those who like to work with unconventional workouts and movement systems.
Interspersed with the descriptions of the physical exercises are meditations, mostly of a contemplative nature. The illustrations are color pictures and provide the sequences of movement, though the textual descriptions will be necessary in many cases to clarify the transitional movements. There are a number of full-page color plates that are very well shot, though mostly for aesthetic (versus educational) purposes.
The book is probably the most pep-talk laden book I've ever read. That said, there's not much discussion of modifications or capacity building for individuals who are incapable of doing the full expression of the techniques.
The practices often reminded me more of yoga than of martial arts. There are many deep stretches and low positions, e.g. similar to Warrior I (Virabhadra I.) It's true that there are punch and kick movements, but they are done in more of a range-of-motion building way than as one would in combative arts.
It is an interesting set of movements, and I'd recommend it for those who like to work with unconventional workouts and movement systems.
July 3, 2019
This is an outstanding book, holistic in its approach to total fitness and the warrior spirit. It is organized in manageable chunks and progresses using a building block approach. One can easily integrate other forms of fitness (Tai Chi, Qigong, body weight training – what collectively I call Chinese calisthenics) into the basic framework. Sifu Shi Yan Ming is a most positive and inspiring teacher. One can easily see why his students love him.
October 10, 2025
I really like it. The book gives you the best sense of the Shaolin tradition it can without demanding the same rigorous routines actual monks endure. The workout itself genuinely loosens the body and makes you feel better. It’s structured, motivating, and accessible.
Currently reading
August 22, 2019Best book
April 13, 2021
Good workout for people with busy life or no time for workout.
January 22, 2025
Excellent book glad I purchased it. I plan on executing all the exercises and rereading this book. This is excellent reinforcement training to my mind and body back into shape.
September 28, 2017
Book Review
6-2-2016
Matias Leiva
Maybe for you the rating is not 5, but for me, of course in 5, and I am saying this because is a Shaolin Book and I don't think that you will like it. But if you what to read it, cool.
I feel really good finishing this book because in the USA and in Mexico there is a Shaolin temple so everyone there told me that I should read The Shaolin Workout, and know that I finished the book, i feel really good. I had heard the Shaolin master that is in the USA talk so I already knew some things about the book. So… to answer the question, YES this book relates a lot with my hero's journey.
I think that my Shaolin master from guatemala should read it because I can share more things from Shi Yang Ming that is the Shaolin master that is in the USA. And I think will be good for him to read it because it will be good for him to know more about this Shaolin monk in the USA, and I think it can open some doors to Shi Yang Ming here in Guatemala.
“More chi Train harder” by Shi Yang Ming, this is a quote that is said a lot there in the USA Shaolin Temple, and I chose this quote because this applies to every single thing that we do in life.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p...
July 21, 2014
Try it. You will see a huge difference in your life.
Read
September 23, 2018DNF'd
April 14, 2019
His description of his training and how to do the exercises were extremely helpful in understanding the training plan. I has a very good history of the Shaolin Temple and history. I particularly like him giving the traditional names for moves as they are often very interesting.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews