Small Club Start-up : A Personal Trainer's Guide Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Small Club Start-up : A Personal Trainer's Guide? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Small Club Start-up : A Personal Trainer's Guide. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Small Club Start-up : A Personal Trainer's Guide ReviewWhether you're thinking of opening a small private club, or a huge mega fitness center, you will find valuable information in this book. Learn about resources for saving on equipment costs, maximizing your advertising dollars, performing market analyses, methods for how to gain more memberships, and just about any other aspect you can think of in relation to opening your own gym. This book is a must have for any potential gym owner interested in success. It's not only extremely informative, but inspiring as well. This is the absolute best book about owning a gym that I have ever read.Small Club Start-up : A Personal Trainer's Guide Overview

Want to learn more information about Small Club Start-up : A Personal Trainer's Guide?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Total Body Transformation: A 3-Month Personal Fitness Prescription For a Strong, Lean Body and a Calmer Mind Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Total Body Transformation: A 3-Month Personal Fitness Prescription For a Strong, Lean Body and a Calmer Mind? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Total Body Transformation: A 3-Month Personal Fitness Prescription For a Strong, Lean Body and a Calmer Mind. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Total Body Transformation: A 3-Month Personal Fitness Prescription For a Strong, Lean Body and a Calmer Mind ReviewMr. Ilg will get you in shape physically and mentally, guaranteed.
I approached his book from a reformed weightlifter/runner to now a yogi/runner's perspective.
First the yoga information:
Many modern and not-so modern yogis claim that yoga is all anyone needs as far as exercise, but I completely disagree. Despite their attention to bandhas, tai chi like connecting movements, and yoga breathing, I don't think yoga alone is a cardiovascular workout. Moreover, I don't feel that the combination of low plank, high plank, crow, and handstands is enough to develop upper body strength. If you look at most yogis (no offense, please) such as Steve Ross (Inhale on Oxygen 6 a.m. weekdays), Bikram Choudury, and others, they don't look very strong. The best in this area to me has been Baron Baptiste (he of the ubiquitous bandana) and his attention to "functional strength."
Fortunately, Mr. Ilg politely calls the yogi community out on this subject and carefully illustrates the need to "strength train" in addition to yoga.
His High Performance Yoga (trademarked I believe) still uses these poses, but as a complement to the work in the gym. Also, his yoga routine is functional not fancy, incorporating all the sun salutations and warrior poses, as well spinal twists, backbends, forward bends, and inversions. Maybe most importantly he introduced me to a pose not found in many yoga books and not on Yoga Journal's website pose section: the yoga squat (this should be called the Ilg squat). It's a fantastic pose.
As for Mr. Ilg's strength training advice: solid and proven. He limits between set rest to 30 seconds and does power movements such as squats, stiff-legged deadlifts, benches, military presses, etc. No high rep,"shaping movements" fluff here.
His cardio advice is also great. No "just gardening is cardio" or park your car in a farther spot blather, but rather a discussion on the necessity of hard training such as bicycling, running, and more.
Mr. Ilg gets very, very, very deep into the meditation and spiritual "stuff." He loses me here, but that is my weakness. Hopefully, you will be able to embrace this important area.
Another area Mr. Ilg recommends that I could not survive: media fasting. I'm sorry, but I have to read the Journal/Times daily or I feel lost. If you can do this, your journey will be more advanced than mine. He doesn't say you have to do it daily, of course.
Nutritionally, I can't personally see eliminating meat & dairy without some heavy protein supplementation. If I'm training two-three hours daily (Mr. Ilg's recommendation), I don't see how a diet high in fiber and natural foods other than meat and dairy can provide enough protein. He may be right; it's just not for me.
Please, if you are considering getting "fit" realize that cardio, strength training, or yoga alone will NOT be enough individually. You have to combine all three (throw in meditation if you can and of course nutrition). Based on those proven facts, please welcome Coach Ilg into your life. You will save a lot of money purchasing this one book, instead of several for strength training, cardio, and the often incomplete yoga books. You won't be disappointed.
Thanks for reading.
P.S. Attentive readers may note that I previously reviewed this tome. I used some unfortunate and inappropriate words at the time. I apologize to Mr. Ilg and the Amazon community for that. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea culpa.
Updated 11.25.05. For some reason when you Yahoo, Google, A9 yoga squat this review comes up, so I want to add a little bit more information.
I still don't understand why more yoga tomes don't discuss the yoga squat, so I want reemphasize how much I appreciate Mr.Ilg's contribution. I do the yoga squat at least 10 times a day (always at least a minute). When I get two minutes during work I do it followed by a one minute forward bend. The yoga squat seems to put my whole body back into line and it unleashes an "energy flow". Also, during my reqularly scheduled two daily workouts, I do yoga squats holding a 25 or 35 pound plate for 2-3 minutes. It deepens the pose and feels fantastic. Everyone should do the yoga squat (knee pain sufferers excluded, although it may help actually).
Update 12.6.06. I just wanted to add another item to the Ilg Squat/yoga squat. The great Steve Ross on his fantastic yoga show Inhale(Oxygen M-F 6 a.m. EST) showed a version of the yoga squat designed to deepen the pose. He just set his feet very wide apart and squatted down. Turning your toes out may help some people. It felt awesome.
Again, big thanks to Mr. Ilg to paying attention to this incredibly important asana.Total Body Transformation: A 3-Month Personal Fitness Prescription For a Strong, Lean Body and a Calmer Mind Overview

Want to learn more information about Total Body Transformation: A 3-Month Personal Fitness Prescription For a Strong, Lean Body and a Calmer Mind?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

West Coast Bodybuilding Scene: The Golden Era Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy West Coast Bodybuilding Scene: The Golden Era? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on West Coast Bodybuilding Scene: The Golden Era. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

West Coast Bodybuilding Scene: The Golden Era ReviewWow! I almost dropped a dumbbell on my toe in excitement when I discovered the publication of this book! I was indeed pleasantly surprised by this literal treasure-trove of original articles, anecdotes, and amusing characterizations of many of the most famous of the insiders in the golden age of bodybuilding in southern California in the 1950s and 1960s, all those amusing tales of the exploits and observations of all the most famous denizens from the golden age of bodybuilding back in the 'good old days", when few and far between such serious palaces of steel as the local Gold's Gym or World facility available for the faithful aspiring bodybuilders. Instead, most of us labored in valiant pursuit for bigger and stronger muscles either alone in our makeshift home gyms in our basements or garages, or just as often we worked out in the shabby but better equipped environs of the local YMCAs, where we were considered more muscle-headed curiosities than seekers after strength and fitness.
Indeed, all of those old memories and recollections are reincarnated by the recollections and observations in this wonderful book. Dick Tyler, a practicing Chiropractor (as is his good friend, former Mr. Olympia Franco Columbo), breathes fresh life into all the old legends, as does famed 60's sensation the Blond Bomber himself, Dave Draper, (who writes the preface for the book), throwing open the wide window allowing the reader to see these stars of the bodybuilding world as real breathing people, as individual personalities who just happened to comprise the inner elite of this special little world of the bodybuilding subculture. These recollections also serve as to provide a unique glimpse into an extremely short but quite special period of time within that bodybuilding world, at the very moment of its most amazing transformation from what had formerly been a small and curious little world of true believers comprised of dedicated bodybuilders who went about their lives chasing the "power of the pump", into all the other aspects of what they became at that moment that bodybuilding went "mainstream", as it became a national phenomenon in the wake of the rise of Arnold Schwarzenegger to prominence in the early 1970s.
As someone who spent his own formative years reading about that rarified world of the top bodybuilders living in the sun and surf along the backdrop of ocean and Santa Monica, I can finally say that a book exists that faithfully recreates the essence of that now long-gone world, a world more emblematic of a simpler, kinder, and less complicated existence, when one might just as easily catch Larry Scott or Steve Reeves working out in the free Muscle Beach gym as view newcomers like a young Dave Draper or the incredible Frank Zane walking along the street. This is a great book, and one that deserves a wide readership by all of us who might well find the golden age of bodybuilding as fascinating as those of us who grew up reading and dreaming about it still do. Enjoy!West Coast Bodybuilding Scene: The Golden Era Overview

Want to learn more information about West Coast Bodybuilding Scene: The Golden Era?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

101 Ways to Work Out with Weights: Effective Exercises to Sculpt Your Body and Burn Fat Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy 101 Ways to Work Out with Weights: Effective Exercises to Sculpt Your Body and Burn Fat? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on 101 Ways to Work Out with Weights: Effective Exercises to Sculpt Your Body and Burn Fat. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

101 Ways to Work Out with Weights: Effective Exercises to Sculpt Your Body and Burn Fat ReviewI can't tell you how many books I have looked at for weight training with weights, just to open them up and they are all gym related exercises on gym equipment at the gym. I guess its good if you have a gym membership, but the point of me looking for a book using handweights was because that was all I had at home, just hand weights. This book delivers. In a few moves, she uses a weight bench for positioning, but you can also use a chair or your coffee table or a step. She also has a section for using a stability ball. I don't have one but I plan on buying one.
This is a great book for people who only have hand weights and nothing else. The pictures show the moves well. Over all, good book for those of us with limited equipment but still want a good workout.101 Ways to Work Out with Weights: Effective Exercises to Sculpt Your Body and Burn Fat Overview

Want to learn more information about 101 Ways to Work Out with Weights: Effective Exercises to Sculpt Your Body and Burn Fat?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

The Everything Total Fitness Book (Everything) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy The Everything Total Fitness Book (Everything)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on The Everything Total Fitness Book (Everything). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

The Everything Total Fitness Book (Everything) ReviewI was delighted to find the "Everything Total Fitness Book" because I could not get excited about any of the other fitness resources I had found. It seems that every fitness book I looked at fell into one of two categories: (1) some fad diet/exercise program with a stern looking, very buff person on the cover or (2) some hippy-dippy nonsense about "refocusing energy" or "fitness chakras" etc. Besides, if you're like me, you're not interested in losing weight OR in putting on 50 lbs of straight bicep muscle, you just want to keep in shape and improve your diet... Well, that's this book. The great thing about "Everything..." is that it approaches the subject assuming nothing about you or your fitness agenda -- therefore, the book begins with the very basics of nutrition and exercise and goes from there. The author's unassuming, straightforward approach is very refreshing in that it presents the information matter-of-factly and in a manner that is easily accessible to those who know little about the subject. Also, in addition to being comprehensive with respect to what you put into and what you do with your body, it tries to take into account situations that might fall outside the norm assumed by most of the book (e.g., pregnancy, diabetes, osteoperosis, etc.)
So, if you're like me and are interested in fitness (as opposed to "dieting" or "weight training") then this is an excellent book to get you started off with improving your lifestyle.The Everything Total Fitness Book (Everything) Overview

Want to learn more information about The Everything Total Fitness Book (Everything)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

28-Day Body Shapeover Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy 28-Day Body Shapeover? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on 28-Day Body Shapeover. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

28-Day Body Shapeover ReviewI have just finished my third week on this program and I'm really happy with the results. I've lost five pounds on the scale, but more importantly my body feels toner and my clothes fit better. The book is very easy to follow. It has separate pages for each of the 28 days of the program with exactly what you are supposed to eat and exercise. There are home workouts provided but I take this to the gym with me. It makes it really easy to just go through the workout knowing the exact routine. I really like the exercise descriptions which are clear and with good pictures to show exactly what you need to do. I'm excited to keep using this over the coming months. My goal is to lose a total of 20 pounds and get really toned for summer!
28-Day Body Shapeover Overview

Want to learn more information about 28-Day Body Shapeover?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Wrestling Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Wrestling? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Wrestling. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Wrestling ReviewI just received the Ultimate Guide today and the second you open the book it's packed with knowledge. very specific for the twists and turns you will encounter with your workout programs, what works together with what to get the best results. ABSOLUTELY A MUST FOR THOSE TRYING TO BUILD A PROGRAM.The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Wrestling Overview

Want to learn more information about The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Wrestling?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Flex Ability: A Story of Strength and Survival Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Flex Ability: A Story of Strength and Survival? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Flex Ability: A Story of Strength and Survival. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Flex Ability: A Story of Strength and Survival ReviewI enjoyed reading this book, but as time has passed and I have reflected upon it further, I have become more and more disappointed with it. Flex now writes for Muscular Development, and his pieces in there vary a great deal in the persona he projects. In FlexAbility he portrays himself as the quasi-innocent, long-suffering victim. The suspicious "ninja attack" which supposedly occurred right before an Olympia, thus forcing him to withdraw, is not even mentioned here, though surely it ought to be discussed--if it were real, because that would be a major event in his career; if it were invented, because only by 'fessing up would he really be honest. I think that in this book Wheeler is working really hard to convince the reader that he, Flex, is a good guy. He might be, but methinks this book doth protest too much.Flex Ability: A Story of Strength and Survival Overview

Want to learn more information about Flex Ability: A Story of Strength and Survival?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Cross-Training For Dummies Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Cross-Training For Dummies? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Cross-Training For Dummies. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Cross-Training For Dummies ReviewCross-Training For Dummies is like having your own personal trainer! You pick a cross-training plan to follow (I picked the Weight Loss plan, but you can also choose from a "Base Fitness" plan, Athletic plan, or "Mix-n-Match" plan). Each plan tells you how much time you should spend on cardio and strength training, which exercises (cardio and strength training) you should try, and how much time you should spend on flexibility and power. Then, you just turn to the chapters they note to get a description of the exercise you should do! If you are already involved in a sport, you can also find exercises that will help you with that sport. Plus, there are a bunch of charts you can use to track your progress in your general health, body measurements, or weight training.Cross-Training For Dummies Overview

Want to learn more information about Cross-Training For Dummies?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

The Ultimate Workout Log: An Exercise Diary for Everyone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy The Ultimate Workout Log: An Exercise Diary for Everyone? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on The Ultimate Workout Log: An Exercise Diary for Everyone. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

The Ultimate Workout Log: An Exercise Diary for Everyone ReviewI just joined a gym and I'm really out of shape. This book really answered a lot of my questions about beginning an exercise program. It has a log where I can record the cardio exercises I did and the strength training (including weight lifted, sets and reps). There is also a place for nutrition notes. The layout is very straight forward and will allow me to track my progress over six months. On Mondays, I write my personal goals for the week and on Sunday, I write a weekly wrap-up, which really holds me accountable for those goals. This book really helps me to keep track of my progress in a concrete way. I highly recommend it.The Ultimate Workout Log: An Exercise Diary for Everyone Overview

Want to learn more information about The Ultimate Workout Log: An Exercise Diary for Everyone?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Men's Health Maximum Muscle Plan: The High-Efficiency Workout Program to Increase Your Strength and Muscle Size in Just 12 Weeks Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Men's Health Maximum Muscle Plan: The High-Efficiency Workout Program to Increase Your Strength and Muscle Size in Just 12 Weeks? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Men's Health Maximum Muscle Plan: The High-Efficiency Workout Program to Increase Your Strength and Muscle Size in Just 12 Weeks. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Men's Health Maximum Muscle Plan: The High-Efficiency Workout Program to Increase Your Strength and Muscle Size in Just 12 Weeks ReviewI bought this book over a year ago and have read and followed it ever since, and right now I'm in the best shape of my life so far. I believe I'm in a good position to write a review for it. What I like about the book is that:
- It describes a large number of exercises in great detail (along with "make it easier" and "- harder" versions)
- It included traditional as well as newer exercises
- Useful for beginners as well as advanced lifters
- Includes topics like nutrition, cardio-workouts, sports specific fitness etc. in reasonable details
- The book doesn't make any unrealistic promises. (The results you achieve depend on the efforts you put in; a book can only guide you along the path)
- Gives injury prevention tips
- Makes an excellent reference guide
- Although the title says "Men's health", it can be used by women too (My wife often looks up exercises from it)
- Offers advice based on science-backed wisdom
- Useful if you want to do strength/weight training (as opposed to ONLY bodybuilding)
- Doesn't promote any brand-named products
This book helped me a lot when I was a total beginner and I still look it up when I feel like changing my routine or to check if my form is correct. Although I have used other fitness books, this book remains the backbone of my lifting plan. Over all, I'll highly recommend this book if you are serious about fitness and weight-training, even if you are a beginner.Men's Health Maximum Muscle Plan: The High-Efficiency Workout Program to Increase Your Strength and Muscle Size in Just 12 Weeks Overview

Want to learn more information about Men's Health Maximum Muscle Plan: The High-Efficiency Workout Program to Increase Your Strength and Muscle Size in Just 12 Weeks?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

The Complete Book of Butt and Legs Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy The Complete Book of Butt and Legs? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on The Complete Book of Butt and Legs. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

The Complete Book of Butt and Legs ReviewThe Brungardt series of "Complete" Exercises finally gets around to covering lower body. It's nice to see a reference book that focuses on the most essential piece of a well-planned workout.
Legs (including Hamstrings, quads, and calves) are the thrust of this guide, and Brungardt certainly knows how to put together an excellent leg program, whether you are a novice or a pro. The Brungardt strategy is a sound 1-2-3 elevated program, guiding the reader from basic leg workouts up through some tough variations on the master of all weightlifting moves, the squat. The book takes a lot of time explaining the value of proper form in leg routines, which is essential for anyone looking to maintain a healthy back. Brungardt also spends a good deal of time explaining the importance of diet and cardio exercise to develope and tone some awesome legs.
The section on glute building is rather basic, but fits well with the material as most leg exercises involve the glutes, when done properly. Some individual focus on hyperextensions, among other exercises, give the reader some good tools if they want to add more of a glute building routine to their program.
I have found all of the Brungardts books to be a valuable guide for enforcing proper form, and getting some solid motivational advice (they always stress the importance of bringing the nind into the exercise, which is overlooked in most of today's exercise manuals). And it is nice to see legs get a book all their own - if you are like me, and know how valuable a good leg routine is to your workout, you'll appreciate the advice dispensed in this book. Of course, most gym rats won't be interested in a book that ignores the "pecs and guns" mentality that is so prevalent today in the gym. That's a shame, because this book is a great reminder of how lower body affects, and helps build a solid upper body as wellThe Complete Book of Butt and Legs Overview

Want to learn more information about The Complete Book of Butt and Legs?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Built for Show: Four Body-Changing Workouts for Building Muscle, Losing Fat, andLooking Good Enough to Hook Up Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Built for Show: Four Body-Changing Workouts for Building Muscle, Losing Fat, andLooking Good Enough to Hook Up? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Built for Show: Four Body-Changing Workouts for Building Muscle, Losing Fat, andLooking Good Enough to Hook Up. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Built for Show: Four Body-Changing Workouts for Building Muscle, Losing Fat, andLooking Good Enough to Hook Up ReviewBought this book based on Nate Green's reputation, and was a bit skeptical due to the title...particularly the "hooking up" part. I understand the marketing angle though, so I went ahead and bought it for the training program alone. What I got was a lot more...
Training - The Cake
As expected, this book lays down "the fundamentals" that the athletes follow, but most common gym-goers ignore. The program is not anything groundbreaking, but that's the point -- simple therefore effective. More important than the "what" is the "how" and "why" which Nate explains thoroughly without getting too scientific. It's enough for you to explain to a buddy without a) looking like a dork and b) seem condescending. The most unique thing about the program for me was breaking it into Fall/Winter/Summer/Spring and programming accordingly. So your Fall/Winter are more hypertrophy/strength based -- while your spring/summer are more fat-loss based. Makes complete sense! Another unique find was the "garage variation" of each exercise in case you don't have access to a gym. Small but very practical detail that will help many.
Nutrition - Icing
Again Nate appeals to the target audience of single-guys well. The tips and info are all from the perspective of someone who may be budget-crunched but still health conscious. I wouldn't purchase this book for the nutrition tips alone, but it supplements the rest of the book well and Nate even recommends the Precision Nutrition system later in the book. Definitely worth reading the nutrition section for its unique perspective.
"Lifestyle" Tips - More GQ than Maxim.
Gotta admit, this was the biggest surprise to me of the entire book. This was the section I was very hesitant to read as I thought it'd be filled with "Maxim" type articles and tips. I was DEFINITELY surprised to find that it was much more GQ than Maxim. A thoughtful and interesting read regarding everything from dress (are your socks supposed to match your shoes or pants?) to self-confidence and approaching strangers (who happen to be attractive females?)
I'm beginning this program tomorrow and will update my review with some results as that is how this book will really be evaluated and measured. If you're aware of Nate Green already, this book is what you expected -- entertaining and informative. If you're unaware, I'd describe this book as a "GQ" type of twist on a great fitness book -- except you can actually afford everything.Built for Show: Four Body-Changing Workouts for Building Muscle, Losing Fat, andLooking Good Enough to Hook Up Overview

Want to learn more information about Built for Show: Four Body-Changing Workouts for Building Muscle, Losing Fat, andLooking Good Enough to Hook Up?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Weight Training Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy The Complete Idiot's Guide to Weight Training? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on The Complete Idiot's Guide to Weight Training. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Weight Training ReviewI have been lifting for a couple years on and off, predominantly by myself and with minimal instruction. After finishing the book, gaps in my weight lifting knowledge that I had not known existed had been filled in. The authors came across as humble, self-effacing, genuinely helpful, and very human. The expressed human element helped to convey that weight lifting can be beneficial for everyone. Looking through the table of contents, a prospective buyer might be surprised that the specific weight lifting exercises are covered in the last half of the book. However, the first half is well worth the price of the book by itself, in my opinion, as it explains the ins and outs of proper nutrition, stretching, gym and gym equipment selection, and gym culture. The authors goals of instilling good habits, good technique, and proper mindfulness in weight lifting is well served.The Complete Idiot's Guide to Weight Training Overview

Want to learn more information about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Weight Training?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Brother Iron, Sister Steel: A Bodybuilder's Book Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Brother Iron, Sister Steel: A Bodybuilder's Book? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Brother Iron, Sister Steel: A Bodybuilder's Book. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Brother Iron, Sister Steel: A Bodybuilder's Book ReviewFact is, Draper is the best writer on bodybuilding in print. I don't mean he sprays all kinds of technical (sometimes useful) prose around like more research based writers (though he seems to be current in lifting theory); what he does do is write for the soul of the lifter. Weights for weights sake. The simple, tender but direct, conversations one needs to hear to grow as a person on the gym floor, inside and out, are in this book.
He's funny, yes, and remarkably charming. But at their core the essays in this book are poetic. They clang with the passion of someone who holds belief in a religion or knows an unknown disease cure; they are deeply personal. There are no references to a study done last year on the T levels of ten football players at some college, just to the experiences of one guy who has lifted for 40 years without stopping, East Coast to Muscle Beach to Mr. A and Mr. U to a gym on the California coast; Draper lifts because he has to, he says so all the time; you know what, me too. And I just started.
If you're looking for everything you need to know to begin lifting, you may not find it in this book (Draper writes in more technical depth elsewhere). But you will find a friendly voice every lifter deserves to hear. You will find the heart of lifting, where instead of obsessing over which prohormone stack or what starch has the lowest g.i., you simply stroll your butt to the gym, warm up and find the squat rack and start blasting (or bombing); the sweat stark reality of the squat rack. That's Draper.
If anything, his weekly email posts (found via his web site) show his writing maturing. Skillful word choice, eloquent but casual phrasing, the rhythm in the langauge, even its sound... (yeah, I confess now, I teach English for a living). Dave, at his best, belongs in Best American Essays. He has a gift. I have no doubt. The steel community is lucky to have such a mentor/writer; all lifters will benefit from his tone and content.
As I've hinted, the book isn't perfect; as others have noted, I'd like to see pictures of the exercises (though it seems this was published locally by Dave et. al. and production cost may have been an issue). If he had instructive photos, he could spend less time writing intricate descriptions of the lifts, and do what he really does best: write sermons on iron for those who love it already and need to love it more. And tell his own story.
In some ways perhaps the book is more than one book, or one book trying to know what kind of book it wants to be when it grows up. But have no doubt, it's worthwhile to watch the journey. Those five stars I gave are well-earned.
I recommend the book to anyone interested in bodybuilding. You just have to hear Draper write. If nothing else, it's bound to get you into the gym.Brother Iron, Sister Steel: A Bodybuilder's Book Overview

Want to learn more information about Brother Iron, Sister Steel: A Bodybuilder's Book?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Kettlebells For Dummies (For Dummies (Health & Fitness)) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Kettlebells For Dummies (For Dummies (Health & Fitness))? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Kettlebells For Dummies (For Dummies (Health & Fitness)). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Kettlebells For Dummies (For Dummies (Health & Fitness)) ReviewI have always loved baseball and played it until I was 35 when I retired from playing. For the next 25 years I enjoyed coaching my two sons who are now grown up. Last year I decided to go back to the sport I love and play senior softball...but I was a little out of shape. I had a good season but wasn't as strong as I knew I needed to be in order to hit the ball as hard as I used to. My power was gone. After researching Sarah Lurie's website, purchasing a kettlebell, viewing Sarah's DVD and working out, I felt there was something missing. Like I have done when playing baseball I needed to go back to the basic fundamentals. That's where KETTLEBELLS FOR DUMMIES comes in, it lays out the basic fundamentals completely! It has helped me enormously in my workout regimen to get the max out of my workout. I'm feeling my power coming back and last night smoked a shot down the left field line. At 62 I'm having the time of my life! To all you active "Baby Boomers", get yourselves a kettlebell and Sarah Lurie's book. Whether it's senior tennis, golf, softball, basketball, etc., you'll become stronger and feel much better. A must for any sports fanatic "Boomer!"Kettlebells For Dummies (For Dummies (Health & Fitness)) Overview

Want to learn more information about Kettlebells For Dummies (For Dummies (Health & Fitness))?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Build Muscle Lose Fat Look Great: Everything You Need to Know to Transform Your Body Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Build Muscle Lose Fat Look Great: Everything You Need to Know to Transform Your Body? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Build Muscle Lose Fat Look Great: Everything You Need to Know to Transform Your Body. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Build Muscle Lose Fat Look Great: Everything You Need to Know to Transform Your Body ReviewFormerly, I was a physiology teaching fellow, a biochemist and have also pursued graduate studies in psychology. I was an all state runner and later developed an interest in weight training. After graduate school, I was a fitness trainer and worked with one athlete who made it to the Olympics along with an exercise physiologist. That establishes the context for my review.
I was extremely impressed with this book. In one 625 page volume, you get an excellent summary about all aspects of weight training including how to train, basic anatomy, detailed explanations of exercises, how to build a training routine, periodization, etc. It really is one stop shopping and the information on proper form and bulking up is accurate and invaluable. This book also contains many excellent references and backs up what it says.
Although this book is targeted to people who want to lose weight and build muscle, it is entirely appropriate for any bodybuilder, strength trainee, etc. It covers a lot of ground very thoroughly.
Overall, this volume is encouraging in tone, easy to understand and gives you the "why" behind the author's suggestions. Although it is long, it is well-organized with useful diagrams, charts, summaries, photos and descriptions of important exercises. I also have a listmania list on my profile with other suggestions, but this is the one volume I would be certain to own if I could only buy ONE book.Build Muscle Lose Fat Look Great: Everything You Need to Know to Transform Your Body Overview

Want to learn more information about Build Muscle Lose Fat Look Great: Everything You Need to Know to Transform Your Body?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Weight Training Illustrated, 3rd Edition Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy The Complete Idiot's Guide to Weight Training Illustrated, 3rd Edition? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on The Complete Idiot's Guide to Weight Training Illustrated, 3rd Edition. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Weight Training Illustrated, 3rd Edition ReviewWe bought "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Weight Training" shortly after getting a Marcy Classic Standard Bench with Arm Curl and Best Fitness BFMG20 Sportsmans Gym to make sure my son and I knew how to do the exercises properly. This is great starting point and will likely save newcomers to the "sport" from a lot of wasted effort or dangerous practices. Here are my observations:
Pros -
+ Authoritative Advice; the authors are actual athletes (a female powerlifter, a male Kayaker, and a male cyclist)
+ Safety Focused; everything is presents with a "safety first" mind set
+ Inclusive; has information on free weights, machines, and cardio
+ Easy to Follow Format; starts with the basics and progress to more advanced concepts (really needs to be read start to finish)
Cons -
- Pictures; while there are a good amount of pictures, they vary in usefulness
Misc -
* Humor; the authors included a lot of humor and idle banter that I enjoyed, but more serious reads might find it distracting
I strongly recommend reading this book all the way through as it really doesn't get into the actual lifting until Chapter 6 and it might be tempting to avoid the sections on nutrition, gym selection, and stretching, but there is a lot off really good information to be found in those earlier chapters.
The sections on debunking myths are very helpful as well, especially with the "weight vs reps" debate that is common among gym lifters.
Highly Recommended!
CFHThe Complete Idiot's Guide to Weight Training Illustrated, 3rd Edition Overview

Want to learn more information about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Weight Training Illustrated, 3rd Edition?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder ReviewThe book is an autobiography of Arnold, up through the mid-70s. It is interesting to be inside the mind of a super-athlete such as Schwarzenegger. He conveys how and why he rose to become what many believe to be the greatest bodybuilder of all-time. He writes about many of the distractions of the early days -- girls, school, parental disaproval, a year of army duty -- and how he dealt with these and managed to stay focused on his dream to be the best at the sport.
Within five years he became Mr. Universe. He perservered to become more than just a great bodybuilder. He became a superstar. After he had beat every other bodybuilder of his time, he decided to do away with competing and accomplish his next set of goals. He went into acting, and as we all know, became an international moviestar. In addition he went into the promotion side of bodybuilding, running competions such as Mr. Olympia, Mr. Universe, and of course, the Arnold Classic. He also set up many gyms in several countries.
The second half of the book is a rough guide on how to begin a progressive resistance program, additional motivational advice, nutrition and the like.
Throughout the book he demonstrates the many benifits he obtained from bodybuilding -- optimal health, discipline, mind control, etc. Basically, I found it very inspirational to read. However, I would suggest not to solely rely on the information in the second half for workout planning. Though it is good information, it is somewhat brief, and it is WHAT WORKED FOR HIM. Everyone varies in their response to weight training (i.e. how quickly their muscles grow) due to genetic predispositions, such as natural metabolism level, and and I would suggest getting additional, more comprehensive information, such as Gold's Gym Mass Building Training and Nutrition System, or check your local bookstore and do some browsing through the selection to see what appeals to your interest.Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder Overview

Want to learn more information about Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

The Female Body Breakthrough: The Revolutionary Strength-Training Plan for Losing Fat and Getting the Body You Want Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy The Female Body Breakthrough: The Revolutionary Strength-Training Plan for Losing Fat and Getting the Body You Want? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on The Female Body Breakthrough: The Revolutionary Strength-Training Plan for Losing Fat and Getting the Body You Want. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

The Female Body Breakthrough: The Revolutionary Strength-Training Plan for Losing Fat and Getting the Body You Want ReviewI have read and admired Rachel Cosgrove since reading New Rules of Lifting for Women and bought a subscription to Women's Health when I saw her name begin to appear regularly. Her new book is very solid: well-researched nutritional advice, common sense and rational approach to health and fitness, and full of useful photographs and descriptions. The reason I subtracted a star I think may be attributed to her editors rather than the author herself. I enjoy reading Ms. Cosgrove because she's smart, reasonable and walks the walk. I do not read her because she's a woman. I "trust" the advice of people who know what they are talking about because they're educated, well-researched and respectful of their audience. Their chromosomal make-up doesn't usually factor in for me. I don't know if this makes me an anomaly, but someone on Ms. Cosgrove's team felt it important that the reader understand that she gets women because we share body parts.
By the end of the second chapter, I was twitching every time I read the word "girl", "feminine" or a double-dose of exclamation points used to stress the fact that she's fun! friendly! and you don't have to sacrifice femininity to be strong! I found myself skimming sections and actually felt like I was betraying Ms. Cosgrove's hard work in creating what is, in fact, a solid health and workout plan. I lost 75 pounds following the guidance she and her husband set out in New Rules and was looking for her advice on getting to the next stage. I appreciated the fact that some issues that are unique to women (i.e. hormones) were in their own chapters and given the time they deserve. However, I wish they had dialed back the "sisterhood" factor to a 6-7 instead of a 10. Well, at least the cover isn't pink. . .The Female Body Breakthrough: The Revolutionary Strength-Training Plan for Losing Fat and Getting the Body You Want Overview

Want to learn more information about The Female Body Breakthrough: The Revolutionary Strength-Training Plan for Losing Fat and Getting the Body You Want?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...