5 comments about Build Muscle Lose Fat Look Great: Everything You Need to Know to Transform Your Body.

1. As a personal trainer and searcher of knowledge I buy a great deal of books.
   If you wanted just one book that you could believe in for common sense and effectiveness - this is it!



2. I purchased this book when it first came out last year and it exceeded all expectations, to say the least. I have subscribed to Stuart's now defunct magazine, Hardgainer, and read all of his previous books. And I can say with all honesty I learned something enlightening and new from each one, despite having started training back in 1979 and having worked in numerous gyms as a certified personal trainer. This latest tome of Stuart's, Build Muscle, Lose Fat... is his most ambitious yet, organizing and updating all of his previous best information into one volume. I regularly refer to it for its incredible detail. And despite some minority negative opinions are regarding this book, this is bodybuilding and strength training in reality-land...no steroids, and will work for those whose genetic potential is below, above, or average. I am looking forward to Stuart's next work...can he top this one?



3. This book is not the first book a novice should purchase. There are far better books on the market. Tom Venuto's ebook, Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle is the best book on the market for someone who wants to lose weight and gain muscle. It's expensive for an ebook, $40, but worth the price. Venuto does everything McRobert attempts to do but fails. Venuto gives you a wide selection of programs that fit your ability level. He spells out what foods you should eat while giving you a choice.He recommends a cardio program that will work. McRobert refers you to a website and gives generalities. The cardio program that McRobert advocates is not for novices and is insufficient for those once they attain good condition. Kathy Smith's book Lift Weithts to Lose Weight is another great novice book. The best part of McRobert's book is his listing of alternatives to squats e.g. the hip belt squat, dumbell deadlifts. It's worth the price for that alone. The biggest flaw in the book is his program. It starts with ten minutes of calisthenics, ten minutes of stretching and an hour for lifting. For an out of shape, overweight 40 yr old, this is far too much. His lifting schema is about 9 exercises for 3 sets of 8. This is old hat and is a fine beginner program IF YOU'RE IN GOOD SHAPE. Most people who are overweight aren't in good shape, so a limited program of 5-6 exercise for a set or two is what they should start with. Bodybuilders have junked McRoberts approach 40 yrs ago. Most bodybuilders follow a pumping approach advocated by Arnold. Education of a Bodybuilder explains the pumping approach well. For those interested in getting strong, not caring how big they are Tudor Bompa's Serious Weight Training is a fine book Bompa also has a good approach to maxamizing muscle size. McRobert's periodization program is poor compared to Bompa's. Body for Life is another fine book. It is highly motivating, the diet is a good one easy to follow, but the exercise program is too exhausting for anyone out of shape. My qualification as a reviewer are: I have a B.S. & M.S. in Physical Education with all the exercise physiology courses taken that were offered. I have been lifting for over 40 years. Read at least 50 books on weight lifting/bodybuilding. Subscribed to muscle mags for nearly 40 years and still subscribe to Flex & Muscle Fitness Illustrated. McRobert does point out that genetics limit what one can accomplish rather than gloss over this point as most authors do, but he doesn't point to any research that can predict what you can expect in possible muscle gains. Men's Fitness quoted an article that did this nicely. The article is available on Testosterone Nation.



4. This book is excellent both for those new to the iron game as well as those who may think they know all there is to know, as I once did. I am coming off about a year layoff after developing several physical limitations arising from years of 'hardcore' training: ignored stretching, bulled my way through workouts with increasing weights while joints, muscular restrictions, and other semi-serious pain should have told me something was wrong. Somewhere along the way, I started to let form suffer and the sheer accumulation of small physical traumas that I ignored finally built to up to a level where I could barely function in everyday life, let alone continue in the gym. Mr. McRobert (McR) seems to have gone through a similar scenario in his Beyond Brawn: The Insider's Encyclopedia on How to Build Muscle and Might (Brawn), so I felt a real sense of hope when I stumbled across an old edition of that book some months ago. As I've worked my way back to a near-normal life through a sports med Dr., traditional PT, and alternative treatments, I feel I am now ready to start getting back to my lifting career, but where to begin? Right here with this book, it seems. He gives all the caveats and advises for stretching, 'strict' form, basic multi-joint compound (old school) exercises and shows in fairly good detail how to do each piece. I recommend this book highly for these reasons.
   
   As others stated, this book does not go into excruciating detail citing innumerable studies concerning fast- and slow-twitch, type A and B fibers, hyperplasia vs. hypertrophy, etc. I find this fact not a drawback, but rather an asset of the book. Too much of this kind of detail too soon will lead to overload and turn people off - especially beginners who are the presumed target audience for the book. Even for experienced lifters, dwelling on this type of thing leads too much of the time to 'overanalysis paralysis', causing folks to either flounder in indecisiion and quit training altogether or alternatively jump too quickly from one routine to another in search of the holy grail instead of just getting into the gym consistently and giving it 100% intensity each training session progressing over time. Indeed all the hyper-technical data omitted herein can be found in numerous other publications and should probably be reserved for a much later stage of one's training career when progression halts or plateaus and new avenues to increase need to be explored.
   
   One thing I appreciate greatly is the detailed way McRobert explains how to very gradually increase in training 'intesity.' I allow that he does use somewhat vague language in differentiating progressive levels of intensity, but if one reads carefully and closely monitors his lifting (the elusive 'mind-muscle connection') he will understand how to safely and successively ramp up over time from 'easy' to 'nearly hard' to 'hard' training. McR likewise instructs us to exercise good judgement in weight progression, something we could all use a refresher on from time to time. Programming a sound methodology for single- or double-progression into the mental databank from the beginning will prove the most productive, beneficial, and safe in the long term.
   
   There is a great breadth of bodybuilding information here and what lacks in depth is, for the most part, unnecessary for all but the most advanced trainee or those who wish to delve ever more deeply into 'muscle science' for academic pursuits. Detailed instruction on stretching, lifting, and cardiovascular training including many, many photographs make this volume a fairly self-contained A-Z beginners guide to solid physique development. All told, there is a great lot to recommend this book to a wide audience.



5. This book is great for anyone. I have two other books by this author and implement these concepts into all my lifting routines. It is funny how often I think of the concepts from this guy in my workouts.

5 comments about The Success Habits of Weight-Loss Surgery Patients.

1. This book is packed full of FACTS on how to loose and keep those pounds off for good. This is a must have for the long-term success of all weight loss surgery patients.



2. The book is actually geared towards those that have had any form of restrictive gastric surgery, but I found it very helpful in making the final decision to have the surgery. It's straight forward and reads quickly. Can be read start to finish or just the area you're struggling with.



3. Colleen Cook's book is an excellent resource for people who are either considering weight loss surgery or who have already had the surgery. As the director of the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery (www.nawls.com), I talk to people every day who are struggling with long-term WLS success. This is one of the best books I've read on how to be successful. I found the information to be practical and very useful. I apply Colleen's lessons to my WLS recovery every day.



4. I had only planned on buying one WLS book because I only had a few questions left unanswered. Well, the first book told me everything I already knew and did not answer one of my questions. So one book became two and I ended up with 4 books when I finally decided to buy this book. Let me tell you, if you only want to buy one book then this is the book. You can find all the basic information about WLS on the internet and the surgeon will tell you all the basics too. But this book tells you things no other book talks in-depth about. This book is a must have for anyone who has had the surgery, is planning on having it, or is even considering it. You will read it again and again...I have.



5. I purchased the first edition of this book when I had RNY 5 years ago and learned so much from it! When I found myself struggling with a 20 pound regain 4 years later, I took the book off the shelf and re-read it. I was reminded of so many things that I had forgotten along the way. With the help of this book, I got back to the basics and cut out the bad habits that I allowed back in my life. My reclaimed weight is now gone and so are 25 additional pounds that I didn't lose in the first place!! This book helped me to remember that I have a tool but it doesn't work on it's own. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone considering weight loss surgery as well as anyone that is already post-op and needing to remember where they came from. Additionally, it's a wonderful book to share with friends and family members that have questions or concerns with your choice for surgery. Read it and pass it around the family!

4 comments about The Complete Guide to Walking, New and Revised: For Health, Weight Loss, and Fitness (Walking Magazine).

1. I bought this updated version because I was so impressed with it after reading a copy of the previous version from the library. It is terrific! The author writes in a clear, converstational tone, gives specific advice and explains his rationale re: everything from what type of shoes to buy to short, simple, effective workout routines to complement walking. The book is designed to help you start slowly and increase walking time, then distance, over a 52-week period. It even has a schedule for those who are just beginning. There's a bit of good guidance on nutrition, too. Everything you need to know and do to get fit again, all in one book.



2. This comprehensive, approachable guide to all things walking is conversational in tone and gives a wealth of information about walking without being dry. The focus here is on fitness and health, not weight loss per se, which is refreshing. My favorite quote from the book is: "In an ideal world... our greatest concern about our bodies would simply be wringing the most life out of them. We'd want the longest, healthiest, most energetic, active adventurous lives our bodies could offer."
   
   I checked out the first edition of this book from the library and did a page-by page comparison to see what had changed. There are exactly the same number of pages as the first edition and only the title of one subchapter has changed. Some of the resources in back have been updated, but that info could be found for free with a google search. The introduction has been re-written and the author's bio on the back cover has been updated (he has since left Walking Magazine and has appeared in the movie Super Size Me). Other than these updates, there is almost NO change here from the first edition.
   
   Bottom line: this book is the best comprehensive guide to walking for fitness and health, but no need to buy this one if you already have the first edition.



3. As a recognized health and fitness expert, I am often asked about what I consider to be the best form of exercise, especially for new exercisers. And while I extoll the benefits of Pilates I also realize that for many people even having to buy a mat or learn a new way of moving is too complex.
   
   So I usually recommend walking. It's cheap (and can even save you money on gas, taxi, or public transportation), easy, requires no special equipment other than a pair of good shoes, can be done anywhere (inside, outside, rain or shine), and helps your stamina, endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and bone density. Really, there isn't much more you can ask for in an exercise!
   
   Mark Fenton has been called "America's reigning guru of walking" for good reason. One, his style is approachable and easy to read and understand; two, he has all the scientific data to back up his claims about walking; three, he offers many different walking programs from basic to hills to racewalking. No matter what your fitness level you can open this book and find the perfect starting point for your walking program and then follow your progression every week.
   
   But this book is not just about walking. Fenton manages to slip in some core strengthening, some light weight work, and other exercise activities that will help you get even stronger and more flexible as you continue walking. He also offers diet and nutrition strategies and discusses the role of walking in weight loss, diabetes control, heart health, cancer prevention, and emotional well being. Throughout he offers inspirational real life stories from walkers of all ages and backgrounds, such as diabetic Carol Thompson, 69 year old Mel Smagorinsky, commuter Kristen Trebeche, and rookie marathoner Amy Dawson.
   
   From how to pick out a good pair of walking shoes (and why running shoes are not a good option) to how to buy a good treadmill, from the best walking baby strollers to the most comfortable yet functional backpacks, from heart rate monitors to pedometers, from how to burn more calories to how to stretch after your walk, this book answers every possible question and concern you may have about walking and fitness.
   
   If you want to start a walking program at any age or fitness level The Complete Guide to Walking is a must-have book that you will refer to and use for years. Buy it, use it, and help make the world a healthier happier walking friendly place!



4. This is my review that was mistakenly published as "A Kid's Review"!!??
   
   As a recognized health and fitness expert, I am often asked about what I consider to be the best form of exercise, especially for new exercisers. And while I extoll the benefits of Pilates I also realize that for many people even having to buy a mat or learn a new way of moving is too complex.
   
   So I usually recommend walking. It's cheap (and can even save you money on gas, taxi, or public transportation), easy, requires no special equipment other than a pair of good shoes, can be done anywhere (inside, outside, rain or shine), and helps your stamina, endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and bone density. Really, there isn't much more you can ask for in an exercise!
   
   Mark Fenton has been called "America's reigning guru of walking" for good reason. One, his style is approachable and easy to read and understand; two, he has all the scientific data to back up his claims about walking; three, he offers many different walking programs from basic to hills to racewalking. No matter what your fitness level you can open this book and find the perfect starting point for your walking program and then follow your progression every week.
   
   But this book is not just about walking. Fenton manages to slip in some core strengthening, some light weight work, and other exercise activities that will help you get even stronger and more flexible as you continue walking. He also offers diet and nutrition strategies and discusses the role of walking in weight loss, diabetes control, heart health, cancer prevention, and emotional well being. Throughout he offers inspirational real life stories from walkers of all ages and backgrounds, such as diabetic Carol Thompson, 69 year old Mel Smagorinsky, commuter Kristen Trebeche, and rookie marathoner Amy Dawson.
   
   From how to pick out a good pair of walking shoes (and why running shoes are not a good option) to how to buy a good treadmill, from the best walking baby strollers to the most comfortable yet functional backpacks, from heart rate monitors to pedometers, from how to burn more calories to how to stretch after your walk, this book answers every possible question and concern you may have about walking and fitness.
   
   If you want to start a walking program at any age or fitness level The Complete Guide to Walking is a must-have book that you will refer to and use for years. Buy it, use it, and help make the world a healthier happier walking friendly place!

5 comments about The 12 Second Sequence: Shrink Your Waist in 2 Weeks.

1. Gives you a good wieght workout for busy people. If thats what you need it is well worth the money.
   
   For those who say the info is available in other spots that is True but I do not want to do that research. I'd rather pay the money.



2. Because that is really all this phony believes in. All that wasted space devoted to "I want to help you be healthier" is just a line. In reality, he doesn't believe in anything except trying to get as much of your money as possible.
   
   In 8 minutes in the morning he describes the effectiveness of using low weights and high repetitions. In the 12 second sequence he says there is "no way" you can lose weight using low weights and high repetitions.
   
   He "invents" a lot of theories that have been around for years, claiming that he is the first to divulge this "secret".
   
   Save your money--this guy has enough of that. What he really needs is some integrity.



3. I borrowed the audio book from the library, before deciding to buy the real book and was very glad I did it. Overall, I was greatly disappointed.
   The audio book by itself is useless, as it's full of self-promotion, overly repetitive and refers the listener to get the details in the book every two minutes. I am not exaggerating. How many times in twenty minutes can you hear "Does it makes sense?" until you feel nauseuos? Try twenty times...
   
   As for the theory itself, there is absolutely nothing new with the ideas of slow motion and "control tension". Most of my fitness instructors in gym to some extent follow these principles. And definitely, in most of yoga styles you would find the same ideas. (But yoga is - what? Only couple of thousands year old - nothing comparative to revolutionary principle of "12 seconds").
   Most of dietary ideas , used in this program, are just common sense - drink water, have balanced diet, eat more vegetables, eat Omega-3 fats, don't eat starchy carbs in the evening. Some others sound strange to me, for example all the recommendations to take one or another supplement and skip fruits (but drink water with added sugar!). This looks like one more product endorsement.
   As for the exercise complex itself (I actually listened to it while driving, trying to remember and use it later), it's a good routine, but the idea that you can do it everywhere is seriously misleading. My co-workers would just love watching me doing knee push-ups in my cubicle... and how many of us have the freedom of closing the door of the private office for 20 minutes?
   
   Since I haven't tried the program, I do not know how effective it could be. It probably is, as would be any program if you follow all the recommendations diligently. But in my opinion, there are so many better books targeting the change in life style and not promising fast results, shamelessly branding the others' ideas and common sense as "revolution".



4. I am a certified weight consultant & the author of Asian Slim Secrets. While I don't agree 100% with Jorge's approach on eating, I give him full credit on his exercise regimen. You will get great results from the workouts shown in this book. However the workouts can be challenging for an obese person.



5. I read other reviews that talked about getting the book instead of the video, so I did. After a couple of weeks, I actually saw some results. I did cardio 5 days a week for 2 months straight and felt better before this, but didn't see any difference. After doing 12 second sequence 2-3 times a week (along with a cardio warmup), I'm starting to get my figure back! Yahoo!

5 comments about Quick & Healthy Recipes and Ideas: For people who say they don't have time to cook healthy meals, 3rd Edition.

1. Very basic recipes that call for lots of processed foods. I never use this cookbook at all.



2. Have tried only one chicken recipe (marindate) and it was delicious. I highly recommend this book. The pictures are excellent.



3. This book is so well organized; it makes meal planning a breeze...from grocery lists to nutrient analysis and straight on to easy, delicious meals!
   It's a must in any kitchen.



4. Quick tips and easy to find ingredients; also healthy in all categories of concern. I love all of this author's books and have purchased them for my employee wellness program at work. Employees had loved them too!



5. My kids are nagging me to cook healthy and this book satisfies all of us. The recipes are easy and taste great! My favorite - Beef or Pork Stir Fry.

5 comments about Fit for Life: Not Fat for Life.

1. In 1996 (at the age of 48), I learned of Living Health and Natural Hygiene from Anthony Robbins and Harvey Diamond. I accepted a 10-day challenge to try it and observe how I felt.
   I felt absolutely the best I ever had. I immediately took up long distance running while employed as a computer geek. As a result I have successfully run and finished eighteen 26-mile marathons. I am now 58 and had an excellent ten-mile run this morning. If you want your Ferrari to run its best you do not put cheap gas in it nor treat it badly. My only negative comment is that Harvey does his best to NOT get sued by by calling the medical and Pharm industry for what they are: charlatans and frauds, though highly educated and highly paid. They are not in healthcare; they are in body repair. They fix broken parts. They cure nothing. They only eradicate the symptoms. Harvey is innocent for he never says this, but having read his books and integrated his opinions into my lfe, I consider Harvey a very experienced expert on a healthy diet.
   I challenge you to read his book, take charge and responsibility for your own healthcare for it is the cheapest and the best you will find anywhere.
   MH-Houston, TX



2. I have followed Harvey's philosopy about sensible eating. His latest book has whetted my appetite and I am happily following his advice. This book complements the earlier ones. Easy to read and appealing, I have enjoyed getting back to fruit and veg, especially as the detox craze has set in over here.



3. I have just read Fit for Life 1 & 2 & this one too. I found this book just to be extracts of 1 & 2 rearranged with nothing new. The only thing I liked about this book, is that in some chapters, he places his suggestions into points, making it easier to get back to. I dont recommend this book to people who want a deeper understanding of Natural Hygene. What I didnt like, was his repeated mentioning to buy his products from his website, especially those fruit enzymes, he sounds just like the 'cashectomies' that he despises!



4. This book is quite interesting. I am still reading it, but I have to say it is quite enjoyable. I believe that this book could be life changing.



5. Another outstanding book by Harvey Diamond. I've read all his books and all are outstanding

5 comments about La Dieta South Beach: El delicioso plan disenado por un medico para asegurar el adelgazamiento rapido y saludable.

1. Este libro nos indica las diferentes comidas que debemos ingerir y en las cantidades correctas para tener un buen balance. No creo que sea un libro de dieta si no mas bien uno que nos ensenia un regimen de vida.



2. Tengo 56 años de edad y apenas tengo 9 dias de hacerla, y he rebajado de 220 lbrs a 199, es mas de lo que yo podìa imaginar.
   Mi meta es estar en 185 lbs y se que antes del domingo lo habrè conseguido sin esfuerzo importante. Empese por encontrarme una glicemia en ayunas de 221 y es increìble al 5to dia estaba en 129 y de una manera de sentirme como no sucedia en años.
   Me interesò mucho la parte explicativa del Dr. Agatston, muy cientifica y apegada a la realidad, NO ES UNA MODIFICACION DE ATKINS, es otra cosa mas elaborada, Atkins no se empeñaba en demostrarte cuales eran las grasas buenas y as grasas malas, quizà no habia pensado en eso, y tratò de ayudar pero el riezgo con la dieta Atkins es grande, aqui no te corres riezgos. Te enseña lo lindo de comer comida sana y rica, hace mucho no comia platillos tan exquisitamente elaborados, y bien, creo que he encontrado el estilo alimenticio para vivir saludablemente, es mas apenas pase los 14 dias empesarè de nuevo a correr.



3. Clearly the guy that wrote about exercising being the only method of losing weight as never tried this book. Its not a diet, but a complete life style change. I have only been on it for a week so I am still in the strict phase, but I have already lost 6 pounds. I feel better about myself and I have more energy. If you are serious about getting healthy, I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.



4. All what is written has a lot of sense and is very professional written. I am going to start this diet as this Dr is a cardiologist and all what he says is very accurate.
   This is not another book on diets. This is something different that I think can really help me and others.



5. I received the book with a mark (very small mark) but works perfect for me. I recommend it to everyone, no matter if you want to be on a diet or not.

1 comments about The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss.

1. I bought this book after two of my coworkers went on this diet and both lost 12 lbs in 2 weeks. I've been following the program for a little over a week and have lost 7 lbs already! The best part about it is I FEEL healthier and more energetic. This is not so much a diet as a new lifestyle. I was crazy addicted to a lot of unhealthy things but this book ahowed me how to have things I love but in a healthier way. I've never felt deprived as the plan allows (in fact, encourages) eating all through the day. I am finally losing the pounds that run-of-the-mill deit and excercise couldn't budge after years of effort. I Couldn't be happier!

3 comments about The Politics of Stupid: The Cure for Obesity.

1. I see no one else said anything yet but something has to be said. This book is ... it's exactly what I needed to know to get healthier. This book tells you the basics you need to do and know. It's not a restrictive diet book. It's what you have to know/do to lead a healthier life. And what you have to do is not difficult AT ALL. It's not a exercise book or a cookbook. But you do have to exercise and you do have to eat better. And you have to think and boy does she give you lots to think about.



2. Well worth reading if you want to understand how our society conspires to make us all over-fat and unfit. Direct, uncompromising, and humourous, Susan bursts the balloons of the food and fitness industries and shows how it's possible for anyone - no matter how unfit they are - to take control of their own health.
   
   I'd advise reading this to inspire yourself towards wellness (and it is inspiring, considering Susan lost 130lbs and has kept it off for 20 years) and then, if you want some practical information about how to ACTUALLY DO IT - get Covert Bailey's "Ultimate Fit or Fat". These two books together are ALL you'll ever need to know. The Ultimate Fit or Fat



3. i have read all her books to date and this one by far is the best! susan no holds barred writing style mixed with kick you in the rear info. makes you wanna get ur butt off the sofa and change the world. susan knows just how to word everything for each person without making you feel like a failure or a loser for beng overweight. this book is filled with what i call the "duh" factors of losing weight. things we all should know but dont or just havent done yet. this book is interesting and motivating! there isnt any reason why anyone should be overweight! you go susan! im so glad u came out of exile to write again, among other major helpful things. a must read!
   c. pearcy-oklahoma

5 comments about Neris and India's Idiot-Proof Diet: A Weight-Loss Plan for Real Women.

1. The book was a fun read. Written with great wit and insight. It is a high protein diet. I found that the perspective of two women dealing with and living in the real world made their take on a high protein diet unique. It was very very encouraging and dead on as the diet progresses to give that pat on the back or kick in the behind. I also purchased the cookbook, but did not care for it. I think mainly due to the difference in Engllish and American foods. Many of the fish dishes were not foods I had ever heard of or probably would ever make.



2. This is really a great book. Well written, humorous and you feel that they understand exactly what you go through, unlike other diet book authors! Only problem I had was with the measurements for ingredients. I need the American translation. But I loved it! Great book!



3. Works for men, too. I lost 20 lbs in three weeks. Funny stories and salty language make enjoyable reading, my wife tells me.



4. Fun, easy reading and the plan is easy enough for even ME to follow!
   
   Thanks Ladies...
   
   A former egg with legs...Irene



5. The book gives you a simple approach on two opinions towards dieting and solutions that worked for them. The book talks to you, not reads to you, which had me reading the book quite quickly. It talks about the emotions that you go thru through out the process and let's you know that you are not alone with the feelings that you are going thru.