5 comments about Mario Lopez's Knockout Fitness.

1. The diet/nutrition portion of this book is subjective - I don't think everyone should be eating 2600 calories a day. Mario can do it because he has a lot of muscle.
   
   However, the workout portion of this book has some very good suggestions. The weights suggestions are things that are easily done at any gym. But many other exercises you can do in your own home. The "jump over the foam pad," the pushups and several others don't require any special equipment. I can spend less time at the gym when I break my workout into two parts: at-the-gym/at-home.
   
   He suggests doing some boxing - but my gym doesn't have those capabilities. However, my Nintendo Wii provides a good boxing working. It's not necessarily physiologically accurate, but it gets my arms and legs moving and it makes me sweat.
   
   I'm seeing results.
   
   I would definitely recommend this book from an exercise standpoint. But like I said at the beginning, I don't think his meal recommendations are appropriate for everyone.
   
   Overall, very good book. Lots of helpful suggestions.



2. Okay, we've all seen Mario Tango and Disco. There's no doubt that as talented a dancer as he is, he is in serious physical condition. This book is stuffed with photos which are very helpful when it comes to proper form during exercise but the real meat of this book is the advice he imparts concerning sleep, eating and using common sense in general. I like the "Hey Mario" exclamation points where a question is asked and answered and I especially love the recipes. Mario proves that you can still enjoy food without the extra fat. Let's face it. This book isn't going to make many of us look like Mario but it can put readers on the path to good health. GO MARIO!



3. I am by no means a fitness expert or a workout veteran, but I'm not a beginner either: I've been working out 4 or 5 days per week for about a year, focusing primarily on one or two muscle groups per day, and I've seen some improved results with this book. The workouts are laid out in such a way that it shouldn't be difficult for a beginner to jump right into; they are also all-encompassing, thorough, and varied enough that you shouldn't stagnate once you get started on a regular schedule.
   
   That said, Mario Lopez's Knockout Fitness is not without its flaws. There are two problems that I think are worth noting. For one, the meal plans, at least after the first phase, seem to be tailored towards people who are looking to lose weight; there is little guidance for those who are looking to add mass or simply "tone up." If that is your goal, I would suggest you find another book, or else do some research online as I had been doing prior to purchasing Knockout Fitness. (Presumably one could simply eat more of the meals outlined if one is looking to bulk up, but I would have enjoyed more clearly defined nutritional habits for a wider range of fitness goals).
   
   The other problem I had is that the book is too sports-oriented. Mr. Lopez openly acknowledges that a lot of his readers probably do not participate in sports, yet he defines his exercises by the sports for which they prepare you. If the book is designed to help people who are out of shape, as the meal plans would have you believe, what good is it to know that exercise is "great for boxing"? I think it would be more helpful to the average reader if the exercises were defined by the muscle group(s) they work so that they could be more easily substituted for other exercises.
   
   Overall, this book should provide a good foundation for anyone looking to begin or improve on his/her workout routine. If you are really serious about fitness, however, you'll want to look at it alongside other literature.



4. If you are someone without experience in nutrition and exercises, and you want to enter in a new lifestyle, this is very good book,5* . He is giving some explanation in every chapter so it is not difficult to understand "why" to do like that and he is trying to teach you all you need to start.And you also have complete workout programs, so you get all you need.
   Is he right or not in his statements,(or is the workout program best or not) I think for beginner is not so important, this is not writen to be a "bible of exercise physiology". Everybody with several years experience can find here something what is not 100% correct, but once more, this is a book for beginners who want to enter in a world of exercising and fit life and they get a complete solution in one book. Very easy and simple to read, high print and photo quality.
   If you are experienced trainee and interesting for new methods to be stronger and build bigger mass, this is not for you, nothing new here, for you this is not a knockout program, for you this book is ony 2*



5. The book is to the point, easy to understand. I love it since I got this book I have lost 14lbs. Still going. :-)

5 comments about Men's Health Muscle Chow: More Than 150 Meals to Feed Your Muscles and Fuel Your Workouts.

1. This book is amazing. The first 28 pages provide a solid foundation of dieting principles targeted specifically for active guys who weight train. Gregg Avedon really knows what he is talking about when it comes to nutrition and his writing style is concise and easy to read. The rest of the book is filled with tons of high-protein healthy recipes. He even includes the nutrition facts for each recipe so you know exactly what you are eating. If you are a guy looking for some good healthy recipes to match your training regimen, this is the book to get.



2. It's hard to find a decent clean-eating cookbook. This one certainly is decent, but I wouldn't give it much more praise than that. There are some recipes that are pretty good and all of them are quite straightforward, but my major problem with the book is that some of the recipes are complete fluff that could have been all compiled onto a single page ("quick bites", or something like that). For instance, the "Fix and Eat Sardine Sandwich". Now, I'm going from memory here, but I'm pretty sure that the steps boiled down to these steps: Take two slices of bread, spread mustard on each slice, then put the sardines between the two pieces of bread and eat them. Sorry, Gregg, but I'm a healthy eater, not someone who's never been in a kitchen before. There are other recipes like this ("Slice up a head of lettuce and serve it with mustard as dipping sauce", for example) that are really wastes of space.
   
   Also, it would have been good to see more explanation regarding carb-cycling (or carb-shifting as he describes it), along with macronutrient breakdowns for the different eating phases Gregg describes in the book.
   
   There's some good stuff in here, that's for sure, but it's too much like a fluffernutter sandwich: lots of healthy potential surrounded, unfortunately, by too much fluff.



3. OK. I know this is a guy book and I'm not a guy. Let's start with that. I was led to this book because I had read about it in one of my publications. I absolutely detest cooking and I have a panic attack just thinking about the kitchen. My mother taught me to drive and type. She didn't teach me to cook.
   
   I've bought many cookbooks and hate them all. They're all too complicated for my maladjusted cooking genes. But this book --- well that's a different story! This is easy to follow and fun. Yes, fun.
   
   I've found that I can eat foods that taste absolutely fantastic and it takes little effort, little fat and no junk that's bad for me. I've learned to use spices and things I had never known how to use before. I'm loving this.
   
   Moreover, I'm losing weight. I log everything in my Palm Pilot on a program from CalorieKing. It's easy to know how many calories are in each dish. Now, as a woman, I may not eat a whole serving. So I simply adjust that in my log.
   
   I must tell you that for the first time in my life I'm enjoying being in the kitchen. I fix foods ahead, which makes my life much easier.
   
   All the recipes are easy to fix and don't take many ingredients. You'll find this type of eating gives you more energy and keeps you feeling full. At the same time, you can get really ripped. And losing weight is easy and fun.
   
   And, if you guys will forgive me, I recommend this book to my sisters as well as to you.
   
   The one thing I don't like about it is not the content. It's the book. I'd prefer a spiral book that I can lay out on my tiny kitchen counter. Also one that can be cleaned as I am a mess in the kitchen.
   
   Update: After using the book for a month, I do have at least one issue with it. Take for example the Mixed-Berry Protein Mousse on page 237. This is a wonderful menu and the taste is indescribable. Wonderful. But it says is makes six servings. That's fine. But how much is one serving? I mean, out of the total made, is a serving 1 cup, one-half cup or what? I would like to know how much to take out of the bowl to make one serving. Otherwise, I'm unsure how many calories I'm actually getting.
   
   Having said that, I've lost seven pounds in one month by following the foods and counting calories and I've yet to be really hungry. It's amazing!
   
   But dear author, when and if you do an update (and I hope you do) please tell us what one serving is.
   
   I did improve on one of the easy recipes. At least to me it's a major improvement. The recipe calls for mashing tofu and adding protein powder. Well, It's okay. But here's something better:
   
   Tofu as called for in recipe
   Protein as called for in recipe
   Put in blender (preferable one with a milkshake blade)
   Add coconut water (not much)
   Add one pk. stevia
   
   Blend until smooth. This makes a wonderful milkshake with a lovely texture. It's much better than what you get with the recipe in the book and just two or three added calories from the coconut water.
   
   Highly recommended.
   
   -Susanna K. Hutcheson



4. Bottom line: not the quality of book that I have come to expect of a Men's Health endorsed author. The glossy, high production photos of dishes are unnecessary and the only useful info (phasing a plan, what are the basic foods you should store) could fit in to a magazine article. I recommend that instead of buying this book you just search the Men's Health website for recipe ideas and training/diet articles. That is all



5. I got this Book , becuase I never knew what to eat Before and after a work out. I do a Lot of cardio, and I wanted to ensure I wasnt Burning up my hard earned muscle! This book is very good, not just for men , but women as well. Yes the recipies are SIMPLE, but I LOVE simple. It tells You HOW , WHY and WHEN to eat for maximum effect. The recipies are Not gourmet, But when your training you really have to eat CLEAN, and this is what it is. I would reccomend this Book for it's information, and How it tells You EXACTLY what you need to do. I Havent had it long enought to comment on the recipies, but I Browsed them and Id eat everything in there, and theres No Fancy Ingredients You cant Find. ( except for a few Reccomendations he has, and he gives you websites to find the food if you want it) The ONLY Flaw I Found was On Page 14, it says to SEE RECOVERY FOODS ( AFter WOrkout) on Page 224. They are Not on Page 224, they are On Page 204. Printer error I Guess.
   Good Book- ! I am Not trying to Bulk up, as I Am a Female, I am Toning, and want a Little Muscle definition. So you do have to adjust the recipeies and calorie counts for Days, to Your own body, but he tells You How! Good Stuff in this Book, worth the Price!

5 comments about Men's Health: The Book of Muscle--The World's Most Authoritative Guide to Building Your Body.

1. This book is a great basic book that covers it in a very attractive package. If you're a bit past that then then book will start to be less useful as you gain knowledge. Good for someone with less than a year's experience in the gym.



2. Nicely done and well put together. Not a book to take around to the gym though as it is more of a coffee talble book.



3. This is the first strength training book that I've purchased, and made the decision to get this book based on Ian King's reputation and other customers' feedback. I have had this book for a few months now, and found it surprisingly readable and effective. Not only is there detailed pictures of each exercise in the workouts, but the text at the beginning explains why you do what you do, and why you can expect to see different results in each stage (e.g., neural adaptation vs. muscle hypertrophy). I am just getting into weight lifting, but am about 6 weeks into the Beginning Program (each program lasts 6 months: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced), and have gained almost 10 lbs. of muscle in that period. I am sore, no doubt, but have not seen other articles / books that contradict the sound advise given in this book. You will not regret having this book in your library!



4. Out of all the work out books/magazines I've read, I must say, I was quite impressed with how detailed this book was. Not only does it give you a well thought out work out plan that caters to different types of people, it also explains the science behind working out and the body which is crucial to becoming successful and muscular. The only thing I disliked was the rather anemic section on what to eat. I wish there were more sample meal plans. Other then that, the book is perfect.



5. Great book, got this for a friend for his BDay. Once I got it I kept it for my self and got him some drinks at the bar.

5 comments about New Rules of Lifting: Six Basic Moves for Maximum Muscle.

1. This book is not for those looking for a traditional bodybuilding workouts that isolate body parts. It is for people who want to work out smarter, train like athletes, and work out like your body was intended to move. I've never had such killer workouts with such amazing results! The book contains a limited amount of actual written workouts but they give you so many ideas on how to put together quality training days that it won't be long til you're a pro at it. I also own "New Rules of Lifting for Women," and it is even better. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a change in the way they approach the gym--men or women. Lou Schuler is not only an entertaining author, but he along with Alwyn Cosgrove have put together a wealth of information that makes perfect sense and won't waste your time.



2. I originally checked this out at the library. The workouts were so effective, that I bought the book, and my wife purchased New Rules of Lifting for Women.



3. PRO:
   This book covers pretty much everything any casual gym enthusiast could want to know about training. It includes sample programs for gaining muscle, losing fat and getting stronger, as well as nutritional information to help you accomplish these goals, and exercise illustrations.
   
   In a nutshell the authors' message is that you can train your entire body using 6 basic movements: Pushing, Pulling, Twisting, Squatting, Dead lifting and Lunging. For each of these basic movements there are several variations, but they are almost exclusively "compound exercises" (meaning multi-joint exercises) which are time efficient and allow you to use many different muscles with few exercises.
   
   Also:
   -The nutritional information is solid but relatively basic (they don't go into some of the fancier topics like calorie or carbohydrate cycling; nor do they discuss contest preparation if that stuff interests you)
   
   -Exercise illustrations are sufficient and don't consume the majority of the book's pages like many fitness books do.
   
   CON:
   By far the biggest drawback to this book is that you probably won't be able to follow the programs specifically as written if you train at a busy commercial gym. I would say that about +90% of the sets listed in the programs have you alternating between at least two (sometimes four) exercises. For example: Squats with Bench Press, or Shoulder Press with Cable Rows. While the reasons for the pairings are sound (time management, longer rest periods compared to straight sets, improved conditioning from dense workouts) I think they fall under the category of "Fitness Porn Fantasy". One of the two authors owns a gym which I'm certain he's designed to accommodate this style of training and, I'm guessing, probably most of the folks who train there must follow similar programs which could make them more understanding of the equipment hogging this program requires; but of the 6 gyms I've trained at over the years I think it would be very difficult, or at the very least stressful, to pull off.
   
   Also:
   - The exercise descriptions that accompany the pictures are somewhat bare bones.
   
   - If you like a lot of single joint exercises like bicep curls, triceps cable extensions, or calve raises; you'll be disappointed with the programs because they are essentially void of them.
   
   TARGET AUDIENCE:
   -Anyone looking to improve their general fitness, increase lean body mass and reduce body fat; but aren't looking to become bodybuilders.
   -Anyone with 45-75 minutes to train 3-4 times per week
   -And preferably anyone who trains in an empty gym.



4. I may be biased because I bought it expecting it to be something other than what it turned out to be, but this is the first strength training book I have ever actually purchased, and I will definitely be more hesitant before buying another one. I thought this book was going to be a textbook introduction to basics-first training. that it definitely is not. if you like chatty writing, you might like his writing style. personally, I find it annoying when I have to wade through ten pages of witty asides to get a paragraphs worth of information. if you are a complete beginner you might get something out of the first couple chapters, but you could read all that stuff[...].
   
   about halfway into the book, schuler says "really I could just stop now and give you the workouts that my co-author came up with, but then you would be disappointed because you thought you were buying a book." the truth is, that's basically what he did. aside from the several dozen workouts, the book is worthless.
   
   schuler is a magazine writer and it shows. the book has all the showboating, flare and lack of substance of a men's journal article. he also shows a blindness to the niceties of scientific research that is so typical of magazine writers.
   
   the chapters on "diet" and "technique" (which contain only two things that actually resemble techniques) are nothing more than whimsical justifications of schuler's biases on certain subjects, backed up with references to studies whose flaws are evident just from schuler's explanations. one study, which forms the basis for shculer's entire argument about cardio, exclusively used men from a rural welsh village as subjects. nevermind the hundreds of other studies about cardio, done with proper controls, that contradict schuler's pet peeve. in the section on diet, we are told that diet soda must be okay for you because the author drinks so much of it, and that ice cream is okay because it has milk in it.
   
   despite schuler's assurance that his book will teach us proper lifting form, that subject, which should form the basis of the book, is consigned to a few pages in the exercise section. and they are far from perfect. the guy in the squat photos is holding the bar wrong, doesn't have his feet turned out enough, and has his neck hyperextended. the deadlift sections doesn't explain that you are supposed to keep the bar within an inch of your shins once you start the lift. the section on lunges doesn't tell you how widely spaced your feet should be, or what the angle of your torso should be in the lower position.
   
   the lack of discussion of proper form combined with the variety of exercises seems tantamount to an encouraging beginning lifters to go out and try anything they read about regardless of whether they understand the physics or body mechanics involved. and for a book supposedly about "basics first' training, some of the lifts are dangerous in the extreme (e.g. standing row, quarter squat), arcane (e.g. towel biceps curl, barbell reverse-grip bent-over row), or even downright silly (e.g. "bulgarian split deadlift," mixed grip lat pull).
   
   I'm sorry but I don't believe it's necessary for beginners, or anyone, to learn all these different movements. perfecting just the squat and the bench press could keep you busy for years.
   
   since the workouts are the only real content in this book, they must be the bottom line in determining the books value. but I don't really know how to rate them. I am not a strength training expert and I haven't done them. what I do know is that I am not going to spend a year of my life finding out whether they are as pointless as the rest of this book.



5. I recently bought their other book "New Rules of Lifting for Women" and decided that I needed this one as well since I am a Personal Trainer. I like how they bring it back down to the basic classics that have worked for centuries. Power lifting is the original functional training. And with all these crazy fads its nice to see some good common sense advice. These moves maybe classics but they are combined with modern knowledge to show why they are effective and how this kind of lifting is best.

5 comments about Men's Health Power Training: Build Bigger, Stronger Muscles with through Performance-based Conditioning.

1. I could not be any more pleased with this book. I have been looking for training tips on functional exercises and this provides all necessary information along with all kinds of exercises that are valuable to people with injuries or issues with the provided plans. There are step by step and overall knowledge provided in a manner in which i have never seen before. It seems so simplistic that i cannot believe that there isn't something else out there as useful. Bottom line is that this is a top to bottom comprehensive book that leaves nothing out. You can read it through then use the provided sheets at the gym and be done with reading workout stuff. cannot recommend high enough



2. This book is great! Robert dos remedios has changed my way of thinking about strength training. I use the compound exercises and I have been able to burn way more body fat and get the decent size gain i so desired in a shoirt amount of time. AND ITS FUNCTIONAL EXERCISES TOO!!



3. I read a lot of reviews on Amazon and thought I would give this book a try. Let me start my saying that that this program DOES work if you stick to it. Having worked as an Athletic Trainer at Division I college for over 10 years I have seen this type of program implemented to college athletes with great success. The problem I have with this program is a lot of these lifts are VERY COMPLEX!!!! If you have very little lifting experience and you attempt a single-leg good morning or a single-leg romanian deadlift you may very well injure yourself. A lot of these movements are taught to college athletes by a certified strength coach (which dos Remedios is) Athletes are closely supervised by this coach to make sure they are performing the movements correctly (as to avoid injuring themselves). Once these movements have been done correctly by the athlete they are given a little more freedom to exercise on their own. I think this program has great benefits for the experienced lifter who is looking to change his program up. And while Dos Remedios never says its a beginner book he also never states its for the advanced lifter.....which in my opinion it is. If you are a beginner or an overweight person looking to get started I would avoid this book. A couple of suggestions I have to make the book more beginner friendly.
   
   1) Have a video showing proper form for some of the complex exercises
   2) Classify exercises in the book as beginner, intermediate, advanced etc....



4. I read the book and enjoyed the radical training concept of push and pull. The book has a variety of exercise programs for a total body workout to be fit, increase strength or build more muscles. I love the workout program if you are traveling and away from a gym. This book includes a broad diet program to feed those muscles and start seeing results from the intensive workouts. I give the book thumbs up!



5. Simply a fantastic book. Every other workout program has you doing isolation exercises (and many of the same exercises) over and over again. Not only does it get boring, it doesn't give you any functional everyday strength. The program outlined in this book is slowly transforming my life - I feel stronger in everything that I do and my college flabby physique is completely turning around.
   
   After doing the workouts in the book I feel like I am one of the only ones in the gym actually working out. You begin to see how many people go there to lift a small amount, chat and finally leave. I feel like I'm the only one there actually busting my but off!

5 comments about LL Cool J's Platinum Workout: Sculpt Your Best Body Ever with Hollywood's Fittest Star.

1. I've been lifting for several years now, so I'm not really new to it. I just fell out of the habit in late '07 with Thanksgiving, finals, Christmas and everything else. I decided I wanted to start out fresh in January, and I wanted to try out this routine because I'd heard some good things.
   
   I really like the fact that it clearly lays out each routine and what you're supposed to do pretty much every day of the week. It keeps you focused and when you have something you know you need to do, you're more likely to stick with it. The book starts at the beginner level, then takes you through different phases that will challenge you in different ways. I'm currently starting week 8 and have been noticing some nice body composition results. I've really been focusing on diet as well, and I've been doing much more cardio than is prescribed in the book so that's certainly helping.
   
   I do have a couple of issues with the workouts. They throw body weight exercises (pullups and dips) at you way too quickly, in my opinion. It takes a significant strength increase to be able to do these with proper form, ESPECIALLY if you're overweight. In addition to throwing these at you early, they're also thrown at you frequently. Most gyms will have weight-assisted dip/pullup machines which you can use. Personally, I've been substituting other exercises in place of them until my strength and body weight are more in line. There also appears to be almost no direct shoulder work in weeks 8, 9, or 10 which I think is a little strange. I've also yet to see a single shrug in any routine so far, but they're in his visual "how-to" section, so I'm assuming they're in there somewhere. Pretty bread-and-butter movement for your traps, so I don't know why they're not in there earlier. Similarly, there's no targeted work on your lower back. Since your core (abs and lower back) are important to form and overall body strength and balance, I don't know why these are ignored.
   
   There's some decent nutritional info, but I'd supplement it with your own research to find out how much you should be eating and target amounts for fat, carbs, protein, etc. There are a few very simple recipes scattered throughout the book. Not all that helpful, but I really like the Platinum Burger so I can't complain too much.
   
   Oh, and for those of you who just want to know if there are a lot of good muscle shots of LL, you won't be disappointed.
   
   Overall a pretty good routine, I think most people can get something out of it. I think it's pretty good for beginners and intermediates, but I would definitely recommend supplementing it with your own reading and don't be too stressed out about following it to the letter.



2. I bought this book in January 2007 and started the workouts listed in it in March 2007. I have trimmed down considerably since then. By May 2007 I was already wearing one size smaller in jeans. The workout routine in the book is a 22 week one. Yes, you will likely miss a few days here and there, but trust me, the book works. By the end of the 22 weeks I had dropped two pant sizes. I don't own a scale, so I don't know about exact poundage lost but it doesn't matter, my clothes fit better and I don't have to pay $2 extra for the bigger sizes. I didn't worry too much about following the diet/nutrition plan in the book; money being as tight as it is now I'm lucky to be able to afford anything to eat. If you follow the workouts, to the best of your abilities, you will see results within 6 weeks. Buy the book and see for yourself.



3. This book is ok for the beginner but does not have great workouts or diet. Not bad but I would not get this again.



4. I've been following this program off and on for about 6 months (taking breaks between phases to try other things and then getting back into this book). I'm currently in the middle of the Gold phase and I absolutely see a change. Working out 5-6 days a week is tough; it takes a lot of motivation and dedication. But I believe it's well worth it.
   
   Don't be afraid to modify what's laid out in this book to tailor it to your own personal needs, but also don't be afraid to push yourself and follow the work out routines as instructed.
   
   Probably my most favorite part of this book, is that it keeps your body guessing. That, to me, is one of the most important aspects of weight training and leading a healthy lifestyle. Mixing your heavy and light days and how you lift is essential to building a better you.



5. I've created a webpage for my own personal experience with LL Cool J's 21 week Platinum workout. It details my experiences, advice, shortcomings, strengths, etc.
   concerning this workout plan. Here it is:
   
   http://Mischivis.googlepages.com

5 comments about The New Rules of Lifting for Women: Lift Like a Man, Look Like a Goddess.

1. This book is the one I've been waiting for! Dispelling the myths that free weights are for men and machine weights are for women. It was so encouraging to have the information about building muscle (without looking like a body builder!), the workouts to do (without watching a video tape over and over again), and a nutrition guide that is not a diet!



2. This is a great book! I have been lifting off and on for at least five years now and never thought of the fact that perhaps the "girly" strength training programs might not be helping me reach my full potential. I am a week into this program and already I can feel the difference in the intensity of my workouts. I highly recommend it if you want to challenge your workout and kick it up a notch.



3. I have been strength training for the last 4 months and this book was great. I read it in 2 days. It is easy to read, and although I don't really like the author's humor, I appreciate the effort and the information was solid including great workout programs. I appreciated the information about metabolism and the myth busting. I was suspecting that I was over training, and this book described my symptoms perfectly.
   
   The diet portion is more of a guideline that I find easy to modify and follow. I liked the variation of simple semi homemade shake recipes and the shakes from scratch. I have taken nutritional classes, and this book expanded my knowledge in that area and in the area of fitness. I am having a personal trainer help me to follow the program in this book, and although it is not a requirement asked by the author, I think it will help me to get results faster and safer, which is insinuated by the author. I have already started to practice my form in the exercises and test my metabolism so that I can get serious results.
   
   I can only think of 2 things that I disagree with and have trouble with in this book. 1. I don't agree that artificial sugars are a good idea- there are many people on both sides of this fence; and 2. I don't know where to get a "step" for the step up exercise. I got my husband the men's book by this author and it featured the step up done on a high fitness step. I'm thinking I can go to my local fitness store and search for this. This still wasn't enough to make me reduce the rating.
   
   -By the way, the men's book is great too, but that is another review.-
   
   The last and best thing that I will say about this book is that the programs can be modified to be done entirely at home. For once I am going to seriously train at home without the waiting for and constant cleaning of equipment at the gym. My home gym is coming together beautifully.
   
   Thanks to all the authors of this book



4. I was introduced to this book by my best friend and ended up not being able to put it down. Finally, a book which makes sense! I have been waiting for a plan that is simple but EFFECTIVE. I do NOT like to work out, but at my age need to, and want every work out to be extremely effective. I also like the information about cardio work and the fact that it is not necessarily super productive! I plan to begin my plan tomorrow and looking forward to the results!



5. This book really hits home about how women should lift. It has an intense workout in it, I just wish it had more upper body to it. I've just started the program, so I don't know the results yet, but I know it will build overall strength.

5 comments about The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding : The Bible of Bodybuilding, Fully Updated and Revised.

1. In 70's and 80's when Arnold was competing steroids were legal and as a result to that some individuals were able to train the way he recomends. It is almost certain that if you follow the begginer program he suggests and you refuse to use any suppluments, like creatine, you are going to quit. If you are a beginner like me I believe that you are going to be benefited more from the Bill Pearl's Keys to the Inner Universe. Also have a look at www.billpearl.com , there you will find Pearl's programms for free.



2. This book is fabulous. Definately the bible of bodybuilding. Book is comprehensive as well, and a good read as well.



3. its not direct. Basically you have to dissect knowledge here. you also need a dictionary for many words used. Just not for people who don't have the time to do all that reading.



4. This is really a very good book. 800 pages will keep you occupied for a while. Lots of history, personal stories from Arnold and lots and lots of pictures from back in the day to recent times. Definitely worth buying.



5. This book has everything anyone needs to know about sculpting the body. It does not matter if you are wanting to be a bodybuilder or just get into shape this book has everything!!!!

5 comments about Starting Strength (2nd edition).

1. Coach Rip applies a perfect amount of dry whit to his rock solid understanding of weight training and delivers a tutorial that is as readable as it is helpful. Starting Strength gives an insight to both form and function of barbell training that your everyday coach/trainer does not have and cannot provide.
   
   Highly recommended for anyone that wants to improve their strength, and especially recommended for anyone that is in the position to be instructing others in weight training.



2. This is the best book on weight training I've read, and I've read a lot of them.
   
   I wish I had had it 15 years ago. If you know a young person getting into strength training, buy them this book.
   
   Also get Practical Programming for Strength Training, by the same authors. Consider getting Science and Practice of Strength Training by Zatsiorsky and Kraemer if you want the footnotes. Though frankly, all these books could use better footnotes.
   
   One tiny quibble is that the book is strongly focused on strength training, as it says in the title. This isn't the same thing as fitness or aesthetics, which are probably more common motivators for weight training. As far as I know there are no really good books on weight training for non-strength goals. Yes, I've read Stuart McRobert.



3. Hi
   
   I teach Crossfit [...] and this book is quite simply Brilliant. It is also a great companion for crossfitters to help with technique. If you want to really learn the lifts, if you want to get stronger this is the place to go. Be warned this is not a hone and tone body building book but a great work dedicated to compound lifts and the development of strength.
   
   Just buy it !



4. Probably one of the best sports related books I have ever read. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to build strength.



5. Mark Rippetoe's "Starting Strength" is, without question, one of the finest books of its kind. I have been going to gyms all my life, listening to people and reading many books on all aspects of weight training. Mr. Rippetoe, via his book, is the best teacher I have encountered. Whether you're a novice or an experienced lifter, "Starting Strength" will improve your performance and your outlook in the gym. It is a complete reference for the technique, and the purpose, of all the important barbell movements. It is well written, clear, and thorough. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Strength Training Anatomy.

1. If your new to working out then this book is for you. If you know the basics already then you don't really need this book.



2. I had hit a plato in my strength training and the CTO of my company recommended this book because it shows different way to focus on the same muscle groups. This book is very helpful and the diagrams are so detailed, also points out incorrect ways of doing exercises which helps prevent injury. I got everything that I expected out of this book! Amazing book for the value.



3. This book is incredible in its details. You get a complete picture of how each muscle is used during a certain exercise. I've never seen a book with this level of detail. Great for both men and women who lift to get a better understanding of muscles used. Includes upper and lower body diagrams!



4. This is a great book for anyone who is looking for a better understanding of exercise physiology.



5. Excellent reference book for pro or layperson. For example, what muscles
   are you working when you do pull ups? Watch video below:
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N0N--gkaSg
   
   The 16 Minute Body Sculpting Kit: Attain Your Dream Body in Just 16 Minutes a Day!