No comments about Women's Guide to Strength and Anatomy Training.

5 comments about Lean, Long & Strong: The 6-Week Strength-Training, Fat-Burning Program for Women.

1. I purchased this book for the purpose of getting back into shape after having baby #2. I was very active during both my pregnancies, so just needed something to 'tweak' myself back into pre-pregnancy form. This book absolutely served that purpose. For someone with limited time and resources (I don't have time to go to the gym, but have a few essential items at home), it's perfect. After a consistent training with this book, coupled with cardio, I lost my last 5 pounds in just a few short weeks. And my muscle definition is back! However, if you're looking for something more 'challenging' or if you have significant weight to lose, I suggest you hire a trainer.



2. This book is easy to understand with quick simple workouts that really get your body working out. I never thought I could get my heart rate up with such simple work outs but I really did on this one! I often worry that I'll hurt myself doing exercises the wrong way but she's good at pointing out what to watch for to make sure you're doing it right. The exercises are short and easy to do before work or while dinner's in the oven. And I can adjust the number of reps I do to make sure I have that sore great work out feeling the next morning! Hope you all enjoy it!



3. I was looking for a book that would help me strengthen and tone my muscles. Help me get a routine going that I can stick with. As I've gotten older I have lost a lot of muscle mass and I feel it's important to gain most of that back. Now that I'm alone I need to be able to take care of myself and do for myself. I believe this book will do the trick. It has helped Montel Williams out as this woman is his personal trainer.



4. I just received this yesterday and have read it pretty much from cover to cover. This is a wonderful tool for people who are committed to their workouts and really want to see results. The photos, explanations, etc. are excellent. It is laid out in a very systematic and organized way. I love how she includes both easier and harder options for each exercise and stretch and how she integrates stretching throughout the workout rather than just at the end. I've been teaching fitness classes for years and thought I would breeze through the workout I did this morning, but I found it challenging. I'm looking forward to seeing changes in my body. I like having a guide to go by in choosing what exercises and stretches to do each time. This book is a great find!



5. I love this book. It truly is geared toward all levels of fitness. I especially like that there is not a lot of expensive equipment to by. And, who can say they don't have time to exercise when it's only 12 miniutes a day for the strength training and 20 minutes 2-3 times a week with cardio.

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

1. This book is great. Very detailed, and very informative. The book is for the serious reader in that it is roughly 800 pages in length. There is a lot of areas that I skipped (History of Bodybuilding, Posing, etc.) because I wanted to read the info on fitness, exercising, and resistance training. I am not an aspired body builder, just a guy who is looking to change his body for the better and get the proper information from one of the best guys behind the sport.
   
   I highly recommend this book and plan to buy more copies for friends and family members since they cant seem to put my copy down when they come over to visit.



2. 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.



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



4. 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.



5. 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 comments about The New High Intensity Training: The Best Muscle-Building System You've Never Tried.

1. The real truth is that nobody can say for certain what the exact stimulus is for muscle growth. Scientists and doctors have almost no practical knowledge on the subject, and will give what amounts to sixth-grade textbook answers to any questions asked. Many pro-bodybuilders are juicing, so their input is useless (unless you're juicing yourself). So what we're left with is our own experiences, combined with that of our peers. Which is the main reason I bought this book. I've been doing hit-style workouts for a while, but have stagnated recently. Even if you're not a fan of Darden, or his writings, you have to admit that he has years of experience training people. Much like Arthur Jones did. So I wanted to gain his perspective on HIT training.
   Darden feels that training a bodypart only once a week isn't enough to get optimal results (which is what I was doing). Being an advanced trainee, I jumped into the workout recommendations he specified for the end of the 52 week cycle he outlines. Basically, that means 1 set to failure per bodypart,working each bodypart once every 5 days (instead of 7). To my surprise, my strength has started to gradually increase again (for example : bench went from 225 lbs.X 10 to 240 lbs.X 10 in about 2 months). How could 2 days LESS rest between workouts break my plateau? I suspect it's because I'm not getting nearly as sore from my workouts anymore. It seems that from days 5-7 I was losing what some fitness experts refer to as conditioning. Before, it would sometimes take me up to 3 days for muscle soreness to subside, probably delaying the growth process. Now, I'm beginning to suspect that muscle soreness( though a good indication that you've worked out intensely) may have nothing to do with the muscle growth process. And in fact, may just impede it. Training a bodypart with just 1 intense set every 5 days seems to be a superior protocol than what I was doing before. Though I haven't stagnated yet, eventually I'll throw in what Darden calls NTF (not to failure) workouts, (same weight used, but 2 reps shy of failure) when my progress begins to wane. That seems to be a good way to maintain conditioning and strength between workouts, while also allowing for any extra recovery that needs to take place.
   So overall, I'm glad I purchased this book. It sent my training in a direction that it otherwise would not have taken, producing some very positive results. Would I follow Darden's advice to the letter?---Absolutely not! But he does have some valuable insights (derived from years of training experience) that can be of benefit to most bodybuilders and weight-training enthusiasts.



2. I've been reading HIT books and doing it for a while, especially Mike Mentzer's books.The techniques from this book are very strenuous and perhaps over-the-top. I am not saying that the techniques don't work, but only buy this book if you know you will fully commit yourself to training in a systematical way. These techniques require a range certain training exercises where you sometimes need a spotter in order to do them. Buy with caution



3. I bought this book once and read through it and hi-lighted important parts. I went to the gym and implemented my knowledge and ate healthy . I ate lots of red meat and BBQ food. After just 3 months I had a huge difference. No steroids or drugs. Simply hard work and this book and I was really finally getting some where. This book is based off of proven research and test's and is great to begin with and learn everything you will ever need to know. I was amazed at how many people were in the gym wasting their time with bad posture and work outs. I passed many of them in size, strength and endurance in only 3 months and they had been at it for many more. Plus with the quality of the muscle mass I could out perform often bigger weight lifters with my more quality muscle mass. I passed it on to some one else. This book is effective and will get you results and keep you from getting frustrated because you wont waste your time and you will see results fairly soon . Keep a log containing dates, excercise, reps, and weight and see how you go up in weight in only a few weeks. If you can agree that gorilla's are strong than you can see where Ellington got his data from. It simply works and is all you need to know . I bought it again and may give this copy to a dedicated person who could use it . I really liked this book .



4. You want me to review a book I have YET TO RECEIVE, it takes 2-6 business days to get my book, today is the 6th day and I checked my mail - no books. I bought 3 books (each book from a different amazon seller), so far I have one book which I received promptly and paid 1 penny for but THIS BOOK - which cost me $7.50 has yet to show up, much less the other book from another seller for .99. They took my money, the order is complete and there is NO FED EX DELIVERY EMAIL OR ACTIVITY OF ANY KIND, but all 3 orders show COMPLETE, according to Amazon rules, I have to wait until 04/11 (5 days after final due date) to contact the seller and either get my book or a refund, so be it. I want a refund for the full amount and I'll try buying this same book from someone else on amazon...complete waste of my time! Maybe its a good book, I'll never know. It's not about the money, its about the time I've wasted when I have other things to be concerned with. I but things from Amazon all the time, I never have this problem. Do yourself a favor and buy the book from someone else.



5. I don't know how long ago I bought this book, but I forgot about it, and recently I saw an article about Dorian Yates in a magazine and he was talking about how he adapted his style from Mike Mentzer. So, I was looking for a Mike Mentzer book at the store when I remembered I had bought this one and that it must be somewhere mixed in with all my other books. So, I wetn home and found it.
   
   Much of the book just seems to be Darden's biased opinions: his love of Arthur Jones, his bashing of Arnold and the Mentzers, etc. If you want a book that just talks about HIT training, then you don't want this one. It's not worth the money. You can learn just as much about HIT training by asking on any messageboard that discusses bodybuilding.

5 comments about The Workout Log.

1. This is a great tool for anyone that wants to monitor their weight lifting progress. This would not be a good tool for someone doing cardio or other aerobic type of exercise. The pages are easy to track your progress, there's space to write your specific workout activity, and you can quickly mark the day, date, and time of workouts. Each page has a section for daily weight, workout level (was it a fair, good, great, or poor workout), number of reps, and sets.
   
   What I really like about this book is the pages are thick and sturdy. You can throw it on the gym floor, keep it in your gym bag, and it will withstand the punishment. It's been a simple and effective tool for me and as soon as I fill this one up, I plan on buying another one!



2. I must keep track of my workouts in order to track my progress. I have always just used a little notebook to write them out, but this book is great. It is designed very practically for the serious minded exerciser. It is not meant for cardio only, it is definitely for weightlifting.



3. This journal is perfect for a bodybuilder. Plenty of room for high volume training; bodypart measurment log; goal setting. This is not a general fitness journal. There are no pages specifc to diet or cardio and there is minimal room for notes. Enjoy.



4. I've been using this journal for about a month and I love it. It's so easy to use and has plenty of room to write notes.



5. This book is great. It's the right size,is durable,and has plenty of space to write your exercise, the reps and the weight. Having this journal keeps me on track and because there's so many pages. It allows you can go back and check either your progress or what you've done at the gym over the last year or so.

5 comments about Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Running, Second Edition, (Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Running).

1. After i finished reading this book, i put it in the front of my collection of running books. This is the most functional and practical book i have ever seen on strength training for runners. the tips on how to weight train for muscular endurance are priceless as i'm beginning to see with my longer distances and lower times. this book has earned my recommendation.



2. I'm a multi sport athlete who trains all year round regardless of what sport I play. I bought a few of these Ultimate Guide to Weight Training books, and they definitely helped me train specifically for the different sports that I play. Then about a year later I received an email from amazon that there was a new edition out. These upgraded editions are even better than the originals, with more articles and a lot more sport-specific information. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who plays a lot of sports or wants to specifically focus on training for one sport in particular.



3. This is not a book on weight training for running - it's just a book on generic weight training. There are two articles in the book on running but are not related to the premise of the book.
   
   I also bought the swimming version. Amazing they're so similar...feel as thought I've fallen into some marketing trap in buying this book.
   
   Would not purchase again. Would recommend Daniel's Running Formula. Feel as though Daniel's Running Formula is on running and this author has experience with such.



4. My husband has motivation to workout everyday and requested a book for Christmas that would help him get faster running and do the right kind of weights before a race and when he is not in the race mode and this book was an answer to his prayers because it has all the right formulas for what he was looking for. EXCELLENT BOOK!!!



5. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3JAJG1ZUMF524

5 comments about 101 Ways to Work Out with Weights: Effective Exercises to Sculpt Your Body and Burn Fat!.

1. I love the color illustrations, and the specific instructions on how to perform each exercise just below the pictures. With the other books I've tried, I have to constantly flip to a different page to read how to do the exercise correctly.
   
   I really like the section that is broken down into specific exercises depending on how much time you have. While I thought some of the exercises labeled as 'beginner' were more intermediate or advanced, and vice versa, overall, I think it's an excellent book and I use it often.



2. Wow! I have been working out with dumbells off and on for 25 years. In the past, I relied on Joyce Vedral. Now I find myself with 75 pounds of extra weight from 4 pregnancies and over indulging, so I am back to weights and cardio. It has been a very difficult journey to find a new updated book that has strictly dumbell exercises. I just completed my second workout and I am so thrilled that I purchased this book (based on other reviews). The author has done a great job on creating a book that is easy to follow with good instructions and photos. The glossy pages are a must for workout books as well - thank you! The exercises are clearly numbered at the top corner so they are easy to find. She also gives several workout options for body parts as well as body types so that I can fit in any workout I want, follow it easily and get it done in a reasonable amount of time. As an OTR, I also appreciate the movements that not only required strength but balance, as this diminishes with age. I applaud the author and would highly recommend this book to anyone who exercises with dumbells and to all fitness levels.



3. I liked this book. Never would believe this fitness pro was ever 40 pounds overweight, she looks perfect. Nice photos of proper form. Moves I never would have considered. A good sturdy bench is also a good addition to utilize this book's moves. Gave that persoanl trainer type instruction on form that I needed.



4. This book is really great. There are a ton of exercises broken down by body part that can perform in the privacy of your own home with very minimal equipment. It is clear, concise, informative and very well illustrated. I definitely recommend it.



5. I LOVE this book! It gives so many different workout options. I have never seen so many good ideas incorporated into one exercise book. It even gives recipe ideas for healthy eating. The illustrations are very helpful and it is very easy to interpret how to do each exercise correctly. I'm just a beginner but this is the right tool for advancing.

5 comments about Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff.

1. Having suffered with three broken shoulders with arthritus in them, I highly recommend this book for people with shoulder problems. The book gives you an understanding of the shoulder area and some really good exercises to help you stretch and strengthen your shoulder muscles. The exercises are easy to do and don't require a lot of expensive equipment to perform them. As my chirpractor and I agree, if you don't use it, you loose it.
   
   Another book to consider purchasing along with this one is "The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook" by Clair and Amber Davies, which is a tremendous resource for people in pain. Stretchening and strengthening your muscles, without first dealing with the knots (trigger points) in them can cause more pain. After having tried many natural remedies for my shoulder pain, I've found this trigger point program coupled with the shoulder exercises works best for dealing with pain. Glucosamine while it helped, did not totally alleviate the pain. Magnet therapy helped for awhile, but eventually made the pain worse. Chiropractic treatments, which used trigger point therapy worked for a time, but then my knots would return and cause pain. I didn't know the importance of at least six times a day massaging your central trigger points until the knots are gone.
   
   "The Trigger Point Therapy Wookbook" has excellent information on the muscles. It also has excellent charts which help you locate specific trigger point (knots in your muscles) which cause pain. It tells you how to message those painful areas to get rid of the knots in your muscles. While the information is thorough, it is written for the lay person in an understandable way.
   
   I also highly recommend a Thera Cane, which is like having very long, totally mobile arms, which enable you to message hard to reach trigger points. These three excellent products work together for effectice pain relief. While these two books and Thera Cane may seem expensive, they are much cheaper than repeated Chiropractic visits.



2. I found Jim Johnson's book to contain an amazing amount of information in a relatively short read. There are several very good reviews that detail what he covers in this book so I'll stick to points not covered by the other reviews.
   
   First, yes, it is a small book. This is actually a bonus because he covers the pertinant material thoroughly but keeps the book to a size easily read in one sitting. This is important when you are looking for answers and not a lengthy read. I found illustrations and the text were all useful - there is no filler or fluff in this book.
   
   Second - the stretches and exercises are explained in detail so you can be comfortable with the knowledge you are doing it right. So, as you follow one of the 3 programs laid out, you can refer back to the detailed descriptions and illustration as needed. If you are a picture person and not a verbal person, this is priceless to have on hand.
   
   Third - the information on how to distinguish the different types of injuries and how to approach rehabilitation gave me insight to what was going on with my own injury that no professional I had taken this problem to have ever bothered to explain. Again, illustrations were to the point and provided clarity that words can't always deliver.
   
   Last, I have sought medical advice with my shoulder problems off and on for years yet this book gave me more information in a 30 minute read than I had gotten in any consultation. This book is priced around $30 retail and that is far less than a doctor or physio visit.
   
   Note that I am *NOT* saying to skip seeking medical advice, I am saying that this book gives you a ready reference to supplement your knowledge and to keep on hand while treating your injury. If you are like me, the shoulder problems you have will quite possibly reoccur as time goes by and you either quit doing the exercises and revert to bad habits or if you find a new way to injure yourself. So, having this book handy for reference is far more economical the returning to the doctor over and over again.



3. Just the information needed to help you and not more! That's "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff." Johnson writes clearly for the non-medical-professional, so you'll understand his message easily and get started right away (today).
   
   About six months ago, I fell. A perfect four-point landing, I thought at the time, but it turned out to be more, much more. Within a month I began having trouble pulling a shirt on over my head. Then shoulder and arm pain settled in full time.
   
   I decided to forego conventional medical treatment (for example, shots and surgery), and the pain continued. In fact, it not only continued, but grew so much worse that I considered revising my decision about the shots. However, finding this book and reading the glowing recommendations for it, I decided giving managing the problem on my own one last try.
   
   Of course, getting the book did not solve the problem by itself. I had to use the information to stretch and exercise. So I did, and, sure enough, after a couple of weeks I saw both improved range of motion and less pain.
   
   The stretches and exercises are not necessarily pleasant, but the results make it worth the effort.
   
   If you have rotator cuff pain, get this book. Regardless of whether you decide on conventional solutions to the problem, you'll need the stretches and exercises to regain full range of motion. Stick with the program. It works!
   
   Highly recommended.



4. After two weeks of following the exercises in this book, I made more progress than six weeks of PT. I like this book because not only does the author explain what to do, he also explains WHY.



5. I was very impressed with this book as soon as I thumbed through it. The first section has diagrams and definitions of the shoulder. The anatomy and physiology are explained in grade school terms. (this is very helpful to people that are in so much pain that they can't think straight)
   
   I have just had rotator cuff surgery and have been through physical therapy several times for rotator cuff problems. The exercises are identical to some of the exercises that the physical therapists teach us.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone with rotator cuff problems, however, if your symptoms are not improving you will need to get an MRI to determine if you have tears or bone spurs.

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

1. This book has some interesting facts about lifting weights, but all of the information is not entirely credible. Most of the nutrition advice is sound, but the authors view on say, potatoes is not a proven fact. The premise of using primarily if not all compound movements is correct, but the workouts designed in this book are poor. Some exercises in here should be avoided. For instance, the quarter squat fails to take into consideration biomechanics of the leg musculature by putting undue stress on the knees and excess pressure on the spine. The workouts fail to take into account the adaption level of an individual and many of them look as if they would produce overtraining (this causes you to get WEAKER) in anyone but an advanced lifter. The standard scale of novice, intermediate and advanced lifters in the book are also incorrect, and fail to base these groups on anymore than the amount of time an individual has been lifting. These levels of experience should be based on adaption level, not strength or time lifted.
   
   I would highly recommend that anyone who is interesting in a serious, efficient and CORRECT training program to skip this book and get Starting Strength, and Practical Programming for Strength Training by Mark Rippetoe and Lon Kilgore. These books provide the detailed information on technique and everything else that this common lifting books fail to provide.



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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.



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

1. I should preface this review by stating that I have not actually tried the workouts yet, I've just read it from cover to cover. I was shocked at the amount of information that blatantly conflicts with everything we women have been fed by women's fitness magazines (such as Self, Shape, Fitness, etc). I was one of those women starving myself on a 1600 calorie diet AND trying to build muscle (not gonna happen according to the authors.) I was losing weight, sure, but eating far too little protein and lifting far too little weight. And killing yourself with an hour of cardio everyday is completely blasted in this book, all backed up with scientific research on why that is a waste of your time.
   
   All in all, I think this book is full of very useful information and I cannot wait to put the program in place. This book urges women to ditch the Barbie dumbbells and start working out like you mean it. I think that's a great thing. :)



2. 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!



3. 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.



4. 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



5. 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!