Simple informative & a great tool for the fitness enthusiast
358238
Very informative book with the right fundamental principles for bodybuilding, fitness, and overall well being. Zack has layed out very detailed information in a simple easy to comprehend manner. Great for all levels of fitness enthusiasts.
4277381
Mike Matthews sets out a really great fitness plan from A to Z: fitness basics, proper form, supplements,  He explains many of the crazy myths and misconceptions surrounding exercise which I thought was pretty great. Additionally, his workout plan and diet are pretty straight forward making it much much easier to sustain over a long period of time! I definitely recommend this book!
2923863
In Brain over Brawn I have FINALLY found a guide to fitness that doesn't make me feel like a loser for not already being fit in the first place!  This book starts at square one and doesn't shame you for not getting to square ten in a week.  Instead, it provides honest, basic and easy-to-understand information on how to make manageable changes for a healthier life - whether you want those changes to be big or small.  And it's a fun read - this is the only fitness book I've ever read that made me laugh out loud and feel like having fun while getting healthy is actually possible. A definite buy for my 73 year-old, recovering-from-heart-surgery father and my 70 year-old arthritic mother - because it can make a difference, even for them.
3244454
This author knows her stuff when it comes to fitness, and I also love her emphasis on being mindful. Consciously focusing on the doing the stretches properly has already made a difference in my back pain! Each stretch is broken down into steps so I feel confident that I'm performing each one correctly. I enjoyed learning how to incorporate some "self-myofascial release" exercises (using a foam roller), something new to me. The "change it up" section will allow me to increase intensity as I gain flexibility. This book has already helped me see how easily I can incorporate stretching into my morning and nighttime routines. Overall, this book is very informative and easy to follow. I would definitely recommend for anyone at any fitness level!
3733524
I picked up Mr. Stefano's book shortly after receiving a back injury which sidelined me for several months.  As a result, I ended up gaining a few extra pounds which I was eager to be rid of.  The book is 8 chapters in under 130 pages, so it's a quick read.  The writing style is direct and to the point, and Mr. Stefano throws in stories from his firefighting career to keep things interesting and stress specific points he's trying to make.  He addresses topics such as cardio vs. strength training, diet and caloric intake, specific exercises, and staying motivated.  The book is directed at beginners, and he gives enough info to be useful, but not enough to overwhelm.  I've been working out using the book's techniques for about 90 days now, and in that time I've lost 15 pounds and made noticeable gains in stamina and strength.  I think 30 minutes a day is a little optimistic on his part, though.  My workouts tend to last closer to an hour, but since I'm achieving measurable results, I don't think that's a bad thing.  If you're willing to dedicate a little time and discipline though, you'll find this book to be a worthwhile purchase.
4197997
I'm a big fan of the ME Workout. No fancy dance moves - just hard work, rest, hard work, rest - RESULTS! But I eagerly awaited the ME Diet information so I could match my eating habits to my benefit for the exercise I was doing. But, reading a book - based on science? I had my doubts - I thought I would be asleep after page one. But I found myself entertained, found the book to be a "page turner", and the information was easy to digest. And what I also learned, just as with the workout being "No fancy dance moves"...the nutrition part really didn't have me doing any "Fancy cooking". This book is a must read for anyone looking to make a change in their bodies, their life, their health and to spend less time in the gym. The book is a guideline to keep for life!
4472599
I added this to my exercise routine a few weeks ago and love the results! Now I'm stretching and toning muscles that my other workouts missed. The diagrams are easy to understand, and I like the variety. And so easy to use -- I just stuck it on the wall (no internet searches necessary) and got started right away. Thanks!
1170581
50 Fitness Tips is a very good personal fitness resource with 50 ideas about fitness, with suggestions and examples for each one, which makes it an easy-to-read and easy-to-follow resource.  I enjoyed the helpful tips and being a behavioral scientist, I really enjoyed when he offered tips that were founded in science and not opinion.  I recommend this book to anybody that needs a good fitness regimen.
2521652
Hello, Very quick/easy read and explains the exercise/nutrition program well. I have had a fitness membership for a few years but never took advantage of it - no program really motivated me till I picked up this book. I was truly motivated to start changing my life when I finished it. And I have. In 3.5 months, I have lost 26 lbs of body fat & gained 16 lbs of muscle - by simply following this book's very simple and effective program - the great thing is - it doesn't take a lot of your time.
I have a very busy job and 2 kids in diapers! Yet I have managed to make this book's program a way of life now. The supplements are purely optional - I only take occasionally. It works just as well by following the food guide laid out in book.. and the author does not overly promote his companies supplements at all.
In only 3.5 months, my life has changed for the better because I purchased this book.. and the great thing is.. it's only begun. It's now my "body for life" program.
Worth every penny and more!
3325767
I love this book great tool to track workout details and macronutrients.
4527722
I appreciate the no-nonsense approach the authors have taken in this book to dispel fitness myths, and provide the readers with actual plans of action with regards to the overall 10,000-foot view to fitness, exercising, and diet selection. As a physical therapist, physician, and 5x Ironman myself, I look forward to applying some of these principles in my daily workouts! Thanks Brett!
4921824
Summary: This book is great! It is simple enough for a beginner to do, but still physically challenging. My only complaint is that the book layout can be a bit confusing, especially the e-book.

I started this workout program a week ago, and I'm really impressed with it. I've been weight lifting with friends for a few months, and felt confident enough to venture into a weight room alone, but not create my own program. Additionally, I've been unhappy with the rate of growth in my glutes compared to my quads. I decided to try this book, because the author is known for his glute workouts.

The workouts are simple, in that they don't require a lot of fancy equipment or skills. The lifts and actions are fairly basic. However, I still find myself challenged by them. You can easily add more intensity by adding weight if the body weight portions are too simple, or increasing your weight on the lifts that call for weight to begin with. If you're looking for a program that doesn't require a lot of knowledge, but is still challenging, this will work for you.

A word on the layout here - if you're reading the ebook you're going to have a tough time because there's a lot of flipping back and forth. The warm ups/routine for each day are laid out on single pages, but actual instruction on how to do each one are on separate pages in the exercise glossary. This can result in a lot of flipping back and forth if you're not familiar with how to do in every exercise beforehand. Reading through each routine and the instructions for each exercise before you start your workout will help with this, but sometimes you will have to flip back and forth to review. The paperback version is much better for this. I was using the Kindle version on my phone when I started, and ordered the paperback version after 2 sessions.

The other thing I like about this book is that it is very supportive of women who are choosing to lift. As women who lift, we often hear disparaging comments about 'looking like a man,' or 'working out too much.' This book not only explains the science behind why women should lift weights (and why we won't end up looking like men), but also commiserates with us for all the crap we get from people around us. The authors really work hard to make women feel supported in our choice to lift weight instead of other forms of exercise. I like that, because I've read other lifting books that are 'for women' but still come off as condescending. Additionally, they are very realistic from the get-go about how much work you have to put in to get the results you want. They don't claim to have a miracle program, and they are up front about the fact that different bodies will respond differently to this program. Ultimately, the only way to get results from this book is hard work, and they are not shy about that.

I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially people who are new to the weight room and don't feel confident putting together their own plans. The book also includes a body weight only routine, so those without access to a weight room can benefit as well. The only reason I took one star off is that the layout was somewhat confusing to start out.
4648642
This book is written thoughtfully and has some great tips in enhancing your figure and planning your workout sessions.
I found it to be a nice, to-the-point brief read. I appreciate how the author lays out exactly what his Do's and Don'ts are for working out and dieting.

I have only begun a workout regime following this book (albeit a little modified to fit my schedule as a new parent), but without a doubt I feel as though if I can follow the author's advice I can acheive gains that he talks about. But don't think of this as any sort of snake oil sell --- his regime and workout/diet details are not for the faint of heart! If you are someone who has never done any sort of fitness routine or diet planning before you may be surprised at how much time and effort is needed to be put into both. Actually, from this book and other sources, it would appear that the diet requires the most effort, far more than lifting.

A few drawbacks I found for people completely new to fitness is that sometimes the book doesnt really detail what a particular exercise is. But the author provides plently of resources (internet links) and even without those it is pretty easy to find videos of each exercise online. But it would have been nice if this was a "one-stop" reference book for a workout regime.

Above all, this author really cares about people getting into shape. His contact information is listed at the end of the book. I e-mailed him with a few questions of mine, not really knowing if I would get a response back or not. A hour or so later I got a long, thoughtful response with answers to all of my questions, and encouragement to ask more. This is alone is worth the price of the book.

I highly recommend this book for those looking to improve their bodies - but don't be afraid of a little hard work!
2680545
This book is a great source for those of us that are looking to take that first step to a healthier lifestyle.  I found the information clear and to the point which is a refreshing change from reading through all the fitness science talk. Nicely done.
1528408
Beautiful Breasts Forever  How to Lift, Firm, Tone & Enlarge Plus Anti-Aging Massage to Prevent Fibrosis & Cancer was a tremendous purchase for my wife!  She was immediately impressed with how easy it was to read and its' contents.  Within the first 10 pages she was inspired to implement the exercises.  It is simple to navigate the e-book. Just one click in the table of contents  and you can get the information you are looking for.  All the tips are numbered so you don't have to search through pages of text to find a particular tip. Exercise, recipes, and massage were the first things she tried, and she has never looked back.  This was an easy read and easy implementation!
1840409
I really am enjoying the book! Having it on Kindle Fire is awesome, because I can refer to it quickly while I'm taking my rest breaks. I gained 8 pounds of muscle without adding fat to my midsection.  I like the fact that it gives you some choices in lifting routines, but not too many choices. With all of the info on the net, one can get confused and overwhelmed.  This book keeps you in check and disciplined in your workouts. Best of all, Mike's advice keeps you from spending all day in the gym. I get my workout finished in 45-60 minutes (while growing)  and other are in there for 2 or 3 hours (looking the same). Lastly, the author follows up with addendums and supplemental materials!

Great Job Mike!
130035
My wife bought this book at the same time I got Mike's Bigger Leaner Stronger and The Shredded Chef.  She was getting back into lifting after a 3-yr layoff for spinal issues, and this book has been the perfect tool for a very positive re-entry.  Regaining lost strength, building functional strength for everyday activities, and firming up were her chief goals, and Mike's clear, concise, and very well-documented information and advice are helping her achieve those goals. She heartily recommends it to everyone - beginner or long-time weightlifter - as a breath of fresh air and a great guide to female fitness....no frills, no fuss, just straight up good information.