Changed the way I train forever.
595345
Excellent book. Very well written, wouldn't expect less from Rob.
2533596
I have always been into training for practical strength rather than beach muscles, and this book is phenominal.  The gains I have made since using the advice in this book might not make me look like a gorilla, but being able to do the higher-tiered excersises in this book is beyond gratifying.  The strength benefits are insane, and seeing the shocked look on people's faces when you do a true one-handed pull up never gets old.
2053538
I've had personal coaching from two of the authors, and have used a draft of these practices in my own training for several months. Their approach has changed the way I train for swimming, making each session more productive and enjoyable.

Every practice has a clear purpose, and a set of technique focal points to help keep you mentally engaged. As an adult-onset swimmer, I've learned that I progress much faster when I have a clear goal, and approach that goal with mindful purpose. (As an aside, I've been able to use the focal points during open-water swims to help ward off the panic that I used to get whenever I venutured more than 100m from the shoreline.)

One particularly strong point in the book is how the authors incorporate simple metrics around stroke counts and stroke rate to teach you to "change gears" while swimming. If I need to increase my pace, I can choose between increasing my distance per stroke at the same rate, or  increasing my stroke rate while holding the distance per stroke. I can adjust based on the conditions of the swim, or even based on how I'm feeling to find the "sweet spot" that works for me at the moment. In the chaos of a mass-start swim in triathlon, that flexibility helps a lot.

This is not a how-to-swim book. But if you have a coach or even self-coaching materials, this book makes a great supplement to help you get the most from your training sessions.
3264522
While i purchased this book electronically i still feel a review is in order.  This book has changed my life in so many ways, over the course of the past year i have lost 70+ lbs.  My energy levels are much more consistent and I am able to although difficult balance full time work as a nurse, school, and exercise (5 days a week).  Chronic inflammation in my left shoulder is gone and my body feels better than it did in high school.  Like anything you only get out what you put in, this is not about dieting its about lifestyle change.
1618693
For me this DVD brings back a lot of memories.  In 2002 I moved to the east coast and just happened to take a computer job that was a few doors down from the World Gym where this is filmed.  And I just could not believe the luck - Levrone has been my favorite bodybuilder overall (after Arnold) ever since I started following different pros in magazines like Muscle & Fitness, and I never dreamed I would not only join the gym he owns, but actually get to know him somewhat (he's a really cool, humble guy).  And World Gym is still one of my all-time favorite training environments, too, very raw and basic with a lot of focus on iron and not as much on the fitness dilettantes that fill the marble palaces we train in today (e.g. Lifetime).  Too bad that all good things come to an end, as Kevin moved to Hollywood to pursue acting, and his World Gym is now some kind of facility for boxers or MMA or something.

What really blows me away still is not only his amazing physique with the most perfect proportions I've ever seen (at least by my eye for aesthetics), but he's FREAKING STRONG.  I used to think it was incredible to watch him do 405 on incline bench for 6 reps... but I'd never seen him do 405 for *shoulder press behind the head* (on the Smith machine, but come on, that's unbelievable).  His delts and traps look like a gigantic manta ray or something.

You also see and hear a lot from his co-owners who also prepare his meals for him - plates and plates of meat and veggies that make me hungry every time I watch.  It was very interesting to hear them discuss the expense of the food it takes to be Kevin's size and condition - even when buying in bulk it's quite astonishing.

You may need to set your TV to display this in the old aspect ratio of 4:3 to avoid everything looking too stretched wide.  Other than that, sit back and enjoy - you'll see all the exercises for different areas of the body but the video does move along so it's only one disc of less than 2 hours.  Kevin's band also is featured with many tracks included in the background as he trains.
2935939
I started this program as a skinny fat 50 year old office worker whose future looked to be either in a wheelchair from back pain or needing a full time nurse because I couldn't open jar. After faithfully following this program for the last 5 months, I am stronger than I have ever been, my back pain is mostly gone, and I can actually carry the groceries in from the car without fear.

The biggest physical change in my appearance was to my severely rounded shoulders and poor posture. Both have improved so much that people that didn't know I was exercising commented and said I looked better. I started the program at 160 pounds and probably 30% body fat and I am now 160 pounds and probably 15 - 20% body fat based on some muscle definition.

Like many people, I get bored doing the same thing over and over and my plan is to do Simple and Sinister for 2 weeks followed by Power to the People for 6 weeks for the foreseeable future. This Power to the People is simple enough and works well enough that there's no need to switch and if Sinister doesn't work out for me, I'm sticking with Power.

I wish I had this program and lifted like this 30 - 35 years ago, but at least I see a healthier future for myself and highly recommend it to anyone.
990263
At first glance, my husband and I were a little intimidated by this workout set. Eventhough we were a little nervous we started it anyway. This workout program has changed our lives. We workout several times a week. We've changed our eating regiment, instituted the recipes from the eating plan. I highly recommend the TapOut program. I only gave it four stars because this workout does require all of your energy and discipline. It's hard if you're not committed. My advice is start it and stick to it. Don't give up.  Once you get into the regiment, it's wonderful.
3371721
I had been working out, on and off, for about two and half years prior to finding this book.  I made decent gains, lost 45 lbs, and looked better than I have ever looked before.  I was using the low weight-high rep approach but making minimal gains.  I put myself in a severe caloric deficit and was always low on energy.  I was looking for ways to get stronger in all the wrong places.  Ad filled magazines and conflicting methods of lifting from websites just weren't cutting it anymore so I decided to purchase BLS.

This book is an easy read.  I breezed through it in 2 days.  It's simple, concise, and to the point.  Everything I thought I knew after 2 years of working out went out the window.  I am convinced that if I would've had this book when I started lifting I could've increased my progress substantially.  Mike hits all points, from dieting to cardio, to proper form and technique, to rep ranges, to rest times, to supplements and their deceptive practices, and everything in between.  I am lifting heavier than I ever thought possible.  I travel a lot and it's hard to for me to follow the program a hundred percent of the time but as long as I follow the basic fundamentals, eat right, and stay pretty consistent with the workouts, I make progress.
4070812
After coaching for nearly 10 years, this book changed the way I coach, and the way I think about coaching.
It made me reconsider how to structure the way to run practice, the way to teach skills: pretty much just about everything.
Highly recommend it to anyone coaching just about any level.
4461487
Having used weights for building muscle, I am not new to strength training. In the past I've done pretty much everything, from Smith machines in college, free weights after that, and , as I got older, a Soloflex machine...which, incidentally, made me comfortable with the idea of rubber resistance.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this product but fell for it very quickly. I can do more exercises with this in a short time, with infinitely more variation, than anything I've ever tried before. Best of all, I can take it with me anywhere I go, as evidenced during a recent extended trip to Europe where I didn't have the time or inclination - or reason, thanks to this product - to visit a gym.

The level of resistance is infinitely variable by changing one's stance, increasing or decreasing distance from the attachment point, adding more bands, etc. I can say without any exaggeration that this has built muscle on my male mid-40's 6 foot 2 inch frame, and even better, it has done so without any of the injuries or pain associated with free weights. As someone who prefers to exercise alone, there are practical limits to what I could do with free weights before getting into potentially dangerous situations, and while I like my Soloflex it doesn't provide much variation in terms of angles of resistance. The TNT power cables changed all that.

There really isn't any drawback. The only "caution" I would have is taking the time to learn how to brace yourself against the resistance as it can get mighty strong depending on how many bands and what resistance level you choose. But even this has an advantage as you're involving muscle groups that you would never involve in free weights or in a machine. For example, when doing the equivalent of a bench press, especially with heavy resistance, you have to lean forward and plant a solid foot behind you so you will move the band forward without your moving backward. This is excellent for improving balance, coordination, and involvement of more muscle groups.

I have had no problems with this product after six months of use and have bought several other items from the manufacturer, all of which I am very happy with. Be sure to follow the instructions for how to attach the door  attachment. I haven't had any issues with it, but I can see how someone who didn't bother to read the (very simple) instructions could end up with a bunch of rubber in his or her face. Attach the strap on the hinge side of the door, not over the top or the latch side. That's it.

Too bad this isn't a franchise. if it were, I'd become a franchisee in a heartbeat, that's how impressed I am.
2109805
I have struggled with my weight my whole life. (30yrs male)

I was introduced to this book in November 2011 from a friend of mine that has been loosely following it for a year now. At that time I picked up the book and loosely followed the "slow card diet". I was 225 pounds at the time. From November 2011 to January 2012 I lost 15 pounds. Starting in February I started following the book more strictly and adding the supplements, I am now down to 205 roughly (March 10).  I work out twice a week Tuesday upper body strength training, and Thursdays lower body strength training (1 hr - more time socializing with friends then working out).  I have never looked or felt better. I even partake in the free day, last Saturday I ate a box of doughnuts for breakfast and the $10 Pizza Hut dinner box for dinner. I have suggested this book to a number of people I work with within the last month they have been seeing great results also. I do have to add that it took a good month to see or feel results, But I think it was because at first I wasn't following the diet as closely as he suggest.
1375861
I saw the ad on TV and figured the $20 special price was probably worth it, and I wouldn't lose much if it was a bust.  It's great!!  I had done NO exercise since leaving the Army in early 1995.  I picked this up at age 61, started slow, at my own pace, doing a DVD every other day for about a month.  I started with light dumbbells and the ball and increased the weights as I felt able.  I've been using it now for the past 18 months and its been great.  Don't be intimidated by the trainers, their appearance or pace, just do your own.  No more lower back pain, no panting after going up flights of stairs, shed 25 lbs and it's stayed off, now I'm shooting for another 12-15 lbs over Lent.  If that works out, I'll be at my lowest weight in 30 years!  I like the mix of cardio, strength, abs.  It's also possible to switch them around to account for a constrained time window for exercising.  My only fear is that I may be wearing out the DVDs and will have to replace the set. Definitely a best buy.
4958795
I'm in my early fifties, and I must say, the reality of being fit is not as easy as it once was. It will be again. All I have to learn is that I have to start out small, think tall, and gradually reach over the wall. This book shows you how to do that. Seniors lose their ability to get about, and that starts a long list of mobility related problems.
What used to be strength training for me, was curling 120 pounds. I will start agaain, with 5. Once my tendons, muscles, etc, grow accustomed to the movement, I will add 5 more, and so on.
If you have an aging parent, getting out of a chair gradually becomes an effort. So you start there. Help them to get out of the chair ten times in a row. Then walk them around the house for 12 or 15 minutes, on your arm if need be. Then let them rest. Two days later, do it again. Then gradually increase it. This book shows you how.
I spoke with a woman who had multiple Masters Degrees, and she donated her time at a local Senior center. She remarked that an 88 year old woman came into the center, unable to walk. They started to exercise her. Now she dances the Polka.
Seniors lose it, because they don't use it. Going from the couch to the kitchen, to the bathroom, is not sufficient exercise to build strength, stamina, and cardiovascular benefits.
Some seniors are active. Even they can benefit from this book. No matter what level they acheive, the same rules apply.
What is important is not to rush a program. That leads to overuse, and acute injuries. Inch by inch, anything is a cinch.
With an increase in exercise, comes an increase in appetite, which leads to an increase in the volume of essential nutrients. Success begets success.
See how the elder Okinawans do it, in the book "The Okinawan Program" Many are active tending gardens, and bicycling even after the age of 100. Dispel the myths.
Read "Staying Strong a Seniors Guide to a more Active and Independent Life" and visit your parents, or stay with them more. The will to live, and the will to thrive, comes from the inside, and the outside. Sometimes our ends are thrust on us, and sometimes it comes from simply running out of hope and energy.
Exercise is the single most beneficial health aid we have, and this book, will get you back on track.
I hope this review helps many to take the step. Beginning is half done.
4930862
I really enjoyed this book. It has changed the way I exercise and taught me the importance of resistance training. The best part of the book for me were the circuit training examples, A.B and C. You can use them to build your exercise program. I have built great muscle and  feel very healthy. Its an absolute gem!
1325407
I train quite a bit.  I don't typically run distances longer than 1.5 miles, but I am active with weight lifting, Olympic lifting, CrossFit, and some sports here and there.  I am 29 and have been training my guts out for 16 years.

I used to get shin splints badly and had to quit running NCAA track as a result.  It wasn't until I was graduating college that a friend (a CrossFit trainer before it was popular) recommended these to me.  I never looked back.  Eight years later I still consider these the ultimate, all-around training shoe.

The KMD Sport is the most comfortable Vibram 5-Finger shoe I have owned (among 14 different pairs).  Running, lifting, playing sports, and even lounging around the house is easier and more comfortable in these shoes.  If you like a truly barefoot feel you will love these.  They feel like butter wrapped around your feet.

Additionally, if you're looking for the perfect deadlifting footwear because you can't go barefoot in your gym, look no further!  I would, however, skip these for squat and cleans.  Instead I recommend a dedicated Oly Lifting Shoe such as Adidas.
817666
I started this diet five years ago while stationed in Japan.  I decided the food the Navy was feeding me had two major problems, it was too often and too much.  After a year on the ship I had gained 15 pounds and was facing getting the waist of my dress blue pant let out.

One of the other guys in my shop who was trying to loose weight had bought this book (hard back) and told me to read it.  I realized quickly that it was going to take a life altering change in eating habit to stick with it (eat almost nothing during the day, eat a huge meal at night, but the meal at night has to be eaten in a certain basic order (vegetables first, starches last but room for some variation), but decided to go for it.

Early on, I was famished during the day.  I coped with this by eating excessive amounts of carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes.  Eventually I cut back on these until I ate almost nothing throughout the day.  It was a gradual cutback and was based on my hunger pains.  Additionally, I started to workout twice a week (45 min weights and 30 min cardio each time.  It was the most I could fit in my schedule).  With in a year I had basically no hunger pains at all (though still ate a small portion of fruits/vegetables/nuts on workout days).

After five years, at 6', 170 lbs, and a 29" waist, I'm in better shape than I was in college (I was a slug in college, but a thin slug who started putting on weight later).  Due to my job I occasionally have to eat a social lunch during the day.  When possible I get a salad, if that's not possible I eat light and then eat light in the evening also.  On the down side, I'm no longer use to being lethargic during the day so, when I have to eat lunch I really want to find a place to go take a nap within an hour of eating.  It's amazing how much more energy you have if your body is not spending all it's time digesting food.  Additionally, I found I fall asleep much quicker at night with a full belly.

Good luck to all who try it, but this diet is no different than others in that it requires self discipline.
234309
Before I started i was in great shape .I was doing like 15-20 pull ups
and 75 push ups ,strong legs really fast and my vertical jump was high to .5'9 and 175lb I grabbed basketball rim easily. Well in my big gym I was probably the youngest and most fit guy who everyone was asking advices from well I was bored at the gym doing the same crap and trying to find other way to workout and not get bored and see results. So before I started P insane 90 Extreme P90X,I thought well this is gonna be too easy hahahahahhahahahhahaahhaahahahahhahahahahaahah
not really first workout Chest/back  made vomit ,but I was doing really extreme like the vedio people do 30 push ups I always tried to beat them .So before the workout was done I was sweating like melted Ice Cube .When it was done I'm like thank God ,I was lying on the floor like yes I finished the hardest workout ever when I see, it says Ab Ripper X I'm like F me .So guess what I told myself your a man You can finish this hard and from help of Our Legend Tony he motivates you as usually .let me say this before I go on I had abs that time .So it took me 25 min to finish 15 min Abs routine .My ABs were killing me and sweating like Ice cube but this time I was burning red .I LOVED EVERY SINGLE MOMENT OF IT.I'm like finally something that will burn me out. This is all I'm gonna say "P90X IS NOT FOR EVERYONE PLEASE DON'T BUY THIS IF YOUR NOT UP TO A CHALLENGE,THIS PROGRAM WILL KILL YOU BURN YOU OUT LIKE YOU NEVER BEEN BEFORE ITS LIKE MAGICAL PROGRAM .THIS IS FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO SEE CHANGE OR CHANGE THEIR LIFE'S .SO JUST BUY IT AND 10000000000% YOU WILL SEE RESULTS IF YOU EVEN DON'T FALLOW DIET YOU WILL STILL SEE RESULTS NOT SMALL RESULTS BUT BIG HUGE AND LAST 4 WEEKS ARE THE BEST RESULTS YOU'LL SEE .After I was done with P90x my body was like rock hard ,my girl was calling my rock because every where she touched it was rock hard .This even helped me in sex to longer and harder than ever .So now I'm doing One on One with Mr. Fitness God Tony Horten .
Now my entire family is doing it besides my MOM ,my uncles and dad and cousins dropped their gym memberships to just Do P90X