Customer Reviews

Basic Training: A Fundamental Guide to Fitness for Men

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
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I have been in the Health and Fitness field for 13 years as a Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer and Health Club Director in NYC. Over the years I have seen many many books on the subjects of How to get in shape, How to build a better body, and How to start a work-out program etc. come over my desk. Jon Giswold's book, Basic Training for Men is head and shoulders above the rest. This book is intelligent and highly readable. It speaks to us as we need to hear the information, clearly and accurately, while anticipating then resoving any questions and excuses before we even hve time to realize they were there. I like this book because it takes you from A (out of shape, unmotivated, lost amongst an onslaught of conflicting information) to Z ( an understanding on how our fitness goals can be achieved with a step by step plan). Jon delivers this book in a way where we don't feel pressured, judged or overwhelmed but nurtured and supported on our journey to our ultimate fitness goals.

The author and photographer here have a sense for the same kind of soft-core male anatomy shot that makes catalogs from major clothing firms sell so well. There are very stylish and polished black-and-white photographs throughout the pages, not necessarily demonstrating the particular exercises, but in those kinds of poses that range from the high art (a chiseled black man standing against a white background holding up a big gray globe, various angles of stretches and the kind, etc.) to the "we're just having fun" shots of men running across a field or other similar photographs. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with these, and there is nothing overtly pornographic about these photographs, just rather titillating and artistically edging toward to the sexual.

This is not a book that is purchased for the exercises per se, as the workouts and nutrition information and other stuff, while basic and good, are not particularly inspired. The inspiring part is the layout, designs and photographs. There are workouts listed that probably make for decent programs, but they don't really have the promise of turning a mid-30s body like mine into the image of the Greek gods in grayscale that adorn these pages. Still, I do find that I am more "inspired" to work out in the hope, going ever more to the unreachable dream, that my physique might be more like theirs.

Still, I like having this book, and hope to purchase their second book. Just for the articles, you know.

I found this book to be down to earth in it's approach to fitness, giving realistic goals to strive for. It offers great information that other fitness books for men have been afraid to touch on. For example educating men on the fact that BREAST CANCER occurs in the male population, and why joining the fad of body piercing may not be the best for ones health. Very informative! I thought it wise to look at this book with an open, intelligent mind and not fixate on a couple of reviews in this forum obviously submitted from narrow minded, pseudo-macho points of view.

I bought this book never having been to a gym, or doing any exercise. If you were the kid in PE that no one picked or find the exercise techniques and terminology confusing, this book is for you.
It also covers skin care and general health concerns. Definitely a book written by a gay man for gay men. It's great.
I started using his basic work out a week ago and already have noticed results. He also encourages you to work out alone if you want and tells you exactly what you need. He gives clear examples of the exercises with pictures.
I'm looking forward to reading his 2nd book!

The great thing about this book is that it reinforces that work and willpower are the keys to getting fit. Throw away your ab-roller and any other retarded gizmos and pick up this book and earn muscle the old fashioned way. I saw results in 2 weeks and used basic common sense that this books advises such as: eating healthy, there is no quick fix, and determination is vital. The pictures are inspiring and artistic. I strive to achieve the realistically fit images of the men in this book.

I found this book to be very helpful. I was looking for an uncomplicated guide to help me restart my fitness routine. I was not into going to the gym after some time away. Basic Training set me up for practical home use and didn't overwhelm me. It is just what I needed. The exercises were great and really well described, the workouts are helping me get into shape without being too complicated, and even the simple diet suggestions helped me reorganize the way I am eating. I was a little surpised at how beautiful this book photographed and designed. It was really artful the way those Abercrombie and Fitch cataloges are now done. It helped me to look at fitness as more of a lifestyle thing than another task that I can fail. Jon Giswold added humor and clarity to areas I am interested in and Morgan's photos are awesome. I want to thank them both for this book. I'm glad that it is in paperback now too, so I can give out for Christmas. Will there be a Basic Training 2 for me when I get to that point? I hope so!

It's true that the main appeal of this book is the photography--beautiful male forms rarely find pleasant depiction. But the fitness information is pretty complete, if biased toward people who are already somewhat in shape. If you already do a bit of exercise or working out (maybe you play Frisbee once a week or you walk to work), this is a good starting point for you--if you are totally not in shape at all, you probably need to wait six months and then consider this program. The nutrition and hygiene/style sections are a bit of an afterthought, so consider getting better resources for those topics. If nothing else, enjoy browing through the photographs of all kinds of men, hirsute or smooth, muscular or skinny, and become inspired to improve who you are.

The day I bought this book I was depressed and fifty pounds overweight. Picking this generously-illustrated volume up off the bookshelf was the first weight I'd lifted in years. But after reading Jon Giswold's inspiring words, I was motivated to start working out regularly at the gym, and eating right(most of the time). Since then, I've lost thirty pounds and gained several inches around my biceps. Thanks Jon, for giving us middle-aged guys more than just that extra inch to pinch!

I found this book to be a very helpful resource. It was easy to understand and follow. The content is designed for both beginner and advanced. Jon does not talk down to his readers nor over your head. He is clear and concise. The diagrams are both easy to follow and pleasant to view. Each section is developed with ease in mind. I have found this book very usefull in starting my training. While not the most athletically inclind, I found the routine that fits best for me and does not tire me out to much. Jon has set up this book to help you work at a comfortable and pleasant pace.

I'm a young, very thin guy with lots of hesitations about going to a big, scary gym. I found this book to be very helpful as a beginning guide to getting in shape, and most of the exercises are free-weight based, so they're relatively easy to do in the privacy of your own home. The book is a realistic intro for the guy who's not looking to get all gross and veiny, but to have an attractive, well-defined physique with a limited time commitment. The sections on mental health and meditation are a little too new agey and superficial.