55 of 56 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best on the Subject!, March 9, 2007
This review is from: The Body Sculpting Bible for Women, Revised Edition: The Way to Physical Perfection (Paperback)
I've been hesitant to purchase these types of books specifically for women, but did so once I saw the great reviews written here.
The great reviews here are well deserved. This is an AMAZING book. THis is the most thorough book I've seen on weight training. This book answered EVERY question that other books left unanswered. In addition, the workouts that are included in here are excellent. Not many books teach you how to alter your workout from day to day, from week to week, and from month to month. This one does.
An avid exerciser, I have been doing these workouts for a week. And, every day, I've been sore. I've felt muscles that I didn't realize I had. I used to weight train 3 days per week and do cardio three days per week. Now I've increased my weight training to six days per week and my cardio to six days per week, also. Each exercise is COMPLETELY explained in a way I've never seen before. If one follows the author's instruction, proper form is guaranteed.
Included are workouts for the absolute beginner, for the not-so-new beginner, for the advanced exerciser, and for those who don't have any body fat to lose, but want to gain muscle. For the advanced exerciser (which is what I'm doing), there are so many variations and routines that can follow you through 6 weeks. After that, you may want to cut your weight training back, or continue along those lines. I work out at home and am able to do these on my well-equipped home gym. Otherwise, I'd have to go to the gym. The basic workouts can be done at home with dumbbells and a bench.
This is my favorite book on this subject. As a matter of fact, I'm going to be taking a break from reading any other books on this subject for awhile. . . since everything I need to know at this time is included here. I may pick up the abs book, too, but that would be only because I'm so impressed with this book. As it is, I currently do the Slim in 6 abs routine six days per week rather than the recommended workout included here. For abs, it's just much easier for me to go along with a dvd.. . keeps the momentum up and the Slim in 6 abs routine is excellent.
Included also is a lot of diet information. It is also excellent, although I've kept to my own eating plan which I'm happy with.
I had the original and recently bought this when I found out the revised edition had come out. THe photos are a little better than in the original, and the layout better. I like the idea of the dvd, but I didn't really find it too helpful. They show the exercises, but it could have been more helpful for new exercisers. I don't think the dvd increases the value of this wonderful book, although I still love the book.
Lastly, the updated supplement section isn't that great. It's okay, but it's not wonderful and isn't that informative. It's written for beginners who may want to buy some supplements and can't decide what to buy and want someone to tell them what they should use. It's not enough information, and it seems a little subjective, rather than objective.
Still, the workouts are just excellent, and the information regarding each exercise is excellent, too. The only other book I've found that is better regarding exercising and working out is Arnold's Bodybuilding Encyclopedia which goes into great detail on each exercise, but doesn't include the type of workout routines I, or other buyers of THIS book need, so would not be for everyone.
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49 of 52 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Truly Excellent Book!, January 23, 2007
This review is from: The Body Sculpting Bible for Women, Revised Edition: The Way to Physical Perfection (Paperback)
I have been working out for many years, but like too many women, I rarely lifted any weights. My workouts consisted of cardio and a few floor exercises. However, when I started learning about all the benefits of weight lifting, such as improved metabolism, better body shape, and added protection against osteoporosis (particularly important for us women) I knew I needed to get started!
When I first got the book, I read through all of the information and while the nutritional information was helpfull, I already had my own system that I follow. I felt like I was in decent enough shape that I decided to skip the two 'beginner's workouts' and got straight into the program. There are two workouts, each 6 weeks long. The first workout is for people who do not have access to gym equipment, and the second is for those who do. I don't have a gym membership so I've been doing the first workout. The workout adjusts every 2 weeks so that your body doesn't get used to it, and then once you've completed the 6th week you start over.
When I first started, I only used 5lb weights, which I was worried would be too light, but I was quite sore the next day. A feeling I've grown to appreciate. I have progressed to the point where I now use 15lb weights, and hope to continue adding weight as I get stronger. I have not gotten "bulky" as women often fear, instead my muscles have simply gotten more toned and defined, and I've noticed my body fat percentage lowering to the point where it's now 19%. I want to eventually reach 15%.
I was originally worried that I would need a lot of equipment that I don't have, but I haven't had a problem. I don't have a weight bench, so I use my couch. Where it instructs you to use a barbell, I just use free weights. Essentially all I use are free weights, and I haven't had a problem. The workout takes me about 30 minutes, 3 times a week. On days when I don't follow this program, I have been doing the Body Sculpting Bible for Abs workout. Also I do cardio after the workouts.
I think this is a great book and I highly recommend!
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must have for anyone who want to get in shape!, May 13, 2007
This review is from: The Body Sculpting Bible for Women, Revised Edition: The Way to Physical Perfection (Paperback)
This book covers it all. It is not only a book filled with exercises and workout routines, it gives you an understanding of exacly what happens when you work out and begin to shape your body. There is also a section on nutrition and the interaction of different foods with your body. There are different workouts routines depending on where you want to be and if you are a beginner or someone who has been exercising regularly.
I just wanted to scult and tone, so I followed that one. The exercises are easy to understand and explained in detail. The DVD also goes over proper technique.
I highly recommend this book for any woman who wishes to get her body in shape.
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