Customer Reviews

Core Performance Women: Burn Fat and Build Lean Muscle

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am a big fan of Mark Verstegen and his Core Performance System. I've read four of his books, and I've even attended a training workshop at his Athletes' Peformance facility. However, I must say that this book is a huge disappointment. For reasons I cannot understand, Verstegen decided to make the nutrition section REALLY long. The nutrition section makes up about 1/3 of the book, and he spends so much time talking about how eating habits have changed from the 70's and 80's, and how we are so dependent on sugar and caffeine. Tell us something we don't already know. This is very disappointing because, in his other books, he kept the nutrition sections short, sweet, and very user friendly.

Out of all of Verstegen's books, I'd suggest "Core Performance Essentials". I found that to be the most user-friendly book. Core Performance Women is a big flop. I'm just thankful that I borrowed this book from my public library instead of purchasing it.

I was very excited about the promise of this book...it is full of information and took a long time to read through all the nutrition chapters until I finally get to the exercises in Chapter 11! Then yes, I figure he was so detailed with the nutrition info that the exercise program would be spelled out in detail too--but there was absolutely no explanation at all about how to read his plan for exercise. Each individual exercise is spelled out although not with good diagrams, just one picture per exercise, which since they are dynamic is not sufficient. But then the whole program really falls apart because he doesn't give you the simplest instruction, like how long to wait between sets, if at all? Or what in the world he means by Do 1 circuit...a circuit of which exercises? The ones that were done in the warm up? And in the same order or what? So disappointing....Maybe I can figure it out by looking at the original book or looking at his website??? Do not bother buying this book, unless you already know the program by having attended one of his gyms, I guess. Blah!

I have been reading and using the Core Performance series for several years now, so I was excited when they came out with a Core Performance tailored to women. I am a aerial silks artist and the exercise routines presented in the series has been the most effective cross-training method I've ever used. The exercises are simple enough to do on your own without a trainer, and they can be done almost anywhere with minimal equipment. The results speak for themselves. The best thing about the Core Performance book is that it presents very advanced concepts in an easy to digest format, they give overviews and charts to follow daily, but they also present a comprehensive explanation into the theory behind the program that provides understanding and inspiration. This is a fantastic book for both serious athletes and those who are serious about losing weight and toning their core.

I was disappointed in this book the moment I opened it because I wanted more exercise information, and less diet information. The title made me think 'oh, core' this is going to be full of excellent exercises for the core!
Sadly mistaken, it's not. Its first 120 pages is about eating/nutrition and diet. I'm sorry, but I'm sick about reading that same old information. I thought I was buying a book about Core EXERCISES; you know, exercising the core.Sadly, less than half the book is about exercises!
Maybe his other Core Performance book is truly exercises for core stability and strength.

I love this book as a trainer the program is awesome and the focus is to gain strength. I feel this book might be too advanced for beginners. If your just starting look for something less technically complicated. Other than that I love the diet advice too they address food in all ways including beverages(alcohol). Also they address when eating out what to order I believe that's an important skill to have in this culture of fast food.

I have been using core performance for about almost a year now. This book has very good information if you want the truth about nutrition. He pretty much spells it out for you and even gives you information about what to eat and what not to eat. This book is life long, meaning... that it is not about diets or just core workouts that you can pick out. e has a plan from beginning to end. It's about a life long change that you are willing to take. The workouts that he starts out with are a little confusing if you are a beginner, but if you take the time to do everything exactly how he says you will see results. I know this book works because I stopped doing it for a little while and felt like I was going back into my same ways "tightness" in hips and lower back. If you are looking to have a life long change, then this is a book to get.

Mark Verstegen's books are full of excellent, can-do information. This one is formatted and illustrated even better than the previous ones, which makes it easier to use and follow.
One caveat: I asked for this book to be shipped by a Florida supplier to a friend who lives in Florida, because I thought it would get there sooner. On the contrary, it took about two weeks for it to get there. I was not able to contact the shipper directly to check on this or follow up. I do not plan to use this supplier again.

I workout with a personal trainer because after two kids my core needs help. Everything in this book is what my trainer has had me do in the gym. I love this book and would recommend for anyone who wants to get their core in shape but doesn't know where to start. Nutrition advice in this book is also key.

I love this book. I really think it's a must have and a great motivational tool. I am a runner and find that when I am sticking with the exercises in the book I have far fewer knee and ITB problems.