Customer Reviews

Great Expectations: Health Fitness Leanness Without Suffering

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Clarence Bass is 70 years old, but has the body of a 25-year-old. In this book, he explains in easy-to-understand terms both the broad principles and the specific practices that he follows in his diet and exercise plans to achieve these impressive results. One might imagine that to achieve these results, the author must devote hours a day to his exercise and must follow an extreme and unpleasant diet. Wrong! To the contrary, Clarence Bass has discovered through the years how to get the most benefit from the least amount of exercise by focusing on efficiency and intensity in his routines. As for his diet, he emphasizes unprocessed foods but, by his own admission, he only eats foods that he likes. Like most of us, he enjoys his eating; unlike most of us, he has figured out how to eat a lot of food every day without consuming excessive calories. Among the many features that distinguish this book from the hundreds of diet and exercise books on the market is that Clarence Bass closely follows the increasingly voluminous literature in the field of exercise science. His recommendations are based on current research in the field, not on gimmicks, fads or his own biases. He does a wonderful job of summarizing the most pertinent scientific research and presenting it in a way that is both useful and understandable for the lay person. Finally, he does not ignore the psychological side of training. He has a number of chapters that focus on psychology and the role of motivation in training. His words are truly inspirational, but just as important, his advice is accessible and practical. Whether you are an experienced athlete or a couch potato, I guarantee that there is something significant (indeed, many things!) that you will learn from this book.

First off, I am a huge Clarence Bass fan. I have been reading his work since I started working out in 1980 at age 14.I agree wholeheartedly with him that the way to lifetime leanness is eating only unprocessed food in it's natural state. I disagree with Mr. Bass primarily on what constitutes an unprocessed food.He considers grains,tofu and yogurt unprocessed foods whereas I consider anything other than meats, fruits, nuts and vegetables to be processed foods. However Mr. Bass has personalized a nutritional program based on his unique palate that definitely works for him. I am somewhat disappointed at his latest offering titled Great Expectations for a number of reasons.For one I am a Health and PE teacher for middle school kids. I occasionally pull from his work to use in my classes. I could have done without the nude cover. I don't feel like explaining to parents why I am having them read material with a nude 70 year old man on the cover. I know why he did it I just with he hadn't. Because now I can't use it. Secondly, his previous work titled Challenge Yourself set such a high standard in terms of technical weight training and general fitness information that others would be difficult to match. With Challenge Yourself it seemed as though he had so much new material that it barely fit in the book. With Great Expectations it seemed as though he wrote a book to showcase his physique at 70.On a positive note with all of Clarence's books we see an evolution of his training(weights and cardio) based on recently acquired knowledge, injuries, or personal discoveries. Great Expectations is no different and it that regard it is excellent. It seems that throughout all of his writings he was searching for the precise number of weight training and cardio days per week to allow for both optimal growth and recovery. In Great Expectations he reveals what most of us seasoned trainers have discovered but most novices have yet to figure out:legs take longer to recover than upper body. He incorporates this beautifully into a program that calls for one full body workout a week and one upper body only workout 3 days later. Perhaps I am being too harsh. Challenge Yourself was his finest work ever and perhaps I am comparing all of his works to that book. Much in the same way all of Quinton Tarentino's movies will forever be compared to Pulp Fiction, all of Clarence Bass' books will forever be compared to Challenge Yourself.

This is not just a book for bodybuilders, weight-trainers, or serious fitness buffs, though it is that and more. Clarence Bass' Great Expectations is a fitness and nutrition book that people at any level of participation can benefit from. This book has some great programs and eating plans that will help you. More than that, Clarence Bass will show you how to structure an eating plan (not a diet!) that will help you achieve your goals without straining and suffering.
Bass, a longtime bodybuilder, fitness athlete and writer, is one of the most articulate, knowledgeable, not to mention passionate, writers and practitioners in the field. Known for his "ripped" look, the extremely low-bodyfat lean look that he made his trademark look as a competitive bodybuilder, Bass is much more than a bodybuilder.
The author of several books, Bass, now 70 years old, shows how you can keep progressing in fitness--whatever your activity--as you go along in years. The results he has achieved for himself are astounding. And despite the reality that most people are not going to accomplish what Bass has, nor are they going to look like him, if you search into the heart of this book, you will find the secret that will let you be your best: it is encouragement. Encouragement, if not inspiration, to find your path in the many ways of successful fitness and nutrition practice that will work for you because it will become yours, you will make it your own.
Bass details extensive sections on his lowfat nutritional approach and his condensed exercise program of weight-training and aerobics that can be fitted to almost anyone of any age for personal improvement. An excellent book.

For 20 years I've bought the books of Clarence Bass. You'll find him to be a source of sound advice. He is always on the leading edge but always avoids the hype and fads you will find in many books and publications. I'm writing this in appreciation of all that Clarence Bass's books have done over the years to inspire and inform me. If you have not read any of his books, buy Challenge Yourself At Any Age then buy his current book. If you go to www.cbass.com you'll get some idea of the breadth and depth of his knowledge. Clarence, I've never come close to complying with your recommendations but in pursuit of your vision I've outlived my father by 21 years. Thank you.

I love the books that Clarence writes and refer back to them again and again, although in my opinion this is not his best book that award would have to go to 'Challenge Yourself'. This book is full of practical, no nonsense advice on how to get fit and lean while remaining healthy, and how to carry on doing so into an advanced age.
My only regret with Clarence is that I didn't buy his earlier works sooner, mistakenly thinking they would be dated. It is true he has continued to refine his product, but their are still some gems of info to be got from the 'Ripped and Lean Advantage books'.

At seventy years of age, Clarence Bass continues to set and achieve physical goals that would challenge many people half or even a third his age. It's the challenge that Bass enjoys and has kept him training for all these decades. "Great Expectations" is his newest book, and in it he shares wisdom that he has gained not only through study of fitness and health, but by applying his study to his own life and using his body as an experiment in health, fitness and longevity.

One of the things I particularly like about Clarence is his complete honesty and willingness to share not only his triumphs but his difficulties as well. I thought it was courageous to discuss his medical conditions with such blunt honesty and openness. Learning about how he underwent hip replacement, and reading about his tale of the catheter where enlightening in that while I hope I never have to undergo either, I recognize that as we age we all will face different health concerns and knowing that by keeping ourselves in good physical condition we can better cope and overcome these difficulties. Clarence's telling of how he overcame his medical difficulties, including showing the scar from him hip replacement on the cover of the book, will undoubtedly encourage others to overcome and triumph over their own difficulties regardless of their age.

Another thing I really like about all of Clarence's books, this one included, is that he not only shares resources, but the practical ways he incorporates his research into his training and lifestyle and then encourages the reader to make healthy training and eating their own. Not to copy exactly what he does, but to take the principles that he teaches and make the training and eating habits that will ensure your own success. I also enjoy the stores and examples he shared by others, especially Dan Sawyer's advice in the last chapter.

It is also interesting to see how Clarence's training has changed over the years. This is a natural progression. As all of us age and go through different periods regarding our physical goals, our training will change as well. I really like that Clarence writes about what he does, and why; what he has changed, and why.

Here is a little of what you will learn in this book:

Chapter 1: Great Expectations. Learn about attitude, expectations, and the competitive edge among other mental elements of training.

Chapter 2: Overcoming. This is the chapter where Clarence tells of his medical problems. He shares his stories and experiences so that you can learn that your fitness level will impact your outcome, you can learn that you are in charge, and that the ultimate responsibility to help yourself resides with you.

Chapter 3: Take It Off, Keep It Off. Learn about metabolism, exercise, fat loss and eating.

Chapter 4: Exercise for Life. Learn about exercise including strength training and aerobic exercise.

Chapter 5: About Training. This chapter covers concepts such as overload and rest, training frequency, slow lifting, balance and more.

Chapter 6: About Diet (Not Dieting). An excellent overview of healthy eating. I also like how Clarence tells you things that he eats and why. The section on every meal counting is also very important to know.

Chapter 7: Eating for the Peak. Throughout the years, photos of Clarence at his peaks have been extremely motivating. The photos of him at 70 still inspire. Many half or even a third his age would like to look that good. In this chapter he explains how he prepares for peaking.

Chapter 8: Training for the Peak. Bass continues with his advice on peaking by sharing how he trains for peaking as well.

Chapter 9: Motivation and Change. Clarence says you should plan for success and start with motivation. Good chapter with advice not only from Clarence but some great words from Dan Sawyer as well to help you get and stay motivated toward healthy living.

"Great Expectations" is an excellent addition to anyone's health and fitness bookshelf. It is motivating and informative. In fact, if you only had room for a few health and fitness books, Clarence's "Lean For Life," "Challenge Yourself," and "Great Expectation" should be on the short list. These three books together provide such a wealth of information and are extremely motivating to see how Clarence and his wife Carol have lived these principles and the success they have achieved because of their healthy lifestyle.

On pages 145-146, Clarence states that some people in their 20s didn't relate to his writings in Muscle & Fitness back in the 80s, but now that he is older and they are in their 40s, they relate to his message more. Perhaps they can follow in his footsteps by benefiting from his methods and example. Personally, I always enjoyed his columns in M&F back then. But now in my 40s, I relate even more to the messages in his last three books - the ones I mentioned above. And yes, I will use some of his methods and use him as an example to live healthy for the next three decades. And then, when I'm in my 70s, I'll read about how Clarence continued to train till 100 to motivate me to train another 30 years.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of Hard-Won Wisdom From The School of Hard Knocks.

I have read numerous exercise/diet books but GE is a giant among them. Even though GE adds to Bass's previous books - all of them gems - it provides simplified easy to apply recommendations to get the most from your diet and exercise.

I would venture to say that this book by itself could very well provide every concept you need to improve your physique and health.

I consider Mr. Bass a national treasure. At 75 he is in better shape than 99.9% of the world's population. And he is no point headed college professor talking from an ivory tower. he talks the talk because he walks the walk.

Everything he talks about in the book - and all of his books - is backed by solid scientific research. But he is no dogmatist. He'll allow you to deviate from the golden path if it will make you do anything to improve yourself. But at the end of the day, his system is the shortest and most effective path to success.

He is candid and open enough to describe his health problems - none related to the application of his system. After all, we are all mortal and vulnerable.

But the way he's worked back from these problems, is a source of inspiration to all of us. It's a lesson that we most never give up, we must always fight and good things will be our reward.

I highly recommend this book.

Clarence Bass tells it like it is. There are very few writers in the strength-training/health & fitness venue that don't have
an axe to grind. They each are so sure that their way is the ONLY way that one never gets the total picture regarding
what this discipline is all about. Clarence, on the other hand, takes a look back at almost six decades of training, com-
petition and "non'aging" (more about that later)with a thoughtful, open and unbiased mind and talks to you as if he really
cares. Which he does. It is almost like having a big brother looking over your shoulder, one with a scientist's analytical
mind, who is determined to share what works and help you avoid what does not -- and what might even be counter-productive.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS is written in a concise, well-organized manner, but with just enough human warmth that it is nothing at all
like reading a text. But it most certainly could be USED as a text! It is a book I KNOW I will be repeatedly referring back to through-
out the rest of my weight-training years (by the way, I keep mentioning "strength" and "training" but it is equally informative
and wise -- and honest -- concerning optimal nutrition).

About the non-aging issue: Clarence Bass is like no other 70+ "senior citizen" you will ever meet or read about. His defined muscularity and fitness level are legendary in the iron game. Just go to his website ([...]) and look at his pictures.
My guess is that if Dr. Oz were to ever do an estimate on CLARENCE'S biological age, as he does with so many of his television
guests, that it would be twenty-something; and that remarkable youthfulness is no happy accident or the product of genetics.
It is the planned-for, well thougt-out result of six decades of applying an honest, scientific mind to a specific goal -- and
we are allowed in on everything he's learned!

Clarence is one tough guy and a great inspiration to the rest of us out there who try to stick with our workout routines as the years go by. Keep it up Clarence!

Excellent book.
He does not blabber on and get's straight to the
point.