LL Cool J's Platinum Workout: Sculpt Your Best Body Ever with Hollywood's Fittest Star (Hardcover)

by LL Cool J (Author), Dave Honig (Author), Jeff O'Connell (Author)
Key Phrases: platinum body, seated dumbbell press, workout journal, Platinum Workout, Back Pulldown, Sample Meal Plan Meal (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

LL didn’t always have a diesel body—he chiseled it the old-fashioned way, with hard work and discipline. Here he shares the secrets of his transformation in a uniquely creative, yet no-nonsense regimen—enlivened with humor and sheer force of personality—that will inspire readers to enjoy working out as never before, while building a body they never thought possible. The book offers four levels of fitness, from Bronze to Platinum, including:- a 4-week beginner’s program that takes inches off the waist and boosts energy-a 5-week program for intermediates that increases strength while maintaining muscular and cardiovascular endurance- an advanced 9-week program that turns the body into a muscle-building and fat-burning machine—complete with 6-pack abs and as much energy as LL Cool J- the hardcore 3-week fat-torching program LL used for the "Control Myself" video—a new level in ripped-to-the-bone fitness and sex appeal- a special 4-week "Diamond" program for women seeking to shape up fast for summer or an upcoming event- meal plans and recipes that fuel workouts while burning fat with food

About the Author

LL COOL J (TODD SMITH) is a three-time Grammy-winning rapper, television and movie actor, and best-selling author. With 11 consecutive platinum albums, he is considered one of a select few artists who brought rap music and hip-hop culture from the underground to the mainstream. He previously authored the best-selling I Make My Own Rules. He lives on Long Island, New York.

DAVE "SCOOTER" HONIG is a noted expert in boxing conditioning and has worked with champion athletes and celebrities for many years. He lives in New York City.

JEFF O’CONNELL, executive writer for Men’s Health, recently coauthored The PowerFood Nutrition Plan. He divides his time between New York City and Emmaus, Pennsylvania.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books (December 12, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594866082
• ISBN-13: 978-1594866081
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (84 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #61,686 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

173 of 173 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Emphasizes weight lifting, January 11, 2008

By	George R. - See all my reviews

This is a book to help you get into better shape. While the book covers stretching and cardio exercise to varying degrees, it clearly spends most of its exercise routines having the reader lift weights.

The book intends to accomplish its goal of getting you into better shape by doing it in phases, with each one having different goals (too lengthy to go into here). Phase one is the Bronze phase (5 weeks), then the Silver phase (5 weeks), followed by a Gold phase (9 weeks) and finally ends with the Platinum phase (3 weeks), where the goal is to get a body like LL's. An additional phase, the Diamond phase, is included just for the ladies.

There's a ton of info in here on just about every fitness topic and I really liked that throughout the book, there are these "rap session" sections where LL interviews experts in the fitness field and current information is shared- this is a big plus. LL fans will also like the LL trivia that is scattered throughout the book.

One of the more interesting and informative fitness books on the market, I liked it. Also recommend Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff if you have a bad shoulder that keeps you from lifting weights.

69 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars My personal experience, July 16, 2008

By	Juilan Uribe - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've created a webpage for my own personal experience with LL Cool J's 21 week Platinum workout. It details my experiences, advice, shortcomings, strengths, etc.
concerning this workout plan. Here it is:

http://Mischivis.googlepages.com

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Value for Price, March 19, 2007

By	Jason A. Crawford - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There are three things that I enjoyed about this book:

1. The information provided by real fitness experts
2. The colorful illustrations of each exercise routine
3. The inspirational commentary along with the price


The interviews and expert analysis that LL catalogues in the this book provide excellent

information on how to fine tune your body. The illustration and instruction of each

exercise provides flawless information on which muscles you will be working out while on

that plan. The commentary is over the top as it helps continue to keep you motivated on

your goal and to continue to push yourself to greatness.


There areas I felt the book could improved upon were the following:

1. Provide a workout program for on going maintenance once goal is reached.

2. Provide a pocket size quick reference guide for referencing workout routines, while at

the gym.
3. Provide shorter workout routines for those business folks who only have an hour for daily

workouts.


As the program increases and gets more involved, the demand for time also increases. For an

individual like myself, I am able to go to the gym during my lunch hour as I am usually

press for time in the evenings. Unfortunately the book doesn't provide an alternative. I can't really complain though as I have lost 15lbs in my first 8 weeks.

Overall the book is definitely (4.5 Stars) worth the money for the price. I feel the book provides great information for someone who is new to working out and good reinforcement and reference points for someone who is a gym nut.