Mario Strong: Reflections of a Natural Bodybuilder [Paperback]

Mario Strong (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 20, 2009

The embodiment of personal responsibility, discipline, and commitment to a life built on the foundations of optimal wellbeing and impressive corporal aesthetics. Mario Strong's book, Reflections of a Natural Bodybuilder, tells the story of a man's life, his trials, disappointments and inspiring successes in the pursuit of becoming a champion in the field of bodybuilding, a sport that later had to have "Natural" preface the name to differentiate it from the drugs that came to soften its chiseled and Herculean image. Reflections of a Natural Bodybuilder is a human-interest story about one man's insight into the world of bodybuilding. This compelling book explores how Staten Island bodybuilder Mario Strong implements his passion for natural bodybuilding to achieve his quest of health, strength, and longevity. However, his path towards accomplishing these goals is seen not without obstacles as he chronicles his unique history in a sport filled with nostalgia, hope, humor, ego, deceit, pharmaceuticals, pain, and death. Reflections of a Natural Bodybuilder also features tons of beneficial advice. From muscle-building workouts to fat-loss programs, you will find its in-depth natural bodybuilding guide not only informative, but also entertaining and inspirational as well. This fully illustrated book is a must read for the layman and athlete alike!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mario Strong is one of the most respected and knowledgeable natural for life bodybuilders on the scene today. For decades, his passion for excellence has inspired thousands of bodybuilders to reach their muscle building goals quickly and safely without the use of illicit or unhealthy drugs. Mario Strong is a bodybuilder that practices what he preaches! Since 1976, Mario Strong has been a dedicated proponent of natural muscle building in America. He is a nationally recognized author who has promoted numerous bodybuilding competitions, trained countless natural champions, and has served as judge to World class athletes. Mario Strong has also championed the physique stage and is the founder of the once famed Staten Island Bodybuilding Club. Mario lives in Staten Island, New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 466 pages
• Publisher: MARIO STRONG (August 20, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 061530639X
• ISBN-13: 978-0615306391
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #271,984 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blast From the Past, January 7, 2010

By 

Ray T (NY/NJ USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mario Strong: Reflections of a Natural Bodybuilder (Paperback)

I received the book on Tuesday afternoon and immediately began reading it. By early Wednesday evening, I had finished the book cover to cover. There are several reasons why I was easily able to go through 400+ pages in little over a day.
The biggest reason is the author's writing style. While not complex the words flow very easily when read - so much so that it seems as if you aren't reading the author's words, but instead that he is sitting with you and is verbally telling you his story. His story of family, childhood, ups and downs but most importantly he shares his wealth of knowledge accumulated over four plus decades of first hand experience in the trenches of bodybuilding, nutrition and a healthy way of life.
For full disclosure, I was a member of Mario Strong's Staten Island Bodybuilding Club for several years in the late '70's and early '80's. So, while I was familiar with some of the stories he shared in Volume I as well as some of the author's fundamental positions on nutrition, fitness and overall health and well being, it was of great interest for me to read what I was familiar with for it was nostalgic and/or re-cemented that knowledge. Additionally to be exposed for the first time to some of the experiences of the author's last two decades and what he has fine tuned over that period of time was crystallizing.
However, on the downside - where was the chapter about me? ;-)
To be serious, a must read for anyone at any level of interest in fitness, nutrition and overall health and well-being!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MOTIVATIONAL, INSPIRATIONAL, AND ENLIGHTENING, October 26, 2009

By 

Beach Lady (Longboat Key, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mario Strong: Reflections of a Natural Bodybuilder (Paperback)

I bought this book for my husband as a birthday gift. When it arrived, he opened the package and began to read it. Several hours later, he was still absorbed in its pages and I asked him what was so interesting. He replied, "This book is a story about an underdog who goes against the grain to not only better himself, but the world around him."
When my husband put the book down and left for the gym, I picked it up and began to read. I too found myself absorbed. Reflections of a Natural Bodybuilder is similar to the Rocky Balboa films. It is about one man who challenges the status quo to achieve a quest. This book may not be for everyone. However, for those who can understand its message it is must have. I highly recommend it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars makes you rethink your lifestyles, September 16, 2009

By 

topside (staten island, ny) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mario Strong: Reflections of a Natural Bodybuilder (Paperback)

The book as written, including the family portions, make for a very enjoyable as well as informative read. Mario Strong presents his lifestyle in such a way that it seems like anyone who is really dedicated to change can accomplish their goals. It's also a pleasure that it is an easy read; you don't need to look up fancy terms to understand what he is presenting. For those who are searching for a natural way of living in a sometimes very un-natural world, and not miss out on real daily living, this book is highly recommended.