Customer Reviews

Now or Never: Keep Your Body Young, Fit and Firm with the Weight Training Program That Works Even as You Age

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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Also one of the first book I added to my now extensive collection of strength training/ body-building/ weight lifting/ fitness references. She is a very inspiring author and the before and after photos (especially of herself) are worth a thousand words. I have changed my weight lifting routine countless times over the past 14 years and this routine is by far the one I use most. It gives proven results and keeps me from "plateauing".

I believe those who would enjoy it most are those who are ready for training that packs a wallop! I thought I was fairly strong (for a middle-aged female) before I started on this weight training program. I was surprised at the increase in strength this program gave me. I now use fairly heavy weights (no I can't quite bench press my weight...YET!), but it keeps the compliments coming. What a great feeling to have total strangers comment on your great (and still feminine) muscles and ask you WHERE you work out (not DO you work out?)! This book really kicks up muscle tone and strength by leaps and bounds! You just need to make the time commitment to do this for yourself.

If you would rather not work with somewhat heavier weights, Joyce Vedral's "Bottom's Up" and "Definition" books would be a better bet.

I recently started weightlifing as my primary sport. In the past, I had only strength trained as part of a conditioning regimen for other sports (basketball, rowing, volleyball). At age 35, I decided to start working out again, with the focus on my shape and muscle size and tone. Of all the books I looked at to start my workout regime with, I chose this one. Dr. Vedral covers all of the angles -- diet, motivation, what exercises to do, how to do them (with pictures!), how to do them at home or at the gym, how often to do them, and when to fit in your cardio workouts. It is clear that she knows her stuff, and from her photos, it works. I also have Dr. Vedral's 12-minute workout, which I had pretty good results with. My goal - to look as good as Dr. Vedral! (I have a ways to go....)

Joyce's program works because I've been doing it. Make sure you do exactly how she has it laid out. The only thing you really need to have to do the program is MOTIVATION. Without the motivation, you won't get any results. If you've dreamed about being trim, toned, and looking great, this is the program for you. You will not be disappointed

I was looking for a program that requires only dumb-bells, but this one uses dumb-bells, bar-bells, a few kinds of benches, and other equipment. Since I don't have a home gym or access to a commercial gym, this book has not been useful for me. But it looks very good for someone who has the proper equipment and wants to use very heavy weights.

Excellent! While I don't agree with everything she says, this is by far one of the better books on women's fitness out there. Here's why:

1. A realistic time frame. Too many books out there make empty promises like 'lose 20 pounds in two weeks!' or some other nonsense such as, 'eat anything you want and you'll have the perfect bod', etc. etc. Not with this book. Dr. Vedral sets a realistic time frame - one year. Which is great! Not only is it realistic, it gives the reader TIME to adjust to a new routine, especially if you've never worked out with weights before, or haven't exercised in a while. Which is as it should be. Real, lasting change takes TIME. It doesn't happen overnight people, no matter what the trainers on the 'Biggest Loser' say!

2. She outlines the equipment used, and has a program for those who belong to a gym, and those who don't. There's no guesswork here - she specifies EXACTLY how many reps, sets, weight, etc. And she also explains common weight lifting terms as well.

3. This program IS tough. 3 sets of varying reps with increasing weight. Yeah. I concur with one reviewer in that you may not want to start out at 3 sets. Perhaps start out with one or two and work your way up. Or see how much you can do the first time, and go up gradually from there. Or, check out her other books - Bottoms Up for instance, isn't as intense. There are plenty of previews on Amazon ^^

4. Before and after photos- great motivation!

5. Realistic eating plan - 1800 calories, that's fabulous! Plus it makes sense, as you're working harder than usual, you'll need extra fuel for energy.

6. Very clear instruction on the exercises; she definitely knows what she's talking about in regards to correct form. The pictures are very helpful.


The only thing I disagree with is the 'bombing techniques', or rather the 'training to failure' technique. I agree with Bill Pearl on this, in that it can actually be counter productive (see his book, 'Getting Stronger' for more info). Some techniques on 'bombing' certain body parts are pretty advanced. So do exercise caution when using these. Though, in fairness, she recommends these techniques only after you've been working out a few months. Still, do be careful!

All in all, though, I do recommend this. don't let it be the ONLY book on women's fitness, however; Books by Denise Austin (wonderful!), Margeret Richard (HIGHLY recommended!) as well as Bill Pearl (he wrote the book on bodybuilding, seriously...) are excellent as well so you can make informed decisions on fitness and nutrition.

I'm going to have to check out her 'Bottoms up' book next :)

I've read various books on weight training and this one is by far the best. It is easy to follow and understand and it works!

I bought this book many years ago and I still refer to it. it really gives you good information on how to make lifting weights part of your life. I recommend this book.