Customer Reviews

Ultimate You: A 4-Phase Total Body Makeover for Women Who Want Maximum Results

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Ultimate You" is typically the kind of diet book that turns me off. Any book that is hyped according to doctors or trainers living in glamorous cities usually is a glaring "do not buy" sign for me. Couple that with naturopathic remedies (ie. expensive supplements) and I am usually out the door and on to the next thing. However, I heard an interesting podcast interview with both of the authors online (In the Trenches - Mike Robertson) and my curiosity was piqued.

This book was not what I expected. Inside the covers of this book you will find some of the most cutting edge exercise and nutritional science out there - calibrated specifically for female fat loss - including stubborn fat. I can see three groups of people who would benefit from this book. 1) Trainers who would like to help their clients lose fat as quickly as possible, as well as troubleshoot stubborn cases, and eliminate stubborn fat deposits that otherwise will not budge on otherwise lean women. 2) Any woman who is proactive and action oriented regarding her own fitness and health. This book has everything you need to lose fat the right way. 3) Any peri-menopausal, menopausal, and post menopausal struggling to adjust to the changes in her body. This book has scientific and fact based answers to your problems that you will not find in other books. Everything is simple and easy, and most solutions are exercise, nutrition or lifestyle based.

Are supplements hyped? A little but not in a high pressure or exaggerated way. I think you get the clear sense from the authors that they are using a logical system of elimination. Most people will lose fat following the diet and exercise suggestions alone. Those who need extra help get additional tools to help them. There is not excessive "self diagnosing" of imaginary problems preventing weight loss. This is a good thing.

Lastly, I love that this is a four month program. A 30 day to 6 week program will not get you where you want to go. Serious fat loss and body recomposition takes months, not weeks. This program will take you a good way through the process, adding increasing difficulty every month. Progression and variety are the keys to maintaining steady fat loss.

This is a good book for anyone who may have enjoyedThe Female Body Breakthrough: The Revolutionary Strength-Training Plan for Losing Fat and Getting the Body You Want and The Women's Health Big Book of Exercises: Four Weeks to a Leaner, Sexier, Healthier YOU!

I am finishing the second week of Phase 2 of this nutrition and exercise program and the results are surprising and dramatic. I'm 58 and don't have access to a well equipmed gym or a trainer. After six weeks I have lost inches everywhere. It takes some commitment, but is easy to follow and makes sense because it combines nutrition and exercise that is in every way targeted to help women. It's both understandable and motivating. Nothing about it is a fad. It is challenging, but doable and not boring! It also doesn't require a huge time commitment. I am already stronger, leaner, healthier and happier. This program is exactly what I needed.

After putting on pounds from having babies and a stressful job, this book is just what I needed. It's about fat loss, not weight loss. This plan is easy to follow. I'm eating heathier, feeling stronger, sleeping better, and slimming down. The nutrition plan is not hard to follow, and I'm not feeling hungry all the time like on other plans I've tried. Ultimate You taught me a smarter way to exercise. I'm actually spending less time working out, but getting better results. What more could you want?

I was a little skeptical about this book, but based on other reviews, I decided to give it a try. At 40 years old, I switched careers to one where I was far more sedentary than I ever had been. As a result, I packed on about 25 pounds quickly, going up up two pant sizes. When I realized a third pant size was in my immediate future, I decided I needed to get back on track and negate the effects of my more sedentary lifestyle. I ordered this book and it has since become indispensable to me. It contains no gimmicks nor does it try to sell anything (though it does recommend certain brands by name, which doesn't really bother me), just intelligent and well thought-out chapters about the multiple factors surrounding weight loss and healthy eating. This book explains so much, especially with regard to the role that various hormones and certain foods play, that it quickly helped me redirect my exercise and eating habits to far more efficient ends. The explanations are scientific but well written and the concepts are easily understood. The recipes are great and I really like that they give you the option of using them as a guide or following them to the letter. In addition, I don't feel deprived at all, though I do have trouble letting go and allowing myself the one splurge meal you're allowed per week. The exercises are also very helpful and the majority can be done at home, which is key for me as I currently have no time to get to a gym. With dedication, and with the help of this book, I've since dropped two pant sizes. My current goal is to firm, tone, and maintain, and I have every confidence that this book and the guidelines it sets out (with no small amount of continued dedication and effort on my part) will help me achieve this. The one expense you're likely to incur is buying better, "whole" foods, although your body will thank you and you'll likely spend less on health care down the line as a result. I plan on keeping my copy to refer back to often.

As a Fitness Professional, I know how much BAD INFORMATION there is out there.

Seriously, it's scary how many bad books and products are popular due to effective marketing and misinformation schemes (and infomercials and on and on).

This book is a rare exception. It's is comprehensive, well researched, and easy to use. Buy it now.

Jonathan

I realize I go against the grain here with all those positive reviews, but I'm not at all impressed with this book or the authors. It starts out promising but then gets more and more extreme with restrictions. It is a step program that leads to elimination of many foods considered healty, like 100% whole grain-based carbs, any dairy incl. non-fat, certain fruits and vegetables are restricted, etc. It also promotes carb-cycling, where you eat no carbs at all for 2 or 3 days, then overload on them, just to lose another pound. They also recommend to "take a break from greens for a month, so you won't develop sensitivities to their components", huh? That must be a misprint. Then there is the "splurge meal". I guess, you need it after those restrictions, but this just promotes overeating in my opinion. I don't believe in this type of dieting or any dieting for that matter. If it's not doable long-term it won't work. They say it is, but the program is a quick-fix that you can't maintain forever. It also promotes tons and tons of supplements, which is not what I had in mind. I expected that Dr. Kalanick would be in top shape but watching the video clip shows this is not the case, so this is either not working for her or she doesn't follow it. I also don't believe you need to go to a gym (a must in the 4th step) to be fit. I can get a lot more done at home besides driving to and from a gym is time wasted. I give it 2 stars for explaining chemicals in plastics, the environment, cosmetics, foods and cleaners and the function of the thyroid and how foods affect hormones and hormones affect your body. I also like the section on sweeteners. Other than that, no way would I follow this program.

This is my first book review. Writing is not my strong suit, buy I am having such strong results with these book I just wanted to spread the good word! I am a self confessed book junky, specially in music/composition and fitness/health. I should state that I am a 37 year old man and very much into lifting heavy things and arnold and all things that go along with resistance training and bettering myself in the modern era. I know this book is aimed at women, but I tell you, I love it!

I was over 270lbs with a 47' waist, 53' chest wearing size xxl and 40 in pants just 2 years ago. I am a professional musician and was leading a decidedly unhealthy lifestyle. Staying out to 5 am playing gigs then pigging out on hot wings or bar food. I have Bought a stack of books to my 10 foot ceiling in the these 2 years about weight training, nutrition, supplementation, fat loss, martial arts training, yoga... suffice to say I am a bibliophile. A taught myself music so I thought I would try the same with health. I Well let me tell you, This book is one of my favs and one I constantly refer to.

Its aimed at women but here I am (a hardcore weightlifter who just a year ago was more interested in attaining a 500lb deadlift than my overall holistic health) telling you that yes, men can also expect great results with this book.

I initially got it to train my fiance' ( we are trying to get into the best shape of our lifes for our wedding) But as i read it and starting applying some of its principles to my training, diet, and lifestyle, I starting see results very quickly.

Its got it all, supplementation, workout plans, recovery solutions, dynamic stretching, foam rolling (I have become a foam rolling addict!), post stretching... and more.

Sounds like it could be convoluted,(many books that try to cover so many topics are I have found, which can be daunting) it is not, the info is laid out so concisely and clearly then even a layman like myself can easily follow. It truly gives you the whole holistic picture in one easy to follow book. The Authors (Joe Dowdell and Dr. Brooke Larson) make a power full duo. If you know about Joe, you know there a lot of talk about him training world famous celebs but most do not know he also trains Olympians, pro athletes including MMA athletes, and trains other world class trainers. He uses the latest research to design a workout that gets results fast. Dr Brooke is one of those super smart people that seems to be able to condense things so the rest of us can know exactly what she means and the benefits we can expect. They complement each other very well, world class training and world class nutrition easy to follow and in one book. They dont come across as preachy but rather very friendly and helpful. These people have made it there lifes interest in helping others be at there best and getting results and it shows in the writing and tone of the book.

Now let me tell you about my results! I had gotten down to 205 with a 36 inch waist with 2 years of very hard work and admittingly, trail and error. But I was at a sticking point and still not feeling or looking like I wanted to.

I starting following the program in the book, and starting seeing instant results. I lost 2 inches off the most stubborn part of my belly (lower part) and did not have nearly the back pain I was having. I also got down to 10%bf all in just two months. I am getting closer to my goal than I thought I would in another year! I Feel much better and have changed my supplemation and particular my diet tremendously. Dr. Brookes recipes are fantastic. So easy to make and tastes so good. I plan on trying every single recipe in the book. You must eat accordingly if you want the results! This book promotes a lifestyle change, not a fad diet. Fad diets dont work in the long run and are generally unhealthy.

Change can happen, If I did it so can you. I went from a a 47' waist to a 33' waist with a 46 inch chest. Went from a size 15 ring to a 10 and even lost a shoe size! I have no doubt that I will reach my goal of single digit BF and more importantly, Feeling great and healthy. The book is such an easy read and laid out very clearly. I going to purchase one for my mom as I cant seem to part with mine! I only wish is that I had found the book sooner, would have saved me a lot of time and money. Wedding here we come!

I have just completed month two of the Ultimate You program, and I love the changes in my body. I'm leaner, firmer, and more toned. My abs and arms have never looked this cut before, even though I started the plan with a reasonable level of fitness! The authors go beyond the usual "burn more calories than you take in" equation and give some really detailed information about how to maximize the calories you burn when you exercise. Another plus is that I don't get annoying hunger pangs on their plan at all. Yes, it does take some work, but it's worth it!

Fantastic book! As personal trainer I highly recommend it and have, not only to my clients, but also to my family, friends, and other trainers.

Among all the fat loss books and exercise programs out there this book is a stand out.

It can change your life in regards to the way you approach fat loss, nutrition, and exercise.

The book is a well written, comprehensive, and easy to understand. No fads, no gimmicks, just solidly researched, fact based information that really works.

The nutrition and hormone information is excellent and the workout plan is well designed, safe, and progressive. It will give you the real results you desire and the knowledge that will empower you to maintain the gains you have made.

One of the other things I love about this book is that not only does it contain a treasure trove of great information, but it also helps dispel the counterproductive misinformation that is constantly being put out there in regards to training, nutrition, and fat loss, information that is more often than not counterproductive and at times even harmful.

If all of my clients would read this book, especially the female fat loss clients, my job

would be much easier.

Even if you are currently working with a trainer, and especially if you are not, do yourself a favor and buy this book.

Knowledge is power.

Im obsessed about everything fitness,and this is the best book ever!!!!!!!!everything you need to know about getting in shape,staying in shape,getting healthy,having more energy etc...

i have two kids,and very little time to workout,this workouts dont take more than half hour,forty minutes,and there are fun and challenging.

Every day I get up and i get so excited about going to the gimn.

The nutrition part is great too,i am so happy i run into this book.WELL DONE!