The Mind-Body Makeover Project : A 12-Week Plan for Transforming Your Body and Your Life (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Do you watch what you eat, but the scale won't budge and you don't have a clue as to why?..." (more)
Key Phrases: bracketed movements, unidentified fitness obstacles, insulin instability, Web Links, Triceps Extension, Lower Back Extension (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Nutrition and exercise are only two pieces of the puzzle of how to get fit and lose weight, writes Michael Gerrish. The other "UFOs" ("unidentified fitness obstacles") are barriers to getting fit. These might involve sleep, work addiction, food allergies, or a number of medical or emotional conditions or lifestyle issues.

Gerrish, an exercise physiologist, personal trainer, and psychotherapist, gives a self-test to see which of the 58 UFOs are yours and describes how you can conquer each one. He includes exercise information, with descriptions and illustrations of recommended strength training and stretching exercises, and a general diet plan. He also describes energy block acutherapy, a self-help breathing and tapping sequence to treat fears, addictions, cravings, self-sabotage, and post-traumatic stress.

More than one-third of the book is devoted to "The Makeovers"--stories of real people who "stumbled, fell down, and got up many times, transforming themselves as a result." We get to know these people through their journal entries, photos, and communications with Gerrish as they progress through their 12-week program.

Gerrish is married to personal coach Cheryl Richardson, author of Take Time for Your Life and Life Makeovers. The Mind-Body Makeover Project is recommended for people who struggle with weight loss and are ready to look at the bigger picture. --Joan Price --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"... here’s [an advice book] that just might work. Fitness guru Michael Gerrish... doesn’t mince words... It’s quite a revelation." -- FrequentFlyer.com, The Official Airline Guide, February 2003

"Groundbreaking... the first book to address all — and we mean ALL — of your hidden obstacles to getting fit." -- Body & Soul, September/October, 2003

Gerrish's well-rounded, sensible approach is the only true way to create long-lasting health and wellness. -- Tracy Gaudet, M.D., Director of the Duke University Center for Integrative Medicine

Original, comprehensive, and provocative, this book will challenge your current notions about the best and fastest ways to get fit. -- Debbie Ford, author of the Number One New York Times Bestseller "The Dark Side of the Light Chasers"

This book will help you create and maintain a strong, healthy body and mind with loving kindness and skill. -- Christiane Northrup, M.D., author of the New York Times Bestsellers "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom" and "The Wisdom of Menopause" --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (May 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071425284
• ISBN-13: 978-0071425285
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #699,486 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A light at the end of the tunnel..., January 23, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Mind-Body Makeover Project : A 12-Week Plan for Transforming Your Body and Your Life (Hardcover)

At last, I see the light...

This book is well organized, full of great recommendations, and as thorough as any book I've ever read on the subject. Thankfully, though, it's not in the least bit intimidating or hard to follow. I was impressed with how clearly and simply Mr. Gerrish communicated so much important information.

I found the self-test to determine one's "unidentified fitness obstacles" particularly helpful, and to my surprise, incredibly accurate. I've never seen anything like this before. I've been using it on my friends too and it's dead-on!

From beginning to end, this book offered many surprising (and encouraging) revelations. Finally someone realizes that there's more to it than just "deciding" that it's time to get in shape. I was impressed with the clarity of the exercise descriptions, the layout of the exercise program, and the logic behind the approach. What also impressed me was that instead of offering a "one-size-fits-all," rigidly structured diet, this book provides three different options (the one you follow depends on your test results).

The makeover stories were heartwarming, inspiring, and amazingly honest. It's nice to see stories that you can tell are actually real! I could identify with so much of what each subject had to say.

For anyone who has been overweight and out of shape for many years, here's a light at the end of the tunnel, thanks to this book.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A life changing book, February 4, 2003

By	Susan (Sanford, Maine, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mind-Body Makeover Project : A 12-Week Plan for Transforming Your Body and Your Life (Hardcover)

A reader from Sanford, ME

Easy to follow, easy to read, and real, life-changing results!

I found this book to be unusually concise and written with great compassion
for people who struggle to lose weight. The author's recommendations for
overcoming individual obstacles are practical, straightforward, and doable,
and his references (for additional information) were extremely
helpful. Yes, you must take responsibility for your success and follow
through on the recommendations, but if you do (like me), you'll be
well-rewarded for your efforts.

This is a true story. According to the results of the UFO test, my primary
obstacles were hypothryroidism and a DHEA imbalance. When I told my doctor
about this she was condescending and wouldn't even consider the possibility
that I had these problems. But because I insisted, she ordered the
tests. Sure enough, I tested positive for both. Now, after only three
weeks on supplements to increase my DHEA level and medication for my
thyroid, I am ten pounds lighter and have more energy than I ever thought
possible. Prior to this, on the program prescribed by my doctor and
nutritionist, I actually GAINED 25 pounds. They said they didn't believe I
was following the program. I felt discounted and shamed.

If you're impatient, have unrealistic expectations, or are looking for a
quick fix, you probably won't like this book. But if you're looking for
real answers to real problems, look no further. The results of the
makeovers featured in the book speak for themselves.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a truthful book about healthy living!, December 29, 2002

By	"kerrioke" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mind-Body Makeover Project : A 12-Week Plan for Transforming Your Body and Your Life (Hardcover)

This book will blow you away. If you have yet to find the guidance you need to get fit, look no further. This book is reader-friendly and packed with clear, useful information. It is not some text-heavy dictating-type advice. There are diagrams, quizzes, checklists. All the interactive things that really makes a program work. This is the type of book that will take the fitness industry by storm! I am so sick of being told what I already know - Exercise and eat right. Yeah, brilliant. But, Michael Gerrish goes the extra step that most of us need. He takes the courageous steps to explore some of the demons behind why we can't seem to just exercise and eat right. Michael is gifted, and clearly exceptionally knowledgeable about this topic. Finally, we have someone who helps us work through issues no one ever dared to touch. As someone who has struggled with my weight for most of my life, Michael's book is my first ray of hope in a very long time. So, thanks, Michael, for your knowledge and your talent. You are a shining star.