The Navy Seal Workout : The Compete Total-Body Fitness Program (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

It stands to reason that the military units assigned to carry out the most dangerous missions would require their soldiers to be in the best shape. To get the soldiers in that kind of shape, those units--the U.S. Navy SEALs among them--would have to have the most effective and innovative fitness programs.

The Navy SEAL Workout doesn't disappoint. The program will build tremendous upper-body strength and muscular endurance through a series of pull- ups (there are five variations on this exercise), dips, and push-ups (four variations). But that's the easy part of the program; the advanced lower-body workout includes an astounding 18 exercises for midsection muscles. (There are beginner and intermediate versions of these workouts before you get to the advanced level.) And you do all that before you run and swim--the other two components in the SEAL program.

A fitness professional might quibble with some of the choices of abdominal exercises--they can overwork hip-flexor muscles, which can lead to lower back strain--but the overall program is a guaranteed fat burner and muscle tightener. It's not designed for building huge muscles--you'll need a weightlifting program for that. But when you're in good enough shape to join an elite combat unit, who needs big muscles? --Lou Schuler

Product Description

"Many people believe the only way to get in shape is by putting a lot of money into trendy fitness centers, or spending hard-earned cash on a variety of workout videotapes. In the end, these methods seldom provide the results we're all looking for. But don't get me wrong--I am not demeaning gyms or workout tapes; in fact, I still enjoy the benefits of a gym to keep fit. Weight-lifting rooms and other facilities can be extremely beneficial. However, to obtain and maintain supreme cardiovascular fitness and a rock-hard body, I must continually use the training regimen I learned as a member of the Navy SEALs." -- from The Navy SEAL Workout As the world's most elite combat unit, the Navy SEALs have long been known for their tremendous physical fitness and mental stamina. Their training program has also carried somewhat of a mystique, as so few people actually enter and stay in the program. Now Navy SEAL Mark De Lisle reveals the no-frills workout that has conditioned some of the best bodies around. From stretching through cooldown, including a variety of running and swimming workouts as well as tips on top-notch nutrition, The Navy SEAL Workout can improve any committed participant's cardiovascular fitness and overall shape and tone. "After 27 years as a Navy SEAL, I feel The Navy SEAL Workout program is the best one on the market, encompassing the physical training regimen required of a Naval Special Warfare Warrior. The levels of intensity, from beginner to advanced, are so well laid out that both the biggest 'couch potato' and professional athelete can see improvement after a short period of time." -- Allan Starr, Command Masterchief, Naval Special Warfare Command Group One "In The Navy SEAL Workout, Mark De Lisle has developed a program soundly based in a state-of-the-art knowledge of exercise physiology and principles. This book would be a valuable addition to the library of anyone who is interested in peak performance." -- W.K. Prusaczyk, PhD, Exercise Physiologist, Navy Health and Research Center "It has been interesting to note the numerous SEAL-related materials that have come out in recent years. As a former Marine, I salute you for your fine work with the SEALs and in promoting fitness to the masses." -- Harvey Newton, Director of Program Development National Strength and Conditioning Association Mark De Lisle became a U.S. Navy SEAL at age 27. He lives in San Diego, California.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (May 11, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809229021
• ISBN-13: 978-0809229024
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #75,542 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Limited Time? Limited Resources? Then GET THIS BOOK!, July 25, 1999

By A Customer

As a senior in college, I've had trouble finding time or motivation to follow a workout program. On top of that, it is hard to pick a routine from the hundreds available (each telling you that their workout program is the best).

I came across THE NAVY SEAL WORKOUT and thought I'd give it a chance. Let me tell you, this workout is really great. First, you don't really need any major weight equipment, the program uses your own weight. The only equipment you need is a pull-up bar and a dip bar (which saves time, because you won't have to wait in lines at the gym). Second, the system of reps De Lisle has you do is really effective (2-3-4-5-4-3-2, etc.). And the exercises are easy to understand.

Don't get me wrong. They are challenging. When I fist flipped through to book I almost put it down because the exercises almost looked too easy. I couldn't have been more wrong.

If you keep with the program, steadily, for a couple weeks, you WILL see results.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great results if you follow the program, June 15, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews

I don't agree with some other reviewers that this book gives inadequate information or that people can get hurt easily using the program. I'm a 42-year-old male who had been lifting weights sporadically for years without seeing much improvement. Within a few weeks of starting Mark's program, I noticed increased definition all over, especially in my arms and abs. Unlike weightlifting, I've had little soreness. Also unlike weightlifting, it's impossible to drop a barbell on your foot, since you're only using your own bodyweight for resistance! I think most people would be more likely to hurt themselves using weights or even weight machines.

For anyone who is even remotely in shape already, the only way to really get hurt with this program would be to do too much, too soon. Mark emphasizes repeatedly that beginners need to take it easy, and the beginner routines involve minimal repetitions. I found the progression from beginner to intermediate levels to be clear and logical (you work up to the next level gradually; you don't just jump from one level to the next.) I also found the explanations and photographs of the various routines to be adequate to permit proper form.

Maybe this isn't the ideal book for former couch potatoes, but every book doesn't have to serve every possible audience. I recommend Mark's book highly.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good but don't by anything from the book, March 16, 2000

By	andrew jennings - See all my reviews

I must say this is an awesome book for one who wants to get into shape. The only problem with it is, I bought the machine in the back of the book for doing pull ups and latts but Mark Desile never shipped. It was a 144 dollar purchase, and the author took my money and ran. I have attempted to recieve reimbrushment but the author seems to be out of business. Trust me it is a great book, but never buy anything from it. The author and his company do not practice sound business practices.