BodyChange (Paperback)

by Montel Williams (Author), Wini Linguvic (Author) "When Montel first told me that he wanted me to write a workout book with him, I was ecstatic..." (more)
Key Phrases: rear lateral raise, dumbbell squat, ball crunches, Naval Academy, Standing Calf Raise (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Talk-show host Montel Williams wanted a leaner look--quickly--for a swimsuit TV segment. Trainer Wini Linguvic showed him how to get that look. And in BodyChange, she'll show you, too. Linguvic's exercise routine incorporates aerobics with weight training, particularly functional exercises (using the muscles the way we use them in real life) and core exercises (emphasizing the abdominal and lower-back muscles for stabilization, strength, and balance) using free weights and a Swiss ball. "You're stronger than you think," Linguvic says, "but to experience that strength, you've got to stretch beyond that feeling of comfort."

The program is sound, clearly explained, and well illustrated. Photos by Mitchel Gray are awesome, especially the artistic poses of Williams and Linguvic together. The strength-training routine that comprises most of the book is a basic program that beginners can handle: three sets each of nine fundamental exercises that target all the major muscle groups for beginners; a few more for intermediate and advanced exercisers. Despite a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and a work and travel schedule that would reduce most of us to mush, Williams continues to work out daily and look great--a positive testament to Linguvic's routine. --Joan Price

Product Description
We are all athletes in the sport of life. Whether you’re “in training” to have a baby, to work 14 hours a day or, like Montel, to live with a chronic illness, your body is your equipment. This book will show you how to find the athlete within. Once you realize that you can change your body, you can move mountains! You’ll build your confidence and nurture your inner strength. This program emphasizes form, awareness, and the importance of challenging yourself and your limitations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 129 pages
• Publisher: Mountain Movers (June 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1588250040
• ISBN-13: 978-1588250049
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #121,444 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I like the three-week concept most of all, February 6, 2002

By A Customer

I have previously tried the workout portion of the "Body for Life" (BFL) program, and while it is nice to just do the weights 3 times per week, I was limited in the amount of weights I could lift more by how heavy a dumbbell I could hold than by the weight my muscles could do.

I have now begun this workout, and while I have been sick several times in the 4 weeks I have been doing it (I have a 3-year old, and seem to catch everything!), I do like this workout. It is with weights I can lift, and seems to work my muscles more at a lower weight than the BFL workout. I can also do the workout at home more easily, so that I only have to visit the gym on the aerobics days (easier to explain to a 3-year old than daily visits). The workouts are the same length as BFL, which I like - but it is also a full body workout every time, which I like even more (BFL is either upper or lower).

I also like the concept of 3 weeks at a time - I figure I can do anything for 3 weeks. Also, the theory is that habits form in that amount of time - good reason for the length.

I wish everyone who tries this program lots of luck.

165 of 198 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring message on every page, June 19, 2001

By	Linda Linguvic (New York City) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Montel Williams and his personal trainer, Wini Linguvic's fitness book is more than just a book of great photos and clear exercise descriptions. It is about focus, believing in yourself and making positive changes. It is about strength and control. It is a philosophy of living. And, mostly, it is about attitude.

Yes, you can do it. That's the inspiring message on every page of this book. Montel himself is grappling with a chronic illness, multiple sclerosis. And yet he just keeps going, understanding that as he pushes his body, he is empowering himself in every aspect of his life. Wini's been his trainer for the past five years and he attributes her approach to training as not only changing his body, but to changing his life.

Wini has lived this philosophy all her life. She's been training her body since she was a teenager and training clients for the past 15 years. As she says, "It's not just my body I've built in the gym." She's helped people achieve more results than they ever though they could achieve and now, together with Montel, she is reaching out to a larger public. Step by step, she takes you through the exercises and the clear photographs and descriptions make them especially easy to follow. They're very basic, but what is different is the philosophy behind them, the BodyChange philosophy. She guides you through the motions of the exercises and also guides you through the changes in thinking that will help you succeed. By following her program for just 21 days you will begin to form the habits that will last you a lifetime.

I'm proud and delighted to say that I'm Wini's mother. It's a joy to know how much she contributes to the world by devoting her life to helping people shape their bodies and attain their goals. She's quiet, strong and determined. There are a lot of photos of Wini in the book and she looks beautiful. But her beauty goes much deeper than that. Reading her words will help you understand. There is inspiration to gain from this book. Everyone can benefit from it. Highly recommended.

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I can workout at home with clear instruction, August 13, 2001

By	Donna Kelly (Sacramento, California) - See all my reviews

I love this book! I picked it up for the pictures (beautiful)--and bought it because of the trainers personal fitness story--which I read in the bookstore. It inspired me to workout that evening--as i felt she was talking to my sense of strength. The first part of the book is inspirational to anyone that wants to take control of their fitness. The second part is the program itself. I can do it at home-- I am using my son's weight set to do the program. The only thing I had to buy was the Swiss ball. The exercises are interesting--some of them I never saw before--yet they make sense--full body exercises. The instruction is clear with each exercise and the tips Wini gives make sense to remember during my workout.. So far--feeling good--looking forward to a video companion.