First about me to give a perspective to my brief review and 5 star rating.
I'm 43 with children, out of shape, little time to reinvent the wheel which is weight training, and I know Crossfit will result in personal injury to me due to my current physical condition. I'm not bashing Crossfit but for me, I feel high repetition movements can lead major joint and ligament issues (i.e. shoulder impingement) and the like. I'm not 20 anymore. My reason for even mentioning Crossfit is because its everywhere you look and the fitness levels of those accomplished at it are impressive. I just do not feel it is for the novice. In the course of my search for new work out Crossfit lead me to Johnny Pain (John Sheaffer). His affiliation and separation with Crossfit is an interesting story that is worth reading.
I had success loosing weight (50 lbs) by going on a low cholesterol diet that consisted of good foods. My exercise was pure cardio like running, rowing (purchased a concept 2 rower), and the elliptical. I had returned to school to complete my degree and fell of the wagon. Sitting around reading all the time makes you fat (me anyway). So the weight returned.
This time I'm back on the cholesterol conscience diet and was ready for the exercise program. But this time I wanted to focus on getting stronger. Because although last time I was successful I felt weak and lacking in something. So my weight lifting routine search began.
The Greyskull LP workout is listed for free on the net but I needed clarification on the fundamentals and the reason for the concept of the routine, which is out there on the net, but I'm not looking to piece together a hundreds or thousands of forum postings to get all the information; rather use that time with the weights.
So the Book and why the 5 stars. It is simple and gets to the point. I agree its nothing earth shattering like one negative review indicated, but it is complete, easy to follow, and understand. This book answered every question I had about Greyskull LP period. The book does what it sets out to do, explain the Greyskull LP program.
As far as the program I only have 3 weeks in so I can not attest to the results. I can however say that I feel stronger, which could arguably be obtained from any type of exercise program in the first few weeks; however, I like it and look forward to each work out.
My approach to this program was to creep up on my working weights slowly since its been a long time since I touched weights. I started with very light weight. Then, if my final set reps exceeded 12 and felt easy I would add 10 lbs for the next time I did that exercise. Doing this is helping with proper form development and reducing muscles soreness that affects beginners that try to much to fast and can result in missed workouts.
The add-on exercises are explained with examples in this book. Also there are routine examples for different focuses such as getting bigger, shedding pounds ect. My goal is getting stronger through the Greyskull LP and shedding pounds with diet and off-day H.I.T. cardio that does not drain me to much for the weights on the days that follow. The book gives some good examples for this as well. I will admit to using a Crossfit WOD as my hit (its the 4 sets of rowing for 500 meters for time with 2-3 minute rest between sets). I'm still feeling things out. I don't want to get burned out from this. I want it to be a lasting lifestyle change.
So for a 40+ guy looking for a simple easy to follow starting point, this is a good book.
My commitment to this includes purchasing a power rack, Cap OB-86B barbell. Pendlay 260 bumper plate set. I had a bench and power block dumbbells. I'm saying you'll need some equipment to get this done. Yes you can join a gym but be careful because some gyms do not allow overhead press. In fact, Planet fitness has recently removed power racks because they are considered intimidating! My local crossfit box is $120 month and I would feel odd doing a structured routine instead of Wod's and such. I also purchased a neck harness from Rogue because the Greyskull LP routine calls for it. I never even worked my neck during my younger weight lifting days and never considered it. I have been doing the neck harness exercises for 3 weeks. I really like how it targets the upper trap and elsewhere, and I feel it goes well with the core exercise in the Greyskull LP.
So take this for what it's worth as a review of a book about a weight lifting routine posted on the web.
A final note about the spelling errors in this book (not those in this review!) I don't care! I didn't peg Johnny pain as a breakthrough literary marvel. Yes there are spelling errors in fact there is one with in the first few paragraphs. So know this before you buy the book. If misspelled words are the bane of your existence then be warned!!!!
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 17, 2014
Great program, not so great book. Buy Starting Strength, follow the version of Greyskull LP on the forums, paypal Johnny $10
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 3, 2015Top reviews from other countries
Mark Twain
Not worth the money.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 4, 2018Nathan Morgan
Christ on a bike!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 13, 2015ian
Clear and concise guide to the Greyskull plan
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 20, 2019daniel jianoran
Informative, makes sense, works
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on April 4, 2013
