Rating: 
Summary: EXTREMELY MOTIVATING!
Review: I've lost 40 lbs since reading this book in Jan '02. Bill explains in plain English how to exercise and eat effectively in order to see the dramatic results we all want and need in order to stay on the program long term. He reaches the reader in a way that feels like he's talking to you personally. He demystifies strength training and makes it very, very accessible to the everyday person. You need no experience at all and as Bill will tell you, all it takes is a simple set of dumbbells to get started. He has enormous integrity combined with a steadfast, unwavering dedication to breaking down the barriers & myths that plague us all where fitness, health and well-being are concerned. Make the decision to change your body, your health and your life by ordering this book today! You won't regret it. Oh and by the way, it's an excellent read...a very easy & enjoyable experience.
Rating:
Summary: 12 weeks to a lifetime of better health
Review: As an out of shape twenty something, I had reached a point where I was disgusted by my physical self, which drained me emotionally as well. I first heard of Body for Life in 1999. After reading the book and talking to a coworker who was 3 weeks into the program, I joined the gym and tried it myself. What could I possibly lose? That was August 1999. In December that same year, I was down 3 pant sizes and had energy that I had not seen since elementary school! It's now November 2002 and I've been loyal to the Body for Life principles of nutrition and exercise for over 3 years. (I recently finished 4th in a locally held co-ed fitness competition!) I am grateful to Bill Phillips, the Body for Life program, and the continually inspiring competitors in the annual Body for Life transformation challenge for helping me to make such positive changes in my physical and mental health. As it's been said before, it takes a village. Move Body for Life into your neighborhood. You will soon be priceless!
Rating:
Summary: IT REALLY WORKS!!!
Review: I'm a 37 year old mom who's never been completely happy with my body. I've "worked out" sporadically since I was 20. This book motivated me and convinced me I don't have to live with this body! I can transform it! I've been on the program 4 weeks and feel great. I can see changes and I feel strong! I haven't used any of Phillip's supplements.I have a treadmill and small set of dumbells in my garage. All you really need is a desire to change and the knowledge that you can! JUST DO IT! The only thing in your way is YOU! You CAN change your body!
Rating: 
Summary: A personal trainer's opinion
Review: The exercise and food prescription in this book work and work well, but many times I've found that my clients need a reason to stay inspired and motivated. If you've ever struggled with staying on any program, get your mind and heart straight first with "The Quest for Peace, Love and a 24" Waist", by Low. Then buy this book and you will have a powerful program that makes you strong and fit, in body & mind.
Rating: 
Summary: There's one born every minute.....
Review: If you like gimmicky fluff, this book is for you. The reviews only confirm just how gullible and ignorant many people are (I especially liked the one by the woman who said that her fat was converted to muscle while following the program -- which, if true, is the biological equivalent of being able to walk on water. Sigh!
Rating:
Summary: Great book but a little oversimplified
Review: I really do think that Body for Life (BFL) is a great book. It's far superior to dozens of similar books on the market. Bill has a great motivational disposition and has good guidelines inducing motivation and structure in the common person that wants to get fit and needs some upbeat guidance.
I myself am a fitness trainer and have waded through tons of junk and find BFL to be above average. While BFL is definately effective I feel that there are some parts of it that are just a bit too simplified. For example, I do feel that his nutritional guidelines definately do work however, there are a few other books I've seen with similar guidelines that give more info on calories, protein/carb needs etc. Bill could have included that in BFL for those who want to fine tune. (yes, I know that his "portion" system is very simple but it is VERY important to know how to create effective eating plans by knowing calorie intake and diet needs and it can be quite simple to explain if done correctly)
Also, his Cardio theories are quite good but it's based on more testestorine than a lot of people are ready to begin with. Bill talks about Maxing your Cardio in 20 minutes. That sounds very, very alluring to the average lazy person that wants out of the gym fast, but, it's easier said then done. I think a more moderate spread out cardio approach is better for starters. In my experience when beginners go "all out" from day one they tend to develop an aversion to exercise. Again, BFL cardio can work, it's just a little too "cookie cutter" for everyone.
Also, BFL almost ignores proper stretching, again the average "Joe-6-Pack" likes to hear "don't worry too much about stretching" but is that complete fitness?.
Another area is this 6 set system. YES, that can work for probably about 80% of the body but not for everything. For example, I would suggest that for shoulders, if you want well rounded definition, you need to do at least 8-10 sets to include front, side and rear delts. (WHATEVER HAPPENED TO ROTATOR CUFFS Bill?) You can't get all that in, in 6 sets total. Any serious body builder knows that.
BFL is right on though with keeping the sets down to 6 for general puposes! It is ridiculous to do 12 sets of biceps when you CAN effectively do 6. I commend Phillips for pushing that. It's just not going to work for 100% of the body all year round. With that said, BFL is a LIFE CHANGER. I think that it is so accessable to the masses, that it can affect millions of lives!
I do recommend it. I just feel like it has some areas that are too oversimplified. For people who want to get more precision in their fitness knowledge I recommend getting "Hot Point fitness" to supplement BFL. It's quite similar with a few additional insights that are helpful (precision eating and cardio).
Good Luck and keep the momentum going!!
Rating:
Summary: pretty darn good!
Review: I do have to say I was really cautious about buying another book on the subject, but I was pleasently suprised, great meal plans, weight and training plans, and I've really kept great weight control. It's worth it thats for sure.
Rating: 
Summary: Stay Away
Review: All this is is a motivtional book. This book is filled with all sorts of just fluff and filler. It has a little bit of fitness and food advice, but not near enough to warrent even 2 stars. I feel very [disappointed] by this book. Buyer beware, and I'm advising you to beware.
Rating:
Summary: mostly a waste of time
Review: don't buy this book...it is a waste of time and paper...everything in it is common sense and could be said in a few words: eat healthy small portions and exercise daily and drink lots of water...it was not motivating at all.
Rating:
Summary: Great program to get into shape
Review: At 39 years old, I lost a total of 20 lbs and 3 3/4 inches from my waist and I feel much better now than I did 12 weeks ago. Follow the plan and you will see and feel the results.
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