Rating: Summary: The launchpad to success! Review: The facts are simple: It is a program that has PROVEN itself to work if you follow it as outlined. Your results will be determined by the effort you put into it. Many people find it is too hard to believe that achieving dramatic results can be done by using a simple exercise program, and for the most part, they are right. However, combine that simple exercise program with the nutritional guidelines included in the book (with OR without supplements) and you will make PROGRESS twords your goal of producing a better body, which Bill Phillips CLEARLY states you should be looking for as a principal of the program: Progress not Perfection. Nothing is misrepresented in the book. It isn't a miracle cure. He gives you the map...But you have to follow it. It is a wonderful place to start for the beginner or anyone who has been frustrated by hype, confusion, or lack of motivation... It is a great cornerstone in the foundation of any life long health program!
Rating: Summary: Master Motivator-Meet Skeptikal Fitness Hater Review: It's great that Eas/"Body of Work"/"Body for Life" contribute so much to Make-A-Wish. I think that's fantastic.However......this book is an example of Eas and "Muscle Media's" biggest weakness: Lack of commitment to keeping the customer happy. Like many reviewers have said, "Body for Life" is a complete reiteration of articles first published in "Muscle Media." For people who don't subscribe to/read "MM," this isn't a problem. For the rest of us, it stinks. Like a fool, I was excited when I heard of the book release last spring....so I ordered both the hardcover and the audio book. I should've saved my $$. Rather than commit to giving EAS & "MM" fans their money's worth, BP rehashes old info. Management at EAS and "MM" seem so driven to reach 'everyone else' that they forget about the people who put them where they are. A great example: "Muscle Media" is supposed to be published 8 times annually. Well, due to BP's hectic 'gotta be everybody's best friend' schedule, only 4 issues reached subcriber's mailboxes in '99. Oh well. The content of the book is ok. Bill Phillips knows how to motivate.....he must be given his props for that. However he also knows that we(us people)are sheep. Don't deny it, b/c it's true. I am, you are, s/he is, they are. Everybody. If we weren't sheep, how would things like Beanie Babies take off.....what about parachute pants.....Vanilla Ice.....Cabbage Patch Kids......Ricky Martin. BP knows that by creating "Blair Witch"-like hype, he can get all us sheep to buy his stuff. "Hey, Bill, Tina, and Susan all like it.....I'm going to like it too." Oh! Great example of my point: Oprah Winfrey. I like OW, but doesn't she have a bit too much power(sarcasm)when all she has to do is mention a book on her show and it becomes an overnight best seller right here on amazon? What about that "Carbohydrate Addict's Lifespan program by the Heller's? That thing went huge b/c of us sheep, you shoulda' seen how many were on reserve at the local Border's. I wonder if all those people are still losing 10 lbs./week as they were when it initially aired back in late October/early November. I'm guessing they're not even on the stupid program any longer. You can't lose 10 lbs. of fat in a week anyway. Oprah knows this, she's struggled w/it. She has a responsibility there. Oh my! What if Oprah had "Body for Life" on her show! Now, I'm not saying the book pushes EAS Supplements and "Muscle Media" subcriptions on us overtly......but I think that subconciously, it does. Bill is a master at getting people to do things like this. He creates this aura of excitement and gets you buzzing......the next thing you know, you're out spending dollars. Maybe you don't need the supplements to transform your body, but you do have to buy at least one EAS supplement to be in the contest. Not to mention gym membership, travel, body-fat testing, etc....And what fun is there in not getting in the contest. I soooo believe in changing your physique to illicit a change inside, but some of this stuff.....I don't know. At what expense are we transforming ourselves?Take aspartame for example(found in almost all companies' supplements). One person hails it the greatest invention since sliced bread b/c it allows you to have the taste while sparing the waste. Another person says it's poison disguised. I don't know who to believe....the conspiracists on the internet -or- and i can't believe i'm saying this....the government and their conclusive 'human safety' studies. BP says it's safe, but he's a salesman. Why can't we trust anybody(Phen-Phen)? I'd like to ask somebody who knows to tell me the truth. I guess we'll know if, in 30 years, all these people have arms growing from their heads. Look for me. I'll be the guy with the 3rd eyeball. How important is it to beef-up? Weight training is essential for all people of all ages....I do believe that. But, do we want to look like bodybuilders? Hey, I've seen BP in person(at the premier of "Body of Work" during the weekend of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Fitness Weekend in Columbus, Ohio). You should see him walk with those stubby, yet too-big-for-his-body legs. Not a pretty sight.Can't we get a book on how to look like Calvin Klein underwear models(see Antonio Sabato Jr.'s "No Excuses")? Also, if a person does win this contest....by signing all those papers full of agreements, are we signing our lives away to EAS. I'd like to talk to one of those champions and see if their lives are really that great. Maybe they have to do what EAS says and not speak ill of it(confidentiality agreement). Maybe not. But I would like to know. I hate to be cynical and negative....but I have a hard time believing something when someone stands to profit from my faith in her/his product. I think BP is a decent guy, but I also think that much of the stuff he does is self-serving. Where will he be if the 1 million people do transform their bodies? Will he be crowned king or something? I gave the book 3 stars b/c changing your body can change your life profoundly. I know b/c I've done it before. Don't think that your life will be perfect if you get in shape, but believe me....it will get a heck'uva'lot better. It's got some good info. People that need some motivation can be well-served by reading it. Good luck to all of you folks looking to turn your life around. I need to join you all. With or w/out the contest.....let's just do it!
Rating: Summary: A "Fitness Revival Meeting" instead of a concrete plan Review: Unless you enjoy endless self promotion and sophmoric hype (saying "body for life" when doing reps), stay away from the cassette. There is nothing here but testimonials and hype. I couldn't believe that for this price, there were only general references to a concrete exercise plan....you have to buy the book to get that. A complete disappointment!
Rating: Summary: Body for Life Review: I purchased this book 2 weeks ago and have read it 3 times. For the past 3 years I have been trying to lose 20 lbs unsucessfully. I started the program immediately and within the first week I lost 2 lbs. It has definately changed my life for the better. It's only been 2 weeks, it's not easy, but it's absolutely worth it. Since starting the program I have convinced four others to do the same and I'm about to purchase another book for my neice for christmas.
Rating: Summary: Best Fitness Book I Ever Read Review: Bill Phillips has truly got it going on in the fitness world. He speaks with conviction, compassion, and with clarity. I can actually understand exactly what he is talking about. I've learned so much about fitness and nutrition. He is a great teacher. If you are looking for a way to get your body in shape, read this book. But be prepared: In many good works, skeptics will lurk around the corner.
Rating: Summary: Keep hoping Review: I have read and followed this book and I feel great. I didnt find anywhere in this book the pressure to be on his supplements, yes, he advised vitamins. For all the negative reviewers go have a seat on your couch, eat your favorite fat foods, and go on feeling really depressed because your going to be there for a long time :)
Rating: Summary: Very motivational book Review: "Body for Life" is about a twelve-week program to transform the body. It goes into detail about training, nutrition, and goals. Each chapter describes in full detail about what readers should do to transform the body. This book also included a full workout routine for the twelve-weeks and nutrition plan. "Body for Life" is a very motivational book. Bill Phillips does a great job on getting readers excited about working out. This book has helped many discover a body that they never thought they had. The twelve-week program is the best thing to ever hit the sport to body building.
Rating: Summary: THE PROGRAM WORKS, BUT THE BOOK COULD'VE BEEN SHORTENED Review: The only bad news about this book is having to read through it. The style was a little too "chummy" for me, and there was a lot of fluff before getting to the point. It could have been thinner and priced less. But regardless... THE PLAN WORKS! I'm on my 5th week, and I've already lost 29 pounds. I still have a lot to lose, so the effects of the weight training aren't as noticeable on me yet, but I know they're there. My energy level has increased and I'm eating MUCH better than I used to (fast food has lost its grip on me!). The interesting part is that even on my free days (during which I can eat whatever I want and in the quantities I want), I end up selecting fairly good food in reasonable quantities. I'm no longer interested in pigging out; and when I do get minor cravings, they can be easily appeased on my free days. I admit that this whole program sounds too good to be true on paper, but it really does work. It's not an overnight thing, and you will need to put some effort into planning your meals and your exercise. This is not an easy plan, but the rewards are great. My results have already "convinced" a couple of my coworkers, and now all three of us are on the program encouraging each other. As far as Bill's supposed promotion of the Myoplex product, he quickly mentions it on one (and only one)page, and he states that it is NOT necessary for the success of the program. The only time you must use Myoplex is if you're entering the Body For Life competition (which is a promotion for EAS products, anyway). If you're just following the program, no Myoplex purchase is required. To the person who supposedly followed the program to the letter and gained weight: either you were expecting an overnight miracle and decided to write a nasty review because you couldn't deal with the fact that there's work and effort involved with this program or you didn't follow it accurately. Remember, it's supposed to be six SMALL meals a day.
Rating: Summary: Outstanding Book and Program Review: I just completed the 12 week program and found it has changed my life. The program is simple and easy to follow. This book will guide you step by step to a healthier body, and a happier life. This is not a "Magic Pill" in a bottle but a sensible, well researched plan for growth and change. Anyone who says it does not work either has not given it 100% or is a competing company out to slander a rival. This is my humble opinion.
Rating: Summary: Think about it......... Review: If the simple diet and exercise program outlined in this book produced the results shown in the infamous before/after photos after only 12 weeks, this plan would have been discovered and followed religiously years ago! Everyone is different and it is just a matter of finding what works for you. I followed the program outlined, including the supplements and did nothing more than gain weight! As soon as I dropped the supplements, went back to a sensible diet and increased aerobics, the muscle came and the fat is coming off (slowly but sensibly). Don't let the unrealistic results promised here discourage you!
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