Core Performance : The Revolutionary Workout Program to Transform Your Body and Your Life

Rating:
Summary: Method and Madness
Review: Mark Verstegen impresses the basics, hammers home the principles and stress the technique. I'm just getting into it. I'm a stiff 50 year old who's been through a lot of b-ball, running, weight training, nordic tracks, high protein fare, walking, swimming, biking... you name it, I've probably been there, including Jazzercize. What am I left with? Stiffness, soreness, mediocre performance. My co-worker is into this method, along with a few others around me, and to tell you the truth, I'm impressed by the success they have been able to achieve. So, I'm giving it a go. It does take a bit of reading to get into the plan, but from what I have observed, it looks very promising indeed.

Rating:
Summary: For you if you have an athletic background and want to work
Review: Most athletic/training books are far to basic and cater to the individual that is new to sports, or training. But, for someone with a strong background in sports, strong apptitude, or just plain willingness to work, this is for you. In particular, if you are getting towards middle age as an athlete, two things are probably true. One, you were brought up in an old paradigm of training, and you need to shift your perspective. Two, you need to focus on injury prevention in an intergal manner with your training. My only gripe is that I wish these guys would suggest other sources for some of the subjects they cover lightly (like Olympic lifting).

Rating:
Summary: Hard To Understand System, Too Few Exercises
Review: The system of training was hard to understand, and definitely hard to integrate into my workout program as I don't have much time, about 40 minutes a session. I bought the book for the exercises, and there weren't enough of them to make it worthwhile for the cost. A better option may be to work with a physical trainer who uses dumbbells and cable exercise to get some exercises that would benefit you instead.

Rating:
Summary: An incredible resource!!!
Review: This book is absolutely fantastic. Mark Verstegen has brought new light to the training world. With all respect to the previous reviewer, this book has more than enough exercises to make this worthwhile to any reader. Plus, if you don't have the time for a full workout, Mark offers shorter ones (including ones to do in a hotel room while you travel). There is a reason he is the top trainer in the world; he has redesigned training and taken it to the next level. I cannot wait to dive in to this program with the hopes of finally getting rid of my back and knee pain. If all you want are some dumbbell and barbell exercises, then this book is not for you. But, if you want a great resource that can take your training to the next level, then this is your book. Thanks Mark for sharing your ideas. This book is years ahead of its time. Get this book!!!!

Rating:
Summary: For Athletes Only!
Review: This book is for athletes only, not for overweight middle-aged guys like me who just joined a gym because our doctors are yelling at us and we want to find out more about this "core" thing that our trainer and everyone else is talking about. This is evident from the initial stretching routines, which look more like Houdini contortion acts and advanced techniques than anything a normal person can do. The only thing this book is good for for me is good laughs! :-)

Rating:
Summary: For Athletes Only!
Review: This book is for athletes only, not for overweight middle-aged guys like me who just joined a gym because our doctors are yelling at us and we want to find out more about this "core" thing that our trainer and everyone else is talking about. This is evident from the initial stretching routines, which look more like Houdini contortion acts and advanced techniques than anything a normal person can do. The only thing this book is good for for me is good laughs! :-)

Rating:
Summary: Easy? No. Worth It? Oh yeah...
Review: This is one of the most original exercise books I've ever seen (and as a regular gym-goer who likes to switch up my routine, I've sen a lot). It's not the easiest program, because the exercises aren't as basic as most workouts. But if you want to improve your entire body, this program probably can't be beat.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Effort
Review: Verstegen does a great job in his book Core Performance.
Whether you are a coach, athlete, or recreational exercise enthusiast you will gain knowledge from this book. A great read with wonderful illustrations makes it easy for everyone to put structure and science into action. Verstegen's experience and years of leadership provide his readers access to reach their goals.