Rating: 
Summary: Not what I wanted at all
Review: This may be a good book for someone who is just starting out in weight training, but even at that I don't think it's worth the price. Most of the book is charts for you to fill in with weight lifted and reps during your workouts, which you could easily make yourself on a spreadsheet. There are relatively few exercises described, and really no workout options to speak of. If you're ready to slavishly follow this author's ideas (which aren't backed up with any evidence in particular), then it's a complete package deal. I prefer to have some evidence to convince me that one strategy is better than another, since exercise books differ so widely in what they tell you. You could get much more and better information for planning a workout routine, and far better descriptions and pictures of exercises, for free at exrx.net.
Rating: 
Summary: Great way to start...
Review: This book really gets you into the process in a simple and concise way. I really like the workouts and how detailed the book is (starting weight levels, exercise description, etc.). Also, I really like that you can track your progress so that you don't have to remember exactly what weight you lifted. I look forward to buying the second version!
Rating: 
Summary: Great starter book
Review: This is a great book if you are serious about lifting. It will give you a good start for more advanced routines by teaching you the how and the why of what you are doing. Definately a good buy!
Rating:
Summary: The Only book You'll ever need!!
Review: Weight Training workouts that work!!!! Remember this name....Its your new bible!!! After buying this book you will not need another (Except volume two). The title speaks for its self. It works. It tells you the correct weight to use, How to go about them, and helpful tips. All this in a twelve week period so that it is all mapped out for you. No excuses for missing a session. If your having a day when you don,t feel like going in the gym he can even talk you into going in and trying a ten minute trial! After that you won,t feel like coming out again. The benefits of this book and Jame's advice are superb. You'll come out of it feeling and looking great!!
Rating:
Summary: Older users: BEWARE OF INJURIES
Review: My wife and I are both in our mid fifties. We have worked out in the gym on and off for quite a few years. We have used trainers off and on with mixed results from "great" to "useless". We both were getting to a plateau that we felt we needed some help with our routines. At this particular point we were working out about 3 times a week for about 2 hours a session. I was looking for a book to satisfy this need when I came across "Workouts that Work". It sounded good, and when I got it I liked the looks of it.
I swithed my routine immediately, and I was real happy with things. After about a week or so, my wife decided to switch to the new routine and she too was happy with it.
The problems started around week 5. I hurt my knee doing leg presses. I also started to get back pain. My wife developed nerve related pains in her back and legs. We both went to the doctor (who happens to be 30 year gym fanatic) explaining the problem. He was extremely emphatic about discontinuing these workouts. He felt that "People in their fifties shouldn't be working out in a fashion such as recomended in this book."
These workouts push you hard and advance you quickly. If you are in your fifties and are in good enough shape to use this workout without injuries, than the chances are you know enough not to need this book.
I liked the book and I wish it didn't lead to injuries. I would not recomened it to most people over 40, though.
Rating:
Summary: Better than "...For Dummies" book.
Review: For those who've complained about the simplistic knowlege of weight training afforded in this book, they either did not use 'look inside' or did not do the program. Yes, women are a priority in his direction, but men are not forgotten. It DOES work!! I lost 60 pounds and gained more muscle than I had after military boot camp!
The author is most enjoyable to work with throughout the entire book with his support and enthusiam transcending the pages. His occupation as a personal trainer is evident in his strong desire to help people achieve weight lifting knowlege and results. There is nothing closer to having a personal trainer with you at every workout for such a nominal fee. Kudos to James Orvis for making weight training not-so-mysterious and doable for all. IT IS SIMPLE, FUN AND EFFECTIVE WHEN YOU LEARN FROM HIM.
Rating:
Summary: very good for beginners
Review: This book helped me start weight lifting successfully. I recommend it to those who are looking for their "first book". The book basically have a very simple 12-week program to follow. There is a chart to fill-out for every single workout, and the weights are adjustable according to your specific needs. Luckily, the book has a relatively small size and it has a type of binding that stays open. Therefore, you can easily take it to the gym without looking like a novice. Additionally, there is a short introduction in the beginning with essential information, and that is really sufficient for beginners. As the author says, even after reading some of the most basic points, you will notice that many people in the gym do not lift weights properly. At the end of the book, there is a section with illustrated instructions outlining proper form and technique. There is no information on nutrition, human anatomy, advanced techniques etc., which makes this book unsuitable for advanced weight-lifters, but if you are clueless in the gym, and you want a simple guide that tells you exactly what to do without requiring too much reading, you will certainly benefit from Weight Training Workouts that Work. Good luck.
Rating: 
Summary: Increase Lean Muscle Tissue in 12 weeks
Review: WEIGHT TRAINING WORKOUTS THAT WORK Vol. I & II
Author: james orvis
This 12- week program is designed to increase lean muscle tissue and burn fat.
The book is laid out in weekly workouts increasing the number of sets over a chosen time. It includes charts for the reader to document their own progress as they work through the book. Little anecdotes of inspiration are sprinkled throughout.
In order to gain some insight from fitness professionals, this reviewer passed the two-volume set on to two people in the industry. The following are their comments:
Laura Hodge, Fitness Instructor Specialist had these comments after reading the books. "It would be my suggestion that the author include more cardio in order to promote fat burning. The program is well laid out however there is no reference to page numbers for the specific exercises making it less convenient to use than it could be."
James Krywan, Personal Trainer stated: " I feel this book is geared more to beginners and amateur athletes due to its simple non-technical nature. Professionals would like to see more reference to muscle anatomy and the use of proper terms i.e. pectoralis major rather than chest.
On the whole both experts felt that this was a well written, well thought out program for weight training workouts for the general public.
Author James Orvis is a certified personal trainer. He has used his personal experience with clients in health clubs, corporations and private training sessions to design his system for maximum results.
Reviewer: Shirley Roe, Allbooks Reviews
Rating:
Summary: Not what I wanted at all
Review: This may be a good book for someone who is just starting out in weight training, but even at that I don't think it's worth the price. Most of the book is charts for you to fill in with weight lifted and reps during your workouts, which you could easily make yourself on a spreadsheet. There are relatively few exercises described, and really no workout options to speak of. If you're ready to slavishly follow this author's ideas (which aren't backed up with any evidence in particular), then it's a complete package deal. I prefer to have some evidence to convince me that one strategy is better than another, since exercise books differ so widely in what they tell you. You could get much more and better information for planning a workout routine, and far better descriptions and pictures of exercises, for free at exrx.net.
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