Rating: 
Summary: Same thing, different format
Review: I bought the book because I liked the premise, and I still generally agree with his plan...
- do 4 sets of 2 different exercises 6 days a week, for 4 weeks (different exercises for all those days), then begin the exercises again;
- keep a journal to stay motivated;
- do a food plan where you check off what you eat, but you are not told you CANNOT eat anything - some things are just suggested as being much better; and
- do power walking as your aerobic exercise of choice.Overall, this plan is not bad - but I did have some problems with it.
- One seems minor; however, if I am going to write in this book, then I like the way Bob Greene did his book with the rings, so it could lie flat, better. That is also more convenient for doing the exercises.
- Next, while I did like the food plan, the biggest problem I had with it was the restriction on the amount of fruit I could eat (one serving per day - always!) - but the veggies were much more unlimited (depending on weight, up to 6 servings per day). Overall, it's not a bad plan. However, be aware that while the exercises only take 8 minutes in the morning, when you add the journaling and power walking, you are doing more. For the person just getting started in trying to lose weight, it's not a bad plan; however, if you are only half-hearted in getting started with this plan, it is just as easy as any other plan to skip and cheat on.
Rating: 
Summary: Get Pumped and Energized
Review: I love this book and have been recommending it to friends and family. Although I have kept to a regular workout schedule (after work and on the weekend), it became harder as I got busier at work. Also family events in the evening would interfere with me getting my "workouts" in... Using Jorge Cruise's system is much easier. Now I get up about 15 minutes earlier each day. I do my exercises after breakfast -- and I'm all fired up and raring to go. Morning exercise is great! After 6 weeks I look more toned and defined -- but I am an over-achiever and always do a bit more than 8 minutes. Plus I manage to get in at least one 10 minute walk a day. One caveat -- On the diet side his book is "out to lunch". The Zone by Dr. Barry Sears is much better -- great energy and good weight control using his 30/30/40 plan.
Rating:
Summary: 8 minutes to a better lifestyle
Review: On the advice of my doctor I bought and have been using Jorge Cruise's 8 minutes in the morning. The book is written in everyday language and very easy to read and understand. The encouragement in the book is great and the exercises are so easy to follow. I like the eating cards that are included for use, helps me keep up with my food intake. I like the way the foods are catagorized for you. This makes using the food cards easier. I have lost 8lbs, 2" in hips, 1" in bust, arms and thighs in 2 weeks time. I feel better and have more energy. This book is helping me find a new and better way of living. The book has exercises laid out for 28 days. After the 28 days I will still be using this book on a daily basis, just start at day 1 and increase my reps and weights. I keep this book within reach all day so I can read inspirations, check my food intake and work on my exercises. I look forward to reaching my goal of 109lbs by March 2003.
Rating:
Summary: Incredibly Effective
Review: I had looked everywhere for some type of direction in my quest for weight loss. Being terribly skeptical of anything and a research hound to boot, this was the first book that really caught my attention. This book is really a simple primer for healthy lifestyle changes. No, you are not going to miraculously going to loose weight just by reading this book, nor will every pound you ever wanted to loose come off in four weeks. But with his plan and help you can change your eating and exercise habits, which will inevitably leave you with healthy weight loss. His program, if you read the book, details a full meal plan (sort of like deal a meal) that helps you learn to make wise food choices, an exercise plan that entails 8 minutes of muscle toning workouts each day in addition to walking exercises that not only help you loose weight and enhance your metabolism, but also get you out and about. After two weeks I felt better, looked healthier and much to my amazement, no longer craved the junk food I had exisited on for so long. This book won't work miracles for you, but rather help you work miracles for yourself.
Rating: 
Summary: Fluff
Review: This book is a waste of time, money, and paper.
The diet he recommends is completely at odds with anything any real dietician would recommend.
The exercise program is lame - 8 minutes is not enough to do anything real - only an optical illusion.
To get any real benefit you need to elevate your heart rate a bit (depending on your desired results).
The only good thing in this book is that it gives a day-by-day exercise plan: this keeps it interesting and varied....
Rating:
Summary: 8 Minutes in the Morning
Review: 8 Minutes in the Morning is the absolute best! It is the first program I've ever encountered (and believe me, I've tried plenty!) that is working for me. Here's why: Jorge Cruise, the author, understands what it takes to get fit. He has anticipated all the possible problems to developing and sticking to a healthy eating and exercise plan and he has included strategies for dealing with these problems. The daily motivation and helpful tips are teaching me how to change from the inside out. The eating plan is satisfying; each meal or snack carries me through to the next. I'm learning to love wholesome food and eat treats in moderation. The daily exercises are simple and effective and they really do only take 8 minutes. I'm so happy with these aspects of the program--plus, I'm loosing weight and getting fit! It's made me feel like I have a personal trainer and cheerleader at my side every step of the way. Thank you, Jorge!
Rating: 
Summary: Not for everyone
Review: The book is a good companion for someone starting a healthier lifestyle, but the weight loss only works for some people and mostly for those that have a lot of weight to lose. If you go to his buddy board and read a bit, then you'll be able to pick out that sad fact. His program consists of brief weight training in the a.m., pretty low calories, and flax oil. The calories are so low for a non-heavy person that it actually SLOWS down their metabolism. Part of the trick may be his flax oil which he sells that contains lipase. Lipase has been shown to aid weight loss, but I've been unable to find anything about whether it is bad for you. There are no long run studies of its effects. He hints at doing some powerwalking, but doesn't give any firm guidelines for it. I know that using his approach (and flax with lipase) has worked for some, but personally I do not believe it works for everyone. What does work for everyone is moderation, high fiber, veggies, cardio and strength training. If you are into a natural, healthy appoach to living, then you may want to skip this book or tweek it a bit - add more cardio and food (healthy, low-fat & high fiber), ditch the lipase.
Rating:
Summary: I skipped the "inspiring stories"
Review: Good workout ideas presented in an accessible format.
Rating:
Summary: 8 minutes in the morning, a simple way to start your day tha
Review: As the proverbial lazy one who HATES exercise, I'm so excited about this book! I picked it up and looked it over then thought "anyone can to just about anything for 8 minutes and I think I can exercise for just about that long". I'm on my third week and am thrilled to say the weight is coming off and I CAN do this for 8 minutes every morning. Now, if I can just regulate my portion sizes a little better.....
Rating:
Summary: I didn't believe it, either
Review: If you're like me, you've already tried them all. I had just given up, decided I'd live to be a size 16 forever, then was diagnosed with M.S. last year. Now I HAD to do something to lead a more healthy lifestyle and kick off this 40 extra pounds.
I saw an article in a magazine about Jorge Cruise and figured even I could get through 8 minutes in the morning. I bought this book and already it has changed my whole attitude. I went from "yeah, right" to "all right!". In just one week I'm down 3 pounds, I have more energy, and I've already started breaking lifelong unhealthy habits. The way this book is written is as if Jorge is a friend of mine who is offering me valuable advice and who wants to see me succeed. He offers advice and ATTITUDE.
The daily motivations and hints and interaction are invaluable.
This program works! Get motivated and try it. You'll finally be getting what you paid for.
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