The Men's Health Cover Model Workout

Rating:
Summary: Pretty good book
Review: As with most "Men's Health" publications it's a little over-indulgent with the cheesy modeling and action pictures. I'm not sure I care for the excessive family history talk and background either. But as far as workouts and eating, the author (McNibb) knows what he's talking about...look at him... The workout program he's detailed is sound and paced for both beginners and more advanced gym rats. the exercise pics are good but i think a little bit better explanation for the biginners to explain what muscles the indavidual exercises are targeting would've been helpful. Good stuff.

Rating:
Summary: Gives you the body you want.
Review: I just finished phase 3 of the program and I couldn't be happier with the results. If you're looking for a workout that will give you a lean muscular physic that looks as good in a suit as well as it does on the beach, then this is the book for you. I give it my highest recommendations.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: I really enjoyed this book - it has some good tips on nutrition and weight training and, best of all, has realistic goals.

Rating:
Summary: Great way to get started and motivated
Review: I was surprised to see this title, I thought "Oh boy, here is another workout book by someone who knows nothing." Boy, was I wrong! The first part of the book is dedicated to the author's life story. I found it easy to read, and surprising, considering that this guy is a cover model. You expect a model to be snobby, have an attitude, or be a complete idiot. Owen Mckibbin was none of those. I identified with his story, because I lost my father to a heart attack at a young age, as did he. He tells those who read his words to not to try and focus on the outside, that will come in time and not to compare yourself with anyone else, including him. He also makes a strong point about diets and supplements that show before and after photos, shooting down the quick fix approach to weight loss, and letting people know what a waste of time those type of plans really are. He also reveals many problems he had growing up, which I won't give away here, but I found it very surprising, again considering he is a cover model. Not to say that his has much new to offer, but I give it credence because of who he is, and what he does. He is a model for a living, and if he does not stay in shape, he will more than likely be out of a job. And I have heard that the quickest path to success is to model someone who has done what you want to do. They have already made the mistakes for you, so all you have to do now is do what they have done, get the same results, and acheive the same things. Not to say that anyone who follows this will look like Owen McKibbin. No way, that is foolish to think that. But if you are extreme in your consistency and persistence, as Owen says, you will reach your goal of extraordinary fitness. Achievements are not built by saying what you are going to do, but by actually doing what you need to do. He covers all the bases, strenght training, cardiovascular, and eating/dieting. They all are components and compliment each other in this plan, Owen says. You can't do one or two and expect to get the results, all three must be implemented. I truly believe if you follow this plan to the T, you will be astounded. I have just started and can already feel it. You won't see it at first, but you will know, because you are working from the inside out, which is the only true way to achieve anything of substance. I know for some of you this sounds like Bill Phillips Body For Life, and in some instances it is, but the difference here is he is not trying to get you to buy his shakes and supplements. Owen says what he acheived, he did on his own, no artificial help at all. And we all have the potential to do as he did. He tells it straight, as it should be, that hard work, persistence, consistency, motivation, and discipline are the only way to true physical fitness. Any other way will take you back to square one ultimately. So the next time you see him on the cover of Men's Health, remember how hard he had to work to get that body, and how hard he has to work to keep it, anyone can do it, but you must do it, with action, not hopes and dreams. I would recommend this to anyone checking out fitness or weight loss titles, I believe it to be worth looking at, and ultimately, adding to your personal collection. His story will surprise and inspire you, and his workout plan is the map to a treasure each one of us has the key to, if we are only willing to look inside and use that power to claim and realize our fullest physical potential. Way to go Owen, you're cool in my book, dude! And thanks for the map you have laid out for those of us willing to follow its path, you did the hard part, all we have to is emulate you and do what you have done, and ulimately reap the same rewards. Watch out, I'm coming for my cover-shot for Men's Health!

Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: In a world of dangerous fad diets ,an endless stream of snake oil supplements and "quick fix" workout programs, Owen's book is a breath of fresh air. The book provides clear and detailed information on his nutritional guidelines and training techniques. This book also stresses the importance of discipline, consistency and mental preparation to overcome the obstacles into achieving longterm physical health. His story will inspire you.

Rating:
Summary: Bunch of Crap
Review: Owen McKibbon, admitted it himself that his genetics plays a big part for his physique. For the rest of us this is not the case. His less is more attitutude may work well for soem with superior genetic capabilities, but for the average Joe Schmo this isn't enough. After sticking with his workout and dietfor 12 weeks, I was more toned in some parts of the body. But, overall I lost muscle mass and strength.

This book is good for beginners who have done little or nothing but for anyone who already is in shape it is a waste of time.

Don't buy this!!!


Rating:
Summary: Good starting point for all-around fitness
Review: This book is a great first workout program. The exercises are clearly demonstrated and each section comes with a chart to monitor your progress. That said, here are some things that don't make this book a best-seller: 1) way too many cheesy modelling shots, it looks dumb and almost embarassing if anyone sees you with it (I hide my copy from my friends); 2) They tried to market Owen as a guy who had it rough when he didn't, Owen tries to sound like his life was in the toilet before his workout routine but it wasn't - many of his claims (i.e. his bad back, his party-harty days, etc.) are just minor stuff that everyone's dealt with - find me a cripple with his body and then I'll buy HIS book; 3) the diet plan is elusive, he tries to claim there's a diet plan but there's not - he only lists three meal items for B-fast, lunch and dinner - in short, a strong diet plan is needed to follow your new program.
A really good strong point about the book that I do like is that he emphasizes all-around fitness. A cardio-program is the backbone of all fitness routines. I never noticed how many guys go to the gym and lift weights but don't bike or run after. In fact, I saw this one really bulked-up guy climb the stairs at my gym and he was panting by the end! I'm no genius but I know that you should do some cardio to follow your body. That is what Owen's program does; it gets you fit while emphasizing the elements that will benefit you all-around. This book is a great startout program but I think that any advanced lifters/athletic people will already know a program advanced beyond this.

PS-what's with the "Owen Crunch" in this book? It's just a normal crunch so stop trying to pawn it off as something miraculous; it's not like I go around turning doorknobs and trying to get people to call it the "Ty turn". Don't be stupid with terminology.

Rating:
Summary: Pretty good book
Review: This is probably one of the most rewarding fitness book available. McKibben's Cover Model Workout outlines excersises and a vague but easy to follow diet in order to acheiving a great feeling and healthy looking body. The Workout he outlines won't give you Brad Pitt's cuts or Priest's extreeme mass. This is definitaley not a quick fix (the program takes a minimum of 16 weeks), but the look you can achieve using his methods (a healthy more natural look) is becoming much more popular in today's world of fitness and bodybuilding. Another great thing about his method is that it helps you to achieve long lasting stable fitness and it is extreemley cheap to follow (no expensive supplements), natural, healthy. Kudos to McKibben for a motivating, honest essential to anyone who wants to get into shape the right way.