Rating: 
Summary: Strong enough for a man, but made for women!
Review: Excellent book! I bought it to learn about body building to help my wife out and I learned alot! I have never read a book on fitness that went into such detail about how to workout. Karen explains how to do the exercises including information about how to do a rep, how your body should feel durning and afterwards, how to tell good pain for bad pain. She also goes into many of the whys of bodybuilding. For anyone interested in getting thier questions answered this is for you! I only wish I could find a book like this written for men. Not that the information isn't helpful for men. But this book is centered on womens body building. Karen your book is refreshing and you are a gifted teacher.
Rating: 
Summary: Good book, but style annoyed me
Review: First, let me say that this book is great on the mechanics of weight-training. She explains almost everything you could want to know about it, from different approaches to working out to the difference between fast-twitch/slow-twitch. On that count, I really like this book and think it's great.On the other hand, I often found the style of writing extremely annoying. For example: "you simply must keep going, like brave and humble knights, onward into the dragon's den, wrapping your chattering mind in a soundproof box . ." Now, visualization is all well and good, as well as attempts at inspring the reader . . . but phrases like that (sprinkled rather liberally throughout the book) just grated on my nerves after the first few times. Perhaps other people enjoy that style of writing, but I personally found it to be overly artsy and irritating, rather than inspirational. I can get past that irritating stylistic quirk, because the book really does have great content. But I thought I should warn others who may not appreciate grand attempts at spirituality/artsiness.
Rating:
Summary: the price is right
Review: I do most of my workouts at home so I found some of the material really didn't apply to me. But having said that, I think this book is well presented and most helpful for women who want to make the most of their physical selves as well as their mental well being. I think it's worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: So far, so good
Review: I got this book last week and it's great. I'm giving it 4 stars because you can't do all the exercises unless you join a gym and use machines (I want to work out at home with free weights). I've struggled with weight and lack of exercise my whole life but this is a very inspirational book. I would suggest that EVERY woman read it.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite book on women and exercise thus far
Review: I have been exercising and lifting weights, on and off, for nearly 20 years. I find that I keep coming back to this book when I need to recharge my workout. Most recently, I came back to it after the birth of my second child. I decided it was time to get the baby fat off and get strong so I could keep up with my toddlers. Granted, I returned to Weight Watchers as well, but in five months, I've lost 41 lbs and, thanks to Karen's book, have gained a tremendous amount of strength and stamina - not to mention some visible muscle definition. You really DON'T need a gym to use this book. I work out in my basement, with a barbell, bench, set of dumbbells, and my ancient NordicTrak ski machine (for the cardio). I can usually complete a good workout in about an hour and 15 minutes, during my youngests's naptime. I like Karen's example workout routines and the variations she suggests. I really only do 3 or 4 different weight exercises each day, with 25 min. cardio (5 days, with 2 rest days), and yet have seen dramatic results. I guess I want to encourage those who DON'T or CAN'T go to a gym, to get this book anyway. You can get tremendous results with very humble equipment, especially if you are starting from square one. And Karen often gives dumbbell variations for many exercises. (One-arm rows can be done with dumbbells instead of a low-cable, for example). I've accomplished far more than I ever expected without ever setting foot in a gym. I like the motivational aspect of her book, although I agree with the other reviewers that some of her language can be a bit melodramatic (hence, the four stars instead of five). Nonetheless, she keeps me going - doing SOMETHING - even on days when I can't do all I planned to do. And, I've let go of that irrational "ideal" body that we see on the magazine covers all the time. I have crow's feet around my eyes, and that tell-tale bulge in my belly from bearing my children. But I also have shapely arms and legs and the energy to play "swordfights" with my four-year-old and carry heavy bags of groceries without gasping for air. I totally agree with the others about her advice on proper form and technique, as well. And, although I've never had serious back problems, the nightly dull ache in my lower back that had plagued me before and during my pregnancies and beyond, is now completely gone. This is a terrific book for all women who lift weights, however experienced you are (or not), but I think it is especially valuable for those who have never tried weight-training, perhaps because it seemed too intimidating. This book explains WHY weight-training is so important, ESPECIALLY for women, and tells you how to do it safely and effectively.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite book on women and exercise thus far
Review: I have been exercising and lifting weights, on and off, for nearly 20 years. I find that I keep coming back to this book when I need to recharge my workout. Most recently, I came back to it after the birth of my second child. I decided it was time to get the baby fat off and get strong so I could keep up with my toddlers. Granted, I returned to Weight Watchers as well, but in five months, I've lost 41 lbs and, thanks to Karen's book, have gained a tremendous amount of strength and stamina - not to mention some visible muscle definition. You really DON'T need a gym to use this book. I work out in my basement, with a barbell, bench, set of dumbbells, and my ancient NordicTrak ski machine (for the cardio). I can usually complete a good workout in about an hour and 15 minutes, during my youngests's naptime. I like Karen's example workout routines and the variations she suggests. I really only do 3 or 4 different weight exercises each day, with 25 min. cardio (5 days, with 2 rest days), and yet have seen dramatic results. I guess I want to encourage those who DON'T or CAN'T go to a gym, to get this book anyway. You can get tremendous results with very humble equipment, especially if you are starting from square one. And Karen often gives dumbbell variations for many exercises. (One-arm rows can be done with dumbbells instead of a low-cable, for example). I've accomplished far more than I ever expected without ever setting foot in a gym. I like the motivational aspect of her book, although I agree with the other reviewers that some of her language can be a bit melodramatic (hence, the four stars instead of five). Nonetheless, she keeps me going - doing SOMETHING - even on days when I can't do all I planned to do. And, I've let go of that irrational "ideal" body that we see on the magazine covers all the time. I have crow's feet around my eyes, and that tell-tale bulge in my belly from bearing my children. But I also have shapely arms and legs and the energy to play "swordfights" with my four-year-old and carry heavy bags of groceries without gasping for air. I totally agree with the others about her advice on proper form and technique, as well. And, although I've never had serious back problems, the nightly dull ache in my lower back that had plagued me before and during my pregnancies and beyond, is now completely gone. This is a terrific book for all women who lift weights, however experienced you are (or not), but I think it is especially valuable for those who have never tried weight-training, perhaps because it seemed too intimidating. This book explains WHY weight-training is so important, ESPECIALLY for women, and tells you how to do it safely and effectively.
Rating:
Summary: even great for men
Review: Karen Andes' form is so thorough and instruction so complete, this book is even great for men. Her tips for visualization are immensely helpful; I love her "tricks of the trade." And the suggestions to make moves harder or easier mean that you may never outgrow an exercise. Clearly photographed and explained, the exercises are well-discussed and sound. Most exercises do require gym-type equipment, but many of her other suggestions will be very helpful to all exercisers. She is motivating, instructional and inspiring. She obviously finds great strength and beauty in the vast assortment of women out there, and believes all of us can find our own beauty, physical, emotional, spiritual, as well.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic!
Review: Overall, this book has a lot of valuable information to offer. I've been working out consistently now for over a year and would recommend this book to those in search of understanding the basics. The author does a great job addressing the proper form to utilize during each workout. Furthermore, there are plenty of workout routines for all major muscle groups so you don't have to worry about getting bored with the workouts. Karen even lays out workout routines for beginners, intermediates, and even the advanced audience. This was perhaps my favorite feature of the book. The book also discusses the importance of a balance meal and offers a few example recipes, also an excellent feature. Perhaps the most annoying element of this book was the flowery word usage. Karen has a strong understanding of fitness and does not need to resort to "flaky" words. But if you can get past this, the book's a great read!
Rating: 
Summary: GREAT FOR BEGINEERS
Review: Overall, this book has a lot of valuable information to offer. I've been working out consistently now for over a year and would recommend this book to those in search of understanding the basics. The author does a great job addressing the proper form to utilize during each workout. Furthermore, there are plenty of workout routines for all major muscle groups so you don't have to worry about getting bored with the workouts. Karen even lays out workout routines for beginners, intermediates, and even the advanced audience. This was perhaps my favorite feature of the book. The book also discusses the importance of a balance meal and offers a few example recipes, also an excellent feature. Perhaps the most annoying element of this book was the flowery word usage. Karen has a strong understanding of fitness and does not need to resort to "flaky" words. But if you can get past this, the book's a great read!
Rating:
Summary: Really helped me get started with strength training!
Review: Previously I had seen weightlifting as something to just get finished with- something you do according to a formula prescribed to you by a trainer in order to build muscle strength and endurance (or size). The problem with this approach is that after I reach my goal I won't have a reason for continuing! I want to plan for continuing weighttraining "for life" and needed to find the right motivation. I like this book because it helped me to think about weightlifting/strength training in a new way. I can now see how strength training can fit into my life long after I've reached my fitness goals. Andes helped me to see the PROCESS of weightlifting as being just as important as (if not more important than) the goals I want to achieve and maintain. Armed with this new way of thinking, I now lift weights much more mindfully; I no longer just try to get through my sets. Instead, I pay attention to what is happening with my body as I lift, and I focus on the muscle groups involved. The sessions are so much more enjoyable and meaningful this way. I really had never thought I'd enjoy weightlifting for the sake of weightlifting. Another thing I really appreciated is the section in the back that explains how the weight machines function. I'd still recommend having a trainer physically show you how the machines are used if it's your first time, but the book is a great reminder of why I'm using a machine in the first place, and what my exact goals are for the muscle group in question The book is written in a passionate manner that gave me a new respect for strength training and for fitness in general. I've recommended this book to many people who have expressed an interest in toning up!
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