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Rating: 
Summary: Horrible [...] Understone Noticed By Everyone I Showed
Review: From the moment I opened this book I realized it had a [...]undertone. From picture of naked men soapy in a shower or guys doing things together that make me sick, I knew I had to return this book even if it cost me a ton of money in shipping. I see other reviewers found this book enjoyable, but they seem to be the lady readers, however, I was under the influence this was a book for men. I was simply disgusted from the moment I opened it. The advice was not very helpful and truthfully I think reading a book for women would make me feel more masculine than this nauseating display of male nudity. Some may think I am rating it too hard, but honestly, how many straight guys want to open a book and get a face full of naked men in a shower or the dozens of other equally as unnecessary poses, are you kidding me!?!?! This book is revolting and I recommend you avoid it. Now if your [...] or a woman, you may just enjoy it, but as for real guys, it's just gross!!! Moreover, I asked every relative that was at my house for Christmas, I was given this book as a gift, and they all laughed and said why did you get a [...] man's book?? I was so embarrassed because it was supposed to be a fitness book, if I can't just return it I will just throw it away! I now know what the "Beyond" part in the title means. It just upsets me that Amazon couldn't take the time to list that such graphic pictures were included!
Rating: 
Summary: Inspitational!
Review: Great book. This is the second publication of Jon Giswold. I am a big fan of his first publication "BASIC TRAINING". Informative, and not to forget the great pictures. We need more of this style in fitness books. The models are gorgeous.
Rating:
Summary: Goes above and beyond
Review: I already had a copy of "Basic Training," Jon's first book, and so I picked this one up without hesitation. Whereas "Basic Training" is a good starting point, this book easily picks up where the first left off, taking topics like emotional well-being, diet and the more esoteric topics that guys who want to jump in and get going at the gym are likely to overlook.Jon gives a good look at some other forms of exercise, including yoga and stretching, as valuable additions to a fitness "repertoire." The book isn't focused entirely on training--thus the title "Beyond Basic Training," and making it much more valuable than any of the countless exercise titles out there.
Rating:
Summary: Goes above and beyond
Review: I already had a copy of "Basic Training," Jon's first book, and so I picked this one up without hesitation. Whereas "Basic Training" is a good starting point, this book easily picks up where the first left off, taking topics like emotional well-being, diet and the more esoteric topics that guys who want to jump in and get going at the gym are likely to overlook. Jon gives a good look at some other forms of exercise, including yoga and stretching, as valuable additions to a fitness "repertoire." The book isn't focused entirely on training--thus the title "Beyond Basic Training," and making it much more valuable than any of the countless exercise titles out there.
Rating:
Summary: Beyond Inspiring!
Review: I didn't think anything could be more inspiring than Jon Giswold's first book Basic Training, but his latest installment is BEYOND INSPIRING. Beyond Basic Training gives great in depth details of various types of training that can make a real difference. Jon gives excellent explanations of what works and why. Jon also does an amazing job giving tips for how to get a thorough workout at home. The photos by Augustus Butera are beautiful and clearly illustrate the how to's of all the exercises. But to be totally honest, what really got me and kept me glued was Jon's courage in sharing his personal story of triumph over adversity. For me reading those few pages made all the difference. His moving account gave me so much more respect for Jon and his work on this book and Basic Training. KUDOS, Jon and Augusts. This is a must read and see for anyone struggling with self-image and/or training issues.
Rating:
Summary: I find this book very helpful
Review: I have read both of Jon Giswold's books...Basic Training and Beyond Basic Training and have found both to be informative and helpful in creating my own fitness plan.
Jon obviously knows a lot about fitness and he explains it in a way that makes it accessible for everyone.
I just read the review from "revolted" and am surprised anyone could get so angry because of a few photos that show well-built young guys. The photos give me inspiration and I don't think they are any more sexual than many of the photos in clothing catalogues. I respect this reader's right to have his opinion that he doesn't like the book, but I don't know why he has to be so mean spirited.
My advice to men who are interested in learning about fitness and/or to the women who want to help get their partner in shape: This book offers a lot of good advice.
Rating:
Summary: Best of It's Kind And The Most Artistic
Review: I have to strongly disagree with the apparently homophobic gentleman who wrote that first review who could not get past his fear of the beautiful male bodies in Jon Giswold's BEYOND BASIC TRAINING to reap the rewards of this wonderful bible of health. Jon is one of the best in his field. I know, because I workout with him all the time and I have learned so much.This book puts all of Jon's great and loving knowledge into easy practice for the rest of us to benefit from and it is photographed beautifully by Augustus Butera, who just happens to be one of the busiest and finest photographers in New York. Whether you need to build muscle or just stay fit and healthy, this book is a find. ENJOY the beauty and know that you, too, can be proud of the way you look after incorporating Jon's expert advice into your daily routine.
Rating: 
Summary: Stick with the Original: Basic Training
Review: My husband and I both have utilized a lot of training advice and inspiration from Jon's first book "Basic Training". So, when I saw "Beyond Basic Training", I didn't hesitate to purchase it as I knew it would be an excellent guide for my husband. But, what I didn't count on, was how much I would also enjoy this book. Thanks, Jon-you've done it again!
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding book on men's health and fitness
Review: This book is outstanding, and is quite simply the best and most complete source I've seen thus far for men's health and fitness. Written by a man with a man's body in mind, the book covers topics ranging from weight training to stretching to nutrition to emotional wellness (and more), and does so in clear, succinct, and simple language. Mr. Giswold, a top personal trainer in New York City, certainly knows the subject matter cold, but in truth the keys to this book are its simplicity, the broad range of topics covered, and its approaches to workouts that the average Joe simply doesn't take into account. For a non-musclehead with limited time to spend (like me), the variety of exercises presented is oustanding. There are many types of workouts (e.g. using fitness balls, using concepts based on yoga, etc.) that the average man doesn't often encounter. It is an excellent starting point for any man who wants to chance his fitness level. The book is also visually striking, both in its design and in its photographs. The pictures of exercises are illustrative and clear, and Mr. Butera's photographs are excellent inspiration. It is clear that Mr. Giswold's ideal form is not the musclebound gym fanatic, but rather the lean and healthy (from all perspectives) modern man. In fact, the reader is well-advised not to let his girlfriend see the book...the pictures will distract her to frustrating degrees! Mr. Giswold and Mr. Butera have done an outstanding job with this book. I read this book regularly and recommend it without reservation.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding book on men's health and fitness
Review: This book is outstanding, and is quite simply the best and most complete source I've seen thus far for men's health and fitness. Written by a man with a man's body in mind, the book covers topics ranging from weight training to stretching to nutrition to emotional wellness (and more), and does so in clear, succinct, and simple language. Mr. Giswold, a top personal trainer in New York City, certainly knows the subject matter cold, but in truth the keys to this book are its simplicity, the broad range of topics covered, and its approaches to workouts that the average Joe simply doesn't take into account. For a non-musclehead with limited time to spend (like me), the variety of exercises presented is oustanding. There are many types of workouts (e.g. using fitness balls, using concepts based on yoga, etc.) that the average man doesn't often encounter. It is an excellent starting point for any man who wants to chance his fitness level. The book is also visually striking, both in its design and in its photographs. The pictures of exercises are illustrative and clear, and Mr. Butera's photographs are excellent inspiration. It is clear that Mr. Giswold's ideal form is not the musclebound gym fanatic, but rather the lean and healthy (from all perspectives) modern man. In fact, the reader is well-advised not to let his girlfriend see the book...the pictures will distract her to frustrating degrees! Mr. Giswold and Mr. Butera have done an outstanding job with this book. I read this book regularly and recommend it without reservation.
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