Bob Greene's Total Body Makeover : An Accelerated Program of Exercise and Nutrition for Maximum Results in Minimum Time

Rating:
Summary: STOP! What do you really need?
Review: Before you buy another book, ask yourself, "What do I really need pertaining to my weight loss goals?" For example, do you need nutrition advice, exercise planning, emotional and spiritual support or all of it? Like many of you, I have 18 diet books sitting on the shelf, varying from trendy diets (yuck) to compulsive eating books that I've collected over the past 11 years. Only recently do I feel that I am winning the battle with myself (not with 'weight', as the battle lies within me).

I used to be the type of woman who knew what to do but was emotionally incapable of putting theory into practice. I've read it all: diet books to nutrition bibles to workout manuals--all have been helpful to a point. Bob's book at least covers many of the core issues that affect those who struggle with their weight and is therefore a good overall, simple and real plan. It will work if you follow this plan, but unfortunately so will any routine that tells you to eat a balanced diet and exercise. The real challenge is to get inspired, motivated and confident, all while staying patient. Yes, patient. Greene says himself that fitness doesn't 'happen' in 12 weeks, it is just the start, so don't expect a miracle.

I found that for me to stick to anything, I've had to look at the spiritual aspect of my health. I've learned to ask myself, "why do I want to love and respect my body, my health?" There are some real gems of books that specifically deal with getting inspired and confident in regards to the weight loss/food battle have helped me a lot.

One book in particular which focuses on healthy body image and weight loss is Deborah Low's "The Quest for Peace, Love and a 24-Inch Waist". Very inspiring. She focuses on the mental and spiritual tools needed to lose weight, but if you also need grounded exercise information and helpful stories, Bob Greene delivers in this book. However, Total Body Makeover may not be as useful for those who are already exercising or know the basics of planning an exercise program.

Rating:
Summary: Your Personal Fitness Trainer
Review: Bob Greene has done it again! He has provided a wonderful resource to help us all achieve our health and weight goals. I have read all of Bob's books and been inspired, but I have found Total Body Makeover to be the most helpful, informative and readable fitness book to date. The program is laid out in an easy to follow format with the plan clearly laid out no matter your fitness level. I appreciated also finding a comprehensive detailing of all the current diets out there in our society with a clear, unbiased opinion of how the plans work and why. Bob empowers all of us to make our own choices, but he is clear that eating well and exercising is a lifetime journey. Do not hesitate to buy this book and begin an exciting beginning to 2005 and becoming your personal best! This is your own, affordable personal trainer and you will enjoy the journey as you undertake his plan for the next 12 weeks.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best
Review: Bob Greene is the mastermind behind Oprah's new body. Oprah looks positively stunning, glowing, and toned these days, and I wanted to achieve that same glow. If Oprah, possibly the most successful woman in the world, can take time out of her day and do this workout, then I certainly don't have any excuse not to work out. Granted, she can afford a personal trainer, cook, etc., but she still has to get off her butt and do the workouts!
If you are willing to put in the time and energy it takes, then this book is no-fail. The lack of a strict diet is extremely refreshing for me. I am actually not as hungry as I was on typical diets -- I think it may just be the psychology of not being on a diet. The workouts take dedication, but personally I would rather work out for an hour and a half a day than constantly think about food and worry about every morsel I put into my mouth for sixteen hours out of the day. I have read just about every diet book out there (just ask my husband who is growing tired of me bringing home book after book and then giving up after a short time). Someone else here recommended "Flip the Switch" so I ran out and bought that one but it did not motivate me in the least. Other books may tell you what you want to hear ("lose belly fat first!") but Bob's method is one of the few that is geared towards a permanently healthier you not just a temporarily skinnier you.

Rating:
Summary: The Kick in the Pants that I needed!
Review: Concise and well written, this book is "to the point". If what you are attempting to do is change your body, I'm sure it isn't a surprise that your eating and exercise habits will have to change also. Bob Greene's book lays out options, reviews popular diet plans and provides that "you can do it" philosopy. In short, it has been my New Year's kick in the pants!

Rating:
Summary: I Have A Much Better Recommendation.
Review: I just got through reading this book at Borders. It's just the same thing Bob Greene keeps saying over and over again, that you should do tons of cardiovascular exercise, little strength training and choose your own eating plan. That just doesn't work, as I own all of Bob's other books and not one of them has helped me to lose weight in the past.

The only method that works for me is calorie counting and exercising with weights instead of doing all the cardio. About a year ago, I bought a book by a guy named Jim Karas. He's the guy who has worked with Diane Sawyer. I saw him on one of the morning shows and he talked about the right way to eat and exercise.

Well, in three months, I lost over 26 and a half pounds (every half pound counts you know). I have kept it off, but still have at least another 30 to go.

I would urge anyone reading to pick up Jim Karas' book, Flip The Switch. It worked for me.



Rating:
Summary: STARTING OFF RIGHT IN 2005!
Review: I read this book in 1 day and believe it to be a very effective, no frills, just hard work and dedication, way to lose weight. The entire text is very easy to read and understand. There is no guess work as far as what you need to do and how you go about accomplishing it. If you're looking for a quick, easy way to transform your body in 12 weeks, this book is not for you. However, if you are like me, and have decided that once and for all you are going to lose weight and get in the best shape of your life, by all means pick up this book. As far as the eating plan goes, there are only 5 guidelines Mr. Greene asks you to abide by. For me, this is quite refreshing because I have tried everything from giving up carbs to counting points, and it has been nothing but cumbersome. Most people know how to eat sensibly, and in order to comply with the vigorous exercise program that is detailed in the book step by step, you need to eat a fair amount or you simply will not have the energy to sustain the workouts. It is not necessary to starve yourself or count every calorie you put in your mouth as long as you are following the exercise program outlined in this book. Yes, it will be a challenge for me to exercise 6 days a week for 12 weeks, and if that is something you feel is out of your realm, than a more formal diet would probably be a better choice. The personal stories of triumph in this book are very inspiring, not to mention the before and after pictures. Really this is something all of us are capable of if we just make exercise a priority instead of coming up with a million excuses why we're so busy we can't fit it into our lives on a regular basis.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Resource on Exercise, Rather than Food
Review: I read this book thoroughly and followed it for a week. I did drop a pound the first week based mainly on exercise.

Bob Greene has a good solid workout program and provides you with good tips on evaluating your eating. I feel, however, that this is more of an exercise book than a nutrition "diet" book.

I personally need more structure in an eating plan than he provides. I was glad to see him providing evaluations of some of the leading diet plans at the back.

This is a great starting place for those learning to exercise and will actually be acceptable for those of us who have been exercising as you can chose the intermediate level and build on your strength and endurance each week.

This is simply a good solid resource.

Rating:
Summary: The Book of an Expert
Review: There is no doubt hat Bob Geen is an expert in his field. Just enough to look at Oprah Winfrey today and compare her image with that one of about five years ago... However, I am not suggesting that one needs five years to make his "total body makeover" . But I do appreciate the fact that Mr. Geen takes it slowly and does not promise overnight results. He also presents some sensible dieting rules like avoiding "emotional eating" (a big problem for many people), establishing daily cut-off time for eating, and drinking a lot of water. These are all very similar suggestion that I have also found in the book "Can We Live 150 Years?" by Tombak. In addition, Dr. Tombak suggests a special fasting schedule for the purpose of cleansing your body. The fasting is not meant for losing weight. Mr. Tombak focuses on healthy living, and longevity. Losing weight is just a natural outcome of that life style...

Rating:
Summary: Total Body Makover
Review: This book offers you all the answers that make sense! I started using Bob's method last year of regular morning exercise and saw immediate results. I lost 26 lbs in 12 weeks and never dieted! More importantly I kept the weight off. I read TBM cover to cover the last week of December and have lost 7 pounds in two weeks using this system works. All of these fad diets can help you lose some weight but its painful. Bob's program not only helps you lose weight but you actually can get healthier as a result. Better heart rate, lower blood pressure, cholesterol numbers went down...Try this and stick with it. You can also try this online at Getwiththeprogram.org............

Rating:
Summary: The One the Only
Review: This is the one and only book to help you shed weight. Since it's publication I have lost a total of 137 pounds. As a woman in Dectar I was eating too much and gained weight. This book helped me shed the weight. I've since married.

Signed,
Erica Phillips
(I hate cats)