Rating: 
Summary: hold it, this guy is right!
Review: After playing high school and college sports I read this book, thinking that I couldn't become a better athlete. I was wrong, big time. At 29 I'm faster quicker and stronger, and in the best shape of my life. This guy knows his stuff, and he doesn't advocate weights. His tips may be bold, but he sure ain't wrong. If you are unmotivated, this is the quickest easiest way to get in shape. And since most of this country is out of shape, he sees the whole picture on motivation and education. His fitness program works,ilver plain and simple, it just makes sense. And it's not common sense, 'cause if it were, there wouldn't be so many poorly overdeveloped bodies at all the gyms I see. I've trimmed body fat within weeks, improved strength, and I feel great!! If you try this workout you will love it!
Rating: 
Summary: A complete, non-boring routine that tones the entire body
Review: As a Physical trainer with an advanced degree in Exercise Science and several national certifications I find this book egregiously misleading. The author spewes out 'fact' after 'fact' with no scientific basis (except for his own practical experience!). If you buy this book please take his word with a grain of salt. In addition, there are several exercises depicted in this book that will cause more harm then help.
The only reason I give this book 2 stars is for his body type descriptions....they are easy to understand and extremely marketable.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best exercise books ever, and I should know
Review: As an editor and writer for major men's fitness magazines, I have seen it all in exercise books. I don't write many reviews here on Amazon.com of these books. There are just too many that are the same.
This one is truly different. A concise guide that is well-designed, it lists a series of tips under various categories, such as cardio exercise, back pain, home fitness equipment, fat, fitness after 50, etc. I still refer to it from time to time.
It is a no-nonsense, no-fluff guide with no particular angle to push. Just good, real-world information from a pro who knows what he's talking about. I don't like books with lots of photos on how to do the exercise, because I've been to the gym for years and know how to do them all. But if I want to remember how many calories are burned per hour playing racquetball, or specifically how to distinguish muscle pain from soreness, it's here. The book is good to read through when you get it, then keep handy as a reference book when you need it.
This is a timeless book for both men and women, at any level of exercise experience.
Rating:
Summary: Great ideas, but need to be more clearly organized
Review: During my first reading of HOLD IT!, I was a bit confused and annoyed -- there was very little dealing with the actual different body shapes (cone, spoon, ruler, hourglass). Furthermore, the paragraphs following his tips rarely had anything to do with the tips themselves. However, Jackowski's aerobics, lunges, and so on have never done anything beneficial for my silhouette! The workout included in the back of the book does seem to be a one-size-fits-all, but at second glimpse it's apparent that it WOULD be beneficial for each of the four shapes/types. Essentially, just get out your jumprope and begin to get in shape -- this is a program you can believe in!
Rating:
Summary: A complete, non-boring routine that tones the entire body
Review: Finally an exercise routine that isn't boring and truly gets you fit. Both my husband and I equally enjoy the variety and scope of the exercises. Each set of exercises is broken up by a jump rope segment - and don't underestimate the power of the jump rope! It truly is the most efficient and effective aerobic exercise ever! I completely changed by body shape. I was never overweight, but had fat deposits on my hips and buttocks. Within 2 weeks I lost 4 pounds, but more importantly went from a "spoon" shape to a slender,toned,and proportioned body. My husband also lost weight and his muscles are tight and toned. I credit this book for extending our lives and keeping us "fit for life"! Jackowski may be overly zealous regarding the jumprope, but having tried it, I'd have to agree. It may not be for everyone, but you should give it a try because it works!!
Rating:
Summary: Concisely written and filled with valuable advice.
Review: Having attended a gym regularly for nearly three years now, I haven't been all that happy with the results. "Hold it! You're exercising wrong" did indeed show me where I was going wrong. By following his advice for building "pure strength and muscle endurance", using pull ups, pushups and "bar dips" (despite my reluctance to abandon a lengthy free weight workout), I've built more muscle in the past three months than in the proceeding three years. Jackowski's prose is concise and his advice to the point. His discussion of differing body types and the need to tailor exercises to correspond to your particular body type is especially valuable.Jackowski lays out all the facts concerning the many kinds of aerobic exercise, dispelling a few myths along the way, and recommending an old school gym stand by, the jump rope. With my back problem, I had to substitute a stationary, recumbent bike, which Jackowski recommends as the next best thing. He's right.
Rating:
Summary: Hold it! BUY THIS BOOK
Review: I bought this book over a year ago and can't recommend it more! Just thought I would comment as I am coming back to get more copies as gifts.. The information is easily read, makes complete sense and the workout at the end of the book proposed is thorough, can be made challenging and has made ALL the difference for me as far as getting in good shape: both for cardiovascular needs and tone wise. Have recommended it to many friends who have commented on the change seen. GREAT choice for anyone that doesn't like the hassle of going to the gym. Just a jumprope, towel and weight bar and you are on your way!
Rating:
Summary: I can't believe it actually worked!
Review: I can recommend this book 100%. I was shocked to find that after 2 1/2 weeks I had lost a quarter of an inch off my thighs, hips and waist. Initially I was intrigued (I am a spoon body type and had seen my hips and legs get bigger with step aerobics and exercise bikes) but skeptical because I am a health care professional who specializes in orthopedics.This book offers good information for the work out "novice" as well as those who have spent a great deal of time working out without results. The text is easy to understand and makes excellent points, though most comments made are from the author's personal experience vs. scientific studies.
Rating:
Summary: Most excellent! Jackowski is an informed author
Review: I found everything in this book to be quite interesting. Being a girl on a "please let me be a size 4 naturally" quest, I've explored every fitness regime out there imaginable. Edward Jackowski's makes sense. None of us have the same body, do we? Some people are taller than others; my sister, although being shorter than me, has longer legs whereas I have shorter legs but a longer torso. By the same reasoning, does it make sense that people who gain weight in different places should exercise the exact same way? What of you're particular bane is saddlebags? Will a stairmaster, designed to strengthen the quads and hamstrings, make you look slim and sleek, or build even more muscle in your problem area? These are the areas Jackowski's book attacks, and he gives us logical answers and solutions to our fitness problems. He doesn't offer a magic "hey! Buy my book and instantly be thin!" promise- he gives you the cold hard facts- if you don't exercise, you won't be fit. Plain and simple. However, he does offer a sort of shortcut by showing you exercises tailored to your particular fitness goals. This, desipte what one reviewer said, pertains to ANYONE, whether your goal is to tone and slim down or bulk up. How much $$$ have you wasted on lame exercise infomercial gear that is currently your dirty clothes hanger? If this is you, than $... is a bargain. Buy it!
Rating: 
Summary: What planet is this guy from?
Review: I found everything in this book to be quite interesting. Being a girl on a "please let me be a size 4 naturally" quest, I've explored every fitness regime out there imaginable. Edward Jackowski's makes sense. None of us have the same body, do we? Some people are taller than others; my sister, although being shorter than me, has longer legs whereas I have shorter legs but a longer torso. By the same reasoning, does it make sense that people who gain weight in different places should exercise the exact same way? What of you're particular bane is saddlebags? Will a stairmaster, designed to strengthen the quads and hamstrings, make you look slim and sleek, or build even more muscle in your problem area? These are the areas Jackowski's book attacks, and he gives us logical answers and solutions to our fitness problems. He doesn't offer a magic "hey! Buy my book and instantly be thin!" promise- he gives you the cold hard facts- if you don't exercise, you won't be fit. Plain and simple. However, he does offer a sort of shortcut by showing you exercises tailored to your particular fitness goals. This, desipte what one reviewer said, pertains to ANYONE, whether your goal is to tone and slim down or bulk up. How much $$$ have you wasted on lame exercise infomercial gear that is currently your dirty clothes hanger? If this is you, than $... is a bargain. Buy it!
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