Rating: 
Summary: very helpful for a beginner
Review: Before I found this book, I was always very intimidated by gyms and the equipment. I never could get myself to take an instructional class, but then I found this book. The pictures and descriptions in this book are very helpful for doing the exercises and using the equipment correctly without hurting yourself.This book is also very motivational. He tells you everything necessary for getting in shape. There are tips for beginners as well as tips for advanced bodybuilders who plan on competing. He gives you some sample workout plans and also has a very good chapter an your diet. I think this book could be helpful for people of all skill levels, but I am a beginner so I know it is helpful from that perspective. This book is also a very easy read. It kept my interest throughout even in the sections I don't plan on using such as professional competitions. If it helps, I have lost over 20 pounds after the first 2 months of having this book.
Rating:
Summary: YOU MUST BUY THIS BOOK
Review: This has to be the best book ever written on bodybuildingtraining. Why? i'l tell you why: firstly it is written by an authorwho has won numerous titles for Bodybuilding and someone who know's his stuff. Secondly the book is a great read and by that i mean it isnt some plain ol manual of exercises, like other books on Bodybuilding. When reading this book i actually felt as though Frank was Standing in the Room giving me the instruction's himself,It is written that well. Man or Woman,Young or old, Rich Or Poor , Beginner ,Intermediate or Advanced trainee - there is something in this book for everyone. Wether your goal is to Tone ,Loose fat or Gain Mass you will find information within this book. Each chapter is brimming with information on How to be successfull in this game called bodybuilding. He explains all the exercises for each bodypart in clear and concise English ,the exercise descriptions are then highlighted with photograph's showing the movement in it's various forms. I could sit here and describe each and every chapter but i wont as there is so much good information in this book and so much benefit to be reaped from Frank's wise words ,that i'll be here typing for ever. TRUST ME ON THIS YOU MUST BUY THIS BOOK IF YOU WANT TO MAXIMIZE THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR BODY FRANK WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO DO THIS READ,GRASP AND APPLY THE KNOWLEDGE IN THIS BOOK AND YOU TO WILL ACHIEVE THE BODY OF YOUR DREAMS.
Rating:
Summary: Helping me to the next level
Review: I had been lifting weights about six months. I settled into a routine that was doing me some good, but I was not increasing in size the way I wanted. Also, I had developed a bit of tendonitis in my right elbow. I bought Frank Melfa's book online, hoping it would help me take my workouts to the next level. Happily, the book has done exactly that. With many photos to support and illustrate the text, I now know that I was using bad form on a couple of exercises. Also, I was hammering my biceps too often. Hence I was having elbow trouble. With this new information and insight, my elbow problem has almost disappeared, and I suspect it will be gone altogether in a week or two. Mr. Melfa's book helped me to develop a strategy/routine that maximizes the benefits of lifting without courting injury. Because I live in the country, there are no gyms close by. I do all of my lifting in my basement. Without the benefit of a trainer, I consider Mr. Melfa's book the next best thing.
Rating:
Summary: EVEN FOR WOMEN!
Review: Most people think that men are the only ones interested in body building and toning up. The truth is women are interested too. I bought Mr. Melfa's book because it has information for women too. I wanted to tone certain parts of my body and Mr. Melfa's book worked! It's easy to follow and "non intimidating" I keep it around all the time as a guide. Thanks Frank!
Rating:
Summary: Exactly What I Was Looking For
Review: Frank Melfa is to be commended for this great book. The title is well chosen, because this book does indeed offer a straightforward, no-bull explanation of the steps you need to follow in order to fulfill whatever goals you have, no matter what level you're at. This book gives me everything I need, because not only does it give clear, concise, easy to follow instructions on a full range of weightlifting exercises, but the author goes much further with in-depth discussions of which combinations of exercises you can do, different training strategies, how many sets and reps to do, and which exercises are particularly useful for meeting one goal or another. He also includes detailed discussions of nutrition, and specific guidelines and tips for either gaining or losing weight. There is also a lot of material aimed at more experienced body builders who wish to prepare for a contest and get into the competitive side of the sport. I am not at that level, so I can say for beginners considering this book that the advanced material is well separated from the main body of the book. This is a great book for a beginner. Reading the book, I really feel like I'm getting personalized advice from a professional trainer. I have not yet encountered a single question that I was not able to answer with this book. I bought "Bodybuilding: A Realistic Approach" when I first started working out, about six months ago. It was a tremendous help getting me started in coming up with a good program and doing the exercises properly. Since then, I have consulted the book several more times, reading many chapters again. I have found that there is so much detailed material and advice that I get more out of it each time. As I've gained experience and strength, the book has helped me with the finer points, making adjustments to the workout, realizing that I've been doing an exercise wrong, or finding a new exercise to add to my routine. I can't say enough good things about this book. Be sure and check out the table of contents because there's a lot of material I did not even mention.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book - No B.S., Just good info.
Review: If you are looking for a book to take you from a beginer (or you are just starting) to the next level and beyond (all the way to competition) - this is the book! The approach is "realistic". The exercise, nutrition and supplement information is straight, to the point and scientifically sound. This version also contians improved explanations and more information than the first release of the book. I have checked out most of the body building books at the library. All of them were either very basic or "unrealistically" advanced. This book was just what I was looking for. I emailed the authur and recieved a response in less than twenty-four hours. Two thumbs up!
Rating:
Summary: The book I keep going back to
Review: I am 45 years old and started back into weight training using this book. I have read the books by Gold's, Frank Columbu, Ellington Darden and others, but always come back to this one. Frank Melfa's style is straight forward and to the point. He presents information that is useful for the average person (guy or gal) who wants to get into strength training. He doesn't just show how to do exercises, but explains what they are good for. You can read about all the other great stuff he includes in the other reviews here. I work out in my basement (Frank calls them dungeon workouts... I like that!), so I don't go for all the flash and fluff other books are crowded with. The other books are good, but when I need information I can use without all the glitz and glamour, this is the one I go to!
Rating:
Summary: Superb!
Review: This is the finest bodybuilding book I've had the pleasure of reviewing. The author really "speaks" to the reader, which is something other books seem to lack. It is very well laid out, with many helpful photographs of various exercises being performed. This is the perfect place to start if you want to get in shape and develop a great physique. While many bodybuilding books leave the reader confused (at least that is how I felt), this wonderful title puts it all together in a package that flows perfectly. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: A great book for women and men alike !
Review: Frank Melfas book is my bible. His clarity of explanation, humor, and attention to detail have made this book a perfect companion for beginners with weights or advanced serious body builders. The book includes chapters on building with weights, nutrition, chapters broken down to specific body parts and preparing for competition, (if thats your goal). I have been able to create a workout for at home (another chapter or two), as well as one for the gym. I have cut my workout time down while doing more work ! (yet another chapter). The best part is Franks website He answers my questions personally ! He is like a free personal trainer ! As a women with very little time, and alot of intimidation, I recommend this book highly.
Rating:
Summary: My constant companion for training
Review: After five months, Frank's book still teaches me things everytime I read it. I carry it in my gym bag, and refer to it constantly. If you are looking for an exercise for a particular muscle group, the exercises are easy to find, because that's how they are grouped. And the pictures make the exercises easy to learn to do. Everything I know about body building, I have learned from this book. It really is a very REALISTIC approach to body building. I constantly am working to refine my exercise program, to "fine tune" it, and all the resources I need to do that are found here. I also took Frank's approach to carrying a journal and documenting what I do, and referring back to it. Staggered sets is something I learned from Frank, and it has enabled me to do almost twice as many exercises in my 55 minutes time slot. Buy this book!
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