Bob Greene's Total Body Makeover

I have always worked out - and always been annoyed that my friends who didn't were thinner than me. I figured that I must just have bad genetics. But I was wrong! When I started this program I learned two things: 1) I was going to hard on my cardio (which meant I was doing less time, injurying myself, and skipping days because I was too tired); and 2) too easy on my weight training (as I had believed light weights with lots of reps was the way to go). The first two weeks were a bit hard - now I feel great and I honestly don't think I have looked this healthy (and yes, thin) in years. I cannot reccommend this program enough -- yes, the cover is corny and loud...but if you want to get in better shape fast -- this is the way to go! Also -- I would encourage those who are interested to get a heart rate monitor -- along with the book, my Polar HR monitor has completely transformed the way I exercise and my body as well!

I started the Bob Greene plan February 14th and since then have lost 30 pounds. I just decided 'What do I have to lose, its only 12 weeks of my life?'. At the very least, even if I didn't lose weight, with all the exercise I'd be doing, I'd have more stamina and muscle. Little did I know the changes that would happen as a result of this program. Within just 4 weeks, I could already see huge changes in my body and my energy level. I never really found Bob's plan to be all that difficult, either. The hardest part is setting time aside for yourself each day. I highly reccomend this book for anyone wanting to make a sincere change in their life, and are just needing the know-how. The success stories throughout the book were a motivating factor for me. After reading how far some of those people came, you start to realize that maybe you, too, can do it. The payoff? There's nothing like the unsolicited comment 'Have you lost weight?'.

I work in a bookstore, and I had an advance copy of this book a few months ago. Anyone who watched Oprah's show on Monday probably heard her say that "if there was a magic pill", she would have bought it and handed it out as one of her favorite things. The truth is, there isn't a magic ANYTHING involving losing weight. I have tried everything...Atkins, Perricone, South Beach and most recently, I adopted a few of the rules from "French Women Don't Get Fat." However, I have lost my last stubborn 15 pounds by SWEATING IT OUT in the gym or on my treadmill almost every day. I don't like to work out...but this book inspired me to make it a part of my daily routine, like brushing my teeth. I even enjoy taking my dog for long walks now (he, too, looks terrific)! Give yourself at least 30 minutes a day and cut out the "white stuff," like Bob Greene says, and you will see an amazing change in yourself like I did. It's not easy. I cheat on the diet a lot (but I'm still eating a LOT less sugar and bread than I used to), and some days I curse Bob Greene for making me sign a contract with myself. I love his rule of not eating 3 hours before bedtime (this was my worst crime before). If you are looking for a great staple exercise program (love the stretches) and motivation, this is for you. If you are looking to find an easy, quick path to weight loss...this book is not for you, and you are likely to be disappointed in the long run. It took me 2.5 months to lose 14 pounds, which is slow and safe. I see muscles I haven't seen in years. This book changed my life--give it a chance.

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.

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.