The Ultimate Body Book: 4 Weeks to Your Best Abs, Butt, Thighs, and More!

Best investment I've made in my journey towards a leaner, toned, sexier body. There is so much information in this book that has helped me understand and achieve my goals that no other $2000 + machine could ever do. I feel great and knowledgeable about the exercises I am performing now - you really can do your fitness at home and look like you work out at a gym...WITHOUT THE EXPENSIVE MONTHLY FEES!!! Unfortunately (because I don't want to) I do have to agree with another review I read about some of the exercises using "gym" equipment, but, there are ways around this and it isn't that big of a deal; you just have to be creative and modify some of the moves. Regardless, there are TONS of exercises that don't require machines or other equipment. You will want to invest in some dumbbells (anywhere from 5 lbs-15 lbs, but I would wait until you get a feel for the exercises that use weights, you may need to increase or decrease depending on your starting strength). You will also want to invest in a stability ball and maybe an exercise matt for the floor. All of these items are relatively cheap compared to other exercise equipment - anyway you look at it it is a smart investment. This is a must read and a must have for anyone looking to get in shape and be healthy. I am so so glad that I made this purchase and finally found exactly what I have been looking for. I have recommended this book to all of my friends and family members...you will not be disappointed!

The 400 page color atlas exemplifies the American style of big and luxurious. The book is encyclopedic on woman's exercises and has full chapters on yoga and weight training that suits women. Its print and design are neat. That is in addition to its wealth of information. Though the book begins with a scare that BMI greater than 25 exposes people to cancer, hypertension, and other diseases, the book still reflects on long and deep experience of its authors on body shaping. That is demonstrated in the extensive number of exercises and approaches to active living. The authors' reliance on the information of the American Cancer Association, without exerting thorough research on the multifactorial nature of the causes of diseases, trivializes such scare. The only barbell exercise in the book is the Romanian deadlift in a 45 lb bar. The rest of the exercises are done with machines, dumbbells, and bodyweight. I guess that is a practical solution to many people who lack any structured training or education in the field of fitness. The resistance training exercises are done by modern machines and dumbbells. Many photos were shot in exotic places as if the authors were living in a dream state far removed from real life. Though the fitness industry in many parts of the world has geared towards large scale corporations that reflects on leasing expensive fitness machines and planning for making profit on few decades rather than few weeks, as was the case not long time ago, the book's reliance on expensive and extensive training equipments puts the reader is state of despair and confusion. Since most of the gyms that could afford buying diverse and expensive machines are located in crowded cities with congested traffic, many folks are discouraged from committing to such hassle of fighting traffic on the roads, parking lots, and on access to machines inside the gym. The book has well done and accurate anatomical diagrams that depict the muscles involved in the targeted exercises. Had the authors educated themselves on the feasibility of training the spinal muscles as a central theme to resistance training they might have turned their book into a reliable and authoritative academic reference. Unfortunately, the emphasis on isolated muscles precludes the book from the genre of rigorous scientific references and limits its scope to folklore fitness training. Mohamed F. El-Hewie Author of Essentials of Weightlifting and Strength Training

This book contains easy to understand information for all fitness levels. The running program in particular is well devised and delivers what it promises. All of the information is useful and current,its like having a years subcription to a fitness magazine rolled into the one book. Excellent product.

This book is very detailed with colored pictures, perfect for beginners, intermediate and advanced. Many different workout routines for at home or gym. Also includes info on pilates, yoga, cardio, stretching, workout myths, proper form, the human body, and recipes. You will never get bored with this book, plenty of variety and inspiration!

This is a great book if you want to shake up your workout. This book offers many different workouts that should last a lifetime of workouts. If you are serious about working out, this book is a must have.