The Workout

I first came across Gunnar's dvd sometime last year, and I decided to buy his book.I have used Gunnar's ab exercises and leg workouts to challenge my clients.I used many of his unique exercises to create interesting and diverse circuits. At the end of the day its what you do with the book-the information is phenomenal, and I don't care much about the little diet info he's given me.This is because I believe that nutrition is such a basic thing,to a point where I appreciate Gunner giving me the most important points

I have been working out for the better part of my 38 years and I have never come across a fitness book more complete and helpful than this one by Gunnar Peterson. Like most things in life total life long fitness can be attainable for all once you master and understand the "building blocks" you need to succeed. Buy this book and take your fitness to new heights.

This book is amazing. It is one of the most informative, well-written, and clearly explained books of its kind. And, to top it off, Gunnar Peterson is FUNNY! Peterson very wittily explains the basics-- and more-- of fitness and working out. I laughed out loud when reading his tongue-in-cheek humor while absorbing all the information he was sharing. He explains the top 13 exercises, fully explains them with photographs and illustrations, and then also gives the reader derivatives of those exercises so that one can vary their workout as recommended-- every 3 to 4 weeks. One of the reviewers here complained that the book left out certain important exercises such as deadlifts, in particular. This is true. However, the top 13 exercises that Peterson recommends happen to not include deadlifts. This doesn't mean he doesn't include exercises that work one's hamstrings, glutes, and quads. . . it just means that he included exercises other than deadlifts. Additionally, if you're truly committed to learning how to successfully work out, perform exercises, etc., you may have been reading other books, as well, which will include deadlifts. The only criticism I have of this book, that would have reduced my rating to a four, was it's lack of diet information. However, as I thought about that more, I decided that the book deserved a 5 star for it's thorough coverage of exercise and weight training. In that sense, the workouts covered are good for everyone--no matter what eating plan they are following (as long as it's healthy). Maybe that's even better. If you are following an eating plan that makes sense for you, is healthy and varied, and are ready to add weight training into the mix, this book is for you. If you are ready to even take your routine up a notch, are doubting your form, are not seeing the results you wish (while confident your diet is appropriate), then this book is for you, too. It's great. It's as informative as Body for Life by Bill Phillips (who I also do not find megalomaniacal as the one reviewer asserts) and as well-written. Additionally, Peterson is more flexible with his workout routines and explains how to vary them. There aren't a lot of books for beginners on this subject. And, again, this book isn't just for beginners, it's really for anyone interested in fitness. Completely recommended. Remember, though, Peterson does not include a recommended eating plan, although he makes sure you realize that a healthy diet is imperative to achieve the results he discusses in his book.

This book was a great motivator. After working out for years, I've started to get bored in the gym. There are a ton of "twists" on the Lucky Thirteen that will keep me moving and motivated in the gym. I've started to look forward to my strength training days again. Plus, I'm seeing results from the tips on switching up cardio and always keeping the body guessing what's happening. A great book!

It is not often that you come across a fitness book by a guy with these credentials. Usually the books are by people who've lost weight themselves and think they can tell everyone how to do it. But if this guy can help Hollywood types squeeze into their tiny pants and dresses, I think he can help the everyday joe too. And that would be me. What drew me to the book was the charts that tell you how to lift weights. As a not heavily overweight man, but needing a lot of sculpting, this really appealed to me. This is what makes that final difference between plump and fit. I also found Peterson to be very motivating. His information is excellent -- there's tons of it but what got me was how he presented it. He's a real inspiring writer, and reading it got me pumped. I'm ready to go, armed with new arsenal and a real motivation.