Weight Training Made Easy

I have been doing aerobics and jogging for about 3 years and have been healthy but not been building mass. I've been happy, but now that I'm interested in gaining muscle strength, I went to the store to look for a book that could help me get bigger without having to buy a $1000 machine to do it. I looked at several books and most of them talked about using these expensive gym machines. Gee, I only wanted to work out in the privacy of my own home without having to take out a loan. Enter, Dr. Jocye Verdral's book. When I picked up this book, I knew from the lady on the cover that she is definitely doing something RIGHT. When I read that she was a lady past 50, I knew that she was doing her workout right. As I flipped through the non-intimidating and friendly book, I saw so many easy to do exercises, well thought out and explained instructions, and easy to see pictures. Thanks to Joyce because she takes all the mystery out of weight training and gives the most effective information needed to build muscle properley and efficiently. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in looking good. The only thing is the time that she says it takes to do the workout. She mentions that it can take only 15 minutes to do. But with the rests in between, I find myself taking about 30 minutes...which is not a problem, because I am seeing nice results. Kudos to my personal trainer, Dr. Joyce Verdral!!!

That's right! I started the program on a Friday. It is now 10 days later which includes the suggested 2-day resting period and I feel on top of the world! I definitely have increased stamina, less of an appetite, a noticeable difference in my calfs and overall strength. I'm not depressed like I had been, my posture is better already, and my self esteem is sky high! (Haven't you noticed?) I'm in my mid 40's and I really needed this! I'm in for the long haul! Thanks Joyce!

I am a runner and have run 20+ miles a week for 15 years. Running was my only excercise. But as I got north of 40 I realized I needed to do something else, running wasn't keeping my body toned. That's when I decided to start lifting weights. I've followed Joyce's instructions for the past 6 months and my body looks better than in my 20's. The best book to learn how to use free weights. Excellent.

I purchased this book about a year ago and have read it a number of times. I had gone to the gym with my husband in the past and felt intimidated by all the machines and felt self-conscious using them in front of other people. My husband, who has been lifting weight for years would set up routines for me, but he would give me so much to do, I would feel overwhelmed and would be extremely sore the following day --- never wanting to lift a weight again! I originally bought this book because it gave instructions for a workout that could be completed in the privacy of my own home. What I loved most about this book is that it assumed the reader knew absolutely nothing about strength training and went from there. The author takes the time to define common terms and explains which muscles are being worked in each exercise. This book also gives suggestions as to which gym equipment will work those same muscles if you do decide to go to a gym. The author also takes the time to explain which machines are superior to free weights and which machines are a waste of time. The book contains many pictures and explains very specifically how to do each exercise. This book even has different routine schedules depending on how much weight you have to lose from what Joyce refers to as "skinny-fat" to obese. This book gave me the knowledge and the confidence to go to the gym and set up my own routine. Thanks to this book, I know when it's best to use a machine and when I would be better off jsut using dumbells. I am 27 and only had about 10 pounds to lose. I have been working out between 3 and 4 times a week now for the past 10 weeks. For the first few weeks, I will admit, it did not come easy. I still dreaded going to the gym. After about four weeks, when I was getting frustrated with the scale showing no progress, I noticed some small muscles in my upper chest. A minor change, but nonetheless encouraging! After the 5th to 6th week, my clothes started to fit differently. After only 10 weeks, I am noticing some definate changes. I have muscle tone in my arms, shoulders, and chest that I have never had before (even when I was in high school and playing sports!) I still refer to the book weekly to give me inspiration. Thank you Joyce!

I have been following this program for 11 months and am very happy with the results. I started knowing nothing about strength training, but in this book Joyce Vedral "holds you by the hand" and shows (with lots of pictures as well as text) step by step how to do each exercise. She includes "don'ts" to keep you from doing a move incorrectly. You become toned and shaped, but not too muscular. I would definately strongly recommend this program to anyone of just about any age. You can start with very light weights and increase as you build strength. I've probably never been as strong as I now am after less than a year on this program. I do wonder if Joyce Vedral's estimates of the time required are realistic -- I find that if the book states you can complete a routine in 20 minutes, that it probably will take me 30-40 minutes. I now just allow twice as much time as she estimates and will stay with it because I am so pleased with the results.