Rating: 
Summary: Rent a Loudspeaker
Review: And tell everyone you know about Body for Life. Recent news reports indicate what is obvious to anyone strolling the mall--Americans are seriously out of shape and dangerously overweight. My wife and I read this amazing book and started the regimen on Jan 1. 2001 (this was not a New Year's resolution but a lifestyle choice). Bill Phillips presents detailed information about resistance training, aerobics and nutrition in a way that either the novice or the "gym rat" can relate to. We learn to maximize time working out, to keep records using forms provided and how to make detailed plans for our diet and our workout routine. The components of the book are well presented, understandable and forcefully appeal to logic and common sense. While some may criticize the promotion of Phillips' supplement products, you can eat right and train effectively without using them (there are also plenty of competing alternatives and Phillips actually devotes very little time to discussing his products). Given the plethora of fad diets and a steady stream of "ab" devices being hawked on cable TV, it is hard to find something that not only educates but motivates. The latter aspect is the real key to this book's success. The inspirational tenor of the book is truly uplifting and constitutes its "high point". Even if the egocentric reader quibbles with some of Phillips' conclusions, no one can argue with the fact that Phillips'overall admonitions are true. Work out, eat right and feel great. This book is transforming bodies and lives. Health is more important than money. If Bill Phillips makes millions off supplements, let's be grateful that he is being rewarded for his dedication to capitalism and good health. This nation needs a wake-up call and Bill Phillips' book provides sound advice and guidance for those who want to overcome destructive habits. Readers of this book who elect not to eat right and exercise are decaying and dying by choice. The testimonials and the before and after photographs of people who committed to changing their lives demonstrates that Phillips knows what he's talking about. Most importantly, he challenges us to get with the program in a way that works. Read this book--it could save your life.
Rating: 
Summary: A lot of hype....not alot of fact
Review: I bought this book, on the advice of one of my aunts. She told me how this had been so great for one of neighbors. I read the book in one day, it's a very quick and easy read, but the thing that jumped out at me immediately, Bill Phillips, NOT ONCE, mentions his credentials, where did nhe go to school, what is his degree, I searched his websites, his articles, his interviews, no mention at all! When asked about himself he says what a great day it is where he lives, and what a wonderful workout he had that day. He never mentions which doctors if any have supervised this program, or that this diet has any medical or scientific basis whatsoever.Some of what he says is very reasonable, you need to make the choice to get healthy, but he never cites the "studies" further than saying "in my research" or "in studies" Where were these studies, when, who conducted them? Second to that, the photos are quite obviously doctored, for example one woman in his book seemingly lost not only ALOT of weight in a short time, but lost about 6 inches of her height, and became Asian. Another example- a gentleman from New Zealand, with a hand deformity has seemingly been cured of that deformity, and his neck grew to nearly a foot. Another man is said to be a teacher in the book, but ont he website an insurance salesman. Minor observations but I think they lead to the credibility of the diet.
Rating: 
Summary: This book is excellent because...
Review: (1) It is perfect for anyone who wants to look & feel better and to gain that extra edge through the newly acquired mental and physical toughness! (2) The fitness program is very easy to follow and the information is well presented and with no mumble jumble. (3) The before & after pictures are truly inspirational! This book begins with a series of touching real life stories of people who have transformed themselves and who have regained a new sense of confidence through the acquisition of a better physique and a new mental attitude. Then the book begins to educate the reader about the common obstacles we all face when it comes to starting a fitness program. It teaches the reader how to set goals and how to attain the right frame of mind for training. Finally it shows you how to plan your meals and how to train. Unlike other fitness book, its main purpose is not to train you to become the next Mr. or Ms. Universe (although it is very possible), but to develop a positive and healthy lifestyle. I wish all of you the best of luck and Happy Training!
Rating:
Summary: Great Motivation, Fair Content
Review: A friend (very much excited about it) loaned me this book just about the time my own passion for fitness was again being sparked. When I got the book, I had recently purchased a BowFlex and was faithfully working out 3 times per week. Phillips book gave me the added motivational boost I needed to also incorporate regular aerobic fitness and to increase the intensity of my BowFlex workout (I was already eating a very healthy low-fat diet). Motivation is the really strong aspect of the book. For a person new to fitness, I think the effect would be even stronger. It gives you an "I can do that too" attitude. The basic points of the book are: 1) Use high intensity interval training (both resistance and aerobic), 2) Eat 6 low-fat high protein meals per day (and drink lots of water). 3) Give your muscles sufficient time to rebuild in between work-outs. That about sums up the program. There's a Q&A section dispelling nutritional myths. Most of the answers are good, but he's not always completely accurate. The one biggy that he was wrong about was the time of exercise. He holds to the fallacy that when you exercise will effect how much fat you lose. So he strongly emphasizes a morning work-out after an extended fast period. In reality, there is no scientific evidence to support this. The book is a very quick read. You can actually skip entire sections if you have good basic understanding of fitness and nutrition (I read them anyway). Also a large section promotes buying his fairly expensive supplements. An inexpensive low-fat yogurt works better for me than one of his non-tasty supplemental shakes. If your new to fitness or need some added motivation, read this book. If you are already fitness knowledgeable and self motivated, then you probably won't get much out of it.
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Summary: Here's how well it worked for me......
Review: Simply put.... $60/month in Myoplex Bars & $30/month Gym Membership Followed the program (mostly) 4 months = 72lbs gone & It helped me to quit smoking I can walk/run again without joint pain.... Good sound advice....a little cliche at times and maybe even self-promoting....but hey....it's still real world advice that works....I even made it through the Holidays and only gained 5lbs.....that should be gone within the 2nd week I'm back on the program.... What's $20 and 40 hrs over the next twelve weeks compared to the habits that can carry you in health to a ripe old age?
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Summary: Life changing!
Review: I don't care what kind of shape you are in, you need this book. I sat down and read it in one day! Bill is easy to read, straightforward, and very motivational! Read this and change your life - you will not regret it.
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Summary: Proof is in the pudding...
Review: Body for Life is not the ultimate solution to our weight and health problems...it is merely a tool with which, by choice, we can use to enrich and add years to our lives. "Choice" being the key word primarily because it is up to YOU to make the change in your life. Mr. Phillips provides a detailed, healthy guide to attaining a goal. Easy it is to blame others for our own lack of action... wearing those pants that fit 5 years ago, or a bathingsuit with complete self assurance - Just Do It! It feels great and Bill Phillips asthetically reflects the fact that he lives, eats and breathes his program.
Rating: 
Summary: Motivational
Review: This book is for people that need a push, it is especially designed for people that are just beginning to get into shape and/or struggling to get the perfect shape. The book is very very easy to read and doesn't have any mumbo jumbo hard to comprehend words. I did not agree with some aspects such as not eating before working out and also the fact that you have to work out more than one body part per session.
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Summary: YOU'VE GOT TO TRY THIS!
Review: My husband and I have been doing Body for Life and LOVE IT! THIS PROGRAM WORKS! The daily workouts and daily eating plan are easy to follow. When you start seeing muscles you never knew you had, a flatter stomach, when you feel stronger and healthier...you will not want to stop!! Body for Life is a healthy, sensible program anyone can do. Bill Phillips knows what he is talking about, he is an expert in this field. Just look at BFL's track record - all the success stories and you will be convinced! We were sceptical at first but after trying the program for two weeks, we did not want to stop! The results are amazing! Just try it. . .you've got nothing to lose (but weight)!
Rating: 
Summary: Take a close look at those photos....
Review: Okay, I admit it. I went and bought the book. I appreciate the fact that you can do this exercise regime at home, with your own set of free weights. However.... What I DON'T like is the advertising he places throughout the book (he spends an entire page and a half explaining his 'Performance Nutrition Advantage") and the testimonial photographs. Take a close look at the liners on the book ends and anyone can see how manipulated they are. Do people in real life REALLY have necks that long? There are other obvious indications, but the necks truly give it away. Body For Life keeps emphasizing the QUALITY of this program, based on the success of all these individuals (which I've already raised an eyebrow at). I would say he spends half the book trying to convince you why this program is better than the others. As a reader, didn't I already BUY the book? I will certainly try the program, without the additional investment into supplements, protein shakes, extra videos, etc etc. But by trying so intensively to 'sell' to me, Mr. Phillips wastes some valuable space that could possibly have been spent on delving a little deeper into the physical or nutritional aspects of the program.
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