Rating: 
Summary: Good 'straighten up your act' book
Review: This is an excellent book for someone who has lived their life without worrying about what they eat or if they exercise (like me.) I'm glad I ordered this book over the internet, there isn't a chance in heck I would have purchased it at a book store. The imagery and before and after pictures are just too unrealistic. I purchased this book because of people's reviews, which is why I'm writing here today. Reviews just aren't something I typically do. I also have no desire to be a body builder (the book is written by one), but I figured successful body builders do know a lot about their bodies. My plan was to try this, get to a size I liked, and then shift to more of a maintenance exercise program. Now that I've been at this a while, I don't think I need to shift programs, plus I like the '4 hour a week' program. I didn't do the before and after pictures recommended in the book. I really wish I did do those pictures now though. So if you do the program, bite the bullet and take pictures. I also didn't take a starting weight, being weight is really not a good indicator of size. That said, I have seen how my weight has changed via doctor appointments since I've done the program, so I do have an idea still of how much I've lost. I did the 12 weeks, my approximate loss over that time was about 20-25 lbs. Keep in mind that is countered with a gain of muscle mass by the added exercise, so I lost more than that in fat. I followed the plan very wishy washy. I did all the exercise, skipping maybe one day every other week due to various reasons. As for diet, I followed it closely during the day, but cheated almost every dinner because my wife wasn't on the program and we ate together. I did however not eat as much as I would normally have and was careful to balance my carbos and protien as much as possible. Even on my days off I watched what I ate, but allowed myself to be less strict. Supplements? I did succumb to the shameless advertising in the book and purchased a lot of EAS Myoplex Deluxe shakes and bars for quick meals at work. I figured if I was going to try this thing I'd go full at it. I don't like taking vitamin pills and this offered a good alternative (even though logically they are the same thing, but the shakes have more chemicals in them, which isn't necessarily a good thing.) I like the vanilla and strawberry shakes, I drink at least one a day. The bars I save for when I have a meeting at work that crosses one of my meal times (every 2 1/2 hours.) Its been about 5-6 months now, I did one run of the 12 week program, was sick and only dieting for over a month, and am now only working out about 4-5 days a week and trying to remotivate myself to do more. I'm still a bit overweight, but I'm not done. I am now about 35-40 pounds less than when I started. I drilled another hole in my belt two days ago. An awesome feeling. At one hole every inch, this means I've gone down 3 inches in waist size. All of my jeans are seriously baggy now. That said, I highly recommend this book. If you are ready to make the change in your life, and this is a great book to help you straighten up. If you don't really know much about nutrition, this book gives you some simple and easy guidelines to follow. I'm also eating a bunch more than I ever ate before and I'm loosing weight. Pretty cool. I wouldn't count on the spectacular changes they show all over the cover in 12 weeks, but do expect change for the better.
Rating:
Summary: IT REALLY WORKS
Review: THIS DIET ACTUALLY WORKS. BEFORE WHEN TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT I NEVER SEEMED TO DIET AND EXERCISE AT THE SAME TIME. I GET UP EARLY AND WORK OUT THEN I GET CHILDREN READY FOR SCHOOL AND WORK A JOB SOMETIMES 12 HOURS A DAY. I'VE STUCK WITH IT. I READ HIS BOOK EVERY DAY FOR THE FIRST MONTH TO STAY MOTIVATED. I'VE LOST 24 POUNDS IN 11 WEEKS.I ACTUALLY LIKE LIFTING WEIGHTS AND WALKING. I HAVE TO WALK IN THE DARK MORNINGS BUT IT'S WORTH IT. I USE MYOPLEX. THE WAY I WORK I HAVE TO HAVE A SUPPLEMENT FOR 2 MEALS. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS DIET.IT WORKS
Rating:
Summary: Critics of the book miss the point
Review: Criticisms here run in four veins: 1. It's not a "real" body-building book. 2. It's a ploy to sell EAS supplements. 3. It's not as effective as promised. 4. It's not for the severely overweight. I bought the book, I am on the plan, and I can address all 4. 1. One reviewer said it was worthless because it doesn't mention anabolic steroids as an option. That speaks for itself. But Phillips is finding a new audience who has not been in the gym, who has not eaten as an intentional feeding of the body, as opposed to what he calls "accidental eating." It is for people who have tried fads and ended up fatter. It is for people who have heard all the info, and want to put it together in a simple plan. 2. Ploy to sell supplements: I thought this at first. I was a skeptic. But supplementation is misunderstood, and I have examined all the evidence, and I am sold. Pricey? I buy mine wholesale and pay no more for a supplemented meal than I do for a whole foods meal. He is bringing a whole new group of people to supplements, but they work if you do 6 meals a day. 3. Effectiveness: The pictures in the book are the WINNERS of the challenge. They pushed themselves extra hard. Anyone who does this program as presented, and quits after 12weeks, wasn't really doing it right. You WILL feel better, you WILL have more energy, and you WILL lose bodyfat. Bodyfat calipers tell the tale better than scales. 4. Not for the severely overweight - it has been said here that it's a one-size fits all. Not so. My father has been lifting for 3 years, and I just started - we now both workout in the BFL style. The high point is something you determine. He doesn't say "use x pounds" - he says "find your level 10 intensity," and explains what that is. If you don't up your intensity over 12weeks, you're not following the program. And as for the severely overweight, I started at 335 pounds on 9-4. I was down to 305 in 4 weeks. I feel great, I am doing all the exercises, I am eating the way recommended. Check the internet for diet debunkers - they all go after Atkins, grapefruit, etc.... I have yet to find a serious source refute BFL. It is for those of us floundering in the gym, or not even going in the door. Now I lift free weights at home. Cynics will always find something to criticize - it's not Moby Dick. but it is simple, frank, and it works.
Rating:
Summary: Very simple yet effective program to follow
Review: Hello, Very quick/easy read and explains the exercise/nutrition program well. I have had a fitness membership for a few years but never took advantage of it - no program really motivated me till I picked up this book. I was truly motivated to start changing my life when I finished it. And I have. In 3.5 months, I have lost 26 lbs of body fat & gained 16 lbs of muscle - by simply following this book's very simple and effective program - the great thing is - it doesn't take a lot of your time. I have a very busy job and 2 kids in diapers! Yet I have managed to make this book's program a way of life now. The supplements are purely optional - I only take occasionally. It works just as well by following the food guide laid out in book.. and the author does not overly promote his companies supplements at all. In only 3.5 months, my life has changed for the better because I purchased this book.. and the great thing is.. it's only begun. It's now my "body for life" program. Worth every penny and more!
Rating: 
Summary: im starving on this regime!
Review: there is no big secret to the success here. consume less calories and burn more. i felt faint the whole time i was doing this program. i was starving! and my god, a can of tuna fish with non fat mayo? i'd rather eat cardboard. unfortunatley, this diet leaves you feeling hungry and weak with the only thing to look forward to being your next "meal" of a "portion" of pasta the size of your fist with a little lemon juice on top mmmm!mmmm!
Rating:
Summary: This book will get you going!
Review: This book is geared towards getting average out-of-shape people into action and focussed on their health. It is not for the hard core body builder. It is carefully set up to help people who feel hopeless about their fat and out of shape lifestyles to feel excited and able to get into great shape. I have been following the program in the book for 6 of the 12 week program and have seen dramatic results already. I have dropped 20 lbs. of fat and put on about 6 lbs of muscle. My clothes fit differently and stomach is already much flatter. If I ever start to question if I can complete this program I just review the before and after pictures of others who have completed it, watch the FREE videos Bill Phillips sends out to motivate you ( he just asks that you send a donation to Make-A-Wish Foundation on your own), or I get on the chat room at his website and get support from the thousands of other people who are competing in the competition as well! This is a must buy! It doesn't matter if it has flaws, it works!
Rating:
Summary: This book is a powerful tool....
Review: You just have to use it! Thank you Bill for helping me get a better ( no Much Better ) Life. I attempted the 12 week challenge a couple of years ago and didn't finish. This time with the help of this book I will not only finish but do it with style. I also appreciate the fact the Bill is giving his proceeds from this book to the Make A Wish Foundation. I applaud this unselfish act and admire him for it. Thank you again Bill, Brad
Rating: 
Summary: only for beginners
Review: This program is a very general one for beginners. If you have much experience with training, this book will make you out of shape. Does not go into advanced topics such as ketogenic diets or anabolic steroids. Only for beginners.
Rating: 
Summary: Dumb and Dumber
Review: Most of this book is a bunch of boring long-winded story telling and the guts of the book could easily be condensed into 2 chapters, exercize and nutrition. This is definitely Borders reading - read it in the store but save your money for something more entertaining.
Rating: 
Summary: An effective begninning
Review: Phillips' book is for those of us who've been down the frustrating road of ineffective diet after ineffective diet, with no success. He attempts to simplify the lifestyle needed for overall fitness, so that anyone can do it. That is the greatest strength of the book, because it allows for the greatest number of people to achieve their fitness goals. Unfortunately, he believes in the use of diet supplements, which is a chemical rather than a lifestyle change. This is contradictory to the book's central view, which is the advocation of a fitness program that is flexible enough to provide you with good health for the rest of your life. That part of it has worked for me so far, and I hope it works for you too.
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