Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I am a personal trainer (in training), and have built up quite the library of fitness books. I have tons of classics, from the Body for Life series to the Body Sculpting Bible to Sound Mind, Sound Body, and after a while, such books get repetitive. It is common knowledge that all training books have to cover all the same principles - anatomy, physiology, nutrition, relaxation, goal-setting - but this book is the only one that has done it in a way that caught my attention and did not put me to sleep!
Of course, I love reading about fitness and nutrition, but I have read about it so many times from so many books/magazines I was afraid I was in for a huge bore - a book that would "tell" clients what to do, and insist that their way was "the" way.
Kurt Brungart managed to relay all necessary information about muscle anatomy, training, nutrition, pregnancy training, goal-setting and relaxation in a wonderful, delightful way that truly talks to you, not down at you.
The book is full of wonderful photographs with the most amazing models, and has the most comprehensive list of abdominal workouts and routines (from yoga, pilates, youth, teen and sport training routines) that I have ever seen - and trust me, I have seen many. I thought I had seen everything!
Kurt doesn't forget that ab training alone is nothing - he includes a progressive total body weight training, stretching and cardio routine that, when put together with the ab system, is the best, safest, and most comprehensive nine-week program I have ever encountered.
Despite it's title, it is a *complete* book in every sense of the word, and is very fun and easy to read, without missing any unnecessary information. Kurt has taught me important things like, "it is never to early or late to become a philosopher (when it comes to creating YOUR OWN food philosophy)", self-talk for a great relationship with your body, and the best goal-setting techniques. He also helps you discover your personality and incorporates it into your "exercise essence" so that it is easier for you to stick to a lifelong fitness regime.
He does not diss Atkins or the Zone, or any other diet guru. He tells you what his eating philosophy is (try to's NOT dont's), but tells you that whatever works for you, is what you should do. He does not force you to keep a workout log, for he acknowledges that certain people take to them and some don't. And of course, no insistent calorie counting, or rough food guidelines.
The whole system is progressive, but not only for beginners. Whether you have never worked out in your life, or if you're a figure competitor, you will love this book. It makes it practically impossible to not enjoy fitness and not make it a part of your life - if not your whole life! :)
Minimal equipment required: the ab workouts require nothing really, unless you've already got a swiss ball or body bar and want to try his optional ball/bar routines. Total Body workout requires dumbbells only - you don't even need a bench. Don't be fooled by the total body's lack of equipment though - it is tough, if you do it the way he advises! They're basically the "meat and potatoes" of all weight training workouts and never fail.
By the way, don't worry - he doesn't write the pregnancy chapter himself. A female doctor writes it. :)
I hope to become a trainer like him one day. His writing style and philosphies are universally friendly and the best I've ever experienced.
Buy this book. It is worth every single dollar and more, I promise!
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The Complete Book of Abs for Women: The Definitive Guide for Women Who Want to Get into the Ultimate Shape
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