I liked the idea of this - I'll let you know how successful it really is when I seriously start the regime!

little changes done consistently can make a big difference

2.5 stars round up to 3.
I like the introduction part of the book, very personal and nicely written.
But the rest is way too long with all the usual, obvious things.
The exercises are good in the sense that short and target-directed.

A decent enough book, but some of his ideas have been debunked by now (for instance, that weight training will add enough muscle mass to the average person to burn a lot more calories when at rest). The motivational parts were good, and his exchange system sound, but my complaints are: 1. A little too much plugging Dr. Weil, 2. Too much fascination with soy, suggesting that EVERYONE should ditch dairy for soy because it's so much healthier, 3. Treating flax oil as practically a miracle substance.

One idea of his that I did like - putting a container of olive oil in the refrigerator to harden, and then using it as a spread instead of butter. I haven't tried it yet, but I just might.

2 copies 1 hardcover, 1 paperback

I have just finished the workouts for the first complete read through of this book. I am not overweight at all, but know I could afford to lose a couple of pounds and so this book caught my eye. It's very easy to slot out 8 minutes (many times less than that) in the morning to do these exercises and it helps wake you up, which is an added bonus. I workout a lot, but mostly doing aerobic excercises, so these moves that are based more on strength training were really good for me. My arms were often sore a day or more after doing some of the arm exercises and I have now lost two pounds. That might not sound like much, but I haven't changed my diet at all (although I should as the book recommends) and my goal was to lose five. So I am going back through the book again and seeing if I can continue to build up my muscle and lose those extra few pounds.

special one

I actually bought this book when I was on vacation. I try to stay healthy through exercise and diet and this man had the qualifications to write a book on the subject. It took me over a month to read this and try to digest it. I like the multiple components of his plan: inspiration & motivation,support, setting goals, writing in a journal, recording your exercise routine & the easy card system for tracking food. I found the food part of it very restrictive. I have modified my eating habits slowly over many years. I feel that for the most part I follow a healthy diet. But I don't think I'll be able to get on board with his plan:limiting fruit to one serving per day & very slim allowance for protein. I like the variety in the exercise plan. I already have a fairly set plan, but I want to see some different results. I plan to keep walking a minimum of 20 miles each week as long as I'm physically able. I do weight training using a total gym & some free weights. I am going to try a month of his motivation, journaling, and exercise plan. I may modify my diet a bit, trying to add the healthy fats he recommends. I don't even know where to get flax seed oil! I think I'll stick to adding flax seeds to my oatmeal breakfast. I did try the olive oil on toast topped with my 1 egg & cheese omelette (excess protein by Jorge's standards).

Looked at and seems ok, but didn't capture me. Includes diet advise along with exercises.

One of my favs on discipling myself maintaining body weight and strength training.

I did this and lost a lot of weight years ago. It works well for people who are very inactive and eat terribly. It won't get you "ripped" or turn you into the next super sexy person like "me." The book gets you moving and helps you to watch what you eat which sometimes can be the most difficult thing to start doing. This book is for fitness beginners and works perfectly for them.

Quite thorough addressing mind, body and soul