Men's Health Books

I have been using this book for a half a year and have seen amazing results. I'm 35, and I started with no experience whatsoever. I could not do a pushup, a pullup, a dip, or anything. I could only bench press 75 pounds. Since then, I can now bench full sets at 145, deadlift 235, do 40 chinups from a full hang to touching my thumbs to my shoulders (good form-- most people do half chinups cause they're easier and they're more interested in the number they do!). The improvements list goes on. My bodyfat's gone from 28% to 14%, I've got lots of muscle to show for it, and the improvements still seem to be accelerating.

This book is excellent for the intermediate and advanced level lifters. But also, I feel that this book can be appropriate for a beginner if he or she follows a few guidelines:
First, be serious and read all the supporting material, twice, before starting. All the admonishments and caveats are there.
Second, Start off with a friend or partner who has also read the book. Help each other with form, and a spot is always nice when the weight starts to get heavy.
Third, do this at a gym with the proper racks, particularly for the leg exercises.
And fourth, when things get a little more balance-intensive, start off with light weights and learn the movements. With proper form, the exercises that require a little more balance will be successful in just a week in every case I've tried.

Buy this book if you intend to make health and fitness your new hobby.

I enjoyed this book. I was not a big fan of going to the gym because I really didn't know what to do. I would listen to my buddies and copied what they did. However, I didn't have a plan or clue.

Power Training was easy to read and provided multiple game plans for me to pursue. I have completed one 12-week cycle and after two weeks rest, recently started another 12-week cycle.

I may not be doing what a lot of the other gym rats are doing, but I feel confident in what my goals are and have a plan to achieve what I want to.

This book by and far altered the way I approached my exercise routine. My stamina, overall power, and athleticism has greatly increased due simply to the changes I made by reading this book. I have read countless articles and had two different public gym trainers, but none have come close to doing my body the justice this book has. My words can't overstate this book, but I suggest you go to the local bookstore and skim through it. You will see just how different it is.

This book helped me get out of a two year lifting slump. Highly recommend it to anyone looking to change his/her routine.

This is simply a great book. Practical advice and workout plans that aren't cookie-cutter, BB magazine retreads. As has been mentioned by others, "Coach dos" has to practice what he preaches, and what he preaches had better work or he'll be out of a job.

Despite what some people have stated in their reviews, the workouts are highly adaptable to home use as well as gym use. I generally work out at a Gold's Gym nearby, but sometimes just head for the garage when my schedule dictates a shorter run to the gym. Coach dos lays out what you need for home use at the beginning of the book, and in fact if you read through the book you'll soon see how you can adapt specific exercises and workouts to your home gym even if you don't have all of the equipment listed.

I was looking for something different while recovering from knee surgery (had torn cartilage clipped, snipped and stitched). The real world advice, info, and routines in this book got my enthusiasm rolling. Too many people want to be spoon fed everything. The coach's book gives you all need to know about getting stronger, getting bigger - and even faster - and provides enough background and explanation of of the exercises presented to ensure that you are able to create workarounds while recovering or rehabbing from injury. Just fantastic stuff. For instance, the information on slightly altering grips and positions to help those with shoulder trouble is something you don't usually find from other sources.

Using the routines in the book, I was able to get back in shape far faster than I thought I would, after literally 8 months of doing very little exercise due to my problem knee - and a lack of enthusiasm. While paying strict attention to diet to cut bodyfat, I still gained muscle and strength using the hypertrophy and strength routines. I did alter the routines at first, until receiving the go-ahead from my doctor that allowed me to go full tilt with the leg exercises. I went from 6'3", 210 21% bodyfat to 227 at 9% bodyfat, without undue stress over a 6 month period. The best part of the plans are the fact that the coach provides a "menu". He lays down the types of exercises and the order in each program, and you can then pick and choose from the vast array of exercises in the book (the book also provides sample routines with the exercises 'filled in'). Some of the exercises I had never seen before, and some I had completely forgotten about from days in college athletics (track and field). Again, real world advice and info. I won't be surprised if the NFL or some Div I school is eventually able to bribe the coach to leave what looks like a plum, and very fun, position at C of C out here in So Cal.

None of that gain 20 lbs of muscle in a month or get ripped in 10 days bunk here. Just honest, practical instruction. Do the workouts, you'll see what works and doesn't work for you and then you can adjust. I can honestly say I haven't felt this good or this fit since I was competing in college. Thanks Coach dos!

I enjoyed everything about this book. He seems to have all of the bases covered. I would highly recommend it.

Numerous delicious meals that are simple to prepare. A easy to follow guide for building muscle.

What I like about this book is that it addresses something few other books do: a nutritional regimen for a bodybuilder or strength training athlete. There are a number of good, healthy ideas in this book, and the nutritional information is listed for each recipe. The majority of the recipes are easy and quick to prepare and cook, which is nice. Also, many of the recipes taste great!

One thing that some other reviews have said is that there are filler recipes. This is true to an extent, but I don't think it ruins the book. For instance, there is a recipe for putting fruit preserves on some toast for breakfast. This shouldn't be news to most people, however to suggest it as a healthy option and to list the nutritional information could be useful. The goal of the book is not necessarily to provide recipes that you might not know, but to suggest healthy options for the amateur nutritionist. And certainly, there are recipes that I had never made before that I just love, like Burmese chicken curry.

Unfortunately, this book falls short in a number of ways. First of all, I bought this book on amazon.com as a paperback, and the binding was horrible. Within a couple months it completely disintegrated, which is terrible for a cookbook because it's hard to flip through and keep it together. Cookbooks need to be heavy duty.

The other way this book falls short is that it is a bodybuilding foods book more than it is a strength training nutrition book. I make the distinction because bodybuilding in and of itself is not a healthy sport. Real bodybuilders use a variety of tricks to get their bodyfat below healthy levels for contests, and often tout distorted nutritional ideas promoted by the supplement business. Some certainly use steroids, which the general consensus is that they are unhealthy. I digress. This comes into play in this book because it suggests using supplements I don't agree with (e.g. creatine), and also uses stuff like protein powder in some of the recipes. Some recipes otherwise use ingredients that aren't necessarily "whole foods." The bottom line with all the supplements and junk out there, I picked this book up looking for a cookbook with balanced, whole-food meal options. However, I find myself omitting or substituting ingredients in some recipes, or simply avoiding them. To be fair, this probably will not concern most people buying this book.

Overall, this book has some great ideas and recipes, as well as some useless ones. It probably makes a good addition to the average weight-lifter's cooking arsenal. The only caveats are don't rely solely on nutritional information from this book, and pray it doesn't fall apart!

This book is perfect for someone who wants to know how to take their nutrition to the next level. Greg has done all the work for us. He makes eating healthy while getting fit easy. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is trying to learn how to eat a more healthy diet that will complement and help attain a more fit body at the same time. Although this book is written with men in mind it is great for women too, we just have to make our portions smaller than what he recommends.

I accidentally ordered two, gave the other one away to a friend, whom raved about the book. I have two reservations about some of the recipes. Did anybody check these recipes out in a test kitchen? Reason I ask is some of the recipes leave out ingredients or don't tell you where to put the ingredient in or the recipe doesn't turn out right. Some not enough 'wet' ingredients for batter consistency. But this is all forgiveable because there are some really great recipes: Eggplant Lasagna (pg 142), Tarragon Chicken with Vegetables (83), Hearty Oatmeal'n'Bran (107), Eggs'n'Oats (107), Muscle Toast (42), Avocado Breakfast (38), Giant Scramble - I added asparagus (101), Tuna in Celery Stalks - I'll never make tuna the 'other way' again (209), Zucchini pasta (133). A hint for the Muscle Toast, which is like 'French Toast', make up all the soakings of the bread first before frying. I found more bread is needed than the recipe calls for, which is gr8! I freeze leftovers and warm later in the toaster. Last BAD comment, which leaves no excuse, the book is falling apart, terrible binding job, Rodale! Other books I'd recommend using with this: ABs diet books series by David Zinczenko - responsible for me losing 120 pounds. 'Powerfoods' Nutrition Plan by Susan Kleiner, addresses men's health and is a great resource/reference guide. I'm learning alot from it. 'The Portable Personal Trainer' by Eric Harr, daily devotional 'health' inspirations. 'Pilates for Men' by Daniel Lyons Jr., 'Anatomy Stretching' by Arnold Nelson, 'Powersculpt for Men' by Paul Frediani (CORE-lots of exercise ball illustrations and included DVD) OT: 'Deep Survival' by Laurence Gonzales - get a bicycle and don't forget the helmet! Get a Bianchi C2C 928 Carbon Monocoque 'Centaur' 10sp-mix compact

Book is good to refine alot of techniques, or to guide someone working out on how to properly do exercizes and stretches. Personally im not using it that much yet, but I plan to. Im going off the BUD/S warning order which has been working majic for me. Ive shaved 3 mintues off my run time in two weeks. I browsed the book, its good, and if your going SEAL its good information to know. Plus its cheap.

Get out of your usual routine and get fantastic results with this workout program. Whether you're a Navy SEAL or not, this program will get you into shape.

The book was delivered fast and in good condition. The writing is easy to follow with plenty of pictures to also show correct formfor most of the exercises. I have started the basic workout and in just 3 weeks have noticed a difference even though i am not doing the swiming all round a very helpfull book

Haven't started following the routines yet.
The exercises taught in the video are great.
I never knew there was a easier way to increase
the number of pull ups
even if you cannot do one.

First instruction book I found that teaches running in sand.

I am in the 12th week of the 12 week program and have just
> completed the max push/pull/situp day. I am so impressed. I have gone from only 7 pullups/75 pushups/ and 55 situps in week one to 38 pullups/125 pushups/ and 80 situps in week 12. I have lost about 15 pounds and I am in the best shape of my life. I love the fact that I can look around at the gym and I am confident that no one is working out as hard as I am. I am also trying to convert my friends to the workout, but I think they doubt themselves when I tell them about it. Heck, I was doubting myself when I would look to the workouts later in the program. This is a great book for anyone looking to lose weight, tone up, and gain alot of strength.

I was not home to receive this book so it was sent
back to the post office. Did not have time to pick it
up there so it was probably sent back to the seller.
Hope he reships it so I can post a review that might
be more favorable

This is probably the definitive book on the prostate and prostate cancer. It has a 'quick read' format for each chapter, or a synopsis of the chapter, excellent drawings, and is just a keeper. I have not read it through yet, but I think the sole negative for some is that it does not give large discussion or a thorough up or down opinion on proton therapy. Any man beyond his mid sixties would do well to have this book.

This one is easy...if you or someone you care about has prostate cancer, you need this book. Well written and researched, Dr. Walsh lays out all of the information you need to make informed decisions at every stage of the process. A friend loaned me his 1st edition when I was diagnosed, I subsequently bought a copy for myself, I have since bought multiple copies of the 2nd edition so I can give to friends or aquaintances who may be diagnosed. Lots of new information is in the 2nd edition.

Very thorough book with lots of information and good explanations. However, no book will substitute for advice from your doctors.

As an excellant guide to the various methods of dealing with Prostate Cancer including the advantages and disadvantages of each approach this book was invaluable to me in determining what course of action to take as I faced Prostate Cancer. In addition, it was very useful in understanding all the nuances of recovery and how to deal with them. By far, the most comprehensive book I found on the subject for the layman.

Well organized and illustrated. Especially helpful for early stages of diagnosis and in meeting family member's concerns. I wish I'd had it sooner.

The book is really well written. It is chock full of information...figures, web links, and references. Great place to start to educate one's self if newly diagnosed.

Did not read like a Primer to me. Nowhere near as good as Dr Walsh's book.

This book is perhaps the best book of its genre in describing prostate cancer and the various forms of treatment for prostate cancer.

When a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer, he will be surprised to learn that there are a variety of treatment modalities. This book is excellent in that it lists all the available treatment modalities, lists the possible side-effects of each treatment, explains the diagnostic tests for prostate cancer, and writes extensively on which prostate cancers respond to which therapies the best.

The most confusing thing to a patient with prostate cancer is how to treat it. One needs to understand the type of cancer they have (the staging of the cancer tumor(s), how diagnostic tests are interpreted and what they mean, and then what treatment options are best for the specific cancer one has. This is where this book excels, as it thoroughly explains the entire process and informs the reader of all the various options that are available to treat prostate cancer.

Ultimately, knowledge is power in the issue of prostate cancer, so the informed patient is able to make the best decision to treat his cancer. This book will help you choose the best treatment. There are real and potentially serious life-altering side-effects to cancer therapy. One needs to know these adverse outcomes before making an informed decsion on treatment. I highly recommend this book as it does empower the man with prostate cancer to make these important decisons. After reading this book, you will have a sound knowledge of prostate cancer and the options for treatment. It is very reader-friendly and all medical terms and tests are explained in a manner that can be understood. It is required reading for anyone with prostate cancer.

Highly recommended.

Jim Koenig

Book Review
A Primer on Prostate Cancer: The Empowered Patient's Guide, 2nd Ed.
Stephen B. Strum, M.D. and Donna Pogliano
Hollywood, FL: Life Extension Foundation, 2005, 124 pp.
Ranked in the Top Ten of my Cancer Bibliography.
Ranked in the Top Five of my Prostate Cancer Bibliography.

I have surveyed or read so far over 100 cancer books in researching my own book. This ranked in the top 10% in both my categories primarily because of the excellence of its useful and professional content and presentation and the sophisticated level of the discussion. After my prostate cancer diagnosis, quickly learning I would not get enough time with my doctor, I dug deeply into many libraries and web sites. Public libraries are helpful, but severely incomplete and rarely up to date. With a background of two college degrees and Managing Director of a large research corporation, I knew how to do research and began to seek deeper information sources and understanding on cancer and medical websites. Here, also, there are problems: insufficient depth, too general, uncertain or dated reliability, suspect motives and dispersed value in millions of locations. Studies have shown that patients have a lot of trouble finding good material on the web, trying to find diamonds in the rubble. Then, I turned to Amazon and began to build my own library of the best available. This solved my problem.

Dr. Strum is a specialist in prostate cancer. This book is condensed and loaded on almost every page with color diagrams, charts, tables, photos, scans, Physician Notes and medical writing and details I would expect in a med school text. With my previous preparation, I was able to understand and apply almost all of it to my own situation, a great leap forward for a non-scientist. Not every prostate cancer patient will be ready for this, but buy it, refer to it as you do your homework elsewhere and your disease progresses, and it will soon become the core of your understanding and view of your future.

Along with the beautiful, colorful and clear presentations, I loved the several examples that were identical to my own journey, followed by the explanation of choices and exact treatment I have had: what a relief to study, decide and then get the same confirmation from my own doctors as we moved through several stages of diagnosis and treatment; what a thrill to study a photo of a problematic bone scan and compare it to my own favorable, cancer-free scan following treatment.

Your doctors are, of course, the final and up-to-date authority: be well-informed, so you can participate in the decision-making with the experts; but recognize that the busy medical community may not have the time or detailed knowledge of your situation to give it the attention you can. As you go, you will find a number of excellent books like this to guide you. It is important to have current information about the fast-moving science of medicine. That makes it a lot easier to get past the basics, ask good questions and accept or refine the doctor's judgment and recommendations. Seek out and devour books like this one, and you will be miles, perhaps even some time, ahead of most patients. With that confidence, your improved mental attitude will assist in your progress.
John Roberts (www.CanFighters.com)

Great book, well illustrated with extensive explanations. I'm not sure that I like his choice of labeling the explanatory sections "The Beast Within," but that's trivial. Maybe if I continue to practice I'll become super macho and appreciate it more .

There is so much to like about this book. The layout is nice, I like the drawings, and the instructions are great. I do think it is important for instructions that address men's bodies and I don't quite understand some of the scoffing in the other reviews.

As for the flaws, I hate to say it but this book is for the already fit person. If you are carrying even, say, 20 extra pounds around your midsection doing many of the basic exercises is futile, and can cause too much strain on your back. I know many Pilates instructors are well aware of this and will customize your workout based around your limitations, however this is not possible through a book (or at least, not this one.)

If you are already in decent shape I highly recommend this book to take you to the next level.

I want to add my support to the general consensus that this is a great book, but I want to add a few more things.

1. The illustrations give a very precise and clear picture of correct form. Other books that use photographs might have nice glossy pages and color pictures. I find the monocromatic drawings in "The Complete Book" much more helpful. Positional details for the neck and arms are clear, and the design is visually pleasing.

2. Dispite what some other reviewers have said, the suggestions "For Men" are very helpful. I agree that this book is still excellent for people who aren't men. That doesn't mean that it's not especially helpful to men, particularly guys who are new to pilates. Exersise instructions seem to be tailor made for me, someone who (before using this book) had a tight back and hamstrings. Other books seem to offer modifications if you're not strong enough, but this book really helped me improve my flexibility quickly, effectively, and without killing myself.

3. This book's introduction helps place pilates in the relm of manly exercise. Let's face it, there's something manly about dead lifting and bench pressing that pilates doesn't have. Lyon discusses both the manly history of Joseph Pilates, the origial Joe Six-Pack (of abs, not beer), and the way pilates can help other manly endevors. That helps us men get overourselves, onto the mat, and into...
Let's just say that the body you'll get from routine use of this book will get you more of the right kind of attention then a whole shipment of axe body spray.
And that's something no man would say no to.

I have bought this book the first time in Amsterdam (@ ABC). Love this book. By reading this book you become aware of the possibilities and limitations of men's body, but also of your own particular female body.

This is a great book with enough diagrams to teach a class. It covers dietary and lifestyle adjustments as it relates to getting the most out of your exercise. It's just very clinical and lacks a warmer side that can be found in Jeff Halpin's Pilates books. Maybe it's the way Jeff ends each lesson with a playful bit of poetry or a drawing. By comparison "Pilates for Men" is a solid reference which ends up feeling a bit dry and Mr. Lyon's tone often makes me feel as though I'm being yelled at.

I am so grateful for the reviews. I would never have bought this book based on eating for beauty only. This is much deeper than that. It was well thought out and well done. I might buy this book for everyone I know.. well see! Out of all the raw food books I have bought this is in my top 3, who knows it could be #1. Great book you won't regret it. Beauty starts on the inside... and radiates out so maybe the title is fitting. mmmmmm?

This book is great. It truly shows the connection between the foods that we eat and how our physical appearance is affected. If it's true that we are what we eat, Wolfe shows how to do it right--the way nature intended. This book is a great complement to Pearls of Wellness, which addresses the emotional aspect of health (Pearls of Wellness 52 Inspirations to Achieve a Peaceful Body, Mind, and Spirit).

This book is full of great information which is easy to understand and apply. Super foods are where its at if you want internal health and beauty that shines through. People often tell me I have a glow about me. :-)

This book is outstanding!!! It blew me away. I have always been healthy but this took it to another level and really explained the importance of raw and organic food. I loved it. I have already implemented some of the suggestions into my daily life and feel great. I highly recommend this book, it's very well written, easy to read and simply brilliant.

Every bit of information in this book is extremely useful and helpful.Kirlian pictures of organic food is interesting, but they seem to over-use it in this book - as filler it seems (even though "filler" is unnecessary).

I am a fitness freak and a fitness and dance instructor. I am always looking for a new way to challenge my body and take it to new extremes. This book really gave me an understanding of what I need to do to take my body and its strength to the next level. It is comprehensive and easy to understand. I reccommend this book to all my friends and anyone who is looking for a good fitness trainer but don't have the money for a live one, whether you are just starting out or you are stuck in a rut. He has developed workouts that fit your body type too, which makes it even more of an ideal workout because you can zone in on slimmming your trouble spots.

I have found this book to be the best on the market when you want quality information concerning nutrition and exercise. I have highlighted so many pages to reference back to. David goes into detail on so much plus there are color pictures. I also purchased his book The Ultimate New York Body Plan but found this one more practical and attainable in reaching my goals. After reading this I can see why he is known as a fitness guru, and this book has sound advice that can be beneficial to attaining a better body!

This is a good program for people who want to get in and stay in shape without spending half of their life at the gym. You do need to spend some time building your own program sheets using the info in the book. I also bought his "Ultimate New York Body Plan" (it reflects on my obsessive streak that I'd buy both!)and I think that program would be difficult to implement for most ordinary mortals. Buy this one!

There are plenty of basic and advanced versions of exercises divided by body part. The book has many pictures that clearly illustrate the exercises. There are plenty of body weight exercises, as well as with weights. I found this book to be very helpful in creating an exercise program!

There's a reason why Heidi Klum and other supermodels seek David out for his training skills. He not only focuses on the physical and nutritional elements to fitness, but also the mind and motivation. It's like having your own personal trainer right in your home and for much less money!

In this book, Mike Lew has done for men what Ellen Bass and Laura Davies did for women - treated the enormous horror of sexual abuse with true validation, great compassion and excellent practical help.

This is a very painful read for survivors but a genuine resource towards recovery. Thankfully this groundbreaking, classic book has brought the plight of male survivors into the public sphere and the resources and recommendations are extremely helpful.

As brilliant as the book is, I would urge any survivor to do two things: get good professional therapy or conselling while reading the book and take the book and the treatment very slowly and with great self care.

I would recommend this book very highly indeed not only to male survivors but to those helping them (professionally or personally) regardless of whether the helpees are male or female.

A true classic.

This is an excellent, straight-forward, sensitive book that deals with a topic that is difficult. It is written so that it can be easily understood and is incredibly helpful to victims as well as therapists who treat them. The author validates the victim's world and encourages the victim to get help and talks about the many males who have survived and are healing.

A thoughtful book re sexual abuse of people who are trying to get past the victim ideology. The writer has had much experience in treating these people and his suggestions are helpful.

As a spouse of a survivor, I read this book which also offered advice to partners and spouses. This book gave way too many examples and other info for the first 4 chapters. Most of us already have an idea of what sexual abuse against boys can entail, there were just way too many stories of survivors that were disturbing and difficult to read. It did however give important insight and ways to get help and help yourself but it came along with a lot of unneeded information. If you have the time and patience it is a good tool towards recovery.

If you or a loved one have been the victim of childhood sexual abuse then this book is an excellent resourcee. It deals primarily with Male Survivors and provides great insight into how coping mechanisms have become a way of life. It allows survivors to carefully examine their feelings and relationship choices in a positive and affirming manner, and begin to make changes to a healty lifestyle. If you have decided to read this book, well done!!! You have taken the first steps to reclaiming your life!

To start, I will say that I have lost 19 pounds since I obtained this book. That, to me, speaks volumes.

I found the principles of this book to be very intuitive and in line with what I believe to be true. I personally did not feel that my weight problem and lack of health was something that could or should be "cured" by pills, medical procedures, and doctors - I was looking for common-sense solutions. That is what I found in this book.

Without calorie-counting, or filling out forms and journals, or buying prepackaged foods, I have used the tools in this book to make HEALTH my focus, and it is truly working for me.

My husband and I read this book aloud while we traveled and by the time we returned home, we had decided to switch to PURE and FRESH foods. What a simple concept!

This is an extraordinary book that separates reality from myth. Dr Jamie Fettig explains why Viruses, Bacteria, and Parasites do not make you sick, and why your Genes do not dictate your health, and gives you the key to being well and healthy.

This will probably be the most important book you'll ever read and is surely unique in its concept. If you only read one book on life, diets and health, make sure it's this one. Highly recommended.

Found this book personnally satisfying. Our family has gone through a medical crisis lately, and with the help of this book I have been able to come through with my own health less damaged. The medical professionals have not been able to help in our situation, but with the understanding I have received from this book, I am sure we will be able to come the rest of the way in good health and a better understanding of what it takes to maintain it.

I read this book (in about one sitting) 4 months ago. I didn't know it at the time, but Jamie's insights and practicality transformed me. Today, I'm 20 pounds lighter and I feel more vital than I've felt in a long time (maybe ever). I asked myself what happened that I've had such great results? I remembered it started with reading Jamie's book. I went on to discover the joy of raw vegan food, something that probably wouldn't have happened if I hadn't read this book (no, you don't have to become a raw vegan foodist). While reading the book, Jamie assured me (with compassion and simplicity) that if I didn't take care of my health that it would fail. I know this sounds simple, who doesn't know that? However, how many times have I known things were bad for me and I did them anyway? Lots. So, Jamie managed to break through that veil of lies that I was telling myself. He wasn't preachy or anything, he delivered his message with love and excitement and profound respect for his readers. He is creating health for the whole planet. I saw that health is possible and started making the changes that were necessary to create and "add health" to my life.