70 of 73 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
misleading title, July 1 2011
By Steve4404 - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: 7 Weeks to 50 Pull-Ups: Strengthen and Sculpt Your Arms, Shoulders, Back, and Abs by Training to Do 50 Consecutive Pull-Ups (Paperback)
I was eagerly looking forward to the program because I wanted to get my pullup strength back. I completed P90X a couple of years ago and my biggest strength loss since then was in pullups. I took the test at the beginning of the book and did 7 pullups which put me in Phase 1. However I was unable to complete the week 1 day 1 workout. I came close but no cigar. I did exactly as the book specified (do nothing on the off days, only do the pullup program 3 days a week, wait at least 60 seconds between sets). Finally after 2 solid weeks I was able to get through the Week one day 1 program. It has taken me another 2 weeks and I still can't get all the way through week 1 day 2 , even when waiting 90 seconds between sets. So I am 4 weeks into the program and still trying to get through week 1. I am wondering if because I am older (I am 53) that I need more recovery days. I am going to stick with the program, I just think the title is very misleading.
UPDATE July 29, 2011-- After 7 weeks of the Phase 1 7 week program, I never made it past week 1 , day 2. After 7 weeks of this, I can now do 9 pullups. I am happy with the improvement and feel stronger but my improvement is miniscule compared to what others (especially the author!)have achieved. It is going to take a lot more than 7 more weeks (if ever) to get me to 15. This is an example of not everyone responding identically to the same program. It is not a bad program (hence my 3 star review) but be aware that your results my vary.
80 of 88 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book - definitely not for beginners, July 4 2011
By Azazello - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: 7 Weeks to 50 Pull-Ups: Strengthen and Sculpt Your Arms, Shoulders, Back, and Abs by Training to Do 50 Consecutive Pull-Ups (Paperback)
This is a great book but it is definitely not for beginners. I am in the USMC and we need 20 pull ups for a perfect score. I have routinely scored in the 16-20 range but I have never been able to consistently nail 20.
I started with Phase I, week 4 and today I just started Phase II Week 2. I have kept up with every workout but I barely completed todays workout and looking ahead, I might need a few extra rest days in order to get through some of the sets.
This is a great book but I think that the "50 pull ups in 7 weeks" is extremely misleading. I have been doing pull ups for over 3 years and haven't broken 22. There is no magical book that is going to double my pull ups in 7 weeks but I feel like I am well on my way! I am going to write another review in a month to further document my progress.
51 of 57 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good program, but not for beginners..., Jun 6 2011
By TNTBabyZ - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: 7 Weeks to 50 Pull-Ups: Strengthen and Sculpt Your Arms, Shoulders, Back, and Abs by Training to Do 50 Consecutive Pull-Ups (Paperback)
Let me start by saying this might have been my misunderstanding of the title, but...
I bought this book with the idea it would help beginners (those who can't even do pull-ups) learn how to get there by "streghthening and sculpting your arms, shoulders, back, and abs". I didn't realize the book is pretty much dedicated to those who can already do pull-ups.
There is an appendix in the back with a program on how to help, but its a very short section. I was expecting to see a program dedicated to actually working up strength within the muscles required to do pull-ups and working from there to the 50 consecutive pull-ups.
Overall I think the book is great for those who know how to do the exercise, but it doesn't help me much since I can't do pull-ups yet.