Customer Reviews

Body by Science: A Research Based Program to Get the Results You Want in 12 Minutes a Week

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been following the BBS programme for 8 months now. I love it. This book details a once a week workout that works. You do one set of five compound exercises every week keeping track of your time under load and your weight. It is simple and effective. It is not easy, and I will confess there are weeks when I don't look forward to going (it's hard!!) but it's only once a week so I have rarely missed a workout. I have followed all sorts of different fitness programmes over the years, doing 5-factor fitness, classes in my local gym including cyclefit, running, swimming. I 've done ellipitical workouts, treadmill training, circuit training. . .you name it, I've done it. Physical activity has always been a part of my life. This programme suits me, it suits my lifestyle and I can say in all honesty that I am stronger, healthier and fitter than I've ever been. There are numerous studies cited in the book to support the programme but to be honest if you are one of those people that loves going to the gym every day you will find it hard to follow this properly. Muscle building is a two part process, breaking down and repairing. You need to rest so your muscles can repair themselves and get stronger. You don't need to go to the gym every day to get ft, oh and by the way going to the gym every day won't hlp you lose weight either- you need to get your diet under control to do that effectively! If you are looking for a book that will help you find a sustainable way to incorporate strength training and make you a stronger healthier person, than give this book a go. You won't regret it.

Why should I read this book?
It will make you smarter about strength training.
I especially like how the authors use a pharmacology or drugs metaphor to explain how there is an optimal amount of exercise (a narrow therapeutic window) that will provide maximum results.

The approach is based on experimental evidence and science.
While I did not review/read the supporting studies, there is a 'Notes' section that refers to scientific literature that supports the 'Body by Science' approach.

The book explains why low intensity training is largely ineffective and conversely why you should use high intensity to obtain results.

What's the program?
5 compound exercises (the Big-Five), 1 set of each till you reach positive failure...every 7 days. This will give enough time for your body to recover from the stimulus imposed on your system. As stated before, there is an optimal balance between exercise and rest. If you want to understand exactly why this makes sense...I suggest you read the book.

I am planning on personally putting this program to the test and see how results would differ from my current 3 workouts a week routine...

The best informative book about exercise that I have ever read. I am so surprised that more people in the fitness line have never heard of it. This is an amazing eyeopener on fitness

I enjoyed this book.

I used to train with weights years ago, but injured myself and grew reluctant to enter the gym.

However, with a slow, controlled speed of motion and sensibly chosen exercises, I now have the confidence to embark on a new program due to this book.

I've also watched some of Dr. Doug McGuff's videos on exercise and diet. He obviously practices what he preaches and unlike a lot of medical doctors, looks healthy.

John Little made enormous contributions to this book with clear thought about exercise science based on his years of experience as a trainer, trainee, expert author, and gym owner. In reality, there isn't one main protocol in this book, there are actually 2... both following the same scientific principles.

The pictures and exercise descriptions given were excellent. Whether you jump straight to the routines (which progress and reduce in volume as your strength grows), or delve into the reason why this is an effective safe way for a drug-free person to maximize their health... and fitness... in precisely that order, I give this book 5 stars.

Consider ordering a copy if it suits your objectives and join myself and the authors at their Body by Science blog where you can post your "Workout of the Week" in a congenial atmosphere of fellow trainees and trainers helping each other get the most from their hard, brief, infrequent work outs.

So many misunderstandings about how our bodies work exposed and replaced with scientific facts. Although based heavily on science easy to read and understand.