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The Body Sculpting Bible for Women
Outlines a training and nutrition regimen designed specifically for women and includes exercises for each area of the body as well as suggested workout schedules.
160 pages, Paperback
First published December 14, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 10, 2008
this book is definitely MY WORKOUT BIBLE. i take it to the gym every day. its seriously the best workout book i've ever had, and i just bought the revised edition because i had worn my first edition out when i bought it a few years ago. but after 5 or 6 years, its still my go-to book on fitness.
why is it so cool? well for starters, you have pictures and explanations of so many different kinds of workouts for different muscle groups, and its one of the only books i found for women that is geared especially for women, and shows you how to do free-weights as well as machines.
second, it has in the back of the book different workout routines that go on for 6 week intervals- the beginners or break-in routine, an average or intermediate workout routine, and then an advanced workout routine. each level has 3 different 6 week schedules so you can switch around and have variety. basically the routines warm you up and do all over workouts and when you get to the advanced, you workout alternating muscle groups and it shows you how to space it out and which ones to workout together.
the book is quite educational and i've learned a lot about my body and i feel like i've been seeing results already. right now i'm doing the advanced routine to get more definition, but i've been doing the basic routine since september-october.
i love this book so much i want to get the 'ABS SCULPTING BIBLE FOR WOMEN' whenever i get the chance!!
why is it so cool? well for starters, you have pictures and explanations of so many different kinds of workouts for different muscle groups, and its one of the only books i found for women that is geared especially for women, and shows you how to do free-weights as well as machines.
second, it has in the back of the book different workout routines that go on for 6 week intervals- the beginners or break-in routine, an average or intermediate workout routine, and then an advanced workout routine. each level has 3 different 6 week schedules so you can switch around and have variety. basically the routines warm you up and do all over workouts and when you get to the advanced, you workout alternating muscle groups and it shows you how to space it out and which ones to workout together.
the book is quite educational and i've learned a lot about my body and i feel like i've been seeing results already. right now i'm doing the advanced routine to get more definition, but i've been doing the basic routine since september-october.
i love this book so much i want to get the 'ABS SCULPTING BIBLE FOR WOMEN' whenever i get the chance!!
January 25, 2015
The book is ok - there is nothing wrong with the information provided however it is unnecessary long the authors seem to repeat themselves. The nutrition and training chapters could probably be fit in 10 pages.
The exercise pages are quite useful providing tips on technique and risks - so probably the best part of the book.
The programme I am sure is good if you stick to it but it will take a few hours to actually make it user-friendly as currently it is not at all.
The exercise pages are quite useful providing tips on technique and risks - so probably the best part of the book.
The programme I am sure is good if you stick to it but it will take a few hours to actually make it user-friendly as currently it is not at all.
February 19, 2010
I took this book out of the library and started working out from it. I then bought it because I could see the results! I am now easing my way into the advanced fitness program and following the nutrition plan. It is not for the weak of heart but I wnat to see what I can achieve if I comit to it!
April 13, 2008
A deeply flawed book, but a great resource to purchase and bring to the gym with you if you're starting to lift weights, and want a systematic approach to doing so. The writing itself is at best unsophisticated, the diet is draconian, but the lifting program is perfect. Starts you slow, and then moves you onward, changing your workout regularly. Combine this with some Pilates work for your core, and you've got a workout program that is easy to follow and really will change your body for the better (without adding bulk - just like the book promises). Best $20 I've ever spent.
Would have liked more information on ab work and stretches, and less of the dopey Pep Talk stuff, but I copied out the weight program into a little notebook, and take it with me everywhere I go. Most of the exercises can be modified to use even in the smallest hotel gyms, so long as they have a set of dumbbells available.
Would have liked more information on ab work and stretches, and less of the dopey Pep Talk stuff, but I copied out the weight program into a little notebook, and take it with me everywhere I go. Most of the exercises can be modified to use even in the smallest hotel gyms, so long as they have a set of dumbbells available.
January 7, 2009
Initially, I borrowed this book from my sister. She found out about it after talking to a friend who had dropped 40 lbs and is buff! The nice thing is that this is NOT a quick fix. It takes commitment an work. It is done with a balance of good nutrition, weight lifting, ab exercise and cardio. It's realistic. The best part for me so far is the excellent pictures and information on the weight exercises. SO many people do there weight lifting completely wrong. This addresses this and give great information on form and focus to the exercise.
Just started this....hoping to escape from the flab around my middle.
Just started this....hoping to escape from the flab around my middle.
July 22, 2012
This is my go-to book for when I am in that I-will-work-out-2-hours-every-day-and-look-like-Angela-Basset zone.
Obviously, if you follow this book, you will look slamming hot (or over-trained, depending on your sensibilities). The exercizes are back-to-basics, no-frills, straight forward bicep curl types. And that's really all you need sometimes.
Obviously, if you follow this book, you will look slamming hot (or over-trained, depending on your sensibilities). The exercizes are back-to-basics, no-frills, straight forward bicep curl types. And that's really all you need sometimes.
March 2, 2021
A good reference for working out. I am sad that I don't have some of the equipment demonstrated in the exercises but the insights on technique and form are incredibly helpful even with cardio or HIIT. Tremendously helpful. I just wish their abs bible had a Kindle edition.
September 27, 2010
I've used this book for years and it is absolutely the most useful guide I've ever found to guide my strength training.
January 25, 2019
It Really Works
I just completed the Breakthrough Program and into the 3rd week of the 14 Day Body Sculpting Program. What was significant for me is the way my cellulite is beginning to disappear and that is truly amazing! My waist size has gotten smaller and my butt has started to tone up. So I can see, for me at least, that my body has started to take shape really nicely.
I don't follow the nutrition plans strictly but I have changed my eating style to include more fruit and vegetables, and I love fruit especially bananas. I didn't have a lot of weight to lose, my goal was to tone up especially my legs and I can say that I am seeing results. Now my goal is to get that flat tummy. It's getting there but it's going to take a lot more work which I am prepared to do.
The book is great, the workouts are great and I highly recommend it.
I just completed the Breakthrough Program and into the 3rd week of the 14 Day Body Sculpting Program. What was significant for me is the way my cellulite is beginning to disappear and that is truly amazing! My waist size has gotten smaller and my butt has started to tone up. So I can see, for me at least, that my body has started to take shape really nicely.
I don't follow the nutrition plans strictly but I have changed my eating style to include more fruit and vegetables, and I love fruit especially bananas. I didn't have a lot of weight to lose, my goal was to tone up especially my legs and I can say that I am seeing results. Now my goal is to get that flat tummy. It's getting there but it's going to take a lot more work which I am prepared to do.
The book is great, the workouts are great and I highly recommend it.
March 17, 2018
just no. it was poorly written.
September 30, 2024
Excellent resource! Walks you through proper use of all exercises/machines with clear step-by-step instructions and photos.
September 19, 2013
What a great book! Only disappointed I didn't pick it up sooner.
I've been training for a while, but decided to try out this routine because I needed a change, I've never actually done a full body workout (Flex magazine was my teacher in my young days...*sigh*), and they incorporate compound movements so I knew the program would be effective. That said, I LOVE the results I'm getting doing this routine.
My diet is already clean - and pretty much follows the one written. Anyone serious about getting results should be able to follow something similar. (I consider coconut oil a good fat).
This is the PERFECT book for anyone who wants to learn the proper exercise technique/form. The information is clear, the pictures are excellent and if you decide to do the routine, everything is clearly referenced so it's easy to flip to that page if you don't know how do to the exercise. They also have youtube videos of how to do the exercises, and from their facebook page James and Hugo are very responsive to anyone who needs help, etc.
Two things I don't like about this book:
- the cover, why does she not have anything on? seriously though, who wants to walk around with that
- the first routine has squats at the end - not sure the reasoning behind this, but I always do my compound movements first
(I received my answer from Hugo himself: In regards to the squats, it is good to sometimes have compound exercises at the end as in this manner you shock the body and you get faster results.) I will be trying it this way :)
Highly recommend this book (did I already mention that?)
I've been training for a while, but decided to try out this routine because I needed a change, I've never actually done a full body workout (Flex magazine was my teacher in my young days...*sigh*), and they incorporate compound movements so I knew the program would be effective. That said, I LOVE the results I'm getting doing this routine.
My diet is already clean - and pretty much follows the one written. Anyone serious about getting results should be able to follow something similar. (I consider coconut oil a good fat).
This is the PERFECT book for anyone who wants to learn the proper exercise technique/form. The information is clear, the pictures are excellent and if you decide to do the routine, everything is clearly referenced so it's easy to flip to that page if you don't know how do to the exercise. They also have youtube videos of how to do the exercises, and from their facebook page James and Hugo are very responsive to anyone who needs help, etc.
Two things I don't like about this book:
- the cover, why does she not have anything on? seriously though, who wants to walk around with that
- the first routine has squats at the end - not sure the reasoning behind this, but I always do my compound movements first
(I received my answer from Hugo himself: In regards to the squats, it is good to sometimes have compound exercises at the end as in this manner you shock the body and you get faster results.) I will be trying it this way :)
Highly recommend this book (did I already mention that?)
May 26, 2015
I plan to add weight training (I currently do strength training or weight training machines at CalFIT) activities only 1-2 times a week. This is recommended 3 days a week and 3 days of cardio. I do 3 days of cardio most of the week: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. Tuesdays and if pilates count for strength training on Thursdays sometimes, but may look at weight machines on Thursdays sine I do Group Intervals Training (GIT) with weight machines and more on Tuesdays. If I can get in there on the weekend like Saturdays, machines, this may help with my progress. I have been there for 3 months and seeing slight change, but gradually seeing muscle definition.
This week doing 10-day smoothie; not easy but knew I would do the modified cleanse. Not recommended past 2 weeks.
Once done with Detox, will go with Dolvett's diet which also in this book touched on smart carbs, fats, proteins, and fibers. This seemed to work best for me. I also plan to eat more vegetables and fruits which I prefer as smoothies or juicing these days. Working on snacks being fruits or crunchy veggies!
Leisure read 2015 (to help get body in shape and to design my body how I want and desire it to be)
This week doing 10-day smoothie; not easy but knew I would do the modified cleanse. Not recommended past 2 weeks.
Once done with Detox, will go with Dolvett's diet which also in this book touched on smart carbs, fats, proteins, and fibers. This seemed to work best for me. I also plan to eat more vegetables and fruits which I prefer as smoothies or juicing these days. Working on snacks being fruits or crunchy veggies!
Leisure read 2015 (to help get body in shape and to design my body how I want and desire it to be)
September 11, 2013
I have had a weight problem since my early teens and yo-yoed through diets for the next two decades and more on lots of fad diets and little exercise. My best results came when I tried Body for Life and joined the gym--and not just dieted. Body for Life though emphasizes free weights--and I found I preferred using the weight machines at the gym. This does offer routines that use only dumbells rather than gym equipment, but I found it particularly useful in the thoroughness with which it explains how to use the machines. Something that was explained to me when I joined the gym, but its useful to have a guide you can bring in when you need a brush-up without paying for a personal trainer.
October 1, 2012
This book not only tells but shows you the exercises to do to tone and shape up specific areas of your body. I like this because you can focus your workouts on the areas you need and not as much on the ones you don't so your makeing the best use of your time. It gives you workout plans to follow based on your activity level and what I love the most even has instruction for kids. This is a great book I love it. I think it should be a staple in every house. They have one for men too but I haven't read it.
July 17, 2015
The program set out in the book just wasn't balanced or structured enough. The exercises jumped from one muscle groups to another then back. It somehow didn't feel like a complete workout.
I found most effective a program that evolves around one big muscle group (eg legs, back, chest) followed by assistance exercises.
The program offered in this book didn't have such structure.
Also the number of exercises included in the book is quite too many so it almost becomes a laundry list of exercises to do and you may not invest the time in learning how to do each properly.
I found most effective a program that evolves around one big muscle group (eg legs, back, chest) followed by assistance exercises.
The program offered in this book didn't have such structure.
Also the number of exercises included in the book is quite too many so it almost becomes a laundry list of exercises to do and you may not invest the time in learning how to do each properly.
February 26, 2008
we'll see how much I like it in a few months. It made sense, and all of the exercises were clearly written out so recovering slugs like myself can jump in a try them without a personal trainer and gym membership. All phases of the workout are actually written in two types- a home set up with basic dumbbells and another one for those with access to a well equipped gym.
I'm stoked and did my first "break-in workout" today, so lets hope I stick with it and see some results!
I'm stoked and did my first "break-in workout" today, so lets hope I stick with it and see some results!
January 30, 2010
i think ppl are confused on the purpose of this book, its geared more towards ppl who already workout and are in decent shape and want to take it to the next level. the nutrition is for them, not for ur average jane. the workouts however are fantastic! if u know nothing, this is the perfect book to get. the language is simple to read and lots of pictures.
July 14, 2009
similar concepts to what I'm doing in Max 10. hate to admit how long i've had this on my bookshelf w/out actually trying it out. guess i had to pay $300 to be FORCED into it to truely see the benefits. Here's hoping to get back in a size 10 jean...
November 1, 2013
I read this book when I was in my early twenties and I am still--to this day--using the information I obtained to form my every day workout. I have learned how to properly lift, rest, and refuel. Thank you, James and Hugo for such an incredible book!
September 1, 2016
Excellent for beginners and as a guide to a wide range of exercises. Too many women are afraid to hit the gym, either from fear or misinformation. This book makes strength training very approachable.
April 1, 2008
my ass is currently on its way to better shape thanks to this book. great workout charts..wish there was more info on nutrition and stretches.
April 18, 2008
This is my brother-in-law's book. Excellent resource.
May 4, 2009
I love to reference this book before I head out to the gym. Gives me new lifting exercises to try out!
August 9, 2011
Awesome book if you love to work out! One of my Favorites!
February 11, 2012
Great guide for a beginner but serves no purpose for someone of the intermediate and advanced level.
July 5, 2012
Great weight training workouts (different one for three days a week) using free weights.
July 30, 2012
Don't buy this as an ebook. You will want the hard copy, and it will be worth the investment.
January 14, 2013
Great descriptions of exercises with helpful photos. A great reference guide for the gym.
December 22, 2012
I bought this book 10 years ago, helped me then for sure! Just re-purchased a new edition and I am pumped about making big changes in the new year!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews