Weightlifting is a Waste of Time

by John Jaquish, Henry Alkire

Genres: Health, Fitness, Nonfiction, Self Help, Nutrition

266 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2020

Reviews

[Dalton Chamberlain · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I was rating this book on chapters 1-4, I’d give it 5 stars. But unfortunately, the author destroys himself immediately after that. Filled with great points, immense large library‘s of scientific research but negligibly incorrect information; this book turned quickly from an excellent resource to a waste of my time.

It started out with great new information about variable resistance that honestly I believe is true, and is backed up well. But after that started getting into information about nutrition that I know is false, and then I’ve studied greatly in detail that prove him completely incorrect. More annoyingly, the author tries to sell his products in this book harder than any author I’ve ever seen that’s sold products before.

The irony is incredible when the author displays the audacity the describe to the reader what “cherry picking scientific research” is, and then directly after quotes clearly cherry picked research to support his claim, sell his product and then is very clearly incorrect to anyone who has studied nutrition.. As I said before, I really enjoyed the beginning of this book, the first few chapters were great, the research was there, it was well presented and made logical sense (which most mind blowing information about the body can be logically explained and understood from the correct perspective) and I will gladly apply to my routine and look forward to better results.

But again, I really didn’t appreciate that I paid for essentially a 4 chapter book, and then 150 pages of advertisements and extremely incorrect research that goes against the last 10 books I’ve read by MD’s and PhD’s about nutrition in terms of longevity.

I’m all for science over mainstream, and I completely understand and have witnessed firsthand that the fitness industry is full of TONS of misinformation and biased advice that is disgustingly wrong; but I’m sorry John, but keep eating your 32ounces of red meat a day, and let’s see how your health is in 20 years. Or explain to me how your system is going to make use of 250g of protein in 30 minutes, when we know the body can only in extreme conditions make use of 70g at a time... I understand his research can be accurate for gaining muscle, to a degree. But in terms of health, what this guy is recommending is dangerous and honestly stupid. Take his information with a grain of salt, but I’ll save you the trouble. Here’s what to take away that’s GOOD.

1. Add variable resistance training (Using bands, preferably with handles or a bar) into your strength training program to work your muscles through varied levels of difficulty and challenge your body in a new way, while minimizing injury and supplementing a standard routine.
2. Use barbells over dumbbells when you can, it’s more functional when it comes to major lift—but don’t deny the corrective and restrictive effects of isolation and single limb training completely.
3. Exercise the way you want to look by moving the way your body would respond ideally. For example; if you want to be low BF, sprint. Your body won’t hold onto extra fat as energy for one who may run marathons and use it in that fashion. Minimize prolonged cardio to only endurance training based goals.
4. Add stabilizing proprioceptive work into your exercises to activate more muscle tissue efficiently.
5. Push your muscle to 60 seconds per set to maximize muscular fatigue and elicit a growth hormone response and up regulate testosterone.
6. Intermittent fast and be mindful of your eating.

Everything else he says is just a rant that seems strongly defensive and loosely scientific to say the least. Oh, and his product may be efficient and effective, but it is the biggest waste of money in terms of how easily replicable it is. If it was more reasonably priced I would totally recommend it. In fact the mechanics behind it are great! As a trainer I can definitely see the benefit and long-term effectiveness of the product. But it is priced so ridiculous that it makes this a scam. Not that it doesn’t work but that is just completely not worth your money. $650 for a bar, a plate and a fancy set of bands... get lost dude. X3–see ya later.

The best part is this guy has been notorious for finding ways to delete his bad reviews, or pretend they don’t exist. Luckily for me, I’m basically post these reviews for myself so there’s no way he’ll probably even though I posted it, because if he did, it would disappear faster than my interest to listen to him after chapter 4 in his book.

[Tim Murphy · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first thing a reader needs to understand about this book is that it is more an extended advertisement for Jaquish's products and fitness routine than an informative book. While he does inform--the book is full of references to and conclusions from serious scientific study of fitness and nutrition--the tone of "buy the X3" from its beginning is a bit off-putting when a reader is expecting something else.

Having said that, he does challenge current fitness dogma in interesting ways, so the book is not entirely irredeemable. His views are focused clearly on fitness as the ratio of muscle to fat, so it does downplay cardio for the sake of heart health, though his challenge to cardio workouts as a means to muscular fitness (rather than heart health, which he does not address in his critique) is an interesting challenge. And certainly, in modern American society that exhibits a clear problem with muscle to fat ratio, his views are worth considering.

The most interesting part of the book for this reader was his description of the body when fasting. I found that description and knowledge to be quite useful. Fasting has clear spiritual benefit, but, according to Jaquish quite good physical benefits as well; a challenge to be more regular in my own fasting.

[Bakertyl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've never been clickbaited by an entire book before.

"Weight Lifting is a Waste of Time"... so buy my invention and lift weights?

To be fair, the author's invention is not weight lifting, its resistance bands... which is similar enough I feel cheated. Instead of lifting weights (resistance by gravity), buy his product to stretch resistance bands (resistance by latex).

Dr. Jaquish invented a resistance band with a standing base and wants to sell is for over $500. To be fair, the set-up looks legit. So that's a good start, but I haven't used it and can't review it.

I have many small problems with this book, for the pedantic, arrogant tone to the glossing over of scientific studies... but overall, I get the good Doctor's message. Lifting weights has pros and cons, and resistance bands give most of the pros with few of the cons. His invention removes some more of the cons to bring a safer, more complete workout. I'm not against this, I just don't appreciate the sales pitch.

This is as bad as Tom Brady's bullshit book about his products. Jaquish has a decent-looking product for sale... also, a revolutionary fermented protein... also, a coffee replacement because pre-workout coffee is for chumps. Also, he'll do your taxes and plan your vacation. While casually, nay, almost accidentally, gaining 30 lbs of muscle in a year as an intermediate lifter. So you better buy all of them. Also, eat a carnivore OMAD diet, or regular Keto if you're a casual.

I can't say much about his workout plan. As someone with a history of lifting weights and knows some things about biology, Jaquish's ideas looks acceptable. For someone looking to get healthier (add muscle, be strong to be healthy and move well), this book isn't a bad place to start. Nothing Jaquish says stands out as wrong or dangerous. So he's already better that fitness IG.

Just remember to buy everything at his website.

*NetGalley sent me a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[د.أمجد الجنباز]

الكتاب يحوي على تضارب مصالح كبير
فالمؤلف يتحدث عن طريقة لبناء العضلات باستخدام المطاطات (بدلا من الأوزان)، ويتحدث طوال الكتاب عن استخدام جهازه هو الذي يبيعه. علما أن جهازه يباع بسعر ٥٠٠ دولار، فيما بالإمكان الحصول على نفس المنتج من شركات أخرى بسعر أقل من ١٠٠ دولار من!!ـ

وبما أن الكتاب يحوي منتجا للمؤلف، فهذا تضارب مصالح كبير بين المحتوى العلمي للكتاب، وبين المنفعة الشخصية للمؤلف من بيع الجهاز. بناء على ذلك لن أقيم الكتاب الآن، وإنما سأقوم بذلك بعد تجربة الطريقة باستخدام الأجهزة الأرخص

[Chris Concannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been an evangelist of the X3 Bar and Dr Jaquish’s fitness philosophies for years now. It was so amazing to finally have all the thoughts down in one space. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has spent long years in the gym with little to no results or anyone else looking to make radical changes in health and body composition for the better.

5 out of 5 stars

[Vicky Lyes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Old information 're-packaged!

Varying levels of strength and fatigue was hit upon by Arthur Jones and his Nautalis machines had the cam to reflect that.
Louie Simmons pioneered bands for changing the strength curve and speed training.
Check out the kit this guy is selling on line, and the price. This book is just an advert for that. Buy bands out then on the machines or bars to vary resistance save yourself about £400!!!

[Zep · Rating 1 out of 5]

its an ad.

so..... pretty much like watching an infomercial, but they tricked you into buying this. also, you could buy their equipment.... $500 for about $50 worth of hardware. how much of a sucker do you want to be?

[Peter Mac Kinnon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a fan

Was really hoping it would get into nutrition planning more. Didn’t deliver as I was hoping. Seemed like more of a promo for X3 and delivering info on a bunch of studies.

[David · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting concept. But this book is essentially an ad for the author's exercise system based on bands.

[Sudhanshu · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was just an ad for the author's gym equipment and supplements.

There are no shortcuts to gains.
That's the way

I fell for the clickbait-y title.

[Dylan Woody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Info

The statement that 99% of the current fitness industry has failed really hit home! That terrible statistic demands that we innovate and try a new approach and this seems to be it!

Going to purchase the system, use it and record my results for further proof.

Scientifically backed by scholarly journals and peer reviews makes this a book worth taking serious.

[Misha Istratov · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ethically and epistemologically, I don’t know if this can be called a book as such. It is in fact a large advertisement for the author’s exercise invention called X3. In this shape, it does the job but had I known that, I might have not picked it up.

The author presents excerpts from many studies and adds the references after each chapter which is commendable (not in audiobook though) but with one large exception. He totally maligns plant based eating (not shocking since he adheres to the carnivore diet) and surprisingly (!) enough, these negative claims are not backed by any references and evidence, even though the author talks about what ”science” says. For me, being relatively well read in the nutrition sphere, this lowers the credability substantially.

I thought it was bad enough with "you need 8 pounds of broccoli to get 100 g protein" but the author then went on to actually compare meat and broccoli in terms of choice in protein sources🤷🏻

(Broccoli is a vegetable with a therefore very low protein count and vegans don’t eat it for protein, but as most people, for the enormous nutritional value it has in terms of vitamins and minerals. For protein, the plant based options are beans, peas, tofu, seitan and many others and those match the protein and amino acid count with meat very well).

For comparison, it would be like saying that a car is much faster than a vacuum cleaner. Yes it is, but the vacuumer is not used as a means of transport, even though it has wheels.. 🚙

There were a few brighter parts, a chapter on myths within gym training (where debunking happened through stated scientific reports) and some proper info on fasting.

As for the exercise equipment X3, I might even try it, having spent all my life in sports and reading tons of litterature on the topic. However when I read a book, I would like to know if this is a book or a campaign for a product. I usually try to ”sell” my employees and friends on reading because, unlike social media posts, books are meant to last and therefore rarely contain direct advertising. This time, my arguments for that would not hold up.

Question is, if I would buy the equipment and have great results with it, would I change my review? Probably not, because I believe that in this age of influencers, fake news and endorsements in social media (covert or overt), some forum needs to be unspoilt and timeless. Let litterature be sacred 🙏🏽

[LUCAS H. GOLDING · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected

I want to be completely transparent, before starting this review. I am an X3 user, and have been for about 4 months prior to reading this book. Im also well aware of confirmation bias and a whole bunch of other subconscious cognitive biases that humans have, which definitely includes myself. Also, I’m not paid by X3, and have no affiliation with the product, manufacturers or its creators. I bought the product with my own money and have not been paid for any testimonials whatsoever. That is my preface to this review.

With that being said I went into this book, thinking it was going to be more of a subjective opinion about the product itself. Having used X3 for going on 4 plus months now, I subjectively can confirm that the product works. However, I thought this book was going to be heavy on trying to up sell the products produced by the manufacturer and shorter on the science behind its claims. Although there is a little bit of that sprinkled here and there, it’s not as blatant as other books that are trying to sell you something.

The research that went into this book is pretty astonishing. Every study is cited at the end of every chapter and the theory’s presented make sense. I even double checked multiple cited studies to confirm, and confirm I did. Even some of the most outlandish claims, such as “cardio is pretty much useless,” the book does a good job explaining its claim and citing some pretty fascinating studies. The author even goes a step further to address the criticisms of his own claims about “cherry picking,” certain studies. Which I found really refreshing. Just the fact that an author is aware enough of their own biases, and tries to work through them in a coherent and scientific manner was super fascinating to read.

With all that said I will say, that I found one aspect about the science a little perturbing. It’s more of an omission, but still a little annoying. The book does not mention a single time the role that fiber plays (or doesn’t) in the whole general theory on nutrition presented. This is a bit annoying, considering its claims about nutrition and strictly its encouragement of a strictly animal protein diet. It goes over extensively the many fallacy’s of carbohydrate rich diets and the harm that they can do, which is becoming more and more obvious in the current time, yet it doesn’t mention 1 time the role of fiber, which is a carbohydrate. And as of this writing I have yet to find a study touting the harms of fiber. I just wish the authors spent a little more time delving into that issue.

All in all though, I thought it was a really intelligent thesis on the science behind variable resistance training. But don’t take my word for it, please do your own research. Read the studies! Even the ones that go against what your intuitive thoughts are. It will only make you a smarter more educated person and as far as I can tell, can only lead to a better understanding of exercise.

[Amy Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basically an infomercial for his X3 device in book form. His device has many favorable athlete reviews but I’m not training for the Super Bowl.

Some good info but I challenge the validity of the studies he used to “prove” that plant based diets leech calcium from the bones, cause an increase in fractures and that people should eat meat and not plants because plants are poison.

After looking at a few studies I saw why he came to that conclusion but also note the following:

A 2019 analysisTrusted Source found that combined vitamin D and calcium supplements were effective in fracture prevention.

“Well-balanced and predominantly plant-based diets can result in improved nutrient levels and have been linked to lower risks of diseases, including heart disease and diabetes,” says Tong. “Individuals should take into account the benefits and risks of their diet and ensure that they have adequate levels of calcium and protein and also maintain a healthy BMI — that is, neither under nor overweight.”

Also:
The authors of the new study caution that they were unable to pinpoint the causes of the fractures and did not know whether the participants had used calcium supplements.

Dietary studies are largely problematic because they require self reporting. Unless the participants were meticulous at recording everything that ate and in exact quantities then the study is already flawed from the beginning.

And lastly from PubMed:

Summary: There is no evidence that a plant-based diet, when carefully chosen to maintain adequate calcium and vitamin D levels, has any detrimental effects on bone health. Theoretical findings suggest a long-term plant-based diet may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, through mechanisms that are currently speculative.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32618...

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I *loved* this book. Jaquish takes a scientific sledge hammer to just about every sacred cow there is in the fitness industry.

Jaquish is the inventor of the X3 Bar, which I purchased in early 2018 and have been using periodically for 4+ years now. I never fully committed to the regimen because I like weight lifting, kettle bells, and endurance cycling. So my workouts have been varied and inconsistent.

Furthermore, while I understood enough to buy the X3 Bar and use it, I didn't fully understand all the science behind the X3. Now that I've read this book, I'm sold all over again. The funny thing is, there's nothing for me to buy since I already own an X3 Bar. The only thing left for me to do is execute.

Jaquish has invented multiple products. He invented Osteostrong prior to inventing X3. What I appreciate about Jaquish is that he studies the science first. The science then guides his behavior -- and his inventions.

I've followed Jaquish since I purchased my X3 Bar. He was never in poor shape. Nevertheless, his body transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. The only thing he's used is X3 plus diet. That's it.

If you've not gotten the results you've wanted or expected from cardio and weight lifting, then I highly recommend this book to you. It will blow your mind.

[Caleb Stober · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up because I was trying to diversify my reading a bit and become a little more informed about exercise science, as I've been developing an increasing interest in taking care of my body and how it works. I was not looking for this book--its title caught my attention and I decided to give it a go. All in all, it was a fascinating read. Jaquish is definitely trying to convince you that his way is the best way, so in some senses this book is a prolonged advertisement. However, I found it to be incredibly engaging, and he cites a surprising amount of research (251 footnotes) to back up his claims. I would recommend reading it for yourself to find out just what those are, as my reviews reflect the way I read books more than the books themselves, which is to figure out if the book has worthwhile information to refer back to on a given topic--i.e., does it deserve a spot on my bookshelf as a valuable resource? For me, this one does.

I will say that I am going to try the system he puts forth, as I want to know experientially if his claims are true or not. Perhaps I will update this once I have given it a fair shot.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well. This book wasn't perfect but it was great for what it was. Basically, these guys did a lot of research and have developed many theories about diet and exercise. In a nutshell, you should use resistance band-type gear for exercise, one set to exhaustion, fast and eat a lot of protein. A lot of the book felt like an advertisement for their particular system, but they did a very extensive literature review that was kind of long and dry but cram-packed with information. And, I did feel like they were spot on with what they thought myths of the industry.

I can see why many people wouldn't like it, because of the way it felt like an informative infomercial - but it really was informative! I might have even tried their system but I recently bought a Gorilla Bow and I haven't finished trying that out.

I'd recommend this book with the above caveats. I liked it, but it was sometimes slow going.

[Andy Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was already a user of Jaquish's X3Bar and even interviewed him on my podcast, Real Men Feel, ( https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... ) before reading this, so not a big surprise that I'm all in. This book busts so many myths around fitness and workouts. It also explained my life long experiences with gyms, I've gotten better strength and fitness results in just a few months of using the information laid out in this book than many years with the traditional free weight and cardio routine. Weightlifting is indeed a waste a time.
This book is backed up by a lot of research and is really guided by science, not opinion. If you've been frustrated by your results with following the advice of the average gym rat or personal trainer, read this book.

[B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a badly written book by any means and I will say that I bought his X3 system prior to purchasing the book so I think that’s an important factor in reviewing this book.

1st let me say that that the x3 system is incredible. It’s simple yet brutal. I love it. The book here is basically an infomercial for the product. I expected some deep insights into nutrition and exercise programs, but basically it boils down to push, pull, intermittent fast and eat no carbs.

Funny enough my favorite part of the book was the success stories! I also like the authors straightforward, no BS way of talking, but this whole thing being a giant infomercial really didn’t agree with me-I expected more than what’s on the website.

[Marcelle S Devido · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a deception. It didn’t bring anything new to the table. Bottom line it is just a sales pitch.

[Brian Kanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are weight lifting exercises the best ways for one to stay fit? To what extent do the cons of weight lifting far outweigh the pros of engaging in them? Is there an alternative form that guarantees an individual a healthy body without putting them at risk of any injuries? “Weight Lifting is a Waste of Time: So is Cardio, and There’s a Better Way to have the Body You Want” by Dr. John Jaquish and Henry Alkire present us with a well-researched idea, which demystifies the common belief that weight lifting and cardio are the only sure form of achieving one’s physical fitness. They organized it into ten chapters, which, besides variable resistance exercises, suggest adopting a nutrition-based lifestyle to attain a healthy lifestyle.

They narrated the text from both first and third-person points of view, where John and Henry simultaneously take turns to engage the reader in the argument. This allows the writers to give an expert opinion based on their experiences. It additionally added a variety and prevented the monotony associated with reading the sentiments of a single writer. The authors' confidence infused into the text went a long way into arguing out their case. For example, John had flashbacks of an episode where a girl rejected him because of his skinny physique. He realized that continuously visiting the gym may have little to no impact on growth. He adds people own smartphones twice their monthly earnings yet always pay the gadgets off.

The practicability of this manual is enhanced by incorporating patients’ testimonials on the effectiveness of the variable resistance strategy for working out. Texts of this nature could only appeal to their target audience once their methods stand the test of time. Griffin’s and John’s stories of how they have benefited from the practice were encouraging and clear enough that anybody can benefit from a variable resistance system of exercising without straining their muscles.

Including illustrations and diagrams complemented the authors’ discussion and clarified the information and statistics for easy comprehension. The cathartic effect of the stylistics provides relief from the written arguments, as a visual engagement with the data facilitated my ability to process the medical procedures. The book is written in a simple language, making it straightforward for everybody to understand without having a background in the medical field.

I believe the resourcefulness of a book lies in the reader’s ability to verify the claims presented by the author(s). John and Henry included several references and citations across the pages of each chapter, which simplified verifying every bit of information, especially when I found it controversial or not detailed enough. There is nothing I liked least in this handbook, which contains zero grammatical errors, a perfect product of professional editing. I’m positive that it deserves the maximum rating of five out of five stars and recommend it to readers who want to try a modern exercise method, which guarantees better results than weight lifting, yet does not put the individual at risk of physical injuries.

[David Jellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to have my preconceptions (or things I have learned and incorporated in my life) challenged and questioned. This book and these concepts certainly do that.
I have been a runner all my life and love running, and I know that I should add more resistance training in order to be have more "functional" strength. Additionally, the medical benefits of regular resistance training are will known.
Having been trained on Nautilus equipment while at West Point in the mid 70s, it was surprising to see the concept of variable resistance disappear in the following years. I've done various P90(X, X3, etc.) and similar programs, but have not stuck with any of them, although I still cling to my Bowflex adjustable dumbells, dusting them off once or twice a year for several weeks and sometimes a month or two. I have used and just recently discarded (in a fit of Marie Kondoism) sets of resistance bands as being unreliable measurement and performance tools. None of the various suggested protocols gave clear guidance on number of reps and sets and most seemed to of the "work harder and longer to get results" schools.
This X3 Bar protocol passes my smell test, without going into the scientific research, of a method that is efficient and effective. My motivation and desired results are different than Dr. Jaquish's - and I would have liked to have heard Henry Alkire's voice more, since his is also different.
I will be buying the X3 Bar - it is expensive and shipping costs to Switzerland add to that cost. But it looks to address extraordinarily well the resistance training component of a good fitness regime.
I don't agree with, or feel the authors backs up, all of their claims - only 90-95% of them. More than enough useful nuggets to put it well above most books - especially fitness books.

[Paulius Rymeikis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Listening to this book was a waste of time... I've managed to get through third of it and then became suspicious as to when it will be revealed how easy is to get fit at home with few devices... So the first thing when I got to my pc was to check additional materials that were posted online and then it became clear that it's nothing more and nothing less than original advertising campaign (for which I paid buying this book) for one more device that will save the world which will cost you $500+ There are some good ideas, but otherwise authors are just trying to hard to cherry-pick and drown you in the sea of scientific data of which no-one in fitness world knew or didn't want to tell you because they were busy selling you their products and services so new heroes had to appear to tell you that data selling their products and services. Pretty sure their products are not useless, but neither are many others - you just have to use them. What I was really hoping to get from this book (maybe it's somewhere at the end of it?) is... are there alternatives to this method? Ordinary resistance bands? Something about duration of all other kinds of exercises? Because I just don't believe in one product that will change the world. Looking from evolutionary perspective such a device makes no sense - you should be able to get fit with what is available to you, but there might be tricks as to when to do what and for how long. Unfortunately all the cherry-picked data in this book is used to sell advertised product.

[Francis R Beckles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weight lifting is a waste of time

I came across this title while searching the internet for a training program to help with my severe arthritis and joint health, when I read this title I was intrigued as to me this was a very bold statement to make. The audiobook was great while I was listening to it as many of the things discussed were things that I was researching when my lifting career started before injury, however as I progressed in different training especially powerlifting these concepts were forgotten, also I never liked doing cardio exercise. Charts that were talked about I could not relate to via audio so I purchased the book on Kindle as well to get the full experience of the Information presented. I am pleased to say that although the X3 system equipment seems very expensive compared with similar products, I feel that I can see the quality of the product and will be purchasing it, also the thing that inspires me the most is that Dr Jaquish leads by example of using his own equipment to show that it works and for 10 minutes a day who can really argue if you see the results. Like all training equipment and routines a sensible nutrition plan has to be followed and this is also supplied so I am looking forward to the purchase of this system and I will also discuss this with my doctor as advised for health and safety reasons, excellent book a must read by all who train or who have ever suffered joint problems or injuries. FB

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weight lifting is a waste of time. Ummm I’m sorry what is this about?

When I first started reading this I was highly sceptical. The title alone screamed ‘click bait’! I mean come on, weight lifting is a waste of time ! Okay, enlighten me. On reflection to be fair it’s hard to get noticed and get your message out there so I’ll forgive this as it turns out not to be the book’s message at all.

Upon first reading I was still unimpressed as they talk way too much about the development of their product, X3 (essentially resistance band training system). But even if you’re not interested in their product this book is full of beneficial fitness and nutritional information that rarely makes it to the masses.

Jaquish is a biomedical engineer and does a great job at dispelling the myths that plague the fitness injury. This is done through their own and external peer reviewed scientific research.

The main focus is on muscle gain and fat loss as they downplay exercise that does not contribute to or may negatively impact muscle building (like long distance running).

Still overall a good read that people interested in overall health (as well as many in the fitness industry) should read. Don’t listen the the misinformation pushed by Instagram influencers. This book tells you what you need to know.

4/5

[John Alkire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like many of our fellow co-humans, X3 has served us well for years. Our human host seen 201.2% gains in physical performance metrics (in addition to 87.02 - 87.03% gains in behavioral discipline metrics due to the bar's convenient heft and durability). Naturally, when we first became aware of John Jaquish (identifier 324890)'s book, we had high expectations for the sorts of improvements our host could exhibit. What we didn't expect was the how entertaining the book would be! We are not "in touch" with the rest of the (fellow) human population, as they say. The thought of so many critters scampering around performing "science" and "nutrition" was prevalent in our mind while processing this book. So many people, so unaware of our plans. Though our human host inexplicably failed to express acceptable levels of laughter, this deficiency was more than made up for. Surely there will be improved laughter metrics in the near future.

In conclusion, we highly recommend the X3 unit for anyone looking for improved human performance metrics, and we recommend this book for anyone with a refined sense of humor.

P.S. If any fellow humans have any recommendations for improving our host's humor metrics, please let us know. Your assistance and identifier will be logged for future reference.

[Elvin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting info that challenges conventional thinking about weight training, but it's too much of an ad for his product, the X3 system/bar. It's only useful if you're willing to drop $500 or so for his product since the info he writes will support what you're doing. If you don't buy his product, it's not very useful since you won't be left with much applicable action to get the body you want.

I guess I was looking for something to get started with right away without a huge expense. This wasn't it. There are many other books on bodyweight training and calisthenics out there that will provide more useful info on getting a better body without weights, dumbbells, or a gym. This book is not a complete waste of time, but if you're looking for some workout plans to do at home today, this is not it. I became disappointed when I found out that I would have to buy his product (with no alternative) to get started and put his words to use.

[Alan Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is intended to summarize Dr. Jaquish's life's work and defend his conclusions regarding optimal exercise. So of course it is unabashedly proclaiming that the X3 Bar is the culmination of all of the conclusions of his research. I went into the book knowing this so I didn't it find too off putting for it to seem like a sales pitch. I always am unsure of nutritional advice but he doesn't seem to give a rigid plan to follow but rather a few principles which could be helpful. As with anything health related, it's very difficult to know who to believe but his research seems to make sense with other things I know. I've also already invested in an X3 bar and had some of the most encouraging results of my life so far - so there's that. I highly recommend the X3 bar and if you want to understand why and how it works, this is the book for you.

[Keith Puellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ground breaking information for optimal body development

Dr. Jaquish outlines his protocol for muscle growth and development in a clear and concise manner. His views though radical to many are clearly supported by the latest scientific studies which he outlines in detail. Though I was skeptical at first, after using his X3 system along with the nutritional approach he recommends for the last 4 weeks I'm already seeing increased muscle size and strength. At the age of 58 I'm getting into the best shape of my life.

[Hugh Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I became a certified ISSA fitness trainer for my TV show Your Health Today - 25 years ago. I studied the 600 page book and watched the videos before doing the test with none other than Tom "Mister Oaklegs" Platz! At 50 I was surely the oldest in the class.


Fast forward 25 years and what I have read in this book certainly has made me change my fitness workouts and already I see RESULTS like I never saw before!

I have recommended this book to everyone I can in hopes we can change the paradigm of fitness discussed in this book!