good but a few faults, 17 Dec 2008
I have had this book for a few years (I assume it is the same issue) and as a Personal Trainer I have referred to it on many occasions. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in weight training or the anatomical processes and muscles involved. The diagrams are superb and descriptions are very informative.
However I would just like to point out that the muscular and skeletal diagrams at the beginning do not exactly match greys anatomy. I suspect this is an editing issue rather than a mistake by the author.

Brilliant!, 04 Dec 2008
I wish I had purchased this book years ago. As far as gym training goes, this is exactly what the doctor ordered!

Great book, 03 Dec 2008
I have had this book for years. It is very clear and detailed and explains each exercise very well. Has great detail about what muscles are worked.

This book explains how to lift weights/use machines properly which is something not many people do.

In a word: Essential, 24 Oct 2008
As the review title says, this is an essential reference tome for any bodybuilder's bookshelf. Unlike most other bodybuilding books, this one doesn't feature photographs of famous people, with physiques the typical reader is unlikely to ever achieve, competing at this-or-that competition. Nor are there are suggestions for workout routines, nutrition etc.
Therein lies much of its appeal. Delavier instead gives us detailed anatomical drawings, much like you might find in a medical textbook, and I imagine this broadens its appeal to include those sports people who view weight training as an adjunct to their other training rather than as an end in itself. Additionally, there are a number of sections dealing with particular (one assumes commonly occuring) injuries, which make for interesting reading.
Admittedly, there are a number of exercises I'd like to have seen included in the book, and a few I don't think warrant inclusion, but I'm still unreservedly giving it five stars as I find it a unique publication for this field.

==Lots of Strengths==, 17 Sep 2008
With over 450,000 copies sold, this book is arguably the best book of its kind. What's it useful for? Mainly to help the reader (from the weekend athlete to the athletic trainer to the professional bodybuilder) figure out what exercises work what muscles.

It's neatly divided up into sections (arms, shoulders, chest, back, etc.), so all you really have to do is flip to one of these sections and it will have detailed pictures of various exercises and exactly which muscles are involved.

A great reference to keep have around, I give it five stars easy. Readers who lift weights regularly might also be interested Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff to avoid shoulder problems a lot of lifters eventually get.

good but a few faults, 17 Dec 2008
I have had this book for a few years (I assume it is the same issue) and as a Personal Trainer I have referred to it on many occasions. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in weight training or the anatomical processes and muscles involved. The diagrams are superb and descriptions are very informative.
However I would just like to point out that the muscular and skeletal diagrams at the beginning do not exactly match greys anatomy. I suspect this is an editing issue rather than a mistake by the author.

Brilliant!, 04 Dec 2008
I wish I had purchased this book years ago. As far as gym training goes, this is exactly what the doctor ordered!

Great book, 03 Dec 2008
I have had this book for years. It is very clear and detailed and explains each exercise very well. Has great detail about what muscles are worked.

This book explains how to lift weights/use machines properly which is something not many people do.

In a word: Essential, 24 Oct 2008
As the review title says, this is an essential reference tome for any bodybuilder's bookshelf. Unlike most other bodybuilding books, this one doesn't feature photographs of famous people, with physiques the typical reader is unlikely to ever achieve, competing at this-or-that competition. Nor are there are suggestions for workout routines, nutrition etc.
Therein lies much of its appeal. Delavier instead gives us detailed anatomical drawings, much like you might find in a medical textbook, and I imagine this broadens its appeal to include those sports people who view weight training as an adjunct to their other training rather than as an end in itself. Additionally, there are a number of sections dealing with particular (one assumes commonly occuring) injuries, which make for interesting reading.
Admittedly, there are a number of exercises I'd like to have seen included in the book, and a few I don't think warrant inclusion, but I'm still unreservedly giving it five stars as I find it a unique publication for this field.

==Lots of Strengths==, 17 Sep 2008
With over 450,000 copies sold, this book is arguably the best book of its kind. What's it useful for? Mainly to help the reader (from the weekend athlete to the athletic trainer to the professional bodybuilder) figure out what exercises work what muscles.

It's neatly divided up into sections (arms, shoulders, chest, back, etc.), so all you really have to do is flip to one of these sections and it will have detailed pictures of various exercises and exactly which muscles are involved.

A great reference to keep have around, I give it five stars easy. Readers who lift weights regularly might also be interested Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff to avoid shoulder problems a lot of lifters eventually get.


When you need inspiration, 17 Mar 2008
I havent had time for a thorough gym work out for quite some time for various reasons but I decided to make myself a deal and start thinking that I owed myself time to work out. With that in mind this book seemed perfect - the way it caters for the time you have is really interesting. I started off with 45 mins/3 days a week and have just decided to add another day in. Looking at the way he structures the work-outs is really interesting - each exerise works on a different set of muscle groups so that if you follow the routine you really do work out all the key muscles during a week. A word of advice is to start with a weight that is simple to lift in order to master particular exercises and then you get confidence to move up weights.

On a very practical level I live in a terraced house with kids so space is at a premium. The only kit i have for these work outs is a chair or two and a set of adjustable dumbells - as the book describes it, these are really the only tools you need. I've been following this for 3 weeks now and I'm starting to see results and feel stronger. Important note here is that Murphy includes a nutrion section to this book and it is really worth reading - eating smaller meals, snacking regularly, eating foods in an unprocessed form and thinking about a genuine 'balanced diet' etc is really interesting and helps stave off tiredness and over-eating. I've certainly taken some (not all) these points on board and have certainly lost the 'bloat' that I always felt I was carrying and never thought I'd be able to get rid of.

Well written (no preaching), brilliantly structured to suit everyone and lots of really pertinent observations. I shall certainly be sticking to this book for a while yet.

Concise but thorough, just what I wanted, 27 Jan 2008
My bog-standard gym program was going nowhere. So I ordered this figuring I would make my own program, but thankfully, there's no need cause the author does it all for you.

What I really like is that he covers EVERY base, grouped into simple choices.
1. what kind of physique do you want (lean/toned/big/balanced)
2. how many days can you work out per week (from 1/2/3/4/5/6/7 days(!))
3. how long can you work out per session (from 10/15/20/30/45/60 mins)

And then he gives you FULL programs per session/day based on your combination of choices. Plus full and simple instructions on every single exercise, with up to 3 ways of doing each one, e.g. 3 options to do bicep curls depending on the equipment available and your personal preference.

There's also sections on nutrition and stretches, so I can't see how you can go wrong with this book to help you achieve your goals, however much time you've got to work out.

This is exactly what I wanted. It's only been a couple weeks so far into my program but I'm seeing definite benefits and leave each workout really knackered. I am being quite strict with diet, though, as calorie intake is key to get the results you want.

Overall, this book is probably the best one I've seen for normal people wanting to get into real shape without the bs of body-building evangelism. Highly recommended.



Very comprehensive, 19 Dec 2007
It's true, it really does give work-outs no matter how much time you have, what you want to exercise for, and how much equipment you've got. There are two or three alternatives for each work-out depending on what equipment you've got, and when and how you do them depends on how much time you have and what you want to achieve.
There are also sections on stretching, massaging and nuitrition.
It is written very simply and assumes you are an absolute beginner.

Nice one!, 08 Jun 2006
What a brilliant idea! The title says it all. Figure out how many days you can set aside to work-out this week (1? 2? 3? all the way up to every day!) and then figure out how much time you can set aside in each day to work out (10 minutes? all the way up to 60 minutes). Then simply turn to the page of the book that has the appropriate combination of days per week and time per day (e.g. 20 minutes twice a week) and pick one of four work-outs: one to get leaner, one to build muscle, one to build strength, or a total-body workout. Each workout is clearly written out for you so that you can photocopy it and take it to the gym, and if you can't get to the gym, there are alternatives that you can do at home/in the hotel with a minimum of expensive equipment.

I really like the fact that even if you can only do 10 minutes one day a week, the author doesn't shout 'WIMP'. He is completely realistic about how the time we can set aside to excercise varies from week to week, and he works firmly on the 'anything is better than nothing' principle. So the whole tone of the book is encouraging.

A great idea and a book that I'm sure I will use many many times and value for its flexible, realistic approach.

good but a few faults, 17 Dec 2008
I have had this book for a few years (I assume it is the same issue) and as a Personal Trainer I have referred to it on many occasions. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in weight training or the anatomical processes and muscles involved. The diagrams are superb and descriptions are very informative.
However I would just like to point out that the muscular and skeletal diagrams at the beginning do not exactly match greys anatomy. I suspect this is an editing issue rather than a mistake by the author.

Brilliant!, 04 Dec 2008
I wish I had purchased this book years ago. As far as gym training goes, this is exactly what the doctor ordered!

Great book, 03 Dec 2008
I have had this book for years. It is very clear and detailed and explains each exercise very well. Has great detail about what muscles are worked.

This book explains how to lift weights/use machines properly which is something not many people do.

In a word: Essential, 24 Oct 2008
As the review title says, this is an essential reference tome for any bodybuilder's bookshelf. Unlike most other bodybuilding books, this one doesn't feature photographs of famous people, with physiques the typical reader is unlikely to ever achieve, competing at this-or-that competition. Nor are there are suggestions for workout routines, nutrition etc.
Therein lies much of its appeal. Delavier instead gives us detailed anatomical drawings, much like you might find in a medical textbook, and I imagine this broadens its appeal to include those sports people who view weight training as an adjunct to their other training rather than as an end in itself. Additionally, there are a number of sections dealing with particular (one assumes commonly occuring) injuries, which make for interesting reading.
Admittedly, there are a number of exercises I'd like to have seen included in the book, and a few I don't think warrant inclusion, but I'm still unreservedly giving it five stars as I find it a unique publication for this field.

==Lots of Strengths==, 17 Sep 2008
With over 450,000 copies sold, this book is arguably the best book of its kind. What's it useful for? Mainly to help the reader (from the weekend athlete to the athletic trainer to the professional bodybuilder) figure out what exercises work what muscles.

It's neatly divided up into sections (arms, shoulders, chest, back, etc.), so all you really have to do is flip to one of these sections and it will have detailed pictures of various exercises and exactly which muscles are involved.

A great reference to keep have around, I give it five stars easy. Readers who lift weights regularly might also be interested Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff to avoid shoulder problems a lot of lifters eventually get.


When you need inspiration, 17 Mar 2008
I havent had time for a thorough gym work out for quite some time for various reasons but I decided to make myself a deal and start thinking that I owed myself time to work out. With that in mind this book seemed perfect - the way it caters for the time you have is really interesting. I started off with 45 mins/3 days a week and have just decided to add another day in. Looking at the way he structures the work-outs is really interesting - each exerise works on a different set of muscle groups so that if you follow the routine you really do work out all the key muscles during a week. A word of advice is to start with a weight that is simple to lift in order to master particular exercises and then you get confidence to move up weights.

On a very practical level I live in a terraced house with kids so space is at a premium. The only kit i have for these work outs is a chair or two and a set of adjustable dumbells - as the book describes it, these are really the only tools you need. I've been following this for 3 weeks now and I'm starting to see results and feel stronger. Important note here is that Murphy includes a nutrion section to this book and it is really worth reading - eating smaller meals, snacking regularly, eating foods in an unprocessed form and thinking about a genuine 'balanced diet' etc is really interesting and helps stave off tiredness and over-eating. I've certainly taken some (not all) these points on board and have certainly lost the 'bloat' that I always felt I was carrying and never thought I'd be able to get rid of.

Well written (no preaching), brilliantly structured to suit everyone and lots of really pertinent observations. I shall certainly be sticking to this book for a while yet.

Concise but thorough, just what I wanted, 27 Jan 2008
My bog-standard gym program was going nowhere. So I ordered this figuring I would make my own program, but thankfully, there's no need cause the author does it all for you.

What I really like is that he covers EVERY base, grouped into simple choices.
1. what kind of physique do you want (lean/toned/big/balanced)
2. how many days can you work out per week (from 1/2/3/4/5/6/7 days(!))
3. how long can you work out per session (from 10/15/20/30/45/60 mins)

And then he gives you FULL programs per session/day based on your combination of choices. Plus full and simple instructions on every single exercise, with up to 3 ways of doing each one, e.g. 3 options to do bicep curls depending on the equipment available and your personal preference.

There's also sections on nutrition and stretches, so I can't see how you can go wrong with this book to help you achieve your goals, however much time you've got to work out.

This is exactly what I wanted. It's only been a couple weeks so far into my program but I'm seeing definite benefits and leave each workout really knackered. I am being quite strict with diet, though, as calorie intake is key to get the results you want.

Overall, this book is probably the best one I've seen for normal people wanting to get into real shape without the bs of body-building evangelism. Highly recommended.



Very comprehensive, 19 Dec 2007
It's true, it really does give work-outs no matter how much time you have, what you want to exercise for, and how much equipment you've got. There are two or three alternatives for each work-out depending on what equipment you've got, and when and how you do them depends on how much time you have and what you want to achieve.
There are also sections on stretching, massaging and nuitrition.
It is written very simply and assumes you are an absolute beginner.

Nice one!, 08 Jun 2006
What a brilliant idea! The title says it all. Figure out how many days you can set aside to work-out this week (1? 2? 3? all the way up to every day!) and then figure out how much time you can set aside in each day to work out (10 minutes? all the way up to 60 minutes). Then simply turn to the page of the book that has the appropriate combination of days per week and time per day (e.g. 20 minutes twice a week) and pick one of four work-outs: one to get leaner, one to build muscle, one to build strength, or a total-body workout. Each workout is clearly written out for you so that you can photocopy it and take it to the gym, and if you can't get to the gym, there are alternatives that you can do at home/in the hotel with a minimum of expensive equipment.

I really like the fact that even if you can only do 10 minutes one day a week, the author doesn't shout 'WIMP'. He is completely realistic about how the time we can set aside to excercise varies from week to week, and he works firmly on the 'anything is better than nothing' principle. So the whole tone of the book is encouraging.

A great idea and a book that I'm sure I will use many many times and value for its flexible, realistic approach.

A must for those wishing to train effectively with kettlebells, 04 Aug 2008
This is a great book for learning the techniques required for the various must do lifts. The number of main exercises in the book, you could just about count on a single hand but the attention to detail is excellent, the teaching points are clear and explicit with clear pictures demonstrating how to perform and how not to perform while also giving advice as to how to strengthen weak points in your technique. As a certified Kettlebell Instructor in the UK I use this book and its compatriot for women (From Russia with tough love) as a point of reference and recommend them also to my clients if they are really committed to improving their performance/fat burning potential or whatever their goal is. The writing style is also very easy to read with some good background into the benefits of kettlebell training and some ideas for program design. I have used kettlebells for over 2 years now and seen some great gains with my clients. While I had to do a certified instructor course to be able to do this, this book is my text book for that and would not be without it.

Kicks Ass!, 30 May 2008
After an injury I began to work out again slowly and was able to military press 12kg Kbells when I began reading this and within a month had bumped myself up to 20kg. I gained a stone of muscle and feel fitter and stronger than I have ever done my entire life. To be working out at this pace so soon after a back injury astounded me. Stick to the regime and you'll be buffed up and ready to rumble in no time. Buy, borrow or steal this book now!

An excellent book, and very effective program., 02 Apr 2007
This book contains two very effective training programs, `The Program Minimum' and `The Rite of Passage'. You could summarise these programs in less than a page, it is the attention to detail where this book really shines, hence the 200 other pages.
If you are in anyway interested in lifting kettlebells this is the book.

Please note I did not buy my copy from Amazon so I can't comment on the price.

good but a few faults, 17 Dec 2008
I have had this book for a few years (I assume it is the same issue) and as a Personal Trainer I have referred to it on many occasions. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in weight training or the anatomical processes and muscles involved. The diagrams are superb and descriptions are very informative.
However I would just like to point out that the muscular and skeletal diagrams at the beginning do not exactly match greys anatomy. I suspect this is an editing issue rather than a mistake by the author.

Brilliant!, 04 Dec 2008
I wish I had purchased this book years ago. As far as gym training goes, this is exactly what the doctor ordered!

Great book, 03 Dec 2008
I have had this book for years. It is very clear and detailed and explains each exercise very well. Has great detail about what muscles are worked.

This book explains how to lift weights/use machines properly which is something not many people do.

In a word: Essential, 24 Oct 2008
As the review title says, this is an essential reference tome for any bodybuilder's bookshelf. Unlike most other bodybuilding books, this one doesn't feature photographs of famous people, with physiques the typical reader is unlikely to ever achieve, competing at this-or-that competition. Nor are there are suggestions for workout routines, nutrition etc.
Therein lies much of its appeal. Delavier instead gives us detailed anatomical drawings, much like you might find in a medical textbook, and I imagine this broadens its appeal to include those sports people who view weight training as an adjunct to their other training rather than as an end in itself. Additionally, there are a number of sections dealing with particular (one assumes commonly occuring) injuries, which make for interesting reading.
Admittedly, there are a number of exercises I'd like to have seen included in the book, and a few I don't think warrant inclusion, but I'm still unreservedly giving it five stars as I find it a unique publication for this field.

==Lots of Strengths==, 17 Sep 2008
With over 450,000 copies sold, this book is arguably the best book of its kind. What's it useful for? Mainly to help the reader (from the weekend athlete to the athletic trainer to the professional bodybuilder) figure out what exercises work what muscles.

It's neatly divided up into sections (arms, shoulders, chest, back, etc.), so all you really have to do is flip to one of these sections and it will have detailed pictures of various exercises and exactly which muscles are involved.

A great reference to keep have around, I give it five stars easy. Readers who lift weights regularly might also be interested Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff to avoid shoulder problems a lot of lifters eventually get.


When you need inspiration, 17 Mar 2008
I havent had time for a thorough gym work out for quite some time for various reasons but I decided to make myself a deal and start thinking that I owed myself time to work out. With that in mind this book seemed perfect - the way it caters for the time you have is really interesting. I started off with 45 mins/3 days a week and have just decided to add another day in. Looking at the way he structures the work-outs is really interesting - each exerise works on a different set of muscle groups so that if you follow the routine you really do work out all the key muscles during a week. A word of advice is to start with a weight that is simple to lift in order to master particular exercises and then you get confidence to move up weights.

On a very practical level I live in a terraced house with kids so space is at a premium. The only kit i have for these work outs is a chair or two and a set of adjustable dumbells - as the book describes it, these are really the only tools you need. I've been following this for 3 weeks now and I'm starting to see results and feel stronger. Important note here is that Murphy includes a nutrion section to this book and it is really worth reading - eating smaller meals, snacking regularly, eating foods in an unprocessed form and thinking about a genuine 'balanced diet' etc is really interesting and helps stave off tiredness and over-eating. I've certainly taken some (not all) these points on board and have certainly lost the 'bloat' that I always felt I was carrying and never thought I'd be able to get rid of.

Well written (no preaching), brilliantly structured to suit everyone and lots of really pertinent observations. I shall certainly be sticking to this book for a while yet.

Concise but thorough, just what I wanted, 27 Jan 2008
My bog-standard gym program was going nowhere. So I ordered this figuring I would make my own program, but thankfully, there's no need cause the author does it all for you.

What I really like is that he covers EVERY base, grouped into simple choices.
1. what kind of physique do you want (lean/toned/big/balanced)
2. how many days can you work out per week (from 1/2/3/4/5/6/7 days(!))
3. how long can you work out per session (from 10/15/20/30/45/60 mins)

And then he gives you FULL programs per session/day based on your combination of choices. Plus full and simple instructions on every single exercise, with up to 3 ways of doing each one, e.g. 3 options to do bicep curls depending on the equipment available and your personal preference.

There's also sections on nutrition and stretches, so I can't see how you can go wrong with this book to help you achieve your goals, however much time you've got to work out.

This is exactly what I wanted. It's only been a couple weeks so far into my program but I'm seeing definite benefits and leave each workout really knackered. I am being quite strict with diet, though, as calorie intake is key to get the results you want.

Overall, this book is probably the best one I've seen for normal people wanting to get into real shape without the bs of body-building evangelism. Highly recommended.



Very comprehensive, 19 Dec 2007
It's true, it really does give work-outs no matter how much time you have, what you want to exercise for, and how much equipment you've got. There are two or three alternatives for each work-out depending on what equipment you've got, and when and how you do them depends on how much time you have and what you want to achieve.
There are also sections on stretching, massaging and nuitrition.
It is written very simply and assumes you are an absolute beginner.

Nice one!, 08 Jun 2006
What a brilliant idea! The title says it all. Figure out how many days you can set aside to work-out this week (1? 2? 3? all the way up to every day!) and then figure out how much time you can set aside in each day to work out (10 minutes? all the way up to 60 minutes). Then simply turn to the page of the book that has the appropriate combination of days per week and time per day (e.g. 20 minutes twice a week) and pick one of four work-outs: one to get leaner, one to build muscle, one to build strength, or a total-body workout. Each workout is clearly written out for you so that you can photocopy it and take it to the gym, and if you can't get to the gym, there are alternatives that you can do at home/in the hotel with a minimum of expensive equipment.

I really like the fact that even if you can only do 10 minutes one day a week, the author doesn't shout 'WIMP'. He is completely realistic about how the time we can set aside to excercise varies from week to week, and he works firmly on the 'anything is better than nothing' principle. So the whole tone of the book is encouraging.

A great idea and a book that I'm sure I will use many many times and value for its flexible, realistic approach.

A must for those wishing to train effectively with kettlebells, 04 Aug 2008
This is a great book for learning the techniques required for the various must do lifts. The number of main exercises in the book, you could just about count on a single hand but the attention to detail is excellent, the teaching points are clear and explicit with clear pictures demonstrating how to perform and how not to perform while also giving advice as to how to strengthen weak points in your technique. As a certified Kettlebell Instructor in the UK I use this book and its compatriot for women (From Russia with tough love) as a point of reference and recommend them also to my clients if they are really committed to improving their performance/fat burning potential or whatever their goal is. The writing style is also very easy to read with some good background into the benefits of kettlebell training and some ideas for program design. I have used kettlebells for over 2 years now and seen some great gains with my clients. While I had to do a certified instructor course to be able to do this, this book is my text book for that and would not be without it.

Kicks Ass!, 30 May 2008
After an injury I began to work out again slowly and was able to military press 12kg Kbells when I began reading this and within a month had bumped myself up to 20kg. I gained a stone of muscle and feel fitter and stronger than I have ever done my entire life. To be working out at this pace so soon after a back injury astounded me. Stick to the regime and you'll be buffed up and ready to rumble in no time. Buy, borrow or steal this book now!

An excellent book, and very effective program., 02 Apr 2007
This book contains two very effective training programs, `The Program Minimum' and `The Rite of Passage'. You could summarise these programs in less than a page, it is the attention to detail where this book really shines, hence the 200 other pages.
If you are in anyway interested in lifting kettlebells this is the book.

Please note I did not buy my copy from Amazon so I can't comment on the price.


One Superb Book, 05 Mar 2008
I have been following this book for almost a year and a half. It is indeed an exceptionally well written and superb book, that I would recommend to anyone wishing to lose fat, gain muscle, tone up, gain strength, or increase their fitness levels.

I have gone from being obese to being fit, healthy and strong and having an excellent physique which all my friends are seriously seriously impressed with. From having a massive belly(waist 38"+) to a slim 32".

I and now nearing the end of the advanced stage and am gonna try to contact Ian King on what to do next.

Also, I have been following this book, like you'd follow the bible. I have not had single injury since it builds the weaker muscles first before getting you to do something complicated that may cause injury.

In summary: One hell of a book that I wud recommend to men or even women.

This dude knows what he is talking about. :)

Book as good as the Magazines, 05 Oct 2007
I bought this book for my brother. It would be of little use to me as i've been bodybuilding for over 6 years now, and at age 25, 5'7 height and 226 lbs on season im where i wanna be. When my bro finished with this book i asked if i could have a read. I wish i hadnt. It offers alot of the same advice as mens health and mens fitness magazines do. Such examples is putting out the message that a turkey sandwich and a glass of milk PWO (Post Work Out) is adequate nutrition.

They've covered alot exercises in this book, which i will give it credit for. I'd say this is aimed more at the pretty boys in the local Mainstream gym such as Fitness First or Fitness "last, profit" First as its affectionately known among bodybuilding circles in my area. If your looking to add some quality mass and then cut away that fat to reveal a lean quality physique then there are far better options out there.

Like i said though this is definately one for the Boy Band wannabe's.

Muscle, 22 Apr 2007
One of the best books I have ever seen. I am about to take the second part of my gym instructor exam and I wish I had bought this before I did my theory test. The instructions for the different exercises are clear and concise, and the muscle diagrams and drawings enable you to understand the different layers and actions. If you are about to eneter the fitness industry, this is one book I highly recommend.

Worth following the training routines, 24 Jan 2007
It's a very well written book with comprehensive, witty explanations. I cannot recommend this as a bible for the professionals in this area or for some hard-core amateurs. But it's definitely a good book for 95% of fitness lovers who are in great need of a trustworthy guide.

As a matter of fact, many kinds of muscle magazines and websites tend to make the readers too much obsessed by such secondary matters as nutritional supplements (or even hormonic treatments) and seemingly magical solutions for muscle gain, which are only suitable either for very small number of professional athletes or for those who want to make profit by selling products of boasted effects.

For most of the people who enter into fitness training for their healthier lives, the focal point is how to gain a satisfactory result while enjoying the training itself, not being unneccessarily pressured by fancy but impractical (or even infeasible) knowledge. The most excellent part of this book is the one that suggests workout routines for beginners, the intermediate and the advanced. Each 6 months programme is very well organised and relatively easy to follow. I'm inbetween the intermediate and the advanced, and I've been making apparent progress.

Fitness is in fact quite a complex sport that requires high level of patience rather than unrealistic anticipation. But, at the same time, it is quite a simple and (once we are purely committed into the joy of fitness with the help of a trusted guide) rewarding sport. In fitness world, the body tells everything. Regarding this book, my body (that, as a fitness-loving amateur in mid thirties, has patiently followed the programmes in it) is now telling everything.

Very good book, 28 Dec 2006
I had been bodybuilding in a gym for about a year before buying this so i had a good understanding of most exercises and nutrition, but im always looking for ways to improve my game and i was also looking for some good workout ruoitines and also new exercises.

this book has it all in my opinion, nutrition, stretching, good layout/diagrams/many exercises to keep body guessing,,,and 3 differend workout routines each lasting 6 months (using a range of exercise methods), just what hte doctor ordered.

another really good book is strenght anatomy by frederic devier,,it outlines which muscles are being used in each exercise and also has differrent exercises.
this was the book i had before,,the only problem with it is it had nothing about nutitrion or workout routines whihc above book has,,,,i definealy recommnmend to all stages of bodybuilders.

Bill Phillips had been publishing body-building magazines and marketing nutritional supplements for years when he had a weird revelation at a trade show: many of the most loyal and enthusiastic readers he had were totally out of shape. From that uncomfortable realisation came his popular Physique Transformation Contest (top prize that first year: Phillips's own Lamborghini), now world famous, and this book. The three-times-a-week weightlifting program in Body for Life is deceptively simple. If you have spent any time in the gym, you have already done all the exercises. But Phillips includes a couple of high-intensity sets at the end of each exercise that should compound the training effect on each muscle group. Same goes for the cardiovascular exercise he recommends: just 20 minutes, three times a week. But those 20 minutes are spent jacking the intensity up and down, accomplishing more in less time.

Phillips arranges all this into a 12-week programme, along with nutritional and motivational tips. Be warned that the nutritional advice gets a little spacey. For example, he puts "carbohydrates" and "vegetables" into separate categories, and recommends three daily doses of a nutritional supplement called Myoplex, which his company manufactures. (Fortunately, he gives tips on how to make each dose taste different, such as by adding drops of peppermint extract.) Despite this strangeness, Body for Life still motivates because so many others have achieved astounding results in similar 12-week windows, and the pictures and testimonials are here as evidence. --Lou Schuler

good but a few faults, 17 Dec 2008
I have had this book for a few years (I assume it is the same issue) and as a Personal Trainer I have referred to it on many occasions. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in weight training or the anatomical processes and muscles involved. The diagrams are superb and descriptions are very informative.
However I would just like to point out that the muscular and skeletal diagrams at the beginning do not exactly match greys anatomy. I suspect this is an editing issue rather than a mistake by the author.

Brilliant!, 04 Dec 2008
I wish I had purchased this book years ago. As far as gym training goes, this is exactly what the doctor ordered!

Great book, 03 Dec 2008
I have had this book for years. It is very clear and detailed and explains each exercise very well. Has great detail about what muscles are worked.

This book explains how to lift weights/use machines properly which is something not many people do.

In a word: Essential, 24 Oct 2008
As the review title says, this is an essential reference tome for any bodybuilder's bookshelf. Unlike most other bodybuilding books, this one doesn't feature photographs of famous people, with physiques the typical reader is unlikely to ever achieve, competing at this-or-that competition. Nor are there are suggestions for workout routines, nutrition etc.
Therein lies much of its appeal. Delavier instead gives us detailed anatomical drawings, much like you might find in a medical textbook, and I imagine this broadens its appeal to include those sports people who view weight training as an adjunct to their other training rather than as an end in itself. Additionally, there are a number of sections dealing with particular (one assumes commonly occuring) injuries, which make for interesting reading.
Admittedly, there are a number of exercises I'd like to have seen included in the book, and a few I don't think warrant inclusion, but I'm still unreservedly giving it five stars as I find it a unique publication for this field.

==Lots of Strengths==, 17 Sep 2008
With over 450,000 copies sold, this book is arguably the best book of its kind. What's it useful for? Mainly to help the reader (from the weekend athlete to the athletic trainer to the professional bodybuilder) figure out what exercises work what muscles.

It's neatly divided up into sections (arms, shoulders, chest, back, etc.), so all you really have to do is flip to one of these sections and it will have detailed pictures of various exercises and exactly which muscles are involved.

A great reference to keep have around, I give it five stars easy. Readers who lift weights regularly might also be interested Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff to avoid shoulder problems a lot of lifters eventually get.


When you need inspiration, 17 Mar 2008
I havent had time for a thorough gym work out for quite some time for various reasons but I decided to make myself a deal and start thinking that I owed myself time to work out. With that in mind this book seemed perfect - the way it caters for the time you have is really interesting. I started off with 45 mins/3 days a week and have just decided to add another day in. Looking at the way he structures the work-outs is really interesting - each exerise works on a different set of muscle groups so that if you follow the routine you really do work out all the key muscles during a week. A word of advice is to start with a weight that is simple to lift in order to master particular exercises and then you get confidence to move up weights.

On a very practical level I live in a terraced house with kids so space is at a premium. The only kit i have for these work outs is a chair or two and a set of adjustable dumbells - as the book describes it, these are really the only tools you need. I've been following this for 3 weeks now and I'm starting to see results and feel stronger. Important note here is that Murphy includes a nutrion section to this book and it is really worth reading - eating smaller meals, snacking regularly, eating foods in an unprocessed form and thinking about a genuine 'balanced diet' etc is really interesting and helps stave off tiredness and over-eating. I've certainly taken some (not all) these points on board and have certainly lost the 'bloat' that I always felt I was carrying and never thought I'd be able to get rid of.

Well written (no preaching), brilliantly structured to suit everyone and lots of really pertinent observations. I shall certainly be sticking to this book for a while yet.

Concise but thorough, just what I wanted, 27 Jan 2008
My bog-standard gym program was going nowhere. So I ordered this figuring I would make my own program, but thankfully, there's no need cause the author does it all for you.

What I really like is that he covers EVERY base, grouped into simple choices.
1. what kind of physique do you want (lean/toned/big/balanced)
2. how many days can you work out per week (from 1/2/3/4/5/6/7 days(!))
3. how long can you work out per session (from 10/15/20/30/45/60 mins)

And then he gives you FULL programs per session/day based on your combination of choices. Plus full and simple instructions on every single exercise, with up to 3 ways of doing each one, e.g. 3 options to do bicep curls depending on the equipment available and your personal preference.

There's also sections on nutrition and stretches, so I can't see how you can go wrong with this book to help you achieve your goals, however much time you've got to work out.

This is exactly what I wanted. It's only been a couple weeks so far into my program but I'm seeing definite benefits and leave each workout really knackered. I am being quite strict with diet, though, as calorie intake is key to get the results you want.

Overall, this book is probably the best one I've seen for normal people wanting to get into real shape without the bs of body-building evangelism. Highly recommended.



Very comprehensive, 19 Dec 2007
It's true, it really does give work-outs no matter how much time you have, what you want to exercise for, and how much equipment you've got. There are two or three alternatives for each work-out depending on what equipment you've got, and when and how you do them depends on how much time you have and what you want to achieve.
There are also sections on stretching, massaging and nuitrition.
It is written very simply and assumes you are an absolute beginner.

Nice one!, 08 Jun 2006
What a brilliant idea! The title says it all. Figure out how many days you can set aside to work-out this week (1? 2? 3? all the way up to every day!) and then figure out how much time you can set aside in each day to work out (10 minutes? all the way up to 60 minutes). Then simply turn to the page of the book that has the appropriate combination of days per week and time per day (e.g. 20 minutes twice a week) and pick one of four work-outs: one to get leaner, one to build muscle, one to build strength, or a total-body workout. Each workout is clearly written out for you so that you can photocopy it and take it to the gym, and if you can't get to the gym, there are alternatives that you can do at home/in the hotel with a minimum of expensive equipment.

I really like the fact that even if you can only do 10 minutes one day a week, the author doesn't shout 'WIMP'. He is completely realistic about how the time we can set aside to excercise varies from week to week, and he works firmly on the 'anything is better than nothing' principle. So the whole tone of the book is encouraging.

A great idea and a book that I'm sure I will use many many times and value for its flexible, realistic approach.

A must for those wishing to train effectively with kettlebells, 04 Aug 2008
This is a great book for learning the techniques required for the various must do lifts. The number of main exercises in the book, you could just about count on a single hand but the attention to detail is excellent, the teaching points are clear and explicit with clear pictures demonstrating how to perform and how not to perform while also giving advice as to how to strengthen weak points in your technique. As a certified Kettlebell Instructor in the UK I use this book and its compatriot for women (From Russia with tough love) as a point of reference and recommend them also to my clients if they are really committed to improving their performance/fat burning potential or whatever their goal is. The writing style is also very easy to read with some good background into the benefits of kettlebell training and some ideas for program design. I have used kettlebells for over 2 years now and seen some great gains with my clients. While I had to do a certified instructor course to be able to do this, this book is my text book for that and would not be without it.

Kicks Ass!, 30 May 2008
After an injury I began to work out again slowly and was able to military press 12kg Kbells when I began reading this and within a month had bumped myself up to 20kg. I gained a stone of muscle and feel fitter and stronger than I have ever done my entire life. To be working out at this pace so soon after a back injury astounded me. Stick to the regime and you'll be buffed up and ready to rumble in no time. Buy, borrow or steal this book now!

An excellent book, and very effective program., 02 Apr 2007
This book contains two very effective training programs, `The Program Minimum' and `The Rite of Passage'. You could summarise these programs in less than a page, it is the attention to detail where this book really shines, hence the 200 other pages.
If you are in anyway interested in lifting kettlebells this is the book.

Please note I did not buy my copy from Amazon so I can't comment on the price.


One Superb Book, 05 Mar 2008
I have been following this book for almost a year and a half. It is indeed an exceptionally well written and superb book, that I would recommend to anyone wishing to lose fat, gain muscle, tone up, gain strength, or increase their fitness levels.

I have gone from being obese to being fit, healthy and strong and having an excellent physique which all my friends are seriously seriously impressed with. From having a massive belly(waist 38"+) to a slim 32".

I and now nearing the end of the advanced stage and am gonna try to contact Ian King on what to do next.

Also, I have been following this book, like you'd follow the bible. I have not had single injury since it builds the weaker muscles first before getting you to do something complicated that may cause injury.

In summary: One hell of a book that I wud recommend to men or even women.

This dude knows what he is talking about. :)

Book as good as the Magazines, 05 Oct 2007
I bought this book for my brother. It would be of little use to me as i've been bodybuilding for over 6 years now, and at age 25, 5'7 height and 226 lbs on season im where i wanna be. When my bro finished with this book i asked if i could have a read. I wish i hadnt. It offers alot of the same advice as mens health and mens fitness magazines do. Such examples is putting out the message that a turkey sandwich and a glass of milk PWO (Post Work Out) is adequate nutrition.

They've covered alot exercises in this book, which i will give it credit for. I'd say this is aimed more at the pretty boys in the local Mainstream gym such as Fitness First or Fitness "last, profit" First as its affectionately known among bodybuilding circles in my area. If your looking to add some quality mass and then cut away that fat to reveal a lean quality physique then there are far better options out there.

Like i said though this is definately one for the Boy Band wannabe's.

Muscle, 22 Apr 2007
One of the best books I have ever seen. I am about to take the second part of my gym instructor exam and I wish I had bought this before I did my theory test. The instructions for the different exercises are clear and concise, and the muscle diagrams and drawings enable you to understand the different layers and actions. If you are about to eneter the fitness industry, this is one book I highly recommend.

Worth following the training routines, 24 Jan 2007
It's a very well written book with comprehensive, witty explanations. I cannot recommend this as a bible for the professionals in this area or for some hard-core amateurs. But it's definitely a good book for 95% of fitness lovers who are in great need of a trustworthy guide.

As a matter of fact, many kinds of muscle magazines and websites tend to make the readers too much obsessed by such secondary matters as nutritional supplements (or even hormonic treatments) and seemingly magical solutions for muscle gain, which are only suitable either for very small number of professional athletes or for those who want to make profit by selling products of boasted effects.

For most of the people who enter into fitness training for their healthier lives, the focal point is how to gain a satisfactory result while enjoying the training itself, not being unneccessarily pressured by fancy but impractical (or even infeasible) knowledge. The most excellent part of this book is the one that suggests workout routines for beginners, the intermediate and the advanced. Each 6 months programme is very well organised and relatively easy to follow. I'm inbetween the intermediate and the advanced, and I've been making apparent progress.

Fitness is in fact quite a complex sport that requires high level of patience rather than unrealistic anticipation. But, at the same time, it is quite a simple and (once we are purely committed into the joy of fitness with the help of a trusted guide) rewarding sport. In fitness world, the body tells everything. Regarding this book, my body (that, as a fitness-loving amateur in mid thirties, has patiently followed the programmes in it) is now telling everything.

Very good book, 28 Dec 2006
I had been bodybuilding in a gym for about a year before buying this so i had a good understanding of most exercises and nutrition, but im always looking for ways to improve my game and i was also looking for some good workout ruoitines and also new exercises.

this book has it all in my opinion, nutrition, stretching, good layout/diagrams/many exercises to keep body guessing,,,and 3 differend workout routines each lasting 6 months (using a range of exercise methods), just what hte doctor ordered.

another really good book is strenght anatomy by frederic devier,,it outlines which muscles are being used in each exercise and also has differrent exercises.
this was the book i had before,,the only problem with it is it had nothing about nutitrion or workout routines whihc above book has,,,,i definealy recommnmend to all stages of bodybuilders.

Excellent book if it is for you!, 16 May 2008
I have just finished the 12 weeks program and I have to say it did change my life. I did not want to write a review until I finished the 12 weeks because I wanted to see for myself if this book was enough on its own to carry you through the entire 12 week program
Let me try to explain the confusion with the reviews about this book because I think I understand it now. If you are a couch potato and don't do any exercise, or if you are a reasonably active person and do a lot of cardio work(running, tennis, squash, etc) yet you are not seeing any results, then this book is for you. I was actually watching my fat content go up and up even though I was doing 5k runs every morning. I never had a structured approach to weight/resistance training, and I always considered free weights especially as a bodybuilder's thing. I was wrong, and this book has great details for starting with weights for getting leaner (and not bulking up). I would say this program would work for women as well. If you are an intermediate to advanced weight lifter/body builder then this book is not for you because you will already know everything already, because Bill advocates a standard split body training program and a slightly below maintenance calorie diet. This is standard stuff that body builders have been using that for ages. For a beginner though, or for someone who has been mainly doing a cardio based sport, and as your metabolism changes with ages, I think this book will get you started on the right track. Saying that though it will not give you everything you need to know! It is a very easy ready and if you are eager to get started, then you can read the entire book in two/three days and end up in the gym with a working plan. I personally started seeing results from about week 3. I was never hungry and I could tell I was getting much stronger and much better balanced playing my sport (squash), which is excellent. I did Plateau however around week7,8,9! And I was getting very frustrated. I was still losing dimensions, clothes felt bigger and I could tell I was getting leaner, but the scale, and fat monitor didn't show it. I also came across Tom Venuto's Burn the Fat Feed the Muscle eBook which offered much more detail but took a long time to read. I highly recommend Venuto's eBook as a follow up to the BFL book, program because it will help you through the plateau which I'm sure you will get. It will offer you plenty of options to work on. I think I passed my plateau now, and I'm seeing weight, and body fat drop again very consistently. I'm still using the BFL training program though, the only think I changed after 12 weeks was to extend my cardio to 30 mins from 20 and keep the interval training except stay at about 80% for the last 10 min, then do the 100% and warm down. That gave me better results. With regard to the supplement issue, it is not a secret the Bill owns (or part owns) the EAS (The company that sells Myoplex) I tried it and I like some flavours, and I didn't like others. I also tried products from other companies and liked/disliked them. I would say try as much as possible to see what you like and don't like and keep a diary with the ones you like because there will be few. Recently I started adding Milk and Fruit to protein shakes to get better taste and better calorie balance. This morning I could see the top of my abs!!! Not bad with starting with 30% Body fat twelve weeks ago.

To conclude, to lose body fat you need to consider motivation, diet, and workout plan. If you already have a program that is keeping you lean then this book is not for you. On the other hand if you are not seeing the fat come down even with good cardio work then I think you need to consider this book as well as Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle by Tom Venuto.
Good luck


Really Works, 02 Apr 2008
This book and program are both great. I used it back a few years ago and went from a 42 inch waist to 34 in 13 weeks from 29% body fat to 13%. It is not easy and requires much discipline. But this book gives you the tools you need to make it happen. It also requires a lifestyle change for you, you drift off from the program it is easy to slide backwards from the progress you have made.

This book will help you change your mindset. You will examine patters, give yourself rewards and see the changes take place. Phillips states: "It's Very Important to understand the difference between dreams and goals. Dreams are things we wish for--things you enjoy thinking about but don't really know when they'll happen. Goals, on the other hand, are specific things you have decided you need to accomplish within a clearly defined period of time." p.27 This book will help you make that leap from dreams to goals and from goals to results.

One of the greatest strengths of the book is the section that outlines the exercises for each body part. No only do they include pictures of the different exercises and movements, they also have a tip box of the most common errors, and how to avoid them. The book is also peppered with testimonies of people who have done the program with their before and after pictures.

Phillips states: "Your body is the epicenter of your universe. You go nowhere without it. It is truly the temple of your mind and your soul" p.2 this program will help you find a level of health that you may have given up on. One of the former champions of the challenge says: "Beyond information, I was being taught a frame of mind, which inspired me more than all the preachers, teachers, doctors, and counselors who had tried to get through to me before." p.9 in reflection on this program and his recovery from a bullet wound from his youth.

This book will help you change the patterns in your life, "Remember that everything you do in the real world is merely an external manifestation of what has already happened in your mind." p. 29 This book has a balanced approach, you balance exercise with nutrition. You balance carbs with protein in each meal, and you balance cardio with strength training. Page 83 has an Eating-for-Life Authorized food guide, it lists the Proteins, Carbohydrates and Vegetables that are recommended and list's them in the order if quality for this program.

There is a world of difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it. This book will definitely give you the knowledge and challenge you to put it into practice. "Remember that everything you do in the real world is merely an external manifestation of what has already happened in your mind." p.29

Great Guidance!, 01 Jan 2008
I don't think I will be able to convey in this review just how wonderful I think this book is.

Two years ago, I was the fittest and thinnest I ever had been. And, then, lo and behold, I discovered that we were going to be welcoming baby number three into the world! Completely unexpected, and a little older than before, I was terrified I would gain a lot of weight. I managed to keep the weightgain down, but still, after the birth of my happy little surprise, I had 25 pounds to lose and was anxious to get it off.

The truth was I didn't know the truth about eating and the truth about exercising. I had never lifted weights and was no longer as physically active as I once was. I bought the Firm and the stick thing that went with it, but the information that program came with didn't go into the whys and the ways. So, even though there was some instruction, and a calendar, I didn't understand about the physiology of eating properly and often and how one must let their muscles rest after exercising.

Bill Phillips' book was the perfect introduction for me. In twelve weeks, just as promised, I was back to my smaller size. And, I learned so much about weight loss and proper nutrition and working out with weights and how to improve my aerobic/cardio routine, as well. His book completely whet my appetite for more knowledge regarding proper eating/dieting/nutrition/etc., and because of Body for Life, I have read so much more about nutrition and exercise and this is now a full-fledged interest of mine.

The only criticism I have now, two years after I have read it and several years after publication, is that it really needs to be updated. The current thought is that one must eat immediately after working out. Body for Life states you should wait an hour. Also, the Body for Life website, which he refers to and recommends throughout his book, is now owned and operated by EAS, a food supplement company, not Bill Phillips, as it used to be.

I'd really like to see something new by Bill Phillips. He's an inspiration.

Not Essential, 24 Jun 2006
Last week I completed the 12 week Body For Life challenge and I was mega pleased with the results. The program itself is sound and to get maximum results, total commitment is required.

The book itself, in my opinion, is not essential to those thinking of taken the challenge. I found it to be an excellent motivational tool, for example, reading the sucess stories. I read the book cover to cover the first day it arrived. On my second week of the challenge I loaned it out to a guy from my gym and have yet to get it back - thus it was not essential for me to throughout the 12 weeks.

Excellent book though!



12 weeks that have changed my life, 09 Jan 2006
I have read some of the other reviews on here and felt it only fare I share mine. I bought this book after hearing about it form a collegue. I read it and felt empowered and after a few weeks decided to give it a go. I was sceptical about the photos and even more sceptical about the plugs for eas products. Anyway I followed the book to the letter. It lays it out in such a way that it easy to eat correctly and train right. I started off at 14st 2 pounds with 26% body fat. I followed the regime stricklty and am now 12st 5 pounds with 8.5% body fat. I nolonger suffer with indegestion and have taught my mind and body to eat correctly. This book has changed my life and I would and in fact do recommend it to everyone.

good but a few faults, 17 Dec 2008
I have had this book for a few years (I assume it is the same issue) and as a Personal Trainer I have referred to it on many occasions. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in weight training or the anatomical processes and muscles involved. The diagrams are superb and descriptions are very informative.
However I would just like to point out that the muscular and skeletal diagrams at the beginning do not exactly match greys anatomy. I suspect this is an editing issue rather than a mistake by the author.

Brilliant!, 04 Dec 2008
I wish I had purchased this book years ago. As far as gym training goes, this is exactly what the doctor ordered!

Great book, 03 Dec 2008
I have had this book for years. It is very clear and detailed and explains each exercise very well. Has great detail about what muscles are worked.

This book explains how to lift weights/use machines properly which is something not many people do.

In a word: Essential, 24 Oct 2008
As the review title says, this is an essential reference tome for any bodybuilder's bookshelf. Unlike most other bodybuilding books, this one doesn't feature photographs of famous people, with physiques the typical reader is unlikely to ever achieve, competing at this-or-that competition. Nor are there are suggestions for workout routines, nutrition etc.
Therein lies much of its appeal. Delavier instead gives us detailed anatomical drawings, much like you might find in a medical textbook, and I imagine this broadens its appeal to include those sports people who view weight training as an adjunct to their other training rather than as an end in itself. Additionally, there are a number of sections dealing with particular (one assumes commonly occuring) injuries, which make for interesting reading.
Admittedly, there are a number of exercises I'd like to have seen included in the book, and a few I don't think warrant inclusion, but I'm still unreservedly giving it five stars as I find it a unique publication for this field.

==Lots of Strengths==, 17 Sep 2008
With over 450,000 copies sold, this book is arguably the best book of its kind. What's it useful for? Mainly to help the reader (from the weekend athlete to the athletic trainer to the professional bodybuilder) figure out what exercises work what muscles.

It's neatly divided up into sections (arms, shoulders, chest, back, etc.), so all you really have to do is flip to one of these sections and it will have detailed pictures of various exercises and exactly which muscles are involved.

A great reference to keep have around, I give it five stars easy. Readers who lift weights regularly might also be interested Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff to avoid shoulder problems a lot of lifters eventually get.


When you need inspiration, 17 Mar 2008
I havent had time for a thorough gym work out for quite some time for various reasons but I decided to make myself a deal and start thinking that I owed myself time to work out. With that in mind this book seemed perfect - the way it caters for the time you have is really interesting. I started off with 45 mins/3 days a week and have just decided to add another day in. Looking at the way he structures the work-outs is really interesting - each exerise works on a different set of muscle groups so that if you follow the routine you really do work out all the key muscles during a week. A word of advice is to start with a weight that is simple to lift in order to master particular exercises and then you get confidence to move up weights.

On a very practical level I live in a terraced house with kids so space is at a premium. The only kit i have for these work outs is a chair or two and a set of adjustable dumbells - as the book describes it, these are really the only tools you need. I've been following this for 3 weeks now and I'm starting to see results and feel stronger. Important note here is that Murphy includes a nutrion section to this book and it is really worth reading - eating smaller meals, snacking regularly, eating foods in an unprocessed form and thinking about a genuine 'balanced diet' etc is really interesting and helps stave off tiredness and over-eating. I've certainly taken some (not all) these points on board and have certainly lost the 'bloat' that I always felt I was carrying and never thought I'd be able to get rid of.

Well written (no preaching), brilliantly structured to suit everyone and lots of really pertinent observations. I shall certainly be sticking to this book for a while yet.

Concise but thorough, just what I wanted, 27 Jan 2008
My bog-standard gym program was going nowhere. So I ordered this figuring I would make my own program, but thankfully, there's no need cause the author does it all for you.

What I really like is that he covers EVERY base, grouped into simple choices.
1. what kind of physique do you want (lean/toned/big/balanced)
2. how many days can you work out per week (from 1/2/3/4/5/6/7 days(!))
3. how long can you work out per session (from 10/15/20/30/45/60 mins)

And then he gives you FULL programs per session/day based on your combination of choices. Plus full and simple instructions on every single exercise, with up to 3 ways of doing each one, e.g. 3 options to do bicep curls depending on the equipment available and your personal preference.

There's also sections on nutrition and stretches, so I can't see how you can go wrong with this book to help you achieve your goals, however much time you've got to work out.

This is exactly what I wanted. It's only been a couple weeks so far into my program but I'm seeing definite benefits and leave each workout really knackered. I am being quite strict with diet, though, as calorie intake is key to get the results you want.

Overall, this book is probably the best one I've seen for normal people wanting to get into real shape without the bs of body-building evangelism. Highly recommended.



Very comprehensive, 19 Dec 2007
It's true, it really does give work-outs no matter how much time you have, what you want to exercise for, and how much equipment you've got. There are two or three alternatives for each work-out depending on what equipment you've got, and when and how you do them depends on how much time you have and what you want to achieve.
There are also sections on stretching, massaging and nuitrition.
It is written very simply and assumes you are an absolute beginner.

Nice one!, 08 Jun 2006
What a brilliant idea! The title says it all. Figure out how many days you can set aside to work-out this week (1? 2? 3? all the way up to every day!) and then figure out how much time you can set aside in each day to work out (10 minutes? all the way up to 60 minutes). Then simply turn to the page of the book that has the appropriate combination of days per week and time per day (e.g. 20 minutes twice a week) and pick one of four work-outs: one to get leaner, one to build muscle, one to build strength, or a total-body workout. Each workout is clearly written out for you so that you can photocopy it and take it to the gym, and if you can't get to the gym, there are alternatives that you can do at home/in the hotel with a minimum of expensive equipment.

I really like the fact that even if you can only do 10 minutes one day a week, the author doesn't shout 'WIMP'. He is completely realistic about how the time we can set aside to excercise varies from week to week, and he works firmly on the 'anything is better than nothing' principle. So the whole tone of the book is encouraging.

A great idea and a book that I'm sure I will use many many times and value for its flexible, realistic approach.

A must for those wishing to train effectively with kettlebells, 04 Aug 2008
This is a great book for learning the techniques required for the various must do lifts. The number of main exercises in the book, you could just about count on a single hand but the attention to detail is excellent, the teaching points are clear and explicit with clear pictures demonstrating how to perform and how not to perform while also giving advice as to how to strengthen weak points in your technique. As a certified Kettlebell Instructor in the UK I use this book and its compatriot for women (From Russia with tough love) as a point of reference and recommend them also to my clients if they are really committed to improving their performance/fat burning potential or whatever their goal is. The writing style is also very easy to read with some good background into the benefits of kettlebell training and some ideas for program design. I have used kettlebells for over 2 years now and seen some great gains with my clients. While I had to do a certified instructor course to be able to do this, this book is my text book for that and would not be without it.

Kicks Ass!, 30 May 2008
After an injury I began to work out again slowly and was able to military press 12kg Kbells when I began reading this and within a month had bumped myself up to 20kg. I gained a stone of muscle and feel fitter and stronger than I have ever done my entire life. To be working out at this pace so soon after a back injury astounded me. Stick to the regime and you'll be buffed up and ready to rumble in no time. Buy, borrow or steal this book now!

An excellent book, and very effective program., 02 Apr 2007
This book contains two very effective training programs, `The Program Minimum' and `The Rite of Passage'. You could summarise these programs in less than a page, it is the attention to detail where this book really shines, hence the 200 other pages.
If you are in anyway interested in lifting kettlebells this is the book.

Please note I did not buy my copy from Amazon so I can't comment on the price.


One Superb Book, 05 Mar 2008
I have been following this book for almost a year and a half. It is indeed an exceptionally well written and superb book, that I would recommend to anyone wishing to lose fat, gain muscle, tone up, gain strength, or increase their fitness levels.

I have gone from being obese to being fit, healthy and strong and having an excellent physique which all my friends are seriously seriously impressed with. From having a massive belly(waist 38"+) to a slim 32".

I and now nearing the end of the advanced stage and am gonna try to contact Ian King on what to do next.

Also, I have been following this book, like you'd follow the bible. I have not had single injury since it builds the weaker muscles first before getting you to do something complicated that may cause injury.

In summary: One hell of a book that I wud recommend to men or even women.

This dude knows what he is talking about. :)

Book as good as the Magazines, 05 Oct 2007
I bought this book for my brother. It would be of little use to me as i've been bodybuilding for over 6 years now, and at age 25, 5'7 height and 226 lbs on season im where i wanna be. When my bro finished with this book i asked if i could have a read. I wish i hadnt. It offers alot of the same advice as mens health and mens fitness magazines do. Such examples is putting out the message that a turkey sandwich and a glass of milk PWO (Post Work Out) is adequate nutrition.

They've covered alot exercises in this book, which i will give it credit for. I'd say this is aimed more at the pretty boys in the local Mainstream gym such as Fitness First or Fitness "last, profit" First as its affectionately known among bodybuilding circles in my area. If your looking to add some quality mass and then cut away that fat to reveal a lean quality physique then there are far better options out there.

Like i said though this is definately one for the Boy Band wannabe's.

Muscle, 22 Apr 2007
One of the best books I have ever seen. I am about to take the second part of my gym instructor exam and I wish I had bought this before I did my theory test. The instructions for the different exercises are clear and concise, and the muscle diagrams and drawings enable you to understand the different layers and actions. If you are about to eneter the fitness industry, this is one book I highly recommend.

Worth following the training routines, 24 Jan 2007
It's a very well written book with comprehensive, witty explanations. I cannot recommend this as a bible for the professionals in this area or for some hard-core amateurs. But it's definitely a good book for 95% of fitness lovers who are in great need of a trustworthy guide.

As a matter of fact, many kinds of muscle magazines and websites tend to make the readers too much obsessed by such secondary matters as nutritional supplements (or even hormonic treatments) and seemingly magical solutions for muscle gain, which are only suitable either for very small number of professional athletes or for those who want to make profit by selling products of boasted effects.

For most of the people who enter into fitness training for their healthier lives, the focal point is how to gain a satisfactory result while enjoying the training itself, not being unneccessarily pressured by fancy but impractical (or even infeasible) knowledge. The most excellent part of this book is the one that suggests workout routines for beginners, the intermediate and the advanced. Each 6 months programme is very well organised and relatively easy to follow. I'm inbetween the intermediate and the advanced, and I've been making apparent progress.

Fitness is in fact quite a complex sport that requires high level of patience rather than unrealistic anticipation. But, at the same time, it is quite a simple and (once we are purely committed into the joy of fitness with the help of a trusted guide) rewarding sport. In fitness world, the body tells everything. Regarding this book, my body (that, as a fitness-loving amateur in mid thirties, has patiently followed the programmes in it) is now telling everything.

Very good book, 28 Dec 2006
I had been bodybuilding in a gym for about a year before buying this so i had a good understanding of most exercises and nutrition, but im always looking for ways to improve my game and i was also looking for some good workout ruoitines and also new exercises.

this book has it all in my opinion, nutrition, stretching, good layout/diagrams/many exercises to keep body guessing,,,and 3 differend workout routines each lasting 6 months (using a range of exercise methods), just what hte doctor ordered.

another really good book is strenght anatomy by frederic devier,,it outlines which muscles are being used in each exercise and also has differrent exercises.
this was the book i had before,,the only problem with it is it had nothing about nutitrion or workout routines whihc above book has,,,,i definealy recommnmend to all stages of bodybuilders.

Excellent book if it is for you!, 16 May 2008
I have just finished the 12 weeks program and I have to say it did change my life. I did not want to write a review until I finished the 12 weeks because I wanted to see for myself if this book was enough on its own to carry you through the entire 12 week program
Let me try to explain the confusion with the reviews about this book because I think I understand it now. If you are a couch potato and don't do any exercise, or if you are a reasonably active person and do a lot of cardio work(running, tennis, squash, etc) yet you are not seeing any results, then this book is for you. I was actually watching my fat content go up and up even though I was doing 5k runs every morning. I never had a structured approach to weight/resistance training, and I always considered free weights especially as a bodybuilder's thing. I was wrong, and this book has great details for starting with weights for getting leaner (and not bulking up). I would say this program would work for women as well. If you are an intermediate to advanced weight lifter/body builder then this book is not for you because you will already know everything already, because Bill advocates a standard split body training program and a slightly below maintenance calorie diet. This is standard stuff that body builders have been using that for ages. For a beginner though, or for someone who has been mainly doing a cardio based sport, and as your metabolism changes with ages, I think this book will get you started on the right track. Saying that though it will not give you everything you need to know! It is a very easy ready and if you are eager to get started, then you can read the entire book in two/three days and end up in the gym with a working plan. I personally started seeing results from about week 3. I was never hungry and I could tell I was getting much stronger and much better balanced playing my sport (squash), which is excellent. I did Plateau however around week7,8,9! And I was getting very frustrated. I was still losing dimensions, clothes felt bigger and I could tell I was getting leaner, but the scale, and fat monitor didn't show it. I also came across Tom Venuto's Burn the Fat Feed the Muscle eBook which offered much more detail but took a long time to read. I highly recommend Venuto's eBook as a follow up to the BFL book, program because it will help you through the plateau which I'm sure you will get. It will offer you plenty of options to work on. I think I passed my plateau now, and I'm seeing weight, and body fat drop again very consistently. I'm still using the BFL training program though, the only think I changed after 12 weeks was to extend my cardio to 30 mins from 20 and keep the interval training except stay at about 80% for the last 10 min, then do the 100% and warm down. That gave me better results. With regard to the supplement issue, it is not a secret the Bill owns (or part owns) the EAS (The company that sells Myoplex) I tried it and I like some flavours, and I didn't like others. I also tried products from other companies and liked/disliked them. I would say try as much as possible to see what you like and don't like and keep a diary with the ones you like because there will be few. Recently I started adding Milk and Fruit to protein shakes to get better taste and better calorie balance. This morning I could see the top of my abs!!! Not bad with starting with 30% Body fat twelve weeks ago.

To conclude, to lose body fat you need to consider motivation, diet, and workout plan. If you already have a program that is keeping you lean then this book is not for you. On the other hand if you are not seeing the fat come down even with good cardio work then I think you need to consider this book as well as Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle by Tom Venuto.
Good luck


Really Works, 02 Apr 2008
This book and program are both great. I used it back a few years ago and went from a 42 inch waist to 34 in 13 weeks from 29% body fat to 13%. It is not easy and requires much discipline. But this book gives you the tools you need to make it happen. It also requires a lifestyle change for you, you drift off from the program it is easy to slide backwards from the progress you have made.

This book will help you change your mindset. You will examine patters, give yourself rewards and see the changes take place. Phillips states: "It's Very Important to understand the difference between dreams and goals. Dreams are things we wish for--things you enjoy thinking about but don't really know when they'll happen. Goals, on the other hand, are specific things you have decided you need to accomplish within a clearly defined period of time." p.27 This book will help you make that leap from dreams to goals and from goals to results.

One of the greatest strengths of the book is the section that outlines the exercises for each body part. No only do they include pictures of the different exercises and movements, they also have a tip box of the most common errors, and how to avoid them. The book is also peppered with testimonies of people who have done the program with their before and after pictures.

Phillips states: "Your body is the epicenter of your universe. You go nowhere without it. It is truly the temple of your mind and your soul" p.2 this program will help you find a level of health that you may have given up on. One of the former champions of the challenge says: "Beyond information, I was being taught a frame of mind, which inspired me more than all the preachers, teachers, doctors, and counselors who had tried to get through to me before." p.9 in reflection on this program and his recovery from a bullet wound from his youth.

This book will help you change the patterns in your life, "Remember that everything you do in the real world is merely an external manifestation of what has already happened in your mind." p. 29 This book has a balanced approach, you balance exercise with nutrition. You balance carbs with protein in each meal, and you balance cardio with strength training. Page 83 has an Eating-for-Life Authorized food guide, it lists the Proteins, Carbohydrates and Vegetables that are recommended and list's them in the order if quality for this program.

There is a world of difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it. This book will definitely give you the knowledge and challenge you to put it into practice. "Remember that everything you do in the real world is merely an external manifestation of what has already happened in your mind." p.29

Great Guidance!, 01 Jan 2008
I don't think I will be able to convey in this review just how wonderful I think this book is.

Two years ago, I was the fittest and thinnest I ever had been. And, then, lo and behold, I discovered that we were going to be welcoming baby number three into the world! Completely unexpected, and a little older than before, I was terrified I would gain a lot of weight. I managed to keep the weightgain down, but still, after the birth of my happy little surprise, I had 25 pounds to lose and was anxious to get it off.

The truth was I didn't know the truth about eating and the truth about exercising. I had never lifted weights and was no longer as physically active as I once was. I bought the Firm and the stick thing that went with it, but the information that program came with didn't go into the whys and the ways. So, even though there was some instruction, and a calendar, I didn't understand about the physiology of eating properly and often and how one must let their muscles rest after exercising.

Bill Phillips' book was the perfect introduction for me. In twelve weeks, just as promised, I was back to my smaller size. And, I learned so much about weight loss and proper nutrition and working out with weights and how to improve my aerobic/cardio routine, as well. His book completely whet my appetite for more knowledge regarding proper eating/dieting/nutrition/etc., and because of Body for Life, I have read so much more about nutrition and exercise and this is now a full-fledged interest of mine.

The only criticism I have now, two years after I have read it and several years after publication, is that it really needs to be updated. The current thought is that one must eat immediately after working out. Body for Life states you should wait an hour. Also, the Body for Life website, which he refers to and recommends throughout his book, is now owned and operated by EAS, a food supplement company, not Bill Phillips, as it used to be.

I'd really like to see something new by Bill Phillips. He's an inspiration.

Not Essential, 24 Jun 2006
Last week I completed the 12 week Body For Life challenge and I was mega pleased with the results. The program itself is sound and to get maximum results, total commitment is required.

The book itself, in my opinion, is not essential to those thinking of taken the challenge. I found it to be an excellent motivational tool, for example, reading the sucess stories. I read the book cover to cover the first day it arrived. On my second week of the challenge I loaned it out to a guy from my gym and have yet to get it back - thus it was not essential for me to throughout the 12 weeks.

Excellent book though!



12 weeks that have changed my life, 09 Jan 2006
I have read some of the other reviews on here and felt it only fare I share mine. I bought this book after hearing about it form a collegue. I read it and felt empowered and after a few weeks decided to give it a go. I was sceptical about the photos and even more sceptical about the plugs for eas products. Anyway I followed the book to the letter. It lays it out in such a way that it easy to eat correctly and train right. I started off at 14st 2 pounds with 26% body fat. I followed the regime stricklty and am now 12st 5 pounds with 8.5% body fat. I nolonger suffer with indegestion and have taught my mind and body to eat correctly. This book has changed my life and I would and in fact do recommend it to everyone.

Thank you Mike..., 17 Jun 2008
I have trained for years improvising,following routines from most well known bodybuilding magazines and off suggestions from people at gyms.Making some gains in strength but little in how my physique looked, as a result of training without any true insight to what I was actually doing.I am a type of person who can overtrain too easily and it was refreshing to study Mikes` HIT book.I have never been so enthusiastic about my approach to training.These past few months I have made more gains in strength and shape of my body by following the principles outlined in this book than ever before.I have improved so much physically and mentally that my wife and those around me have seen the difference.
If you are after answers,then get a copy of this book and open your world to a true alternative way of training.I can honestly say that this HIT book is something special from the great one himself.


ready for the truth?, 09 Jun 2008
Fantastic book, cant fault it at all. Mike was a very clever man make no mistake. I have wasted many hours volume training with very little to show for it but as soon as i used the principles outlined in this book i have been gaining regularly and continuing still. Ask any hard gainer what its like trying to build muscle and they will tell you its a nightmare, usually because they have been given the wrong advice. But with the advice in this book you will gain no matter how bad your genetics are for bodybuilding as long as follow the guidelines. The book is clear, well explained and above all makes sense. Another great book is-The wisdom of mike mentzer. I will add that this training is very uncomfortable! and can take alot of psyching up before starting your workout but the results are more than worth it. Give it a go you wont be dissapointed. thanks mike.

Wow, the worlds not flat after all!, 01 Sep 2007
Wow, this book has certainly opened my eyes to the new science of bodybuilding. At first I literally saw the principles of bodybuilding, like the old explorers who thought the world was flat and you'd be burned at the stake if you said otherwise, now this new approach which has completely amazed me, has been so well explained by the science behind it how we have been duped for so long with the old idea of 2-6 hours in the gym. After just one week of applying the principles i've so much time the dog has to take me a walk! and when i looked at my biceps i could have sworn they belonged to someone else, two weeks later my shoulders have made me chuck out a lot of my old t shirts and move up a size! I've never seen such quick results nor would have ever believed it possible. Well, mike will explain why!

Mentzer's got it wrong, 09 Jul 2007
After having trained the traditional 3 sets per exercise, 3 times a week for the whole body, and finding it too much, I had come to the same conclusion that Mike Mentzer has in his books, that HIT was the answer, after reading this book and his other 'The Wisdom of Mike Mentzer' they all made such perfect sense, I felt I had found the holy grail of bodybuilding, but reading about something and actually doing it are two different things.

Following HIT for 7 months, I got stronger in every exercise every single workout without fail, even if it was only an extra rep. I was able to go to failure on every single exercise, every single workout. 45KG dumbells felt as if they were made of paper. I even had a one month lay off when I went on holiday and when I came back, to my amazement I was even stronger, so much for the view that you have to train every other day, and if you have too long away from the gym you start to lose it. But the fact is, HIT training builds tendons and strength, not so much muscle size, I didn't get much bigger at all, and I should have because I was still in my first year of weight training. With traditional training I'd already got my calves up to 17 inches in just 5 months but with HIT I actually lost 3/4 of an inch on my calfs during the period of hit training. I trained about once every 5 or 6 days and split the full body routine into two, and was able to train to failure as I said, then when I felt the last rep coming I'd do partials and then when I could no longer do partials i'd hold the weight statically. This is a heck of a lot of intensity and I never once got overtrained, but despite training with such intensity muscle gain progress was very poor. The fact that I could go to failure and then add partials and statics is a clue in itself, one set of an exercise isn't enough to break down the muscle fibres, and its breaking down the muscle fibres that causes muscle size, all I was doing was making my tendons stronger and doing enough to keep the size I'd built with traditional training methods.

I think in bodybuilding the only truth is your own truth, you have to find your own way through personal experience, as there is no other topic with such contradictory information. Since finishing with HIT, I went back to 3 sets of an exercise, but with a difference, the difference now is I've learnt how to structure a routine to suit my recuperative abilities.

Mentzer also built his body with the traditional sets routines that all the others use, so trying to build a huge physique with HIT is a tall order, now for a natural like Mentzer maybe it can work for him, guys like him build muscle whatever they do, although in truth all it did and all I suspect it would do is just sustain the muscle he already had, like it did for me, but for 99.9% of people HIT will not build any significant muscle, it's there in black and white in every bodybuilding book, low reps for strength, higher reps for muscle, and one set even of 10 reps is low, explains how even with using more weight how my calfs shrunk on one set of 30 reps when calfs traditionally need loads of reps ie 4x 30 = 120 reps.

I would never recommend HIT training to anyone now, but I do agree with many of the principles Mentzer advocates, that you should have longer rest periods between workouts, if you need more time than that to recover then take it, and having smaller workouts at a time is also good advice. I've proved to myself what works and how, it's all about breaking those muscle fibres down but making your workouts fit what your body tells you, not some book.

There's an interesting book on High Intensity Training by Ellington Darden, entitled 'The New High Intensity Training', in which he talks about the time Arnold visited Arthur Jones to try HIT training and basically wimped out, he just couldn't train that hard and went outside to be sick, Darden made out that Arnie traditionally trained for set after set with weights that were easy for him to lift until the last set, well that's actually the key to massive size, break the muscle fibres down with sets before the last set to failure. My parting word is, read this book if you wish, it has some good advice in places and even try HIT training if you really want to, but don't say I didn't warn you, should you find you aren't growing in size then you'll have your answer, I feel every bodybuilder has to train themselves and find what works for them, and what suits their own constitution, once you do that, you'll have the success you are looking for.

great principles.., 29 Nov 2006
what a great insight into the man and some great advise for training backed up well with solid science and logic, Since reading this i have trained according to some of the methods in this book and have made some amazing gains. I have also applied this to my clients and their gains have also gone through the roof. Never again be duped into illogical and irrational training regimen.

good but a few faults, 17 Dec 2008
I have had this book for a few years (I assume it is the same issue) and as a Personal Trainer I have referred to it on many occasions. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in weight training or the anatomical processes and muscles involved. The diagrams are superb and descriptions are very informative.
However I would just like to point out that the muscular and skeletal diagrams at the beginning do no