Body for Life by Bill Phillips, Michael D'Orso (1999)

Body for Life is an excellent written book which teaches the basics and fundamentals of nutrition and exercise. This book is for anyone just getting into or considering proper exercise and nutrition themselves. One of the most inspirational books in its class yet one of the most basic books for its kind.

This is not a book for a veteran body builder but simply for someone out of shape, looking for motivation and inspiration while taking control of their unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise.

I like to refer to this book as more of a break-in to exercise and nutrition. The food choices are optimal for packing on muscle and the work outs are great for beginners.

This book teaches the importance of frequent meals throughout the day, Body for Life sticks with six meals, three real and three in supplement form. Because Bill Phillips has been linked with EAS throughout his entire career he likes to recommend only EAS products. EAS products are normally fine selections but are also often on the pricey side. You can add more versatility to your exercise program if you add several different products, versus sticking only to EAS Myoplex shakes.

The weight lifting routines consist of only one exercise per week, for each muscle group in your body. This is not a perfect technique for anyone looking to put on some serious gains, I can guarantee Bill Phillips himself didn't acquire such a great phsysique from this routine. For example, if you're looking to stack on some serious poundage to your pectoral area, only 4 sets of the regular barbell bench press per week aren't going to be adequate. Your body building repertoire will be lacking as this book teaches the most basic and simple exercises, which is another reason why I put this in the beginner category.

I rate this book as excellent assuming the people buying are beginners.

Bill Phillips instantly turned celebrity with his best-selling "Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength". Bill was famous in the body-building and workout worlds for years, but this book brought him mainstream - and rightfully so - its been a mainstay on the top selling since 1999. And that's absurdly rare for a self-help book - most of which fade in and out with time. But Bill has put together a beautifully simple workout plan that, if followed, will help anyone lose weight and build muscle because it not a gimmick / crash diet.

The fundamental point of Bill's recipe for health is 1) core conditioning and 2) healthy eating. Most people think that cardio and crash dieting are the only way to lose weight - but Bill stresses the power of strength and toning. He also stresses the importance of balanced nutrition - even suggesting Myoplex meals. Best yet, Bill demonstrates core exercises and provides recipes. Additionally, the book isn't written in a demanding or ego-centric manner.

Whether you are a conditioned athlete looking to improve your diet and nutrition or someone looking to lose weight - Bill Phillips has put together a long lasting guide to success that is simple and powerful. Excellent book.

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.

THIS IS ONE OF THOSE BOOKS YOU WILL RECOMMEND TO OTHERS! I LOVE IT!

IT GIVES TIPS ON PRACTICAL WAYS TO GET OUT OF YOUR SLUMP, OR PLATEAU!

Bill covers both aspects of the health/weight management game workouts and
nutrition so you really cant go wrong. There are enough good practical tips that you will go away with a treasure box! I have given away so many copies of this to friends trying to lose weight.

I have 5 listed in my store now! Buy it... you will be thrilled! and he aint bad looking to stare at between pages!