By: Ashley Marriott and Marc L. Paulsen, MD
Publisher: Stance Publications
Publication Date: January 2010
ISBN: 978-0982104712
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: January 7, 2010

It’s that time of year again. The holidays are over and the chocolates, cookies and champagne are only memories, but you still have the abs to show for it (and they aren’t six pack). Many resolutions have passed your lips, but if you are fed up with your own false promises you simply need to make a serious lifestyle change. If you want to obtain “your best body” without incurring serious expense it can be done. If you are fortunate enough to have a club membership, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips, but if you don’t, then a small investment in equipment will get you the same results. It would, as the authors indicate, be a shame to “use that $1,500 Bowflex as a clothes hanger.”

Genetics gives you a certain type of body and this book will tell you how to maximize what you have to work with. You will soon find out what type of body you have...endomorph, mesomorph, or ectomorph and will learn which type of exercise regimen will work best for you. A proper diet is a given and your mantra should be “A healthy plate means my ideal weight.” Forget the chocolate and go for the “carrot crisps.” Before you even start, it is recommended you have a medical assessment. In this book you’ll be given tests to determine what kind of shape you are in, you’ll learn proper stretching techniques, workouts for the individual body type according to “body type parameters,” you learn how to “start off slow and advance slowly,” how to step-it-down plus much more!

If you are committed to a serious lifestyle change and really want that “best body,” it is yours provided you work for it. I really liked the layout of this book, especially the dual set up. One part was for those who work out in a gym and the other was for those who will be working out at home with very simple equipment like a resistance band and a stability ball (additional suggestions are given). Time and time again this book stresses the need for the individual to “start off slow and advance slowly.” Rome wasn’t built in a day and you won’t be doing an infomercial on your perfect body next week. I liked the detailed step-by-step preparations for a startup program. There are photographs galore that are a real plus for the novice and clear, concise directions. Will this program work? Yes, but only if you are willing to follow it and not let your book end up in your lawn sale.

Quill Says: If you are committed to a serious lifestyle change and really want that “best body,” it is yours provided you work for it!