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I'm sure many people, upon seeing the title, would immediately think the book is packed full of abdominal exercises and crazy diet strategies. That's definitely NOT the case. Mike's overall strategy is one of using the best metabolism boosting exercises (such as the deadlift, for example) to push the body into burning fat, along with sound dietary principles targeted for long-term fa tloss and maintenance which THEN show off the six pack underneath. Because if you've been reading any books or articles about how to get abs by anybody who knows remotely what they're talking about, you'll know that direct ab training is actually one of the LOWEST priorities when it comes to showing off a six pack! The REAL key is burning the fat. That being said, Mike HAS included a very detailed section on the muscular anatomy of the abs, how they function and the exercises that are most effective for directly training them (not to mention the ab exercises he recommend avoiding). He definitely doesn't skimp in that department. You'll get plenty of useful information here. For the most part, I agree with his exercise selection. He's got a lot of good basic direct abdominal exercises. There are a lot of other very effective ab exercises in existence, of course, but Mike has included a nice selection of exercises that will challenge every one from the beginner to advanced trainer, gym or no gym. Following the section on direct abdominal training, Mike goes into detail about how to ramp up the metabolism to boost overall fat burning. The section on exercises for the rest of the body is very complete, focusing on the best overall metabolism-boosting exercises (such as squats, deadlifts, barbell clean and press, pull-ups, etc.). Included in the book are a number of complete training programs that you can follow along. Mike has also included very good information on how to put together your own programs based on the exercises he recommends. He's done a nice job of explaining the rationale behind his approach, how to best perform the exercises and how to put it all together. The nutrition section of the book is one of THE most important parts. You may have heard the phrase "abs are made in the kitchen." Mike definitely follows this concept. In addition to being a personal trainer, he is a Certified Nutrition Specialist. That definitely comes through as his discussion of optimal nutrition is very intelligent and well put together. Plus, in the book you'll find 72 sample meals, following the nutritional principles Mike outlines.
In reading through the information, the book is definitely targeted towards the beginning to intermediate trainer. Advanced trainers will know quite a lot of the concepts to be found in this book. It's very valuable stuff and packaged in an easy-to-understand format, which is great, but if you've been around the block, you'll probably be familiar with most of the information. But if you're just beginning your quest for leanness, this book is a very good place to start! A few picky little things... 1. I would have liked to have seen some better quality pictures of the exercises being performed. The pics are good but proper form doesn't always come through in them. Ideally, a video area to demonstrate the exercises would be included but it's easy enough to find video of all the exercises on YouTube or other video site. Just be sure to read Mike's exercise instructions in the book so you can understand the finer points of the techniques. It can make a big difference. 2. The formatting of the book is somewhat bland to read on a computer screen. If you can, I'd recommend printing off the book and reading it on paper - it'll be easier on your eyes. But overall, this is very good stuff! Highly recommended if you need pointing in the right direction with fat loss for showing off those six pack of yours!
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