You Are Your Own Gym: The Bible of Bodyweight Exercises for Men and Women

Contained is some very effective routines to keep your workout going at home, the office, or anywhere without the need for regular equipment. ( )

I have to echo buchowl's review! I'm a bodyweight exercises novice, but You Are Your Own Gym has been a great introduction. I've been a member of a gym for a long time, but since I took on a new job I haven't had time. A friend recommended the book to me, and it has taken my workout to a new level. After three weeks of 20 minute sessions five days a week, I've already noticed new definition in my arms and legs. Each of Lauren's exercises includes tips to take it up or down a notch, so I can work at my own pace. The militaristic tone doesn't bother me as much as some recurring grammatical errors ("loose" instead of "lose") but I contacted the publisher (yes, I'm serious about grammar) and learned that the mistakes will be corrected in the next batch of books, due out in a few weeks. Grammar nit-picking aside, I've been extremely pleased with this book. He lays out eight different 20 minute workouts and within each workout, you can choose from a variety of exercises and tailor them to your own needs/goals. Although I personally have no military experience, Lauren's special ops training gives me confidence in his methods and results. Highly recommended! ( )

I hope I don't sound too much like an infomercial but this is could be the last workout book you ever need. Mark Lauren drew on his military training to put together the most complete collection of bodyweight exercises I have ever seen. What's so great about bodyweight exercises? Well, if you use bodyweight your gym is always with you and ready to go. And for those who have objections of bodyweight exercises being boring or not challenging enough Lauren will put an end to that thinking. There are 111 exercises in this book going from the very easy to the impossibly difficult so boring/not challenging won't be an issue. Exercises are well explained and demonstrated plus detailed photos of not only the exercises but the muscles you are working out with a particular set of exercises. There are also ready -made workout programs in the back of the book (although Lauren encourages you to make up your own workout program). Refreshingly devoid of ANY sales pitch for a product he is trying to sell, Lauren even gives recommendations of regular household items that can be used to enhance a workout. Well thought out and nicely put together, this is a book for the no nonsense fitness buff (or those who inspire to be one). Only complaints about the book are the heavily military flavor (yes, Mark, we know you are a stud but enough already) and the fact that the female demonstrator in the book is heavily made up. No way is this woman really going to sweat without a big mess (reminds me of the fifties where housewives are depicted in dresses and high heels as they clean -ugh) although kudos for not having her is an embarrassingly skimpy workout outfit. That said it is a great book and one I would recommend to anyone - man or woman - who is serious about getting fit. ( )