Body by You: The You Are Your Own Gym Guide to Total Women's Fitness Paperback – Illustrated, 20 Jan. 2013

As not a complete fitness newbie, I've read several fitness books before (such as New Rules of Lifting For Women and read a kindle sample of Strong Curves), and Body By You so far is my fav!The books is thin - 138 pages of information, but it is all necessary. No blah blah for women how it is important to use weights, to use low repetition etc.. as in NROLFW.I like how it gets straight to the point, why muscles are important health-wise, why cardio is not the best solution for burning fat, how to stay motivated, what happens with the food etc. The book has short section on each small topic (motivation, cardio, training schedule etc)The book answers my questions which I had while reading from other sources. E.g. it is a known fact that where is a "window" after training which allows you to consume fast carbs. Everyone writes this, but I've never seen someone wrote how long is that "window" in minutes/hours (it is about 45 min, now I know)As mentioned in other comments, Mark provides reader with the test to evaluate your current state. I would say, that I am in the average physical state, stronger than an average women, but not as strong as someone who works out regularly. According to the evaluation test, my best result shown in the lower body, I got to the 7th exercise (out of 25), so there is plenty room where to improve.Exercises described in writing how to start, how to finish, what to aim, and how to perform overall. There is a picture of start and final and also a QR code to see it in video online. Also suggestions on how to make it a little harder or a little easier.In the food section sample menu is provided. But can't write here a lot, as haven't read till the end.Although the book is all black and white, it is easy and enjoyable to read even though English is not my native language.I bought this book instead of Bodyweight Strength Training Anatomy. That was my last minute purchase and I was in doubt will it be that good as I am expecting. And, to be honest, I love it! The book has everything you need to get you started.

An excellent workout book. I am a 59 year old twice-weekly gym goer. I take part in a fast circuit training class and to be honest, I am slightly more toned and fitter than before I started but my body still carries excess fat. I read this book and was highly motivated to get in there and give it a go. I like the fact that there was an evaluation module first so that you can start the program at the appropriate point for yourself which means that the workout is tailor made for the individual and progression can be easily measured by the fact that you move at your own pace through gradually more difficult exercises. I also like that I can make time to do the 3 x 30 minute sessions a week. If I had to commit to everyday in my hectic life it just wouldn't happen. Being ex-military myself, I trust the author's judgement about exercise and would not consider this to be just another fad. the only problem I have is with the nutrition element of the book - I just can't get my head around adding cooked egg whites to meals to up the protein content or to take protein shakes. What happens to all the wasted egg yolks? However, it has made me review my diet which I never considered to be that bad and I am now having things like bulgur wheat, quinoa & wholewheat pasta instead of potatoes and enjoying them.DON'T BUY THE KINDLE VERSION as you need to be able to get from one page to another quickly until you are totally familiar with what you are doing and it is much easier to stick post-its on the pages you need to refer to in a normal book. I ended up buying the normal book after having already bought the kindle version.

This book makes sense. Mark Lauren believes that if you train fo about half an hour three times a week you can have a fantastic body. And he shows you very precisely how to go about it. The programme requires some studying to fully understand the instructions but it's all there. The photos are clear and helpful, too, showing unlikely looking bits of furniture being pressed into "home gym" duty. I question only the use of a door as a chinning bar - not sure the ones in my house re up to it, but I know what sort of structure I am seeking. The companion volume "You are Your Own Gym" is a useful extra if you want to ring the changes with some of the exercises. On the basis of a few weeks' application, Lauren's method works. Highly recommended.

Enjoyable and easy to follow book with large, eye-friendly print/layout plus helpful photos. I've exercised my entire life and now that I am in my 40s am fed up up with devoting so much time to it. The less than 30 minutes 3 times a week slogan plus the reviews got me interested enough to buy the book. Three months later and I'm very impressed with the results and so are my friends that have since bought the book. I didn't realise how much of a workout my body was getting until my thigh and butt muscles were so sore that I had difficulty sitting/standing and climbing stairs soon after I started the workout. I have the same results now as I did years ago when I used to spend 2 hours 3 times a week in the gym using the machines.

This is a good book and for resistance workouts is a good starter, there are also great progression exercises so you are always progressing, however I found it a little dull to do. I planned on fitting it in around my Insanity workouts, but I think I benefit more from the Insanity than I do from this.