Essential Abs: An Intense 6-Week Program (Men's Health Peak Conditioning Guides)

I purchased about 10 books from Amazon on abs in order to compare them. This one is a rather simplistic book. It's like an enlarged Men's Health magazine article. If all you want is a book that tells you exactly what to do for a specific time period, you'll be better off with The Body Sculpting Bible for Abs, which has more information as well as a DVD. Here's my conclusion from comparing books...If You Want to Trim Your Waistline: You can't trim your waistline without losing fat, and you can't lose fat around your waist without losing it everywhere (focusing on a muscle group like the abdominal muscles doesn't burn fat in that location, just a little bit of fat from everywhere on the body). So, if you want to trim your waistline, skip the ab workout books and go with a good, proven overall weight loss and fitness book like Bill Phillips' Body for Life. The Abs Diet is a similar program, but like all the Men's Health publications, it advertises a 6-week transformation, which is just a little unrealistic. Plan on more like 12-24 weeks to see really noticeable changes if you are fat.If You Want Sculpted Six-Pack Abs: If you are overweight at all, see above--you can't get a six pack while you're overweight, and you can't lose abdominal fat by doing an ab workout, so go for overall fitness. However, if you are already lean, see below.If You Want to Strengthen or Build Your Ab Muscles: If you're trying to improve for work, play, or rehab, you might consider the following books: The Body Sculpting Bible for Abs Deluxe DVD Edition contains decently up-to-date information and tells you exactly what to do and when to do it, based on a six-week fitness course. If you're looking for a similar book with more information, you can choose from The Complete Book of Abs or The Complete Book of Core Training. The Complete Book of Abs (1998) is a little out of date in terms of its dietary/nutritional recommendations, but it focuses more on exercises that develop the external abdominal muscles (the ones you see in a six-pack), including lots of variations on leg lifts, bicycle motion, and sit-ups. It will also give you more resources for creating your own program, and, if that's what you want to do, go with this one instead of The Body Sculpting Bible. The Complete Book of Core Training (2006) focuses more on the functional body core, including internal abdominal muscles, legs, etc., and includes more trendy exercises using medicine balls, exercise balls, yoga, etc. A different sort of book is Stronger Abs and Back (1997), which was written before the current fad of selling "core training," but contains the elements of core training because it gives good functional sports-focused advice. Its dietary recommendations are out of date, but it recommends a 24-week workout plan, which is much more realistic than the 6-week plans advocated by many of the other books.If You Have Back Pain: See your doctor, and if he prescribes abdominal/core strengthening, see above.My one-book recommendation: Body for Life.My two-book recommendation: Body for Life + Stronger Abs and Back.My three-book recommendation: Body for Life + Stronger Abs and Back + The Complete Book of Abs.My four-book recommendation: Body for Life + Stronger Abs and Back + The Complete Book of Abs + The Abs Diet.Hope this helps!!

I had this book over 10 years ago when in the military and it was a great foundation for getting abs. All floor exercises so very useful if you don't have equipment

Having already achieved the first four chapters of the book may make my opinion biased. That written, it's a great guide, with lots of photos, a well-directed course toward progressively more advanced workouts, and tips on whether you are doing the exercises correctly and how to make adjustments if you are missing the mark. Having been through a serious back injury and a very seriously fractured foot (AND NEITHER WERE FUN!), I read LOTS of rehab and exercise materials. Essential Abs is definitely the best excercise pub I've read. And, as a lanky female, it's been a stitch to read a book written for men. A gentleman at my health club recommended it to me -- and, he definitely looks in great shape. So, you just received a book review and a woman's view on whether Essential Abs is worth putting your money where your stomach is!

This is a scaled down version of the "Complete Book of Abs" by the same author. This is much better for most folks that want to work their abs. right to the point. the "Complete" version has way too much on things affecting health and well being. If you want to work your abs, this is the book,

Good workouts pics could be better quality great price. If only I could get motivated to use it!!:) I'm sure if you use it it will absolutely help!!

This process is to the point and simple. Above all you will get great results exactly as it promises. Just do exactly what he tells you and you will love the results.

Love the whole series of the book

Very nicely explained, love the visual references, very complete.

This is the second copy of this book I've bought - lost the first one in a house move. Gives some very good exercises but as with all these things you really have to put the time in. THink it's good the way it pushes you to do aerobic exercise as well because the reality is that it's no good having a six pack if it's buried under 3 inches of fat.It is a 6 week programme but he gives you continuation exercises as well.Have the books on Chest and Arms as well and like his style - I'm not an exercise addict but it gives useful techniques that mean you get a workout and build muscle within spending all evening, every evening at the gym.I'd recommend it

Its a good book and the programme is easy to follow, getting more difficult as the time goes on. I completed the programme and was happy with the results.However this book alone will not get you the abs on the cover, you need to supplement it with a good book on nutrition and a full exercise curriculum. To be honest I'd recommend getting a complete book like the body you want in the time you have by Men's Health.

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