The Complete Book of Abs: Revised and Expanded Edition Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased about 10 books from Amazon on abs in order to compare them. This one has quite a bit of information, good lay-out and organization, and is well-written for this type of book. My conclusions on how it compares with the other books follow...
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 The Complete Book of Abs (1998) is a little out of date in terms of its dietary/nutritional recommendations, but it focuses more on exercises that develop the external abdominal muscles (the ones you see in a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!!

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The Abs Diet for Women: The Six-Week Plan to Flatten Your Belly and Firm Up Your Body for Life Review

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(More customer reviews)My husband and I went on the Abs Diet last year and did great. I saw this new book and thought maybe I could tailor the Abs Diet for me, as a woman. I thought things would be a little more differentiated, but the changes from the "men's" book are minimal. The recipes and basic concepts are the same. A lot of the book focuses on post-baby weight, which is not my concern (yet). The testimonials are from women and the exercises are photos of women, but other than that, it's not really any different than the men's version. If you're both trying out the diet, you might as well stick to the men's version and save a few bucks. But, if it's just you (and you're a woman), then give this "diet" a shot.
We had great results and felt a lot better eating the recommended foods. Beyond that, you don't even start the exercises 'til you're 3 weeks into the program! Great for those who need to ease into a new diet/program.

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In survey after survey, men and women say that a flat abdomen is the ultimate symbol of sex appeal. And in study after study, researchers found that getting a firm belly is the single most significant step anyone can take to stay healthy for life. Now available in paperback, The Abs Diet for Women shows the most effective way to a flat belly, a firm body, and a much better life. Packed with information developed exclusively for women, the book includes: -information on how the Abs Diet can prevent joint pain, improve female sexual response, and give a woman the flat belly she craves in just six weeks -Abs Diet adaptations to tailor the diet to each woman's individual needs -psychological strategies for dealing with obstacles and changing moods -3 weeks' worth of all-new meal plans -tips on managing menopausal symptoms without hormone replacement therapy -new and super-effective moves that incorporate yoga and Pilates to strenghten the core, stretch the body, and relieve stress—plus a postpartum workout to help moms lose the baby weight Easy to follow and more satisfying than a great-fitting pair of jeans, The Abs Diet for Women is the most effective way for a woman to change her health, her size, and her body for good.

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