Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Great Concept, Heavy on Advertising, Lacking in Content
I think Bill Phillips has a relatively decent concept for a body-building course. Most of the advice he gives is very common-sense: don't over-eat, eat healthier, exercise more, get into a system, focus on progress (not perfection), etc., etc. It's a great foundation for becoming healthier and I *did* see results. I do, however, believe that roughly one-third to one-half of this 200 page book is pretty much worthless.At the end of the book, for example, Phillips prints enough copies of the suggested progress reports to complete six days of his program (this is about 25 pages of the book). Please note, however, that these copies are all exactly the same. Since he doesn't give you enough for the entire program, you're going to have to make photocopies, anyway. These copies are just filler for the book'a waste of paper and money. Another waste of paper (in my opinion) is the printing of several testemonials thoughout the text. Roughly 30 pages of the book are nothing but stories about the people who have gone through the course and their lives. A few might have been interesting, but I think the large number is a bit excessive and certainly wastes space. Phillips also spends a lot of time advertising his Body-for-LIFE website. (Which, incidentally, I found to be comically unhelpful.) He also takes considerable space in the book to tell you about Myoplex, a nutritional supplement he promotes. (He *does,* however, admit that this is optional.) Finally, I think his own psychological mumbo-jumbo throughout most of the book's fourth section ("The Training-for-LIFE Experience") is pretty ridiculous. I'm not sure that I buy his "high-point techniques" at all and I think it's absolutely hilarious that he recommends chanting "I am building my Body-for-LIFE" while exercising. Nevertheless, as I said at the begining, I think Phillips has a good concept in this book. I followed the program (loosely, admittedly) and I DID see a definite change. Others did, as well. I lost a lot of fat and gained muscle. It's definitely something worth investigating. My recommendation, however, is to save your [money] and check the book out of your local library. Read it quickly, photocopy the relevant pages (probably a few of the exercises, the food chart, and maybe the daily progress reports) and change your life *far* more cheaply.
Rating:  - CHANGED MY LIFE !
Looks like everyone benefited in some way from Body for Life, even though some apparently had expectations beyond what is obviously a fitness primer and VERY effective tool for those of us who aren't die-hard, fitness freaks and gym goons.I was 43 when I started Body for Life and then, only because I knew someone personally who had done it. Easily in the 12 week period described in the book I went from 5'9" , 200 lbs to a lean and FAR more sculpted 165 lbs. My total cholesterol dropped from 200 to 150 and my doctor was astounded. He is now using Body for Life ! Incidentally - Phillips never says that his nutritional supplements are required to accomplish your goals and I am PROOF of that. I did NOT use them and lost 35 lbs in 12 weeks. I wish I had this AND the desire to change when I was 30 and I probably could have avoided *some* problems in life (i.e., high blood pressure) But HEY - better late than never right?! I've never been much of a "follower" of ANY product or person - but Body for Life is a GREAT tool, simply laid out and accomplishes what YOU plan with it.....and even Phillips says it's just a beginning.....and he's right.
Rating: - I am giving a copy to all of my friends
I have tried a lot of diets and exercise programs, but none have worked like Bill Phillips program does. I am turning 40 and decided it was time to get in shape again. I was always pulling muscles and feeling tired in the afternoons. So I made the commitment to do the program. And it is easy! I am in my 10th week and have had great results.
The dieting is easy. Eat every two hours. I can eat a combination of meats, veggies and pastas. I can even eat bread! I like making a protein shake every other meal. It curbs my cravings for junk food. I use the Shaklee Instant Protein mix and add a scoop of their powdered meal supplement, add a banana or some frozen strawberries, some low fat yogurt, water, ice, blend and I have a shake! (No, I don't work for Shaklee!, but I do like it the best.) I bought a blender to use at work.
As for the workouts, it was difficult for me to do at first, getting up in the morning, but after a week, I felt so much better all day long. I have a workout bench that is separate from the weight support bar (Weiser). This is important, since I do a lot of my exercises with dumbbells and do not want my bench press bar to get in the way. (I do not go to a gym, would rather walk down to my basement in the morning, turn on the TV or radio and work out.) Stretch out before starting the workout! I pulled an arm muscle the first week, so also take it easy at first. Do not prove to yourself what a man you are by trying to lift 100%.(sorry women, I can only review this from my point of view :) Get there gradually over a 2 week period.
I did not take any Ceatine, etc., just lots of vitamins and the protein powder in my shakes. It has worked! I went from 22.5% fat (that was 44 lbs of fat) to 15%! My aches and pains are gone and I feel great! I also lost weight at 1/2 lb per day the first two weeks. It then slowed down, but I have lost a total of 14 lbs and went from a 36 tight to a lose 34 waist.
So go to your doctor, borrow his fat meter and see how many pounds of fat you will burn off. You will feel beter, be healthier, look great and be mentally alert!
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