The Workout: Core Secrets from Hollywood's #1 Trainer (Zone Books) Paperback – 27 December 2005

A good book. Good read.

This book is amazing. It is one of the most informative, well-written, and clearly explained books of its kind. And, to top it off, Gunnar Peterson is FUNNY! Peterson very wittily explains the basics-- and more-- of fitness and working out. I laughed out loud when reading his tongue-in-cheek humor while absorbing all the information he was sharing. He explains the top 13 exercises, fully explains them with photographs and illustrations, and then also gives the reader derivatives of those exercises so that one can vary their workout as recommended-- every 3 to 4 weeks.One of the reviewers here complained that the book left out certain important exercises such as deadlifts, in particular. This is true. However, the top 13 exercises that Peterson recommends happen to not include deadlifts. This doesn't mean he doesn't include exercises that work one's hamstrings, glutes, and quads. . . it just means that he included exercises other than deadlifts. Additionally, if you're truly committed to learning how to successfully work out, perform exercises, etc., you may have been reading other books, as well, which will include deadlifts.The only criticism I have of this book, that would have reduced my rating to a four, was it's lack of diet information. However, as I thought about that more, I decided that the book deserved a 5 star for it's thorough coverage of exercise and weight training. In that sense, the workouts covered are good for everyone--no matter what eating plan they are following (as long as it's healthy). Maybe that's even better. If you are following an eating plan that makes sense for you, is healthy and varied, and are ready to add weight training into the mix, this book is for you. If you are ready to even take your routine up a notch, are doubting your form, are not seeing the results you wish (while confident your diet is appropriate), then this book is for you, too. It's great. It's as informative as Body for Life by Bill Phillips (who I also do not find megalomaniacal as the one reviewer asserts) and as well-written. Additionally, Peterson is more flexible with his workout routines and explains how to vary them. There aren't a lot of books for beginners on this subject. And, again, this book isn't just for beginners, it's really for anyone interested in fitness.Completely recommended. Remember, though, Peterson does not include a recommended eating plan, although he makes sure you realize that a healthy diet is imperative to achieve the results he discusses in his book.

Delivery Service was fine but the book has 2 different names (also called 'The The Workout') and I bought the same book twice which is misleading and annoying

Book is very easy to follow and has great technique tips for what not to do and what to do to see results and keep from injuring yourself. Off and on I have been using resistance training for over fifteen years. Two years ago I had back surgery and cut back on resistance training and was hesitant about getting back into it. He is someone who has gone through back surgery as well and disusses that in the book, which eased my fears. He gives you many different ways to do an exercise so you have options if you find one causes you discomfort. Overall I would recommend this book to newbies and vetrans. Have been at it for over two months now and my body and back have been feeling great.

If you're new to exercise this is good. It gives some basics but is limited and a bit 90s in its application. Nicely presented, will help with direction in the gym if you are starting out. IOM Platform app by Michol Dalcort is amazing for more advanced users - their exercise emthods are brilliant and more health focused.