Hmmm, it would seem that there are more diets in here than you can shake a stick at. Low carb diets, grapefruit diets, supplement diets, carnivore ketosis, and at least ten others that I do not feel deserve an honorable mention (or any mention whatsoever).

The one that I do feel deserves accolades is the “Body for Life” program. To get an idea of what you are about to undertake you must realize that the whole shebang is actually composed of a book, a video (it’s free by the way), and a challenge that will attempt to keep you focused on vaporizing flab.

First off, Body for Life is one of the cheapest ways to get started on creating the new improved “you”. The book retails for about $10 and I think the biggest cost you will incur is purchasing a gym membership. However, if you are a cheapo like me, you will probably opt for a pass to your local recreation center; hey you can spend twice as much to go to Bally’s, but I guarantee that you will not see any super models or basket ball super stars (actually that’s 24-Hour Fitness, but the principle applies).

Diets and why I hate them:

This is kind of an informative section; it is also at least one-third ranting maniac, so consider yourself warned! Diets suck. They deny you all the good things life has to offer…no sweets, no pop, no munching on butter…hey somebody out there does it! Diets work on the principle of deprivation, which then leads to yearning, and finally breakdowns or lapses that make you feel bad about yourself…well I say screw that. Here is my advice…if the program is not long term then you could just as well print it off and use it to wipe your butt…at least that way it will do some good. For a diet/program to do any long-term good it must be something you can live with. If you have to live on soup, or grapefruits, or just meat then not only are you short sighted, but you are also endangering your health. Variety is the key to any program. You need to take in an assortment of vitamins, minerals, fats, and carbohydrates. You cannot focus on any one group and expect your body to stay in tiptop shape. This would be similar to putting oil in the car and saying to heck with the gas; it just won’t work. This is my most important piece of advice on dieting. Read up on nutrition…find out what fat, vitamins, carbohydrates, and all those other gobly gooks do for you; trust me you will be amazed at how much you do not know about how your body works. This is my second most useful piece of advice…do not take peoples word for it; check with your doctor (he’s just a phone call away) and remember a lot of these “programs” were designed to make money and they may not have your health factored into there bottom lines.

The Concept:

What’s the Deal…why do I need to work out? I don’t really want to; it’s hard, no fun, and who wants to be an iron jockey to begin with? I have seen some of those guys who workout all the time and they are all pretty scary…and Speedos (regardless of what anyone says) do not belong on anyone…I don’t care what they look like. I feel your pain, but working out is not supposed to be tedious, nor does it have to be negative…I mean think about it you are reshaping your body, adding years to your life, and adding life to your years (God I love reversible statements…makes ya sound witty). And if that’s not enough think of all the cute blondes you will be able to impress (that’s a unisex statement too…man I’m on fire tonight). So try not to think this program in that way. Body for life is about changing yourself into something better (and more attractive).

Here we go:

Okay, so you bought the book, got the video in the mail, checked into the rec center, and you are ready to except the challenge…of a lifetime (sorry I couldn’t resist the pun). The program is 12 weeks long and is composed of a multifaceted assault on fat. The first two weeks will be the hardest and you will probably be so sore that you will not me able to move, but you will start seeing results just as fast.

The exercise is going to kick your butt unless you are already semi athletic, but it is progressive and for the most part is self paced, so actually you will be the one kicking your own butt J One of the upsides to this exercise program is that it is time efficient. You do cardio for twenty minutes, three times a week; that sounds cushy, but twenty minutes can be a bruiser if you pay attention to the author’s concept of intensity levels. Intensity levels are personalized goals that you set have to determine for yourself. The levels crank up the overall effectiveness of the workout as you cycle from low to high and also add spice since you are not always using the same intensity.

We are going to pump you up little girlie man (or just little girlie)! Weights are for everyone. Lot’s of people avoid weights because they do not want to bulk up, but this also negates any possibility for true body shaping. Muscles are the foundation of your overall shape and if you want to look different then you cannot neglect this aspect of your workout. Body for Life includes an impressive array of lifts and comprehensive instructions that help you avoid injury. The one thing that the book cannot save you from is the grueling (but still short at forty-five minutes) lifts that will challenge you to test your limits. You will be working within your own guidelines, maximum weights, and you will never be asked to do more than is humanly possible. After all you are in charge of how hard you push yourself.

The Results are in:

I know the book has pictures of tons of transformed bodies on its covers, but can you really expect results like this. If you just do the exercise half…umm no, you will see some results and will probably feel better, but to drastic changes you have to follow the food recommendations too (it’s not a diet…you won’t miss out on too much). When you sign on to the programs roster you will be introduced to a new way of eating (I thought I new ever way there was…man do I need this book). From now on you will be eating six times a day. And you will be taught to count portions not stupid calories! One portion of protein at each meal, a portion of carbs, some veggies, and all the water you can swallow. Now to keep you from going completely insane, Body for life offers a free day during which you can eat anything your little heart desires. The eating requires a lot of effort at first, but you will get used to it and you will not go hungry (you eat six times a day for chrissake) You do have to suffer through the loss of devils food cake, soda pop, and assorted other junk food, but you can splurge on your free day J

All the aforementioned elements combine to turn your flabby façade into a fat burning house of muscle (and you’re on your way to being more attractive…and healthy…yada, yada, yada…did I mention being more attractive) I believe that if you dedicate yourself to the transformation that you can see some awesome results in twelve weeks. Also, I think that after the twelve weeks are up you will enjoy the way your life has changed so much, that you will have all the motivation that you need to keep it up for a lifetime.




Recommended: Yes

Approximate Monthly Cost (US$) 9.99
Food Variety Restrictions A wide variety of allowed foods
Restrictiveness of Portions Satisfying