[.ca] The Bowflex Body Plan: The Power Is Yours. Build More ... (ISBN 1579546897)

Exactly what I was looking for.:
I don't know strength training, at all. Unlike other reviewers I have no idea who the author is or even his credentials (having read they book they seem to be pretty good). I do have a Bowflex. And while the routines presented in the Bowflex Users Manual that shipped with the machine are good, I found them lacking because I also needed to lose weight, not just build strength. This book is right up my alley. It presents an integrated program for beginners (my wife and I are in our 30s and 40s but neither of us have ever worked out) that blends a steadily advancing work out routine with a reduced calorie diet. And if we persist and stay on program, this book should last us for a few years (if not longer) with the advanced programs for targeting specific muscle development as well as additional, more advanced strength training techniques. The menu plans are specific, but we'll be modifying it slightly simply because a few of the meals (Lunch particularly) aren't all that appealing. But because the meals are based on calories consumed - substitutions are no problem. For those that don't want to worry about meal planning, you've come to the right place. And for those that are more finicky eaters, you'll come away with the base knowlege to build your own meal plan and still achieve your goals. Overall I think this book is well thought-out, with specific workouts and meals. The photos are clear and the explanations on how to do the recommended workouts are slightly better than the manual. More useful is the fact the author selected what he thinks are the best of the exercises (in total, only about 30% of the total possible workouts are presented). You'll be happier if you have the Leg Attachment, although you can just substitute other leg exercises that are also in the book. But eventually you'll probably find the variety lacking.

Nice peice of work:
This is a very readable book which cuts through the fluff. It should be useful for both, beginner and advanced users. There is sensible advice on all the topics you would need to quickly start/restart a targeted strength training program using a Bowflex or any other home gym. Highly recommended.

I really like it:
I like Ellington Darden alot. He DOES know his stuff. So Anyway I own the Ultimate Bowflex. I used to own the regular Bowflex with no attachments and I really never used it. It just sat for a very long time. Alot of it was I just wasn't sure how to do the exercises. So I went on a low carb diet, started walking and lost weight. Then I hit a HUGE stall. I always new I needed to strength train but never did. I hated going to the gym and wasted my money on a year membership. So this past winter I got an offer to send back the regular bowflex, trade it in, get 1000 toward an ultimate with EVERYTHING. So I did it. Get a brand new machine with all the bells and whistles. Again I still wasnt sure what to do. THe video that comes with the ultimate is great, gives a good description of what to do. So I was looking around one day and saw this book and brought it. Well I love it. It is great. Gives GREAT detail instructions and tips for the best exercises on the bowflex. It also has several plans, for gaining muscle, losing fat, for your hips, for your arms, for your chest and for your abs. I still need to lose fat before I can try other routines. But I went on his meal plan which is real simple and good for you. I am eating stuff that was restricted on a low carb diet. And I lost weight. I used to not be able to go down past 168 no matter what I did. Now I am 5'11" and 162 lbs (which is actually just right I just need to lose fat and gain muscle). Also if I cheat I don't balloon up. I highly recommend this book if you have the bowflex. His workout routines and eating plans are also worth it. There is also background information on the bowflex and he also explains healthy information (such as increasing water intake and the like). Ellington Darden knows his stuff and I want to read his other books. Take care.

Something Old Something New:
Having read a couple of Dardens previous books much of the information concerning nutrition and exercise theroy is the same. Darden, the Consumate student of Arthur Jones, applies the nautilus principles to the bowflex in a manner that is consistent with his earlier works. He presents a series of routines that are work-able by most any one and should produce results in begginers and early intermediates. The book is artfully photographed, well laid out, and will appeal to the same audiance as the bowflex itself

Like a commercial!:
I was looking for exercises I could do with the used bowflex I recieved. This book actually contains very few exercises, almost all of which require the optional bowflex accessories that I do not have. In general, it makes me feel that the bowflex I have is a piece of junk, and I should get the "Ultimate" one, with all the bells and whistles for a few grand. Again, there are very few exercises in this book - the author discuesses food, the merits of exercise, and what else - the bowflex machine, more than anything. My search for finding bowflex exercises continues! (Now I am off to the store to return this book!)