Anyone (bodybuilder or not) who is interested in how do build lean mass and lose fat should have this book in their library. I am so tired of negative "reviews" that state the book has "nothing new" or its information can be found for "free on the Internet". Obviously the same can be said for almost any book-- almost anything can be found on the Internet (even copyrighted material!). However, that requires finding the material, filtering out all of the conflicting information and judging whether to trust the source of the information found on the Internet. The whole point of buying a book, any book, is that the material is edited, presented in a clear, logical fashion, is supported by citations or research, and is written by an authority. This book gets 5 stars in all those respects!

As a natural healthcare practitioner, I often refer to several textbooks to update and review for the benefit of my patients. I have come to rely on Dr. Columbu's knowledge as it applies to athletes. Yet, there is a point to which all persons can benefit from just a little of his principles. Seldom will you find a book recommending that the specific enzyme-containing foods required for proper breakdown and assimilation of other vital substances. As to the comment that the information on the macronutrients and micronutrients being outdated and nothing new, I must respond by replying that I do not often encounter persons who have a working knowledge of what nutrients are responsible for certain functions and the consequences of deficiencies. And the information he provides is just as useful today as it was in the book's first printing. We could all use a bit of a refresher course from time to time on basic nutrition. Glad to see Dr. Columbu reiterating the value of such information.

As a natural healthcare practitioner, I often refer to several textbooks to update and review for the benefit of my patients. I have come to rely on Dr. Columbu's knowledge as it applies to athletes. Yet, there is a point to which all persons can benefit from just a little of his principles. Seldom will you find a book recommending that the specific enzyme-containing foods required for proper breakdown and assimilation of other vital substances. As to the comment that the information on the macronutrients and micronutrients being outdated and nothing new, I must respond by replying that I do not often encounter persons who have a working knowledge of what nutrients are responsible for certain functions and the consequences of deficiencies. And the information he provides is just as useful today as it was in the book's first printing. We could all use a bit of a refresher course from time to time on basic nutrition. Glad to see Dr. Columbu reiterating the value of such information.

I'd been working out religiously five days per week for about 2 years before I started Michael's program. During that time, I'd made fairly good progress for the first 6 months, but then after that I "plateau'd." I wouldn't really gain or lose after that point. I tried changing my workouts, taking every supplement under the sun (except steroids), and special diets.

Then I started doing Michael's program. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was gaining muscle again. Not any ridiculous overnight changes, but I was steadily gaining real lean muscle. Within a few months of sticking to the program I was actually happy with my muscle mass and the way I looked for the first time ever.

I'm a "tough gainer," meaning I naturally put on muscle slowly and I'm also much more prone to gaining fat. But this program definitely works for me. I gave it to five or six of my friends who work out as well, and every single one of them started gaining muscle MUCH faster they were previously. I was actually pretty shocked by that, because from I've seen over the years, different programs work for different people and everyone is unique. I'd never seen one program that works the best for everybody, but that is exactly what happened with this program. I guess it's because this isn't so much a "program" as it is just the basics of how gaining muscle and losing fat works. I know people who used the information in this book to get real big and also people who used it to get lean and cut, down to about 6% body fat.

I'm still using this program, trying to achieve my ultimate goal, and now I'm comfortable knowing that I will--as long as I stick with the program. Good luck making your goals, too. I think this book will help you do it.

If you are looking for an instructional DVD to help guide you towards building an impressive physique, look elsewhere. If you are not into bodybuilding then this DVD will probably not appeal to you at all.

However, if you are into bodybuilding, and if you just want to see one of the greatest Mr. Olympias breaking down barriers in the gym, if you are looking for something to make your jaw drop and have you questioning your own definition of "intensity," then get this movie.

Clearly there will always be debate in our circles as to what defines an intense workout, what defines a good physique, or even what defines a bodybuilder. We can debate intensities and volume parameters, high carb versus low carb with refeeds, or how to best develop the outer sweep of our thighs all day long. But there is not much debate when it comes to the amazement most feel when watching some of Ronnie's training scenes in this movie.

To be a little more specific, you'll get to see some of Ronnie's day-to-day activities. You'll see him driving his nice cars, getting a massage, cooking food, and going to Black-Eyed-Pea every day. Some of this might get a little bland, but this DVD is worth the price for the training scenes alone in my opinion.

Again, for those not too interested in bodybuilding or for those looking for instructions, this is probably something you should skip. But for those of us who are into the sport, this is, in my humble opinion, one of those DVDs you write down in your "must have" list.

I believe Yogi Berra said something to the effect that "90% of the game is 50% mental." Strossen explores the mental aspects of weightlifting and weight training and guides the reader to a mindset for success. Strossen's analysis is literate, readable, entertaining, and educational. Having trained with weights for the better part of four decades, I have fallen into many of the errors Strossen discusses. I only wish I had read "Ironmind" at the beginning of my training career rather than the end.

Strossen quotes an interview of Buster Douglas shortly after Douglas defeated Mike Tyson. Interviewer: "Buster, you kept him at bay with double left jabs, you leveraged your height advantage and kept tagging him with rights, you tied him up, you maintained that delicate balance of constant pressure [etc., etc., etc.] Was that your strategy? Is that what you planned to do?" Douglas: "I planned to whip his ass." Douglas had the cultivated a mindset for success, and "Ironmind" can help you cultivate it, too, not only in athletics, but in almost any field of endeavor to which you apply its principles.

This is a great product. Definitely helps you look and get leaner. You will not lose a lot of weight, but it will help you use the last few pounds. A winner in my book. Love it. Only downside is that there are a lot of pills, but that doesn't bother me. Drink LOTS of water!

I'm a lifelong heavy lifter and Animal Pak fills every last nutritional hole I can think of, and then some. Aminos. Vitamins and minerals. Antioxidants. Digestive support. Natural energy. Throw in some of their creatine, Pumps, ZMA, and protein and my stack is complete (well, almost... I still replace their Cuts with BELDT: Force Thermogenic since it helps me lean out a lot easier). And I DEFINITELY feel when the Pak isn't there too, because everything suffers. Strength, recovery, stamina, all of it. Especially recovery. Tore my right quad three months back, so I doubled up the Paks (was only using 1 before) and cut my down-time almost in half.

For participants and/or fans of the sport of bodybuilding, this is a must see. The gym sessions with Branch are uncensored but ring true and are well filmed. Most of the sequences are in black and white, which adds to the intense effect. Branch is as hardcore as they come, and I have tremendous respect for his work ethic and determination which brought him to the world of professional bodybuilding. The training sessions amply explain why he has already won and placed in several top competitions (including a top 10 in the Olympia).

There is also a second disc in the package, which shows Branch at home with his wife and that is also very well done. He is a multi faceted athlete and individual, and this is highly recommended as a top viewing experience.

I'd been working out religiously five days per week for about 2 years before I started Michael's program. During that time, I'd made fairly good progress for the first 6 months, but then after that I "plateau'd." I wouldn't really gain or lose after that point. I tried changing my workouts, taking every supplement under the sun (except steroids), and special diets.

Then I started doing Michael's program. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was gaining muscle again. Not any ridiculous overnight changes, but I was steadily gaining real lean muscle. Within a few months of sticking to the program I was actually happy with my muscle mass and the way I looked for the first time ever.

I'm a "tough gainer," meaning I naturally put on muscle slowly and I'm also much more prone to gaining fat. But this program definitely works for me. I gave it to five or six of my friends who work out as well, and every single one of them started gaining muscle MUCH faster they were previously. I was actually pretty shocked by that, because from I've seen over the years, different programs work for different people and everyone is unique. I'd never seen one program that works the best for everybody, but that is exactly what happened with this program. I guess it's because this isn't so much a "program" as it is just the basics of how gaining muscle and losing fat works. I know people who used the information in this book to get real big and also people who used it to get lean and cut, down to about 6% body fat.

I'm still using this program, trying to achieve my ultimate goal, and now I'm comfortable knowing that I will--as long as I stick with the program. Good luck making your goals, too. I think this book will help you do it.

I'm a lifelong heavy lifter and Animal Pak fills every last nutritional hole I can think of, and then some. Aminos. Vitamins and minerals. Antioxidants. Digestive support. Natural energy. Throw in some of their creatine, Pumps, ZMA, and protein and my stack is complete (well, almost... I still replace their Cuts with BELDT: Force Thermogenic since it helps me lean out a lot easier). And I DEFINITELY feel when the Pak isn't there too, because everything suffers. Strength, recovery, stamina, all of it. Especially recovery. Tore my right quad three months back, so I doubled up the Paks (was only using 1 before) and cut my down-time almost in half.

Anyone (bodybuilder or not) who is interested in how do build lean mass and lose fat should have this book in their library. I am so tired of negative "reviews" that state the book has "nothing new" or its information can be found for "free on the Internet". Obviously the same can be said for almost any book-- almost anything can be found on the Internet (even copyrighted material!). However, that requires finding the material, filtering out all of the conflicting information and judging whether to trust the source of the information found on the Internet. The whole point of buying a book, any book, is that the material is edited, presented in a clear, logical fashion, is supported by citations or research, and is written by an authority. This book gets 5 stars in all those respects!