First off, this is a great product, but I will not spend the time reviewing the great things about this product because I feel there are many other reviews that have already done that. Here are some things I found I thought should be helpful to others:

1) In the "most helpful critical review" it is listed that the rectangular chrome handles are a pain to deal with. This almost compelled me not to buy this product. However, after trying out the DBs, I did not find it much of a bother. The "rectangular" handles are pretty much round with a hint of "rectangulariness" if you will. Not much of a bother to me, but some thick tape cloth should remedy the problem if you have sensitive hands.

2) To those that do not want to buy the $150 stand, I found that instead of picking the DBs off the floor, you can simply make use of the shipping boxes as a custom made stand. Just turn over the Styrofoam and cut off the top lid of the box and place the DB within the box and you are set. The DBs are still a little low, but it is better than picking them off the floor.

3) If you ever have the problem of a DB not fitting within the base evenly, the dials are stuck, and one of the plates does not attach to the DB, do not send in the DB to the manufacturer just yet (I had this occur to me today). After some experimenting, I finally figured out that all I had to do was remove the DB from the base and remove the plates from the base until the base was completely emptied. Then, with the emptied base, place the DB back within the base (without remaining plates on the floor). You should be able to switch the dials back to 10 lbs with plates from the DB coming off. Then simply place back all the plates within the base and place the DB back within the base with the plates ready to go. The DB should pick the plates right back up. This experiment saved me a lot of money because I forgot to send in the warranty mail within 30 days (it's on the back of the paperback instructions). Hope you found at least one of these points helpful!

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.

With over 450,000 copies sold, this book is arguably the best book of its kind. What's it useful for? Mainly to help the reader (from the weekend athlete to the athletic trainer to the professional bodybuilder) figure out what exercises work what muscles.

It's neatly divided up into sections (arms, shoulders, chest, back, etc.), so all you really have to do is flip to one of these sections and it will have detailed pictures of various exercises and exactly which muscles are involved.

A great reference to keep have around, I give it five stars easy. Readers who lift weights regularly might also be interested Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff to avoid shoulder problems a lot of lifters eventually get.