Impact Body Plan, The [Paperback]

I bought this book after reading an article about The Impact Body Plan in Men's Health magazine. Overall it is a great program but I have a few complaints. So let me start with those:

One reason I bought it, is that it promised to be a program I could do while traveling. I am on the road 100+ nights in hotels each year, I've learned hotel fitness rooms are inconsistent (to put it kindly) in the quality of equipment they have. That aspect of the program has been somewhat of a disappointment - the first week's exercises call for a squat rack and kettle dumbbells, which are a bit too big for my suitcase and never found in a hotel fitness center.

Also, to follow this program to the letter, you will need to buy quite a bit of stuff you don't have. A TRX exercise system was (and I got a great deal on this at Amazon) about $158, a fitness band was $30 and some stretch cords were $50. I still haven't gotten kettle dumbbells, the roller and the half ball and probably won't. In the first weeks of the program I have learned to substitute similar exercises using the equipment available. You can make this work without buying all the stuff he recommends but it takes some creativity.

My final warning to those thinking of buying this book: If you are like me (mid-50s but in very good shape) this program will be very, very challenging. If you are not in good shape, you will kill yourself. There is a reason why all those NFL guys benefit from this program - it is assumed you will be in very good shape when you start. If you're a reader of my book, "Getting Fit & Staying Fit In Your 40s, 50s, and Beyond," I recommend you have done my program intensively for at least a year before you tackle this program.

I think the nutrition portion is overly strict and uses a lot of unnecessary foods like Gluten-free bread. The hallmark of a good diet program is that it's not impossible to follow and this one is too difficult for me.

Those are the negatives as I see them, but there are lots of positives to this program:

If you are able to keep up with it, you WILL get into shape. I have been happy with my results.

Because of the pace, your workouts will take less time. I you are a follower of my program, you know that is one of its weak points, that it takes 5-6 hours a week. You can get through this in about 3, maybe 4 hours per week because the pace is much faster.

I like the emphasis on the core and joint strength. I think this benefits those of any age.

In looking at the other reviews, I have to take exception with the guy who said this book has nothing new. I hear that complaint once in awhile about my book as well. I have news for those people who feel there is "nothing new" in any fitness book they get: You aren't paying attention to what the book is telling you! The Impact Plan is a great example of that - this is, I think, a new and effective exercise program. There are only so many ways you can move - yes, it has all been said before in one place or another, but this is an example of a program that puts things together in a new and improved way.

I have been to Todd Durkin's boot camp workouts and what I really find exciting is his enthusiasm. He's always yelling inspiring things when doing his effective exercises and getting everyone fired up to start the day. It's very easy to see why so many professional athletes train with him because his attitude makes such a difference. This book shows a lot of that same enthusiasm. I originally bought it hoping it would provide an effective workout but there is so much more: Positive psychology exercises, goal setting exercise, proper diet, meditation, eliminating limiting beliefs and negative thoughts, etc.

I would not only recommend this book to anyone who wants to get in better shape but also to just improve himself in general. It's not only crammed with helpful advise but very motivating. Highly recommended.

This 10 week workout program will challenge you no matter what shape you may be in. Very satisfied with this fitness book, an advanced workout routine was exactly what I was looking for. I gained considerable muscle and lost fat, my weight virtually stayed the same. My body became very toned and defined using Durkin's multi-dimensional methods. While completing this 10 week program my body is likely in the best shape of the last 20 years.

Positives:
* Many new exercises; references for every exercise with easy to understand photo guidelines.
* A well balanced Full Body Workout consisting of warm-ups, shoulder and hip strengthening, plyometrics, strength-lower body, core and upper body with lots of variety in an easy to follow book. This book raised the bar a little higher.

Negatives:
* This is a gym based exercise routine period, however there is a small section geared for hotel use.
* You're going to be bouncing all over the gym at times due to circuit exercises requiring machines, benches, weights, etc. that are on opposite side of the gym.

An outstanding 10 week workout program that will deliver lifelong benefits and teach you what a quality exercise program is comprised of. Very satisfied with this book as well as what it delivers, thanks Todd!