Fitness Over 50: Weekly Workout Plan! (Success Over 50 Book 2)

Okay, it is a short, quick overview of what is really a minimalist approach to fitness for someone over 50 years of age. I gave it one star for its price. At $3.00, I would have rated it four stars; over $5.00 I would have given it 3. It is pretty solid for what it is, no fluff. It is not an exhaustively footnoted, highly-researched scientific report, but the anecdotal experience of the author, which I believe is authentic enough to be believable. I believe it, or a similar workout based on the same broad principles, will work for people over 40 who don't want to spend too much time at the gym and aren't pursuing sports like mma, seniors volleyball, competitive swimming, etc., but rather are seeking to stay healthy, with good muscle mass, not too much bodyfat, a good metabolism, and a healthy heart. And, who want to achieve that without too intensive of workouts--no marathons, no Crossfit or Strongman, no high-risk activities. For those goals, this workout should be effective. It is also intended to make one look "good" in a conventional way, with relatively large chest, shoulder, arm, and upper back muscles. In sum, the weight workout is intended make one relatively healthy and healthy-looking. The aerobic work is pretty simple and also low-intensity, which should make it accessible to most people, or at least part of it--it calls for devoting an hour a day, four or five days a week to it. I don't recall him mentioning it, but certainly 20 or 30 minutes would be pretty good if an hour is too long for a beginner. The dietary guidelines are pretty good as well, and also should be workable for anyone who seriously wants to keep themselves at a healthy weight. I should add that the author mentions some injuries, especially back surgery and knee problems from running a lot when younger. This is probably why there is no low back/hip/leg exercising. This workout is not written in stone, so one could add some such work into the workout if so desired. There is no flexibility or mobility work either, but again there is no reason why this can't also be done. In fact, this is only a skeleton workout--one could do it and also play tennis, ping-pong, surf--anything basically--and still follow most of this program. I have some minor criticisms of the program. First, he exclusively uses weight machines, mainly for safety he says. I think it is unnecessary, but okay, he has his reasons. Second, he focuses on the mirror muscles. Third, he doesn't program in any flexibility work. Fourth, carbs are not the enemy--they have their place in our diets, it is only their abuse that creates problems, but he insists on blaming obesity primarily on them, rather than our hectic, sedentary lifestyles. And there are some others, even more minor than these. I think mainly he is so focused on simplicity that it limits his program in some ways. But for some people, that is what they want. For those with injuries (common among the 50+ set who are his intended audience) that limit their back and leg work, the program might be actually very well-suited. For others, they can work in additional exercises that he leaves out. Basically, it is a simple push/pull/ab weight program, a low-intensity aerobic program, with a low-carb, IF-style diet. It is definitely practical and doable for many of us old folks.

I never rate books, but I have bought a lot of books from Amazon; fitness books especially, but I like this one the most and find it the most relevant to me. I am over 50 so that is why I picked the book in the first place; and I'm glad that I did. Some reviews were critical, saying that the workout in the book is too routine and simplistic. Well, I like it VERY much for that exact reason! Not a bunch of stupid complex exercises or confusing routines that are hard to follow and/ or would hurt me. I have been told by EVERY stupid trainer (one injured me bad!!) or physical therapist to use free weights. I am so glad that I followed the advice of this book and not them! I tried to follow my own heart and instinct before by only using machines, only to be contradicted by those people. They said that if I didn't use free weights, I wouldn't make any gains. THEY ARE LIARS. I have made more gains, and safely, using his strategies than anyone else. Combine his workout with Time Under Tension strategies and a good healthy clean diet, and I have made more gains than with any of those people. The only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I don't use all the strategies. But, that's okay, because what I do use, I use all the time, follow it religiously, and I have made more gains safely and injury free than I ever did before. Thanks so much!

No nonsense approach that flies in the face of all of the other complicated approaches to fitness out there. I have been a P90X user off and on for almost 9 years now and have fallen into the trap of thinking this was the only way to go. I have followed his eating plan and I ca tell you it works. High protein and low carb. Fat is not the enemy. Just joined Planet Fitness a few days ago because at 48 years old I need to move away from heavier weights and incorporate more machines to minimize injury. This seems to be the approach he takes. Can't wait to try the workout plan.

Quinn makes the point quite clearly, think how you may appear to yourself and your significant partner when you are naked. Training program a bit difficult to follow.

After starting Strength at 50!: Get Strong and Fit Today! (I highly recommend), this book gives similar very good information. Even though I'm a 47 year old woman, and mother of 2 teenagers, I have felt a need to get back in shape again (don't we all!). I've been reading about how strength training is a very good thing for you whole body whether you're a man or a woman. I've started using the information in both these books when I'm lifting weights in the gym, and I'm starting to see alot more toned muscle in every part of my body. I like how this author also gives details about what he eats and when. Although I may take in less calories, it's a good framework. Worth buying!

I am a 52 years old person who do some weight lifting and practice some exercise.. Good tips for eating and have a very good life after 50

A genuine waste of time and money.... the only Kindle book I've ever purchased any worse that this one is from the same author on the same subject matter. Wish I had purchased and read one or the other before wasting the time and money on buying both at the same time.

Very short with little direction on how to get in shape or how to improve other than very briefly mentioning supplements and a couple of foods. Then he says he walks, that's it??