Bigger Leaner Stronger: The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Male Body (The Bigger Leaner Stronger Series)

I started reading this book while stuck at Gatwick airport inbetween Christmas and New Years. I managed to read half of it in a few hours. This isn't because it's short, far from it, it's because what I was reading was so interesting and inspiring. I couldn't wait to turn the next page. The only downside to reading this at the airport was that after I'd read several chapters about food, nutrition and weightloss I was gagging to get started. Unfortunately for me, I was travelling to my in-laws abroad and they totally disregard healthy eating! Knowing that I'd have to take a large calorie hit over the week, I was eager to get back to the UK. The book is informative. Starting of with basic breakdowns of nutritional definitions ('What is a carbohydrate?' for example), it gives you a good understanding of everything that is then mentioned throughout the rest of the book. Not once did I need to 'Google' any of the terms in more detail. I now feel more knowledgeable about food and nutrition and I'm more aware than ever before about what I'm putting into my body each day and how it effects me and my health/fitness progress. The information provided deters you from the 'fad' diets as you learn that even fat and carbs are important factors to acheiving your goals. The book then moves to common myths and misunderstandings regarding weightloss, excercise, increasing muscle mass etc. It progresses nicely into more detail from what was covered at the start of the book. Each page I turned felt like another piece of the puzzle being put together. I was starting to see how I can make a huge difference to the way I look, how I can acheive maximum results in the gym and how I can make a positive impact on my general wellbeing. The latter part of the book goes into how to calculate your daily calorie intake, dependent on whether you want to cut, bulk or maintain weight, and how this is broken down into important fat, carbs and protein. It gives you diet plan ideas and tips on when to eat certain foods (what to eat in the morning, before the gym, after the gym etc). It then moves to the all important weight training plans and helpful guidance on cardio, form and repetitions. I've only just started the diet plan and I'm on day 2 of the gym workouts but I wil update my review in 3 months time to let you know my cutting progress and if the book has lived up to my expectations. I already think it will, the nutrition and weight-loss information alone will help and the way I work out in the gym has forever been changed. No more wasting time on machines for me. Free weights all the way. I was worried about stuggling to track my calories by keeping tabs on how much fat, carbs and protein I have everyday. So, as the book suggests, I contacted Mike and got a speedy response in which he offered me a few tips and guidance. It's nice to know that you kind of have him available when in need! You don't feel so isolated. I was very impressed with this. One part I think I will struggle with is trying to get enough protein in my diet to meet my daily goal, whilst keeping the spending low. I'm going to do my best. Like I said earlier, I'll update this review in 3 months to let you know how I get on. I really recommend this book, even if you are an experienced gym fanatic or diet junkie you'll still find something useful inside. And if you're not, and you're looking to lose weight or get ripped, then at the very least, the book will inspire you to do so...sensibly.

I am a perennial workout magpie. I love finding the latest things, giving them a go for two weeks, getting sick and then giving up. The most recent workout plans I have tried (aside from simply going out for a run or a bike ride) are Mark Verstegen's Core Performance plan (Essentials, Standard and Endurance) and Todd Durkin's IMPACT! plan (similar to a p90x/Insanity-type workout). While they all have their merits (Durkin's in particular will kick your backside), they all have problems - mainly due to the equipment needed to perform some of the exercises and the time needed to do a workout (I think an IMPACT! workout, on average, was taking me around 90 minutes). Now, as I was browsing Amazon for a few intersting things, I happened acros Mike Matthews' The Shredded Chef for pennies and decided to buy it. Based on the information in that book, and on Mike's website, I thought I'd give this one a try. Now, the Kndle version has its flaws and the book itself could perhaps be laid out a little more efficiently - it suffers, as most workout books do, from containing about 60 pages on what this book will do for you before it tells you how to do it - the information given in it is honest, straightforward, well researched (whether or not you agree with that research is up to you) and well explained. The workouts are similarly straightforward and easy to follow (BLS is very very simple - lift progressively heavy weights using effective compound exercises, check your diet and don't go mad on the cardio). If you work out at home then you may need to make a few adjustments (there are some alternatives in the book and there are a plethora of muscle forums with ideas for you to try). I like the idea one reviewer gave of combining BLS and The Shredded Chef into one book, or at least having some detailed meal plans in BLS. But, as Mike says, diet is a very personal thing so I can see why you would leave that out. BUT, the biggest thing with BLS (and any of Mike's other books) is that you are getting way more than the book. First off you get the freebies at the end of the book which, OK, don't work on a Kindle but you can download them from the link you get emailed. Then there's Mike's excellent website which is being regularly updated with choice articles, again well-researched and well written, and his Facebook page. Finally, you get Mike. I've messaged him a few times with questions about the workouts and his responses have always been thorough and polite. You can see from the reviews here he has taken the time to connect with everyone whether or not they have given favourable reviews, to thank them for buying the book. I've only been following the prgram for three weeks as I write this. I can tell that it is making a difference although the results are obviously not in quite yet. But the simplicity of the plan coupled with the relative ease and time taken to do the workouts (believe me, I'm lifting as much as I can but this workout plan focuses on low reps of heavy weights, so you're never kind of gasping for breath or screaming in agony) means I am more likley to stick with it. Bottom line is, if you had paid £20 for this book you may expect that level of service from the author (or the author's megabucks corporation), but I paid less than £5 for this Kindle copy and I am getting a great book coupled with truly outstanding customer service from the author himself. I don't think you can ask for a lot more than that. So, if you're a real cheapskate then just follow Mike on Facebook and visit his blog. He'll still talk to you. But if you want to see the kind of workout which has given him a pretty decent body then, for the price, it would be silly not to pick up a copy of Bigger, Leaner, Stronger.

This book was incredible. It has a the information you need to start your journey to a new, stronger you. Not just that though, it also gives you the confidence and motivation to achieve your goals. I first listened to the audio book and had to buy the physical copy for reference. There is also plenty of bonus material you can download to guide you. I can't wait to start the bigger leaner stronger workout program now that I'm armed with all the information. I can't recommend this book enough. I was so inspired I also bought thinner leaner stronger for my wife, the shredded chef, the little black book of motivation and the bigger leaner stronger year 1 guide. Bring on my new life.

Estupenda guia para el mundo del fitness con consejos de nutrición y entrenamiento tanto para pérdida de peso, mantenimiento y ganar masa muscular. La estructura un poco rara pero es fácil de leer y da muchos consejos que puedes ver aquí y allá pero compensa tener reunidos en un libro para referencia rápida. Incluye un enlace a la web para materiales varios del autor. Y encima, los métodos funcionan.

I'm into fitness and gym stuff for more than a deacade. I wish I had this book when I was at the young age. It could opened my eyes on such a lot of information, studies, myths, etc. It's essential not only for a newebie but for all the people who share the passion for fitness. I love the writing , the simplicity, the practical way in which explains concepts, the studies that are made.. Good job Michael, awesome book. Keep up the good work 💪🏻

Reviewing after following the book for 5 months and only cutting. Whatever he wrote in the book worked for me even though i felt bit skeptical sometimes, only because i was unaware. Followed what he said without judgement and the results are there. Yes, you can get six pack without losing much muscle mass (anyone). Yes, it’s hard. For me, it was the diet. But then again it made me appreciate the food more. Thank you Michael for sharing your experience and valuable knowledge! If anyone wishes to get shredded, just follow the book and don't bother searching google or YouTube for the advice.

This is a very good book. It is very detailed ad gives you all the important tips for building muscle and getting stronger. The information is based on research articles and it is very clear. It gives you real expectations and also teaches you how to tune your routine and diet depending on your goals. It is definitely a great book.