Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #507994 in Books
• Published on: 2004-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 304 pages

Customer Reviews

Very good all over programme - recommended
I am currently doing the 12 week programme that this book recommends. I've had problems with lower back pain and a tendency to pull muscles in my upper back and shoulders when playing squash, tennis, etc. I bought this book on the recommendation of a chap who is into endurance events as a way to build core strength. I must say that so far after a couple of weeks, it is giving me a really effective all over workout.

I'm into mountain-biking, walking & racket sports. With this workout, I'm working muscle groups that I don't normally use which is helping me develop this Core Strength. The workout itself is really hard work and needs to be approached with a positive mind as it takes some time initially to learn the new exercises. I disagree with the comment from the other reviewer about it being too complex - the exercises as with all exercise takes a while to get the right form, e.g. if anyone has done squats or lunges, there's a good way and there's a bad way - it's the same with these exercises.
The 12 week plan itself takes a bit of understanding but once you start doing it, it makes sense. You can do it in the times that it suggests, 45 mins to 1 hr but you have to work hard to do it which is what the author talks about - really pushing it.

So, overall, an excellent book - I've learnt a lot about my body and how it works and can feel the difference. Give it a go if you really want to improve your core fitness, strength & flexibility. The accompanying photos are well-taken and the associated descriptions are relatively easy to follow. It will take time to get used to the exercise but hey, you didn't expect it to be the same as everything else you've done!
Finally it's definitely hard work doing it properly and is easiest done in the gym where you have access to a physio ball, cardio machines and weights unless you've got a nice set-up.

Overly Complicated
Great if you are a full time athlete but If you are shopping for fitness material on Amazon you are more likely to be a keen amateur like myself. This book contains some very good material but fails to bring it together in a practical user friendly way.
I have taken some of the exercises and used them but the training programs in the book are overly complicated and time consuming despite the guidelines given.

A balanced and realistic workout.
At last a workout program that has something new to offer, if you want a book to tell you how to do the basics then there are many out there that will tell you how to do the same exersices in similar formats. Many books tell you they are revolutionary, this book is. Some of the exercises are pretty weird and you may feel self concious to start with but this well rounded workout will allow you reach the next level of conditioning.

Some say the exercises are too complicated but I say that if you want the same results as the guy next to you in the gym, big muscles that are functionally useless then go ahead and don't get this book. If however you are interested in building a beautifully balanced body then step this way.

Core Performance offers a comprehensive workout plan that includes functional warm-ups, diet plan, stretching, weights, energy development (another phrase for cardio) and how to rest effectively all written by a true expert in the field (Mark is Men's health's muscle man).