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As an avid runner and gym rat, I thought I’d read almost all of the quality fitness books out there; and there are so many. So what could a top hip-hop artist, along with his personal trainer and a nutritionist possibly add to the mix? Actually, quite a lot. LL Cool J’s Platinum Workout is one of the most comprehensive, yet easy to read fitness books on the market.
The book’s four-phase progressive program is designed to give you a tight, chiseled body. Clean out that fridge in the “The Bronze Body” phase—a 4-week beginners’ program. Then get into the nitty-gritty in the 5-week “Silver Body” phase. You’ll take it up several notches in the advanced 9-week “Gold Body” stage. For those who can handle it, there’s the 3-week hardcore “Platinum Body” phase. He also includes a 4-week “Diamond Program,” especially designed for women, though I think that motivated women would fare better on the general program.
LL takes the beginner’s hand and leads you in starting an effective exercise and nutrition program. He even gives you a “Week 1 checklist.” But he doesn’t kid around. You must join a gym and eat your veggies. Workouts are designed to be the most effective in a minimal amount of time. LL’s trainer, Dave “Scooter” Honig, shortens rest periods and uses interval training for maximum efficiency. Nutritionist Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD explains what—and what not—to put in your body. After all, they acknowledge that nutrition is the key element of a fit body. The included food chart, broken out by types of protein, carbohydrates, and fats makes it easy. I only wish that it was a clip-out, so I could tape it on my refrigerator to prompt my family—because even we runners need to be reminded to go easy on the white rice and to fill half of our plate with vegetables of different colors. Simple menus and even a few recipes are included, along with tips on how to order at restaurants. The book even acknowledges probable pitfalls and gives advice on how to recover from them. To help you stay on track, you’ll also find motivational tips sprinkled throughout the book.
Even those of us who have been working out for years will enjoy a unique perspective to spice up our workouts. After all, we need to constantly tweak our program and surprise our body with variety in order to obtain optimum fitness levels. The photographs and explanations of the exercises are adequately detailed, and LL even provides specific cardio and weight-bearing exercises to do each day. How simple can it get?
If you’re just beginning a fitness program, or even if you’re an intermediate body builder who’s looking for a kick in the butt and a deviation from your usual, humdrum program, you won’t be disappointed with LL Cool J’s Platinum Workout.
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