Beyond Basic Training: Fitness Strategies for Men

by Jon Giswold

Book Overview

Beyond Basic Training is a guidebook to a fully integrated program that synthesizes core training with the new fitness trends of the twenty-first century. Giswold cuts right to the chase, encouraging... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312307551
• ISBN13: 9780312307554
• Release Date: November 2003
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 2.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.6" x 11.3"

Customer Reviews

Being all they can be

Like in the first book, "Basic Training," the author and photographer here have a sense for the same kind of soft-core male anatomy shot that makes catalogs from major clothing firms sell so well. There are very stylish and polished black-and-white photographs throughout the pages, not necessarily demonstrating the particular exercises, but in those kinds of poses that range from the high art (a chiseled black man standing against a white background holding up a big gray globe, various angles of stretches and the kind, etc.) to the "we're just having fun" shots of men running across a field or other similar photographs. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with these, and there is nothing overtly pornographic about these photographs, just rather titillating and artistically edging toward to the sexual. This is not a book that is purchased for the exercises per se, as the workouts and nutrition information and other stuff, while basic and good, are not particularly inspired. The inspiring part is the layout, designs and photographs. There are workouts listed that probably make for decent programs, but they don't really have the promise of turning a mid-30s body like mine into the image of the Greek gods in grayscale that adorn these pages. Still, I do find that I am more "inspired" to work out in the hope, going ever more to the unreachable dream, that my physique might be more like theirs. This book is less about actual workouts, even in the articles, but more about overall philosophy of well-being. Still, I like having this book, and hope to purchase their second book. Just for the articles, you know.

I find this book very helpful

I have read both of Jon Giswold's books...Basic Training and Beyond Basic Training and have found both to be informative and helpful in creating my own fitness plan. Jon obviously knows a lot about fitness and he explains it in a way that makes it accessible for everyone. I just read the review from "revolted" and am surprised anyone could get so angry because of a few photos that show well-built young guys. The photos give me inspiration and I don't think they are any more sexual than many of the photos in clothing catalogues. I respect this reader's right to have his opinion that he doesn't like the book, but I don't know why he has to be so mean spirited. My advice to men who are interested in learning about fitness and/or to the women who want to help get their partner in shape: This book offers a lot of good advice.

Goes above and beyond

I already had a copy of "Basic Training," Jon's first book, and so I picked this one up without hesitation. Whereas "Basic Training" is a good starting point, this book easily picks up where the first left off, taking topics like emotional well-being, diet and the more esoteric topics that guys who want to jump in and get going at the gym are likely to overlook.Jon gives a good look at some other forms of exercise, including yoga and stretching, as valuable additions to a fitness "repertoire." The book isn't focused entirely on training--thus the title "Beyond Basic Training," and making it much more valuable than any of the countless exercise titles out there.

Beyond Inspiring!

I didn't think anything could be more inspiring than Jon Giswold's first book Basic Training, but his latest installment is BEYOND INSPIRING. Beyond Basic Training gives great in depth details of various types of training that can make a real difference. Jon gives excellent explanations of what works and why. Jon also does an amazing job giving tips for how to get a thorough workout at home. The photos by Augustus Butera are beautiful and clearly illustrate the how to's of all the exercises. But to be totally honest, what really got me and kept me glued was Jon's courage in sharing his personal story of triumph over adversity. For me reading those few pages made all the difference. His moving account gave me so much more respect for Jon and his work on this book and Basic Training. KUDOS, Jon and Augusts. This is a must read and see for anyone struggling with self-image and/or training issues.

Great Guide!

My husband and I both have utilized a lot of training advice and inspiration from Jon's first book "Basic Training". So, when I saw "Beyond Basic Training", I didn't hesitate to purchase it as I knew it would be an excellent guide for my husband. But, what I didn't count on, was how much I would also enjoy this book. Thanks, Jon-you've done it again!