My mom actually bought a copy of this book back when it came out, while I was still young enough to not have to care much about staying in shape. At the time, I did flip through it and thought the program was well-explained and seemed easy enough to pick up.
Fast forward a couple of decades and I found myself needing to do some weight training in order to build my muscle tone back up. I bought a couple of modern free weight routine books, and I found that the majority of the book (like 50% of the content or more) falls into the category of "self-help coaching." The "first you need to convince yourself that you are worth it!" and "this will make you feel empowered!" crap that I really don't need. Just the tech specs, please. When I did finally wade through all of the self-help coaching to the actual workout, it all seemed awfully familiar...because the routines are all based off of these workouts that Joyce first introduced in the 90s.
Aside from being one of the original free-weights (she gives machine equivalents, for those with gym memberships) routines, Joyce's book is just the technical info about the program and none of that extra self-help garbage.. The portions of the book that are not directly describing the weight program are examples of its effectiveness, explanations of the physiological reasons for its effectiveness, and supporting information about using proper diet and cardio to supplement the weight program.
Yes, Joyce wears those awesome extremely high-leg 90s swimsuits, but I treat the pictures as instructional diagrams, not art, so what she's wearing doesn't matter much. I've actually bought two copies of this book, because I wanted to make sure I had a backup since it is now out of print. And my mom still has her original copy and still uses it, too.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is head and shoulders above any modern equivalent!
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My “New” book had highlighting in it and nasty stains. I want my money back.
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best routine ever
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 23, 2008