Escape Your Shape: How to Work Out Smarter, Not Harder

by Edward Jackowski

Book Overview

The Individualized Fitness Prescription for Your Body Type
Do you wonder why the latest fitness fad doesn't work for you? Have you lifted weights for months, dreaming of toned, defined muscles, with no results? Have you exercised regularly for months -- or even years -- without seeing any changes in your body? If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are your exercise routine is incomplete and wrong for your body type.
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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743211448
• ISBN13: 9780743211444
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.6" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

A Great Workout!

I started to get serious about exercising about 4 years ago. I began running on the treadmill and lifting weights a couple times a week. I became addicted to exercising after I lost 10 lbs in a month. I stuck with this workout for a few years and although I was down to my desired weight, the "problem areas" were still apparent. Frustrated, I slacked off around the holidays last year and gained 10 lbs. AHHHH! At the end of January (I'd had enough of trying to stuff my legs into my favorite jeans) 2002 I discovered Escape Your Shape. WOW! I absolutely love this book! I am an hourglass and I was doing squats and lunges as part of my routine...no wonder my legs never got any smaller. After 3 months of EYS workouts I lost 10 lbs and many inches...wearing a size 6 comfortably. I have never felt so good about myself. This is truly an amazing approach to the correct exercises for your body. I havent performed a squat in over a year! If you stick with this (its kind of tough at first) you WILL see results!

If you think about it, it makes sense

If people were exactly alike, then one type of exercise or workout would work for everyone, right? Well, we know that people are different, and so does Edward Jackowski. He classifies people into 4 different shapes: "hourglass" (gains evenly on top and bottom) "spoon" (those who are heavier on bottom than top) "cone" (top-heavy people, who are generally at higher risk for strokes and heart attacks) and "ruler" (pretty much the same measurements from chest to hips- like an hourglass but with a thicker waist). Each "shape" has exercises that are perfect for them, but there are also exercises that they should avoid. I.E. "Spoons" should never use stair climbers/steppers, walk outside or on a treadmill on an incline, do squats or lunges or rollerblade (think of those Olympic speed skaters legs!). These things will only add to the bulkiness of their bottom. Instead, they should focus on fast walking or slow jogging (without hills or incline), biking (stationery or outdoors)with light resistence only, and all variations of chin-ups, pull-ups, and push ups, just to name a few. It's amazing how easy this program is. The "work out smarter, not harder" concept proves true- you'll see results pretty quickly without having to kill yourself in the process. Buy this book and figure out what your shape is, and also learn why jumping rope is the best cardio exercise around...

Really does work...

I can't say enough great things about this book. Within the first couple of weeks of starting this program, I noticed big differences in my weight and how my body looked. The workouts are for your specific body type and they are not hard to do, nor do they require a gym membership. I have always gained and lost the same 10-15 pounds and could never rid myself of those "problem areas" even at a my healthiest weight. Now the weight is staying off and the problems areas are REALLY going away for the first time ever. I have lost around 8 pounds and even more inches. It is exciting and motivating to see this happening. This book definitely helps you get results that last. I feel healthy and strong and I love exercising -- and that is a first for me.

No Other Fitness Program Comes Close

This workout makes your shape dreams come true. I have exercised aerobically and lifted weights for over 12 years, while only bulking, and this for a female! Although I have done this for only two weeks, I have lost four pounds and one dress size. My legs and arms are slimmer! Try this one! I found a 5 pound bar at Wal-Mart that breaks down into 3 parts for [price]. Other than the expensive bar and mat, the costs associated with this program are nothing compared with a Stairmaster, gym membership, or weights. Great Program!

An easy to use and EFFECTIVE guide to fitness!

Finally, a book that offers sound, effective fitness advice. Before I had gyms, classes, and every exercise tape imaginable with no results (unless you count bulking up). Now I am losing weight and inches and look forward to my body type workout routine. Finally a great workout and RESULTS without lifting all these heavy weights. I wish I had found this sooner!If you have been working out to no avail then you have to learn to work out according to your body type. This guy knows what he is talking about plain and simple. This is a must read and the best money I have spent on fitness.