( 6 reviews )
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Posted: Feb 5 2009
Despite the goofy name, the program is very good. I've used this program many times after being derailed from regular lifting routines. The workout is in phases, which I have used as stated in phases 1 and 2. Usually by phase 3 I am well into my own adjustments, using Owen's program as a guideline. Pros: It takes you from the couch to a regular program and descent shape. Everyone comments on visible results before I can tell myself. Workout is phased and progressive Recommends alternative exercises in case you do not have some equipment available. Cons: Goofy title
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Posted: Oct 21 2006
I've got to admit that when I first saw this book in a store, I laughed to myself, "Cover Model Workout, they MUST be joking!". I thought it was the most ridiculous thing I'd ever seen! For some reason though, every time I'd see it in that same book store I was becoming more and more curious to see exactly what it was about. For kicks, I decided to look at it here and there and even looked up some reviews on Amazon. There were enough positive reviews to make me try to find out more about it. Then I decided to see if I could take it out via my local library system. I actually liked it enough to go back to that store and purchase it. I find Owen's story to be very interesting and inspiring. He definitely had more genetic difficulties to overcome than most people I know (in terms of propensity to heart problems and obesity, not to mention his spine).For a person with all that going against him to achieve a world class physique in spite of that is remarkable. It's easy for us to look at him now and think that it came easy to him, but unless he's completely making this stuff up, he had a lot to overcome. He is also brutally honest about his shortcomings of the past regarding the idiotic things he did in his younger days and how he learned to transcend them as he grew into a more mature person. As far as the workouts go, I have to admit that it's rare that I follow any particular plan in a book to the letter because I've been working out for a long time (well over twenty years). I have found that using various combinations of disciplines works best for me. I do Pilates and Yoga every day and also weight train twice a week. I do an intense upper body workout on Saturdays and then an intense leg workout on Wednesdays. I use some pretty high intensity techniques so two weight training days is all I need in addition to the daily Pilates and Yoga. My main interest in a book such as this is for extra motivation (one can never have to much of that) and I always pick up something I can use. I'm sure at some point I'll give some of those workouts a try to mix things up, though with all the Pilates I'm set in the Abs dept. Anyway, while I can't give you the play by play results from doing this workout program I found the book definitely has a lot of positives. One of the best things about it is that you get to hear from a guy who looks like a human being instead of a "juice monster". I appreciate the fact that he's truly attained his physique naturally and that the strongest supplements he recomends are Whey protein and vitamins. That sort of thing is rare in these days where "so called" natural bodybuilders are using all sorts of crap that are far from natural, perhaps they aren't illegal (yet) but they are far from natural! Also Owen's approach to eating is more of an overall approach to the subject rather than a specific food program. This makes it infinitely more practical and doable. His approach to nutrition is very similar to Baron Baptiste's in his incredible book "Journey Into Power" which is a book written about Power Yoga (though it's more of a complete healthy lifestyle approach than just a Yoga book). I've kept my weight within five pounds of my target weight for many years thanks go Baron's concepts and Owen's approach is very close. So, if you can get past the whole deal with the book being called the "Cover Model Workout", I think you'll find there's a lot of good food for thought in this book. It's written in a very conversational tone which I find makes it an enjoyable as well as informative read.
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( 1 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Apr 28 2006
I use "Body for Life" for technique and motivation; I use "Cover Model Workout" for even more motivation. Since I can't rate this "3.5 stars", I've rounded down to "3 stars"; I feel that books such as "Men's Health Belly-Off Program" and "Body for Life" have significantly raised the bar for health/fitness program books by showing many before-and-after photos of Average Joe's who've followed the program. "Cover Model Workout" mainly shows pictures of Owen McKibbin in perfect shape, who is the centerpiece of the book. If the program works, then the book should be able to present before-and-after photos of Average Joe's, while still presenting Owen McKibben as the developer/inspiration/philosopher behind the program who lends it credibility via his career and accomplishments. I'd like to see a second edition of "Cover Model Workout" with a large number of before-and-after photos of those who followed this program!
