Author’s credentials: Military Special Operations Officer, Military Physical Training Specialist, Special Operations Combat Controller, Triathlete, and Muay Thai Champion
There’s no question that Lauren is a fitness guru. In his second chapter “How I got Here” he outlines his military experience and recounts the grueling all day exercise routine that caused an 85% attrition rate in his particular branch. After one failed attempt, Lauren graduated and went on to break the U.S. military’s underwater distance swim swimming 133 meters in 2 minutes and 23 seconds, a record he holds to this day. Content of this book aside, Mark Lauren has accomplished more in fitness feats in his 38 years of life than most fitness professionals would aspire to in a lifetime.
Book’s Fitness Focus: More efficient and shorter workouts using only bodyweight exercises
Most of the books fitness theory is found in chapters 5 and 9. Chapter 5 defines fitness in a way that should not come as a surprise to any fitness enthusiast. His definition includes: power, flexibility, speed, etc.
Chapter 9 describes training intensity in which he explains to readers the importance of workout intensity and why there is no need for workouts to exceed 30 minutes.
Accessibility and Theory: Program is intended for layperson
What makes this program so accessible is: the no equipment necessary approach to fitness, the brevity of suggested workouts, and the balanced lifestyle he suggests. The last of these features is evident in his nutrition chapter. Rather than proposing a new diet, he seems to suggest simply eating healthy tips that can be taken to different degrees depending on the reader’s commitment to fitness.
Format: First 52 pages (10 chapters) are Lauren’s own fitness theory and the next 119 pages (Chapter 11) provides picture demonstrations of over 110 bodyweight exercises
The first part of the book is written in paragraph format introducing the reader to fitness. With its basic ideas it is best for beginners, but is a good refresher for advanced athletes providing another, less demanding, angle on fitness in addition to some interesting facts that should allow you to further fine-tune your own training.
Overall rating: Two thumbs up
A must read for anyone who actually likes reading on fitness (I might be the only one XP) or just wants a practical approach to getting fit. In either case, this book will be another weapon in your fitness arsenal of knowledge that will help you take it to the next level!
