Joe Manganiello

[tpumper]

Thought there was a thread about Joe (maybe under a true blood topic)..He has put out a book and the cover is an amazing shredded pic of him...http://ecx.images-amazon.com/../indexes/images/...4,203,200_.jpg

[martinp13]

Awesome body, but YIKES the hair makes me think of Annette Funicello. :/

[musclefan85]

I just finished reading the book, so if you're curious about it here's a short review.

If you want to buy it for pictures of Joe, you won't be disappointed. The middle section is all pictures of him (a mix of B&W and colour, and mostly full page) and there's pics of him showing the workout routines in the second half.

The book is mostly about a 6-week workout program dubbed "Evolution" based on everything he's learned about bodybuilding, from the philosophy of it to the actual techniques and best practices (including dietary suggestions). It says it's for any level, but it's clearly written with beginners or intermediates in mind. It includes some personal history of him to illustrate the point, which is interesting too.

A paperback version is coming later this year, but even the hardcover copy isn't too expensive online. If you're a fan of him I'd say buy it, but if you want a more comprehensive book on all things muscle building or a larger selection of workout routines you should probably look elsewhere.

As for how effective the program is, I'll let you know 6 weeks from tomorrow.

[musclefan85]

BUMP

So I'm half-way through the six week program as the last day of the week is rest day.

Weeks 1 and 2 were more "training" as the book describes so the growth is more in later weeks, but already I've seen (and felt) a difference. It's not something most would notice (especially in sweater weather), but what can you really expect in 3 weeks? I definitely look bigger than before and more ripped in the stomach, thanks to some dietary changes. My wrists, ankles and neck don't seem much bigger, but that may just be tall people problems.

The biggest difference for me is with some of my boxer briefs. They feel tighter, not in the waist, but in the the legs, which makes sense since the "dynamic warm-up" for every exercise includes plenty of lunges and squats on top of working legs twice a week.

Last night was biceps/delts and I was shocked to see my arms when I was done. Of course, 30 min later "the pump" was gone, but it's amazing what you can do with even light weights with the right routine.

I'm sticking with this workout for sure. It's the first time I've seen real progress and it's great. Truth be told, as much as I was working out and eating protein bars before, I was probably never doing it the right way to gain size. Now I am and I can't wait to see what I look like 3 weeks or 3 months from now.

[MuscleMesmerize]

Is it something you need a lot of gym equipment for, or can do at home with dumbbells, or ? Your review of the results has me interested but I am working with just a small gym in my apartment complex and what I have at home including dumbbells.

[musclefan85]

Originally Posted by MuscleMesmerize

Is it something you need a lot of gym equipment for, or can do at home with dumbbells, or ? Your review of the results has me interested but I am working with just a small gym in my apartment complex and what I have at home including dumbbells.

The exercises it gives are all based on using a professional gym, with those types of equipment. I'm in the same boat as you, so I had to make some minor modifications (like doing curls with dumbbells instead of barbells). I'm sure it's best to go to a "real" gym, but it's working for me so far even with substitutes.