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Core Performance Essentials: The Revolutionary Nutrition and Exercise Plan Adapted for Everyday Usex$8.99
  (16 reviews)
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Customer Reviews
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Pick what you need from this book
By A10W44E0SR5GSW on 2006-04-14
Success in a fitness program ultimately rests on a foundation of personal goals and beliefs -- yoga, with its background in Hindu philosophy and its meditative element; martial arts, with their combat, sociable competition and self-defense element; or here, author Verstegen's push for success in the "game of life." He comes across as a no-nonsense athletic coach; his experience and the tone of his writing are as such.
Why did I read this book? I've been an avid bicyclist for decades. I started yoga a few months ago, at first warily. Having started yoga, I picked up some books which describe other programs that include stretching and strengthening exercise, for purposes of comparison. I have arrived at a few conclusions:
* Most of the basic stretching exercises are similar for different disciplines; yoga, being an ancient discipline, holds the claim of originating many of them. There are variants, improvements and fads in and among all of the programs. Strengthening exercise is more varied, but all the good programs are based on a solid understanding of anatomy and physiology.
* The average US adult is so badly physically out of shape in one way or another that *any* reasonably comprehensive fitness program would effect a major improvement. (Well, I knew that already. But then, I thought *I* was in shape!)
* Ordinary daily activity -- be it bicycling or walking, or work involving physical activity, or participation in a sport -- is not a comprehensive exercise program. Complementary exercise is important. I found, for example, that my yoga practice cured the muscle imbalance and stiffness that had led to recurrent pain when bicycling.
* Basic strengthening and stretching exercises are not necessarily exciting or even enjoyable. Enjoyment is largely a function of incidentals. Do you like a particularly inspiring coach or teacher? The music in the aerobics class, if it's not so loud as to impair your auditory fitness...? (You could take earplugs.) The crowd at the gym? At the yoga class? The attention to detailed body awareness in Iyengar yoga or tai chi, so it becomes a focus of attention in itself? Will the goal of improving performance in a competitive sport keep you motivated to do other exercise? Would you enjoy the competition in karate itself? You might try different programs till you find one that works for you.
Again, I think that a person who enjoys competitive sports is probably most likely to enjoy the Core Performance Essentials book and follow its program, because Verstegen speaks in the language of the competitive athlete. I appreciate his making it clear right from the start that fitness is to be achieved only through commitment and persistence; and is not just about looking good (though you will). However, his motivational element doesn't quite click with me, on the very individual level that I've never had much interest in competitive sports, and that sharing the interest in yoga with my wife will keep me going with it.
The book expresses the author's very individual approach to fitness, but also includes copious advice on nutrition, more widely available from other sources. Still, it's useful to have the nutrition information under the same covers with the exercise information, particularly for people who start from being seriously out of shape. Vegetarians note, however: Verstegen, with his very middle-of-the-road American approach, does not describe meatless diets. Verstegen strays slightly from his rejection of the commercialization of fitness by promoting his own line of nutritional supplements a few times.
The book is heavy on motivational talk and testimonials. If I have one serious complaint, it is that I sometimes found a useful nugget of wisdom about actually what to do, only after wading through a couple of pages of repetitive pep talks. Well, a lot of people need the motivation -- let's only hope that it succeeds. For those of us who are already motivated, it's a case of pick and choose, and highlight the nuggets of wisdom and dog-ear the pages that actually show the exercises.
All in all, if this book appeals to you, you won't go wrong by following its program for physical fitness. The focus, again, is wide in addressing all components of a physical fitness program but narrow in viewing personal success as a "game." I happen to think of life more as a voyage, myself. But also, you will not find the extension to mental relaxation, or larger societal issues of harmony and sustainability, that often go with Eastern discplines and that appeal to their practicioners; depends what you are looking for.
Even if following another fitness program, you will probably learn some new things from this book, as I did. It's a quick, easy read if you are reading it just for purposes of comparison. So I recommend it, even in that case.
Core Performance Essentials
By A15MK2CHFR627M on 2007-01-15
I bought this book for my husband, because he has loved the first book written by Mark Verstegen, Core Performance (which earns 5 stars). I had hopes that this book would pick up where the other one left off and continue with updated and new stuff. It didn't really do that, Instead, it seemed to be a rehash of the first book without much new. Just a different presentation. If you haven't read the first book, then this one is excellent. However, if you have the first book already, you don't need this one because it doesn't have very much new info to share.
Great training for "the game of life"
By A22X2WR3WMXWYV on 2006-01-11
Mark Verstegen, founder of a training center serving professional athletes, uses sports training analogies for "athletes" (ordinary people) playing the most important game, the "Game of Life". The premise is that everyone needs good basic training to take good care of one's body and function well for daily activities such as unloading groceries.
Verstegen focuses on exercises to develop the "pillar" -- essentially one's core plus hips and shoulders. Functional strength needed for everyday life as well as athletics comes from developing this pillar, not from doing something very isolated like bicep curls that one might want to do for cosmetic rather than functional reasons. The author rejects "body-building-based" workouts that isolate one muscle since most movements in daily life and sports involve multiple muscle groups working together at the same time. This training supports those movements and is thus also highly efficient for developing overall functional strength and coordination.
This book is more concise than his previous book and much more well organized for beginners (probably most people). It takes you through 4 levels of increasingly challenging but similar exercises. Each level has sections such as Movement Prep, Prehab (preventing injury rather than Rehab later), Stability, and Strength.
Overall an immensely helpful fitness book for everyone from beginners to athletes. It changed my thinking about what kinds of resistance training to focus on with limited time.
Best Performance Book
By A2F30AG3LV5O17 on 2006-01-01
Core Performance Essentials is a streamlined version of Core Performance. It will bring out the athlete in you , help you move better, prevent injury and just plain feel good. Everyone from beginners to advance individuals can put some or all parts of this book into their current workout program. Coach Verstegen's unveiling of Movement Prep to the non-athletic world revolutionized how we warm up.
Core Performance Essentials is simply the best book there is for functionally performing better in life.
Movements not muscles
By AM6HEBBO6OQJE on 2007-04-06
As an educator who trains personal trainers my critique on most fitness books for the consumer is that they focus on training individual muscles; for example doing chest press just for the 'pecs'
Mark does an excellent job of introducing the concept of training movement patterns, not individual muscles--this is the secret to top conditioning coaches and Mark does an excellent job of presenting the info in consumer friendly language.
As a personal trainer I will buy this book for clients and teach them exercises out of this book so they can progress or regress the exercises on their own. My goal for clients is to teach them how to be independent when working out and Verstegen's book is a great resource for that goal.
- All you need to live longer
By A723DV4TFP1NC on 2007-03-08
Regardless of age/gender, you should buy this book. I just turned 40, have 3 kids and live a very busy lifestyle. The principles in this book are simple to understand and incorporate everyday.
This book was recommended to me by a business associate of the author. It was specifically recommended because it is the 'easiest book the author has written for incorporating fitness into the normal person's lifestyle' (i.e. for those who do NOT have the time to spend an hour or more at the gym each night). For me, the book is really two books; (1) nutrition 101 and (2) exercise for life.
For nutrition, the author makes it easy to understand the theory of nutrition (i.e. eating). He starts with theory, then grocery shopping, and then the eating schedule. This book does recommend more frequent mini-meals, rather than big dinners. Anyways, some very sound basics to answer the question of what you should put in body for maximum performance and health.
For exercise, the author asks you to commit 30 minutes a day to a core performance workout (ok, with a shower its 45 minutes). For novices, the Core is essentially your mid section (abs, stomach, butt, thigh, shoulder, back, etc.), but the program really hits every muscle group. As for the program, you can do all the exercises at home, without investing in costly equipment. The exercises focus on flexibility, endurance and strength and really do work. I started the program a little over 3 weeks ago and can already "feel" and see the difference. For the record, I've had lower back issues for 6+ years and since using the Core Performance it's never felt better. Not once have I have to 'roll out' of bed in the morning.
Live longer, feel healthier, and look better. Some motivation, 30 minutes per day, and this book are all you really need.
Thanks Mark for making professional athletic training programs applicable to the regular guy!
- This book is very motivating
By A1CFVV3TO4H804 on 2006-08-19
I like this book so much that I have already bought 5 for other people that I want to live long and strong with me, and I am buying more this week! It is very simple to read, and it is a very simple to follow plan of exercise and nutrition. It is really working for me. I highly recommend it. I like the exercises better than Pilates or Yoga and feel they are actually more effective and take less time.I love eating more often and it seems to be boosting my metabolism some.
- Very good for Jocks!
By A5P3PCCHH0IRR on 2006-03-10
I really liked how the author offers different moves to make yourself train harder without lifting heavier weights to get geart results. recommend to anyone who has been training for more than a year with basic weight training under thier belts before trying some of these exercises. I notice too you should be very warmed up before you start the polymictirc like exercises aleast here in the cold of Michigan!This book will defenitly improve your game!
- a couch potato who loves this book
By AQ3AJUCP7WL8N on 2006-04-02
This book really breaks down why and how someone can live a healthier lifestyle. It suggests foods that are truly good for you and it provides exercizes that can be done anywhere by anybody. Its great and has me motivated! I am returning and buying one for my brother.
- Another Great Program From Another Great Training Pro
By A34THL6DRER2UI on 2006-04-09
As a Pro Trainer I like the way this book goes beyond the core in areas such as nutrition, etc.
When I did the outline for Abs Of Stone - Core Of Steel, I also felt strongly about including a certain amount of nutritional guidance - it is an essential element to any training program.
This book is an excellent place for the beginner to start of properly or the on and off fitness person who wants to re-evaluate & revamp their approach to fitness training.
A must for any fitness library and any fitness enthusiast.
Joey Atlas - The Wizard of Fitness
www.AbsOfStoneCoreOfSteel.com
www.ButtHipAndThighMakeover.com
- Good book!
By A17XFC3TKFZMDZ on 2006-11-10
"Core Performance" was a great introduction to core fitness, nutrition and lifestyle. No complaints - well written, concise... good book.
- Nutrition information excellent
By A2HCFXFCSDFSEO on 2007-05-29
Nutritional information is excellent. Excercise section great if you want to get in condition - not so good if you are looking to add size.
- good workout
By A27KCA5TNOXHDE on 2007-10-18
The concepts in the book are beneficial and I definitely sweat when doing the exercises. I bought the book due to a chronic injury in the hopes of strenghten my core muscles. I think the book is worth getting and overall I would recommend it. For athletes in good shape though, you will start at level 3 or 4 and master the workout within a week or two. However, it is a good supplement to regular exercise programs.
- Great book.
By A182VQEBWTMCG8 on 2007-05-14
Good advice on diet and exercise. Quick workout for those who don't have alot of time.
- Good stuff!
By A2307CR8I3AL8H on 2007-09-27
I am always looking for a good workout and this one was simply amazing. I have been on it for 3 weeks and the results are amazing. Best thing is I am able to slot it into my busy schedule. It is also very low impact since I have bad knees and a weak back, I found this a excellent fit.
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