BookOpinion

BOOKOPINION REVIEW: The idea of shrinking my waist (and other body parts) in two weeks is definitely appealing. As someone who has exercised most of my adult life, I was really intrigued with “The 12 Second Sequence” by Jorge Cruise. And I have to tell you, I was really impressed with the indepth explanations, exercise programs and dietary info in this rather revolutionary approach to obtaining a healthy, energetic body.

Cruise believes that the key to becoming fit is resistance training but that it has to be efficient in order to develop lean muscle tissue and burn belly fat. He quickly outlines the three biggest myths about getting fit: 1. The more aerobics myth; 2. The more reps myth; and 3. The more sessions myth. Okay, toss those ideas out the window. The solution, according to Cruise, is Controlled Tension which produces full muscle saturation. This routine combines slow cadence lifting and static contraction with circuit training for a complete, full-body workout. These combined components will allow you to work your entire body in two 20-minute weekly sessions.

How to do the 12 Second Sequence is explained in thorough detail. You are provided with workout logs to ensure that you are indeed working your entire body. And you will discover how to avoid the Fat Trap, control your food portions and which foods actually act as fuel and why they are so crucial to achieving success on this program.

“12 Second Sequence” includes tons of exercises, many of which can be done with no additional equipment. You will learn how to count as you work out, how to breathe properly and at what intensity you should be working. There is also a great section of Frequently Asked Questions as well as a chapter of delicious sounding recipes. Included is an Ideal Foods List and even a Fast/Frozen Foods List for people on the go (who isn’t?) or evenings when you’re just too busy to prepare a home cooked meal.

Cruise is the author of two New York Times bestsellers, “8 Minutes in the Morning” and “The 3-Hour Diet” and coaches clients daily at 12second.com. His guest appearances include: Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, Good Morning America, Today, Dateline NBC, The View, The Tyra Banks Show and VH1. Quite impressive!

Most things that sound too good to be true…well, you know the adage. But I have to admit, “12 Second Sequence” is worth a try. The program seems to be based on solid science and is recommended by Dr. Mehmet Oz, co-author of “You: On a Diet.” At any rate, if you’re looking for an unorthodox way to get fit or just disgusted with your old routine that may not be working, then you might want to check out this book. I think I will start next week…if you decide to try it also, keep me posted, please! We can compare progress reports!

– Elizabeth Channery