The Little Black Book of Workout Motivation (The Bigger Leaner Stronger Series 5)

I really recommend this book to anyone who is serious about building a better self, over years I have searched for meaning in my life, through spirituality, self-help, and motivational videos. Something was missing, the kickstart to do something to live a better life. I’ve already read Bigger Leaner Stronger; I’m an assiduous reader of Muscle for Life/Legion Athletics articles, I listen every day Mike’s podcast (when it isn’t something new I play old episodes!) Through Mike, I discover books like Principles (Ray Dalio), very interesting life stories like J. D. Rockefeller, Nicola Tesla, Michael Angelo and best of all Alexander the Great. I also get to know weightlifting authority M. Rippetoe (Starting Strength) and Strauss Zelnick among many others. For this new book, in particular, I bought the physical copy, kindle and audible, planning to have a copy anytime I need it. Something I enjoy is that Mike read his own book and I feel I’m reading altogether with a training partner. I just turn 40 and I realize that I need to start building a better future. All the insights I found in Mike's book were eye-opening to me. I never found a method or even a guide with serious bases to start building and kick me into action, everything was a wishful list of philosophical enunciates. In the LBBWM I found what I think I need it, I struggle every day to achieve my dreams, sometimes blindfolded without a plan. Now I have something to use as a personal guide, to build a better me, at home, at work, at the gym, at life. Give it a try, I'm certain you wouldn't regret. I’m building my own home gym, so I’m done with reading for now and start lifting some weights. I’m planning to take the MFL coaching service to clear some doubts about training and dieting, I think it’s going to be a great help. With a great surprise, I found a special gift at the end of the book, I’m not going to spoil the surprise, but I really like it and I’m working on that now. Well done Mike! Thank you for helping us to achieve our better self! :-)

Allow me to preface this review by saying that I've read a LOT of personal development and workout books. I'm the Director of Content for a major self help podcast and have (quite literally) listened to over 400+ expert interviews, read 500+ books, and read an incalculable number of articles on the topics Mike discusses throughout his book. So when I say that Mike BLEW me away with this book, you can rest assured that my endorsement actually carries some weight. Unlike many of the so-called "Gurus" and "Experts" Mike doesn't fill his book with pseudoscientific b.s. or hide behind his (admittedly impressive) credentials so that he can profit by feeding you regurgitated platitudes and vannila life advice. No... This book is chocked to the brim with the latest scientific evidence and research for getting the most out of yourself in the gym and in life. Mike is a masterful wordsmith who manages to beautifully weave together some of the more important concepts and ideas that you need to know to change your life in a way that is approachable, digestible, and immediately actionable. He's like the Breville Juicer Elite of the fitness world... The man knows how to take an important topic and squeeze everything out of it until you're left with only the purest and most nutritious parts. If you're struggling to get motivated, stay disciplined, and generally get your sh... stuff together, read this book. DO IT NAUW!

Actionable and simple steps at the end of every chapter- much more than a work out book- you could remove "workout" from the title and the concepts apply to everyone. There were a few slow chapters that I didn't find all that personally beneficial in the middle, but quick review. The last chapter was worth the price of the book alone- I've re-read the last chapter and had friends and family read it- it is excellent.

Back in 2012 I purchased a fitness book with only a few reviews on Amazon. A year previously I had started working out again and had made some good gains initially but had hit a major plateau. That book was Bigger, Leaner, Stronger by Michael Matthews and by following it’s workout and diet program to the letter I gained 30lbs of lean muscle bringing my body weight up from 165lbs to 195lbs. In doing so I became a fan of Mike and started reading his website religiously and following him on social media. If I could sum up his style in both the fitness arena and in life it would be that he will tell you exactly what you need to do but not what you want to hear. For example his workout program is tough. There isn’t a day that you aren’t doing some heaving pushing, pulling, and squatting movements. That can be off putting to people who just go to the gym to socialize and get a pump but it’s exactly what’s required to get results. This book on self-improvement and motivation is no different. You will be asked to write action steps down, be mindful of negative habits and thought patterns, and most importantly to put his recommendations into action which requires hard work and new ways of both living and looking at life. This isn’t a book like “The Secret” that tells you that life is amazing and all you need to do is think about attracting success and eventually the universe will send success your way in abundance. This book is the anti-The Secret. It will tell you how to get your hands dirty, get a little crazy, and put some steel in your spine to go after the things that will truly improve your life. The thing is if you literally did the things he recommends I don’t see how you could fail. It’s just like his workout program. You’re going to be doing some simple and basic things that truly make a difference but you’re going to put so much effort and hard work into them that results are almost guaranteed. So in short read this book. Read his workout books and his website. Don’t think you know more than him and give his recommendations a shot and I promise you will not be disappointed.

The title of this review says it all. This book will send you on an ascending trajectory no matter who you are and what you want to achieve. That's all there is to it. This will be the best $20 (it's not even $20 I'm rounding off!!) you will ever spend ON YOURSELF because that is money invested in you from which you will reap never-ending benefits for years to come. I cannot begin to tell you how worthwhile this book is. Read it cover to cover, and I promise, you will at least find one nugget that will work for you, and which will grow into this virtuous circle and you will come back to it for more nuggets, and before you know it, you will find yourself better every day from it and crushing goal after goal. And while you're on Amazon, do yourself a favor and buy also a nice highlighter, some sort of page markers, a pencil (to take short notes in the book itself) and a notebook (to write down comments outside of it!). I have discovered Mike Matthews about 16 months ago and slowly but surely been following his advice. Every cent cent I spent on his products paid dividends by the 100 fold and I today feel and look better at 40 than I ever did my twenties or thirties. Why are you still here reading me? Push the "Buy this now" button already:) ps: Just in case you're suspicious, this is my honest opinion, I'm not affiliated with M. Matthews or Amazon whatsoever - that stuff just WORKS and he deserves loud shout-outs and credits for doing all the hard work for us, and yeah, the money too!!! He's like the mother penguin that does that thing for her kid. Wait, never mind, that's kinda gross ahhhaha. Go buy the dang book already : ) I promise you, you won't regret it! I am amazed and appalled there are only 49 reviews about it!! There should be thousands of it!

There's some good self-help and pop psychology content here if that's what you're looking for -- I particularly liked the written exercise at the end of the first chapter -- but I noticed several red flags by the time I got to the third: an overall condescending attitude toward typical positive reinforcement methods (especially true in the audiobook read by the author), idealization of controversial conservative figures like Elon Musk & Jordan Peterson, repeated cross-promotion of JP's books, and a wild week-long "pain detox" plan at the end of the second chapter. If you're trying to build a healthy exercise habit and looking for a book to read, I would recommend something like Atomic Habits by James Clear.

I have been having a lot of personal issues in my life happening all at once, including depression. It had been affecting my workout routine. I have trained for close to 3 years with a power lifter competitor, who is now a friends, and has taught me a lot, I have trained on my own, tried online trainers....the works. But it never stuck. I have recently lost all motivation in many avenues of my life. I had been going over ways I can try and get motivated again and it just so happened that this book showed up on amazon. I read the reviews and took a chance and bought it. I finished it within two days. Some of things he wrote I am guilty of doing (making excuses, finding ways to not do stuff, etc.). I almost wanted to crawl into a hole because I felt like I had been caught red-handed! I kept reading though because his writing was compelling, honest, and a very clear reflection of the things I have done to prevent myself from achieving things I have always visualized but never worked towards. Yes, it does make me a little emotional because aside from wanting to have a healthy body, and wanting to feel happy at what I see, it has also pushed me even more to seek help for my depression. The help is already in the works but reading this is helping me see a little clearer and is positive reinforcement for me mentally and emotionally. This is probably too deep for a book review but I don't care. He asked to review his book after reading it and this is my honest opinion. Now I just need to figure out if I should get Bigger, Leaner, Stronger, or the 1 Year Challenge. I am not sure which I should do first. Thank you Michael Matthews.

This is a gem, like all this author's books. Good, effective practical advice that cuts out bs. Honest in tone without a spin or slimy sales pitch. Thank you.

This book has proved to be a game changer for me. It's helped me focus and sharpen up my goals and set in place realistic plans of action. In it Mike Matthew's has helped me identify and tackle the resistance I get every time I do something that's challenging and now I relish that tsunami of negativity because I know it's means that the breakthrough is going to be AMAZING. Through it I've also seen how 'moaning' is a terrible habit I have and I've put the rubber band on my wrist and I'm determined it'll be off in 21 days, a BRILLIANT idea Mike, thanks. The pre-morten idea is genius and it's helped me pre-empt the behaviours and attitudes that I have that might sabotage my efforts. My 'hero' is the Buddha and Mike shows a unique way to tap into what you admire in your hero to give energy and momentum to your efforts. The idea around the 40% rule is a revelation. I know I can do better in the gym but it's my attitude and mental approach that's limiting. The 40% idea helperd me see that and now I know it's part of my 'resistance profile', so can tackle it to get good results. The book doesn't spout over emotional, idealistic and airy fairy mindsets. It's very practical and rooted, as shown in the chapters on the positivity paradox and the myth of the self made man. Mike's approach is also direct and affirming. The chapter on 'shut up and train' is great. So I'll stop typing and will do just that! Buy this book and do EVERYTHING it recommends. It's the best £15 I've ever spent! Read it and make it your own!

What an articulate and intelligent writer he is!! Wow! He's 20 times a better writer than I could ever be, and I didn't think I was bad. And his main strength is supposed to be as a fitness trainer! And I think he is trying to help mankind. My motivation to train with purpose has already changed for the better. Thank you very much.

This was a suprisingly great book. I read a lot of motivational books as well anything to do with fitness, wellness, nutrition and longevity. But i have to say if i had to pick one, this one would be top 3. Clear purchase recommendation :)

This book is very well written and focuses on action, not just motivational talk. What I liked most is that the exercises actually work if you apply them. I’ve learned a lot and used nearly every concept, and it’s had a real impact on my mindset and daily habits. My outlook on life feels more positive, and for the first time in years, I genuinely enjoy going to the gym instead of dreading it. The advice is practical and easy to follow, and there’s something useful in here for everyone.

Excelente