Super Body, Super Brain: The Workout That Does It All Paperback – December 27, 2011

Effective and efficient content! This book delivers!ABOUT THE CONTENTIn the Introduction, Michael Gonzalez-Wallace recalls a time when his fascination with human performance aligned with the development of his fitness program, `Super Body Super Brain'. He describes observing the efficacy of specific opposite body part exercise sequences, that when elements of balance, coordination, strength-training and intent were introduced, his fitness clients learned and recalled information MUCH more quickly than their "normal workout routine(s)."I believe the author has created a proven program that is uniquely shared through its namesake book.It illustrates the what, why and how of exercising your body AND the simultaneous benefits to your brain! Anyone who has always wished they could speak with the author of a book can do so inside its pages; as his purpose for writing it and translation of its benefits are simply and effectively outlined. Through this book Mr. Gonzalez-Wallace's program has noticeably benefited my body (balance, gait speed, physical strength) and mind (organizing my thoughts quicker) from many diet and exercise recommendations.After a serendipitous discovery, I became aware of Mr.Gonzalez-Wallace's work. I had transitioned from working in corporate atmosphere to self-employment and noticed a difference in my cognition, emotion and memory. I used my research skills to look into why I didn't feel as sharp. I honed in on wanting to understand more about the brain. My thought was that if I understood it, perhaps I could maximize my ability to recall information as well as when in an office atmosphere; this time though, without the benefit of speaking "shop" with colleagues, walking, talking and being surrounded in a traditional work environment. Additionally, I wanted to structure my time so I'd stay as committed to personal exercise as if scheduled like a meeting; absent the benefit of accountability to others. I found this book not only gave me the understanding of what exercises are most "efficient", and how the brain worked, but more importantly and unexpected was discovering not only do the movements in `Super Body, Super Brain' form "new connections in the brain, they form them in regions having diverse functions, those associated with cognition, emotion, memory" AND movement! Multi-tasking doesn't have to be stress related, it can be purposefully structured for mind AND body benefits! I was moved! And remain moved! As of the day of this writing, I even found myself showing a `Super Body Super Brain' "opposite arm and leg raise" to a friend complaining of brain fog...belaboring over whether her temporary absentmindedness was from being menopausal or hormonal...and in minutes she forgot she had been "feeling foggy!" Fantastic!STRUCTUREThe book is arranged topically, making both reading and reference easy. It is informal, and suits all intended audiences. It's organized for women and men, accessible and applicable to readers at beginning, intermediate and advanced fitness levels. Now that I've read it, I am actively using it as reference at home and the gym, accompanying my cardiovascular routine (also discussed in this book).The author uses exposition (explanation, illustration and analysis) to present his subject and to clarify specific exercises. It presents the facts about the brain, body, and specific "easy-to-follow-and-master" progressive exercises and menu plans clearly and impartially, allowing your "mind-set to gradually evolve as you master each move, giving you the impetus to continue." The book's information and medical explanations are concrete, fundamental and sourced appropriately; thorough treatment and credible sources used.It's easy to read. The three varied chapters that can be read without having to read the whole book was a smart choice, although I do think most people will want to and should.HERE'S WHAT'S IN IT:**PART ONE - THE BASICS BEHIND THE BRAIN-MUSCLE CONNECTION**How the brain works in conjunction with one's body.**PART TWO - EXERCISES**The basics of exercise, mind-sets, stretching, energy boost suggestions and easy, quick steps replete with visuals.**PART THREE - EATING PLAN**Suggested food, meal plans for an optimized healthy and lean body, along with tracking tools and templates.The book's special features include client stories, exercise illustrations and quotes.OPINION:WHAT MADE THIS BOOK SPEAK?I really loved a brief summary of Ashley; a woman with an expressive language disorder; slow to get words out when her mind ran so fast. She sought Michael's program to "help her brain function with the hope her memory and communication could be restored." She, like myself noticed a change just after one month of only 10 minutes of exercise a day, "easily locating words and feeling back on track." The book, through other brief stories raise other issues common and also specific to many people; each relatable with how they achieved better health of mind and body. While one book cannot address each medical situation, it does address how it maximizes the body and brain, succinctly different from any other health related book or program I've read about, researched or practiced.This is not a novel, however, where "interest and enjoyment" are primary. This is a "self-help" body and brain transformation guide, using opposite body parts, while addressing each part of the brain where your mind-set is transformed making each movement fun, worthwhile and count. Like Part One mentions, "Every man can, if he so desires, become the sculptor of his own brain."OVERALLPrevious ideas I had on the subject of diet and exercise have changed. I respect my brain/mind and how it specifically interacts with the body. I've abandoned trying to "get in the mood" to exercise and feeling guilty if I haven't. Rather, I move and let the "mood" then catch up...and inherently a positive one is always the result; a mind-set also reinforced due to this book.I highly recommend `Super Body, Super Brain' in addition to following the author's tips on his website and/or social networking resources. His tips and accessibility add even that much more value if you have specific questions such as when is the best time to exercise, and whether and what to eat before hand, yet most questions are all addressed in the book without it being lengthy.Point on! Get, read and use this book!

The author has taken a different approach to fitness by focusing on exercises that would also stimulate your motor circuits within the brain. His long narrative regarding the connection between body movements and brain stimulation supported by neuroscience was my favorite part of the book (even though I do express later a bit of reservation due to the occasional lack of supporting references) .When it came to his presenting his exercise program, I found it overwhelming. His five exercises levels (The Owl, The Hawk, The Eagle, The Tiger, and 5+ Workouts) appear to repeat and overlap a lot. From a book presentation standpoint, I wonder if one single exercise program would have been clearer than five overlapping ones. This single program could so easily be tiered to as many levels as you want through increase in repetition, length of exercises, increase in weights, speed of frequency. And, a slight differentiation by gender or various age groups could also readily be customized along the mentioned four dimensions. This would have shorten the book by tens of pages, and potentially improved the impact of the overall message.Similarly, near the end the bunch of pages dedicated to specific recipes seem like a mixture between an overkill and being somewhat out of place. A list of great foods to eat and bad foods to avoid would have sufficed.Regarding the brain benefits, I find much of the presentation on the subject not always supported by enough relevant references. I have no doubt that these exercises will help your brain function in terms of motor skills, coordination, balance, timing. I am not entirely convinced that these benefits will extend to focus, critical thinking, problem solving, and learning ability. At times, the author seems to hype a bit the concept the “Super Brain” concept and expand it from strictly motor skills to truly intellectual cognitive skills.In view of the above, the book’s length could have been nearly halved while not losing anything in its effectiveness.This does not mean the book is mediocre. It is actually really interesting. His approach is rather unique. His advice makes good sense. The exercises look safe, helpful, useful, and effective.I am updating my review a few months later for a third time. Now, that I understand the program much better I have also used it in a pretty creative way. I often do two different routines/levels in the same day. I also use different weights for different exercises. For the exercises that are challenging on the upper body I use lighter weights to avoid excessive stress and injuries. For exercises that are much easier I use heavier weights to buidl strength. Also, I often do many more repetitions than the program calls for. So, the 10 minute work out can turn into a 15 minute one. At times, I may break the 15 minute into two 7.5 minute half session to complete a level about an hour apart from each other. Whenever I do the repetitions I always do at least one or two of them very slowly to enhance my body muscle control and balance. At times, when an exercise appear easy I do the exercise with my eyes closed. As implemented, this program is very flexible, creative, spontaneous, and fun. And, you can readily cater it to whatever skill or strength level you want. This book is like the best gym in your pocket. And, all you need is a couple of sets of bar bels that you can readily get at Target for a few dollars.

Item Arrived. Happy.

This is a great informative book on the science of how the brain works plus the exercises are given both with pictures and words. Don't be fooled by how simple the exercises look, it's only when you start doing them that you realise they are quite challenging and you find out how hard you have to work to do them.

Handbook u need it . Amazing write up by the authour . Different thinking . Keeps us motivated. Train urself and others differently. Brain is all u need keep it more power nd more capable . On time delivery of Amazon. Love it . Waiting for more write ups by Michael Gonzalez-Wallace the author nd founder of super body super brain

Great program. Check out the website as well

Super Explanations Really benefitedHelped to contain my gait issue not solved by any drug so far

too much unnecessary information