Evolution: The Cutting Edge Guide to Breaking Down Mental Walls and Building the Body You've Always Wanted Hardcover – December 3, 2013

Inspiring book. While I am still nowhere near on how Joe looks like, but his story inspires myself to just work hard at it, keep your focus straight and your heart pure - you will get it.

Long story short, 'Evolution' is a short blog-style autobio of author/actor Joe Manganiello, written in order to inspire and motivate. Writing is a bit dry, akin to the same 'blogger' style writing as Mark Cuban's book, but it wasn't meant to be THAT eloquent anyway, so no big deal.The workout protocol is simple, yet effective. If you're looking for something very complex, cutting-edge, or something you've never seen before, you're going to be disappointed. The program bears a VERY striking resemblance to the DTP Protocol created by Kris Gethin (see bodybuilding.com). I doubt there's any intentional plagiarizing here; I think it's just that great minds think alike. At least I know the program will work, because I've done similar before with good results.Nutrition is where it gets a bit bare-bones, and that's where I see the book falling a bit short. Now, I doubt the author is a nutritionist, so a part of me is glad he doesn't try to be, but the chapter is about what foods to eat a lot of, and what to avoid. Many trainers would STILL recommend creating a diet plan with a good estimate on calories, and macronutrients, to take in each day. If you want a good diet plan to supplement this type of workout program, I'd once again look into Kris Gethin's DTP nutrition plan. There's enough similarities to make it compatible.The real value of the book comes from the mental development, written in simplest terms, based on the authors experience. Too many times fitness books will go into the program and nutrition, and skip the mental and emotional development altogether. This book is one of those few books that can fill in the gap. It isn't Dr. Wayne Dyer or Deepak Chopra, by any stretch, but what it lacks in depth, this section of the book makes up for in practicality.So overall, not a bad book. I actually looked into this book ironically, because I dated a girl who had a celebrity crush on him. I took a peek after we broke up, just to see what's so appealing about this guy... and I was left pleasantly surprised. A decent kindle purchase overall, and I'm glad I did it.

I learned about this book during a recent obsession with Joe Manganiello's amazing roles on True Blood and Magic Mike XXL :) After reading an excerpt in the book, I was surprised to find out he has not always been his amazing and fit. He mentioned that he was cursed with long limbs which made it hard to build muscle and get the strength and definition he wanted. My husband is also tall, "cursed with long limbs" - he is 6'7" with great proportion, but has always had difficulty building chest and back strength and definition. He is incredibly fit, has trained with triathlon groups, plays basketball with ex-pro-players are our gym. Luckily for a tall man, he is well proportioned in that he isn't lanky, but again he lacked the definition.I mentioned this book to my husband. He is always open to new ways of fitness, and yes he was aware of my JM obsession. He started the workout plan. After his first workout, he said he liked it - he has been working out for well over 20 years, but he said the combinations were fresh and the format of the workout allowed for maximum blood flow to the working muscle which gave him a really pumped look during and after the workout. After the first full week, we saw amazing definition in his arms and shoulders. By week two, his back and legs had definition popping left and right. And by week three his chest, which has never had any kind of definition, popped.After week three, he had a long work trip to China, where his workout schedule was interrupted by jet lag and lack of facilities. When he got home, he went back to week one and is continuing to see results. Keep in mind he hasn't made any adjustments to his eating (although we are fairly healthy eaters and always include healthy proteins in every meal and snack) so his results were strictly from the workouts.Overall I would recommend this book for anyone, male or female, looking for new ideas on how to build muscle and definition. I would love to see Joe (yes, we are on a first name basis now!) come out with a book for females and also come up with ideas on how to get the workouts done when you are on the road.

Let's be honest . . . most people looking at buying and reading this type of book are looking for inspiration, nutrition or workout help. Theres bits and bobs of that here but it really lacks depth in any one of these areas and if I'm being candid it seems like the most important thing to the publisher was just getting Joe hot and sweaty in pictures for his thirsty fan base. The facts are this is a very super basic read (maybe a day as there's lots of pictures) and will offer you nothing more than a basic google search engine. Just did not deliver for me.

All-in-all useful and eye-opening but nothing ground-breaking.This was an interesting read but had a few contradictions - namely how bad protein bars and protein shakes are then advocating them in a daily diet (sponsorship kick-back?) and the lack of sweet tooth growing up followed by a craving for all things sweet on the set of True Blood.

A brilliant book for the beginner/intermediate and expert alike. A bit of everything to challenge even the most intense gym rat! Good advice on supplements and nutrition too. Reliable and no punches pulled.

Fantastic book, exercises not for beginners, easy to follow, good illustration.

Just what I wanted!! Great price, better product!