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Man 2.0: Engineering the Alpha: Unlock the Secret to Burn Fat Faster, Build More Muscle, Have Better Sex and Become the Best Version of Yourself
What would you say if you knew there was ONE solution to every man's most vexing problems?
- Bigger muscles? Easy.
- Less fat? Check.
- More intelligence? No problem.
- Eating pizza, burgers, drinking beer and being strong, fit and lean? Of course.
- A wild sex life? Yes, there's drugs-free fix for that too.
The solution is in this book. Written by health pioneers and advisors to key influencers, including Tim Ferriss and Gary Vaynerchuk, Man 2.0 presents a unique 4-week diet and fitness plan to make you look and feel like the man you want to be.
Clear and simple, the authors' game-changing plan is the culmination of 10 years of work and research into the science of natural hormone optimisation. It involves a combination of intermittent fasting, carbs and calorie cycling, macronutrient manipulation, a targeted fitness regime (no more endless exercising) and a weekly overeating day. Within the first week you will feel better in terms of brain functioning, energy and sex drive; within two you will start to notice fat loss; and by the end of four weeks you can expect to have lost an average of 8-11lbs (3-5kg) of fat and gained about 1-3lbs (�-1 �kg) of muscle.
Man 2.0 is not just about getting quick results: it presents a whole new way of life. It offers a cutting-edge look at the future of health and the key to how every man can become the person he (and the people he loves) wants to be.
- Bigger muscles? Easy.
- Less fat? Check.
- More intelligence? No problem.
- Eating pizza, burgers, drinking beer and being strong, fit and lean? Of course.
- A wild sex life? Yes, there's drugs-free fix for that too.
The solution is in this book. Written by health pioneers and advisors to key influencers, including Tim Ferriss and Gary Vaynerchuk, Man 2.0 presents a unique 4-week diet and fitness plan to make you look and feel like the man you want to be.
Clear and simple, the authors' game-changing plan is the culmination of 10 years of work and research into the science of natural hormone optimisation. It involves a combination of intermittent fasting, carbs and calorie cycling, macronutrient manipulation, a targeted fitness regime (no more endless exercising) and a weekly overeating day. Within the first week you will feel better in terms of brain functioning, energy and sex drive; within two you will start to notice fat loss; and by the end of four weeks you can expect to have lost an average of 8-11lbs (3-5kg) of fat and gained about 1-3lbs (�-1 �kg) of muscle.
Man 2.0 is not just about getting quick results: it presents a whole new way of life. It offers a cutting-edge look at the future of health and the key to how every man can become the person he (and the people he loves) wants to be.
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2013
215 people are currently reading
1139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
April 24, 2013
Men's Health with more swearing. Rambling pseudo-motivational-speaker style, with awful mangling of the science (see the treatment of insulin or brown fat for starters). If you know anything about diet or training, there is nothing here for you.
April 2, 2015
embarrassing. i got lost in the rio grande valley and started the book, forced myself to get through the whole thing in an act of self-hatred. i don't know what i expected.
the first 80% of the book is: fuck fuck hormones fuck awesome awesome hormones tyler durden awesome trust us awesome fuck read this book testosterone awesome sex kierkegaard awesome testosterone trust us read this book awesome hormones joseph campbell awesome star wars hormones trust us awesome amazing awesome fuck hormones hormones hormones fuck awesome read this book.
it is like an extended advertisement, trying to convince me to buy a book that i'm already almost done with.
is it because you know that i didn't buy it?? how did you know? amazing! awesome!
just kidding, this isn't actually a book, it is a ten page article where the words have been copied and pasted until it reached book length.
the first 80% of the book is: fuck fuck hormones fuck awesome awesome hormones tyler durden awesome trust us awesome fuck read this book testosterone awesome sex kierkegaard awesome testosterone trust us read this book awesome hormones joseph campbell awesome star wars hormones trust us awesome amazing awesome fuck hormones hormones hormones fuck awesome read this book.
it is like an extended advertisement, trying to convince me to buy a book that i'm already almost done with.
is it because you know that i didn't buy it?? how did you know? amazing! awesome!
just kidding, this isn't actually a book, it is a ten page article where the words have been copied and pasted until it reached book length.
April 25, 2013
This book left me a bit torn on what to think of it. I honestly am in good shape and needed another fitness/nutrition book like a kick in the balls. I picked it up anyway after I saw his interview with Sean Croxton.
The book offers plenty of insight that a newbie to fitness (or someone set in the old whole grain/killer cardio world) could benefit from. Furthermore, it lays out a very firm set of guidelines and a plan that most books of this nature lack.
The problem I have is the "bro" mentality. It's awful. If you wanna get drunk, sit down and take a shot every time he says "Shredded" or mentions having the privilege of taking off his shirt that is one size to small. This kind of talk MIGHT work on the Tucker Max crowd, but it really undermines any seriousness the book carries. I'm currently at about 12% body fat and am going to do his entire plan to see what happens. I will update this when I'm "Alpha like a boss" or whatever such jargon he wants to use.
The book offers plenty of insight that a newbie to fitness (or someone set in the old whole grain/killer cardio world) could benefit from. Furthermore, it lays out a very firm set of guidelines and a plan that most books of this nature lack.
The problem I have is the "bro" mentality. It's awful. If you wanna get drunk, sit down and take a shot every time he says "Shredded" or mentions having the privilege of taking off his shirt that is one size to small. This kind of talk MIGHT work on the Tucker Max crowd, but it really undermines any seriousness the book carries. I'm currently at about 12% body fat and am going to do his entire plan to see what happens. I will update this when I'm "Alpha like a boss" or whatever such jargon he wants to use.
December 26, 2016
I met John a few months ago, and we instantly bonded over our mutual love of steak & philosophy. That is pretty much the only reason I purchased and read this book. I'm going to be honest: I was not expecting to like it very much, especially as a nutritional therapy practitioner & powerlifter. I was expecting more of the same bodybuilding bro-science-calories-in-calories-out BS, just executed with much better writing (John's an excellent writer). I was blown away. It far surpassed any other diet/lifting book I've read in the genre and I would go so far as to say this is the PERFECT book for any man or male-identifying person that feels like his life and his body are out of control and even working against him. This book is about so much more than diet and exercise; it's about becoming the best (the alpha) version of yourself; defining and building the Alpha in you. Though I don't love ALL of the nutritional advice, the program in the book is based on good science and is a very solid place to start (perhaps with a little nutritional therapy added in, I must say, haha!) and I believe will absolutely give almost any man or male-identifying person results in energy, fat loss, hormonal/testosterone/sex drive or body composition improvements. Check it out for sure!
May 24, 2013
I am so not the target audience. For starters I lack the Y chromosome ;-)
I also already eat a very healthy diet, lift pretty heavy weights and read up quite a bit about working out, diet and sleep over the years.
That said, I still found this book interesting as it combines a lot of information that is out there in one place and presents it relatively simply. I even picked up a few things that were new to me, especially regarding nutrition and hormones which I will certainly research more in-depth.
I quite liked the so-called 'bro' tone and I approve of any book that uses the word F*ck liberally, it made for an easy read and will certainly appeal to the male target audience. Personally I could have done with a lot more scientific information and especially argumentation - but then I work in academics so...
Co-author Adam Bornstein has tweeted they are working on the woman's version - that I will certain pick up.
I also already eat a very healthy diet, lift pretty heavy weights and read up quite a bit about working out, diet and sleep over the years.
That said, I still found this book interesting as it combines a lot of information that is out there in one place and presents it relatively simply. I even picked up a few things that were new to me, especially regarding nutrition and hormones which I will certainly research more in-depth.
I quite liked the so-called 'bro' tone and I approve of any book that uses the word F*ck liberally, it made for an easy read and will certainly appeal to the male target audience. Personally I could have done with a lot more scientific information and especially argumentation - but then I work in academics so...
Co-author Adam Bornstein has tweeted they are working on the woman's version - that I will certain pick up.
February 9, 2020
Even though this book was crappy I took a few notes. I don't know who this author is but he cusses a lot. Overall the book was a pretty big let down despite having potential. My biggest issue was the author kept saying "we're going to teach this" or "you're going to learn this later on" and you're nearly done with the book and are still waiting. I hate when books do that. He never get around to it. For example, the testosterone. Now I'm wondering if mine is low because he talked it up so much. He also made stupid claims like most people don't eat enough protein. Which is clearly wrong. As well as he said to take stupid multi-vitamins. Just get it from your food, dang it. It's 2020, we have global shipping.
The author also didn't sound like he's done thorough research like I've read in other health books.
I didn't even get the privilege of viewing the PDF bonus material.
Notes:
The best indicator of success is always internal motivation.
Having an opinion is the foundation for greatness. No one wants to be around a little b word.
Many reps don't burn more fat.
If you want to lose weight you should close your eating window gap.
Supposedly he said it's good to eat late at night, because of the first law of thermogenesis. And carbs are supposedly good before bed too. I don't know enough to dispute or agree with this.
Protein bars are just the same as candy bars in sugar amount but they just happen to have a little bit more protein but it's the bad protein.
Seeing your abs is a matter of lowering your body fat. Abs give you unparalleled confidence.
Lack of sleep increases hunger. That's why we eat so much.
The author also didn't sound like he's done thorough research like I've read in other health books.
I didn't even get the privilege of viewing the PDF bonus material.
Notes:
The best indicator of success is always internal motivation.
Having an opinion is the foundation for greatness. No one wants to be around a little b word.
Many reps don't burn more fat.
If you want to lose weight you should close your eating window gap.
Supposedly he said it's good to eat late at night, because of the first law of thermogenesis. And carbs are supposedly good before bed too. I don't know enough to dispute or agree with this.
Protein bars are just the same as candy bars in sugar amount but they just happen to have a little bit more protein but it's the bad protein.
Seeing your abs is a matter of lowering your body fat. Abs give you unparalleled confidence.
Lack of sleep increases hunger. That's why we eat so much.
May 30, 2023
Can't believe this juvenile book was written by an adult for adults. All books can be helpful for someone. This one, perhaps for some impressionable and insecure 15-17 year old boys. The worst part was I did the audio book and had to listen to this foul verbal spam by the author himself. I don't usually review books that I don't like because I understand that those books weren't written for me. This book is quite dangerous. It tries too debunk a bunch of health, fitness and weight-loss facts as lies and myths. In diet and fitness it all depends of what result you are looking for and I am still unsure of what the authors wants the reader to find besides more sex and especially more new partners -- probably because out of their own experience thats they only way too continue to get it. The final stone at this book is cast at the introductory promise of achieving fitness and wellness the NATURAL way but the book quickly starts to mention a ton of powders and supplements conveniently found via their website. Not much mention of natural food based nutrition for Alphas.
June 18, 2017
A great book. Romaniello is indeed very informative about things and especially if you are new to change your diet and learning some basics of biology and human physiology, he is a great start. If you're intermediate (like me) it has some great info regarding hormones and why nutrition cycling is important, but the rest is already known at that level. If you're expert you can skip this book.
A great value nevertheless, such a shame that I didn't come across earlier to it if you 're beginner is a must!
P.S: I disagree with his theory about fitness and his fitness program, although I respect him a lot. But this is my personal opinion and as they say, every man has an opinion as they have an as#$@le. :P (just joking)
A great value nevertheless, such a shame that I didn't come across earlier to it if you 're beginner is a must!
P.S: I disagree with his theory about fitness and his fitness program, although I respect him a lot. But this is my personal opinion and as they say, every man has an opinion as they have an as#$@le. :P (just joking)
June 30, 2020
I got a lot out of this book. Mainly a proper focus on nutrition, hormonal balances (which I never thought about), and intermittent fasting (more accurately a detailed analysis of the benefits).
I thought there was perhaps too much focus on sex in the book - it seemed like in every other sentence the author talked about it. Also I would have liked a more thorough analysis of their argument in favor of supplements, as I’m still not 100% convinced it is worth it.
I am doing their program now! I would count myself as already in good shape but definitely needed the kick in the pants to cut bad food and maximize good stuff.
I thought there was perhaps too much focus on sex in the book - it seemed like in every other sentence the author talked about it. Also I would have liked a more thorough analysis of their argument in favor of supplements, as I’m still not 100% convinced it is worth it.
I am doing their program now! I would count myself as already in good shape but definitely needed the kick in the pants to cut bad food and maximize good stuff.
October 5, 2018
Interesting ideas about weight lifting and the primacy of intermittent Fasting as a tool to get into the best shape of your life. I will give it a try.
A lot of the book was repetitive and the instructions regarding the workouts were very intricate. It’s interesting that they wanted to make a simple eating schedule but a challenging to follow work out schedule.
Overall definitely worth exploring from a philosophical and scientific angle. The bro science was minimal even though it had a bro science vibe to it.
A lot of the book was repetitive and the instructions regarding the workouts were very intricate. It’s interesting that they wanted to make a simple eating schedule but a challenging to follow work out schedule.
Overall definitely worth exploring from a philosophical and scientific angle. The bro science was minimal even though it had a bro science vibe to it.
March 17, 2020
For such a loud title this book strongly underdelivers. Although it attempts to get into sex and lifestyle a little bit, overall this is a just a book about training and dieting. Furthermore, it's mostly oriented at beginners and some advice is quite questionable. E.g. it bets a lot on intermittent fasting, but it has been proven that as long as you are in a calorie deficit, the timing is not important for fat loss. Also from the looks of the author he is either a genetic prodigy or juicing (or both). So think if all his advice applies to you at all.
May 12, 2018
Mix of "broscience", coaching, motivation and some fitness advices. Maybe it's good for people who like to read the message in this kind of form and know not much about fitness and latest research on health in general, but otherwise it is a waste of time - half of the book was the introduction and repeating again and again what the book will offer me later. They kept repeating that hormones are responsible for everything for this first half of the book...
April 14, 2014
Mediocre, Broscientific and Uninsightful
I bought this book even after I knew all the five star reviews (on Amazon) were bogus (written by cronies, friends and family of the authors) and the 1-3 star reviews were justified by objectivity. I'll explain why I did that later, as well as why I'm not disappointed in purchasing this book via Amazon. What I am disappointed in is the complete lack of scientific `secrets' and `revelations' that are supposed to be involved in this book.
Here I was thinking, "Hormones! Yeah! Leptin! Ghrelin! Romaniello and the other guy are going to go deep into such matters and blow my mind with something I can't find online for free! Alright!" So, the book arrived and I saw the back cover read, "Answers to all the questions you have about training and nutrition - and even ones you haven't thought of yet".
Words to the wise: This book doesn't contain any answers to training or nutrition. Anybody that's interested in nutritional science, exercise and has spent their fair share of time researching online (for free) has heard of everything in this book. There are no secrets, no revelations and nothing at all groundbreaking by this guy by the name of John Romaniello that is supposed to be an `expert'.
So I flip open the book and began perusing through the pages. "F this, F that. Alpha this, Alpha that. We are going to teach you about hormones here, we are going to blow your mind with our advice over there". I began growing tired of reading the word `alpha' as it was being regurgitated over and over with overdone Fight Club/Tyler Durden quotes thrown around. The authors continued to tease, "science nerds, just wait until you read about hormones! We are going to delve into some really nerdy, scientific stuff!"
I finally reached the hormone discussion. What a disappointment. The hormone section of the book is littered with a brief (VERY brief) description of the hormone and what it does. Not much science involved. No intricate details. I should have expected as much given the `bro'-like language of the book. Instead of going out and reading this book to be `blown away' in discovering hormones, use Google, discover Alan Aragon, read Lyle McDonald's Body Recomposition website, Lean Gains, and check out Jason Blaha's (IceCreamFitness) YouTube channel. You can do all of that for free and get some actual science instead of the broscience/pseudoscience in Man 2.0/"Alpha".
The way the authors wrote about insulin was the final straw for me. Carbs this, carbs that. Yeah, carbs? What's wrong with carbs? The authors enjoyed to purport that carbs are the sole reasoning for insulin resistance. Over and over again, bashing diets that feature hordes of carbs. Yet you know what the authors fail to mention in "Alpha"? Protein can spike insulin more than carbohydrates do. The role of protein in regards to insulin isn't even mentioned! How baffling! This book is an insult to every reader's intelligence.
The mentioning of Joseph Campbell's monomyth and the "Hero's Journey" was fun to read, but that is my only positives I can give this book.
If you would have gave this book to me when I was 14-years-old, gullible and without a clue about nutritional science, I would have been `sold', and that would have been a sham.
My advice to everyone reading would be to look past the bogus 5-star reviews that were written by biased cronies, friends and family members (the fiancée of Romaniello posted a review for heaven's sake!). Objectively, without any interpersonal relationship with the authors, I don't see anyone from the online health and fitness communities talking about this book in a positive light. Or even talking about this book period (unless one person has brought it up in a thread on a forum).
Kudos on the fantastic marketing. While I can't agree with Romaniello being an `expert' in training, fitness or health (my 17-year-old cousin is superior in those aspects compared to Roman), he's one heck of a marketer and networker, which I guess is what it all takes nowadays to be an author rather than actually writing and publishing science-backed, legitimate material.
Speaking of Alan Aragon from a few paragraphs above, it's disrespectful to him for mentioning his name in the book. If I recall, Romaniello lists Aragon as a mentor. If that were true, if Roman looked up to Aragon, then why is it that the garbage written in this book differs from the science-backed truths that Aragon has written about in his own works? Somebody needs to alert Aragon of the non-science.
There was a review written by Joel Marion that he - himself - deleted after being exposed in the comments for what he really is. Another `crony' of Romaniello's is Vince Del Monte, who - in the review by jd's comment thread - showed his true bad attitude and bias.
If you are `interested' in this book, go out to a local bookstore and flip through it. Save your money and be happy that you have. Want research? The internet is your best friend. Just educate yourself on where to look by questioning what you read and doing your own research.
I may have purchased this book on Amazon, but I resold it to an independent book reseller for $30. Took that money and bought a few t-bone and ribeye steaks to have over the next week. Money well spent! Pass up on this book, and I promise that you'll be glad you did.
I bought this book even after I knew all the five star reviews (on Amazon) were bogus (written by cronies, friends and family of the authors) and the 1-3 star reviews were justified by objectivity. I'll explain why I did that later, as well as why I'm not disappointed in purchasing this book via Amazon. What I am disappointed in is the complete lack of scientific `secrets' and `revelations' that are supposed to be involved in this book.
Here I was thinking, "Hormones! Yeah! Leptin! Ghrelin! Romaniello and the other guy are going to go deep into such matters and blow my mind with something I can't find online for free! Alright!" So, the book arrived and I saw the back cover read, "Answers to all the questions you have about training and nutrition - and even ones you haven't thought of yet".
Words to the wise: This book doesn't contain any answers to training or nutrition. Anybody that's interested in nutritional science, exercise and has spent their fair share of time researching online (for free) has heard of everything in this book. There are no secrets, no revelations and nothing at all groundbreaking by this guy by the name of John Romaniello that is supposed to be an `expert'.
So I flip open the book and began perusing through the pages. "F this, F that. Alpha this, Alpha that. We are going to teach you about hormones here, we are going to blow your mind with our advice over there". I began growing tired of reading the word `alpha' as it was being regurgitated over and over with overdone Fight Club/Tyler Durden quotes thrown around. The authors continued to tease, "science nerds, just wait until you read about hormones! We are going to delve into some really nerdy, scientific stuff!"
I finally reached the hormone discussion. What a disappointment. The hormone section of the book is littered with a brief (VERY brief) description of the hormone and what it does. Not much science involved. No intricate details. I should have expected as much given the `bro'-like language of the book. Instead of going out and reading this book to be `blown away' in discovering hormones, use Google, discover Alan Aragon, read Lyle McDonald's Body Recomposition website, Lean Gains, and check out Jason Blaha's (IceCreamFitness) YouTube channel. You can do all of that for free and get some actual science instead of the broscience/pseudoscience in Man 2.0/"Alpha".
The way the authors wrote about insulin was the final straw for me. Carbs this, carbs that. Yeah, carbs? What's wrong with carbs? The authors enjoyed to purport that carbs are the sole reasoning for insulin resistance. Over and over again, bashing diets that feature hordes of carbs. Yet you know what the authors fail to mention in "Alpha"? Protein can spike insulin more than carbohydrates do. The role of protein in regards to insulin isn't even mentioned! How baffling! This book is an insult to every reader's intelligence.
The mentioning of Joseph Campbell's monomyth and the "Hero's Journey" was fun to read, but that is my only positives I can give this book.
If you would have gave this book to me when I was 14-years-old, gullible and without a clue about nutritional science, I would have been `sold', and that would have been a sham.
My advice to everyone reading would be to look past the bogus 5-star reviews that were written by biased cronies, friends and family members (the fiancée of Romaniello posted a review for heaven's sake!). Objectively, without any interpersonal relationship with the authors, I don't see anyone from the online health and fitness communities talking about this book in a positive light. Or even talking about this book period (unless one person has brought it up in a thread on a forum).
Kudos on the fantastic marketing. While I can't agree with Romaniello being an `expert' in training, fitness or health (my 17-year-old cousin is superior in those aspects compared to Roman), he's one heck of a marketer and networker, which I guess is what it all takes nowadays to be an author rather than actually writing and publishing science-backed, legitimate material.
Speaking of Alan Aragon from a few paragraphs above, it's disrespectful to him for mentioning his name in the book. If I recall, Romaniello lists Aragon as a mentor. If that were true, if Roman looked up to Aragon, then why is it that the garbage written in this book differs from the science-backed truths that Aragon has written about in his own works? Somebody needs to alert Aragon of the non-science.
There was a review written by Joel Marion that he - himself - deleted after being exposed in the comments for what he really is. Another `crony' of Romaniello's is Vince Del Monte, who - in the review by jd's comment thread - showed his true bad attitude and bias.
If you are `interested' in this book, go out to a local bookstore and flip through it. Save your money and be happy that you have. Want research? The internet is your best friend. Just educate yourself on where to look by questioning what you read and doing your own research.
I may have purchased this book on Amazon, but I resold it to an independent book reseller for $30. Took that money and bought a few t-bone and ribeye steaks to have over the next week. Money well spent! Pass up on this book, and I promise that you'll be glad you did.
July 5, 2018
Incredibly entertaining read. The author did a great job of motivating me to get my body in motion. I'm now exercising regularly and watching what I eat. I think the pro's of this book greatly out number the cons so I'm not going to write down any negative criticism. I recommend people give this book a shot.
June 28, 2019
Don’t buy this book. The author has limited vocabulary. He must have used f*ck over 300 times in the book. This followed by his obsession of getting laid and how this book will help you to achieve the goal. 6 chapters in to the 12 chapters and all he speaks nothing of how to get stronger, build body mass. Arnold Schwarzenegger was duped into writing the forward or paid a lot of money.
January 9, 2021
As a fitness coach, I endorse the info in this book. Amazing information on resetting internal hormonal environments, and sound principles for training and diet. The book focuses on body recomposition (mostly through burning body fat) and hormone optimization. Also loved the discussions of what makes for "Alpha" traits throughout. Highly recommended!
March 12, 2019
good information in the last 2 chapters. the rest of the book is like an infomercial. That kind of writing is really quite tedious. That said I will give the program a shot and see if it does as advertised. Will come back and update review then.
September 20, 2019
Book for angry incels who need to hype themselves up with stupid bullshit like AAALPHA journey and superhero references to move their ass.
The workout plan is solid but some exercises are overcomplicated.
The workout plan is solid but some exercises are overcomplicated.
September 17, 2024
First half of the book is just talking up "the plan" when in reality is it just another intermittent fasting technique. Not saying it won't work but just read the last half for the plan, and skip the beginning.
January 1, 2017
Read the audiobook. It might be edited from the actual book. I am planning on buying a physical copy.
December 4, 2017
Could have done without all the profanity. Cussing isn't alpha.
February 5, 2018
Great book about fitness (diet+workouts). A little too much fluff for me. But overall, great resource for anyone starting (or rebooting) his/her fitness journey.
February 6, 2018
I found this book full of useful information about fitness and diet. Introduced me to intermittent fasting and managing hormones.
May 22, 2018
Great stuff, clear and in simple details.
December 12, 2018
Just OK....mainly for hard core fitness buffs
March 27, 2019
Waste of time
April 26, 2019
Good tidbits for fitness beginners. Nothing new.
July 21, 2019
Audible Audiobook. Synopsis: Get more sleep, have more sex, workout, and do intermittent fasting and you become alpha.
August 9, 2019
The first couple of sections of this book is all positioning and suspense build up. The final section with the workouts and meal plans and focus on hormones is excellent.
July 10, 2020
normie stuff anyone into fitness already knows
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews