Fitness Confidential

by Vinnie Tortorich

America’s Angriest Trainer, Vinnie Tortorich, exposes the nasty underbelly of the fitness industry while getting you into the best shape of your life. For over 20 years, Vinnie has been Hollywood’s go-to guy for celebrities and athletes looking to get fit fast. Now, in this hilarious and often r-rated memoir, he holds nothing back. What’s the best piece of fitness equipment money can buy? What’s the fastest way to lose weight: diet or exercise? Why are health clubs worse than used car lots? In FITNESS CONFIDENTIAL, Vinnie tells all. So get ready to get fit, get inspired and get the dirt with Hollywood’s most outrageous personal trainer!

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Fitness, Memoir, Audiobook, Biography, Inspirational

250 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Ray Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is something of a memoir posing as the confessions of a fitness industry insider. Vinnie Tortorich is an extreme cyclist, cancer survivor and has been a top trainer for more than thirty years. His stories range from his experience modelling to beating cancer and riding 500 miles through Death Valley. Along the way, he imparts his simple health and nutrition advise while giving some useful tips on how to get a good deal on a gym membership and how to choose a trainer. However, this is only a small part of the larger story of the life of Vinnie Tortorich - "your new personal trainer."

I really enjoyed this book. Vinnie is personable, funny, interesting and inspiring. When I first began running and racing, I found that reading the stories of others in Runner's World was instructive and encouraging. I am always inspired by folks I meet on the road who share their stories. As I completed half and then full marathons, I found Dean Karnazes and read books by ultra runners and iron men. This past year or two, I've moved on to other kinds of literature. This book reminded me how useful and motivational such literature can be - even if they lack beautiful prose.

Vinnie isn't an elegant writer, but his style is folksy and charming in it's own way. Having read this, I really feel as though I've made a friend. I look forward to listening to his podcast and trying his ideas. Vinnie's ideas are so simple and straight forward, they just might work!

[Ng Hong · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a very different book from what I was thinking. I was thinking of some deep stuff on fitness since the writer is hollywood's go to guy for fitness, but its actually an autobiography of his experience. When it comes to health and fitness he only sell you a simple thing: no sugar no grains. And that is from an ultramarathon enthusiast. Most of the time you would associate carbs with this kind of sport but for them its a whole lot different. He brings across an important point in that, it matters a lot what he is selling because, if they don't work, he doesn't get business, and the industry he is in is where they take vanity to a whole different level. Like Lance Armstrong, you take in his account of how he felt when he was diagnose with cancer and how these guys keep pushing their body inspite of suffering from it.

[Greg Enslen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent advice from a pro trainer without all the BS.

[Steffi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and hated for it to end!! With its conversational tone amusing anecdotes, it's much more than just a self help book. It totally makes sense, I highly recommend it!

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains a lot of really useful information regarding diet and fitness. The author has an interesting outlook on life, most of which I agree with. I heartily concur with his philosophy that there is no safe "magic bullet" when it comes to weight loss. I applaud his candor and honesty.

While I can appreciate that the author did not want to inundate us with “boring as hell” details, the book could have benefited from some expansion in the diet area. He makes some blanket statements that could have used some clarification.

The author tells you what you CAN’T eat, but doesn’t really tell you what you CAN. I have some questions:

1. Yes, we all know sugar is bad for you, but… what about artificial sweeteners like Truvia? And are natural sugars such as honey and maple syrup okay?

2. Nowhere is the word “starch” ever mentioned. So can I assume that potatoes are okay? And the author says fats are okay. So why aren’t French Fries ok?

3. He states that corn grains are bad, but what about corn as a vegetable? Is that bad for you too?

Also, this felt like it could/should have been 2 separate books. I don’t mean to be cold, but as much as I felt for the troubles the author endured, I was not really interested in reading a personal memoir (which is what the second half of the book evolved into). I realize that it's like spitting on teddy bears to say this, but as much as I admired the author for his strength and perseverance, it was not what I came here to read.

I give the first half of the book a 4 star rating, and the second half a 2.

02-27-2014 UPDATE: Here is a link to more specifics about foods. It sounds like Atkins to me!
http://vinnietortorich.com/nsng-faq/



This is me



This is what I thought



This is the reality



I'd better get busy!

[Angela Alfonso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vinnie message is clear 'cut the crap'....he highlights and exposes frauds in the health and fitness industry. The rules are basic cut out sugar , wheat and then exercise. His stories of dealing with some of his clients made me laugh, and at one time I am sure he should have charged consulting fees because not only were his clients exercising they were receiving advise on life itself.
His struggle with leukaemia was inspiring, he was down but he still got up everyday, a simple man with simple values!!!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!!! You'll want to read it cover to cover in one sitting. Vinnie is a no nonsense guy and if you've listened to his podcast his voice really comes through in the writing. This is not a book describing the latest fad to help you lose "#" pounds. This book talks about why you shouldn't buy into any gimmick (perfect push-ups) or subscribe to a diet which endorses eating processed food (Jenny Craig & Weight Watchers).

[Marianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book not only because I learned about how I should be eating and exercising, but because it also has a great story. Full review:

http://www.marianna.me/2013/06/book-review-fitness-confidential-by.html

[Luke Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want a book to motivate you to keep pushing? Need something to inspire you to upgrade your nutrition intake? Vinny makes it easy to read just listen to his story, his struggles, his conquests and it'll will leave you with excited to get your life together.

[S.L. Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. It reads like a ghost written book. But I like to have one of these kinds of books going in the evenings. I think I've just about read them all.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up on Audible during a sale as it sounded interesting. I'm glad I did. The book is modeled somewhat after Kitchen Confidential and the author (who also narrates) is in turn a trash-talker, teacher, braggart, coach, and snark. He clearly loves what he does, and gives his back story to explain why. While he has clearly worked with many Hollywood names, this book is not about name-dropping (although there are some promotions). It is about the fitness industry and what he believes makes a difference in fitness and health. As someone who had his own major health scare, he is able to talk about overcoming adversity as well. I appreciated his discussion of diet and exercise, as well as his clarity on what makes which difference. And his description of the process of investigating a gym membership is priceless.

Listening to the audiobook was great fun. While Vinnie is not a natural narrator, he does occasionally go on verbal side-trips that clearly are not part of the book or the script. And it was nice to hear his co-author (aka ghost writer) at the end as well. As he was also a character in the book and had his own motivation to see the book published. Overall, it was a fun and informative listen.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I found this book very entertaining. Some may balk at Vinnie's suggestions about forgetting diets and calorie restriction and simply go no sugar, no grain (NSNG), but it is hard to argue with his 20+ years experience with clients and it does seem harder to overeat in this manner.

I rate this 4 stars mainly because I expected Vinnie to be a little harder on the fitness industry. I guess he didn't want to get sued and his co-writer didn't want to seem like some kind of hack, but if he really wanted to get "ugly", he could have attacked the online fitness world which is basically a syndicate with everyone agreeing to promote each other's products to make a buck. A few them are OK, but the rest seem to feed into the mentality of promoting programs that only work temporarily. Just think -- if you ever accomplished your goals, you'd stop buying their crap.

Anyway, I found the book to be pretty good and would recommend it to anyone who's like me and has read about 200+ fitness related books and ebooks. You probably would enjoy it.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly the book that I was looking for! Vinnie gives you all the important information about a healthy lifestyle but doesn’t bog you down boring science and research. He shares his own personal experiences, which include decades of work as a personal trainer and a lifetime of being a fitness enthusiast. He is honest and refreshingly abrasive. He weeds out the bullshit and really tells you how to take care of yourself. And through all this, the book is wonderfully inspirational. It’s going to be a big change, but I am going to adopt his No Sugar, No Grains approach. I want to be the healthiest version of myself that I can be, and I want to teach my daughter how to be healthy as well. (She is just a toddler now, but good habits can never start too early).

[Buzz Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is a fascinating read with fun insights on the Hollywood fitness industry, as well as his fight against cancer.

Also, I found the information on removing sugars and grains out of the diet to be quite complelling (NSNG = No Sugar No Grains). As a result of reading this book, I began a thorough reading program, including Grain Brain, Wheat Belly, Why We Get Fat and What to Do About It, Calorie Myth, etc and this has radically changed my life.

As a result of following an NSNG lifestyle, I have lost 40 lbs and 3 pant sizes and feel better than I have in years.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

[Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is now my third time reading this book and first time listening to the audio book version and it's as great as ever!

The book covers what you should eat, how corrupt the fitness industry is as well as loads of other great tips. This is also mixed in with humour and interesting stories from Vinnie about his life as a person trainer. The audiobook has even more snippets and bonus content which is a real treat for anyone who has read the book previously.

A really interesting and inspirational read and would highly recommend!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so Vinnie is a little crass and I could do without the tiny portions of swearing and womanizing in the book ((would have given it 5 stars otherwise)

Despite that: this book is both encouraging, instructional and HILARIOUS!! What a great book about that shares simply with you how to lose weight. Along the way, you are taken on Vinnie's journey which includes a fabulous endurance sport story. Really enjoyed this book all in all. Simply devoured it...

[Thebestdogmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. Author seemed a braggart about his sex life, but that is Hollywood. I had hoped the book would be more about diet/nutrition and less about how many women he got to feel up and that put out for him. That said, the book had some interesting ways to look at health and diet. Vinnie has a way different approach than most, but it seems he has had lots of good results. I am curious at how this diet would work for me, worth at try.

[Gabriel Pagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Does for the fitness industry what Bourdain's Kitchen confidential did for the food service industry. Some great advice too.
Cmón the man has 3 balls and is banging a Bond girl, you gotta follow his advice!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. its fantastic. Cuts through all the crap the fitness industry throws at us and just says it how it is. Vinnie has a great sense of humour which comes through and I loved the vinnisms! Read this book!

[mysteredgar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vinnie says one simple thing "cut the crap out" and then you can have what you want.Stop eating sugar and wheat and instead exercise.You are a warrior and you can be tough if you want to. So just get your butt off the couch and walk,run,cycle,dance or whatever else you like.

[Beth Callaghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, but only about 10% useful information and 90% anecdotes. I'm not really a fan of the voice of the book, either, but the stories were mildly interesting.

[HeatherJay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grains and sugar are bad. Fat and protein are good........with a bit of humor and inspirational stories. Good read!

[Kumari de Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is entertaining but not as full of information as I expected. He does the usual "diets don't work" and that is nothing new. I found after my Cancer treatments I was seriously struggling with my weight so my son loaned me this book. Although the beginning of the book spends plenty of chapters on obesity there's only 2 main points regarding diet: stop eating sugar and stop eating grains. Since I don't eat that much sugar, or that much grain the weight should be pouring off me, but it's not. He goes through all the sneaky ways sugar gets into our diet: via processed foods, processed drinks, soda, sports drinks, candy, desserts, breakfast cereal - - and I'm not into any of that. So why am I still fat? There's no answers here.

Well anyway, the style of the book is friendly, like a chum talking to you so I kept reading. After the opening chapters that iterate 1) Don't eat sugar and 2) don't eat grains several times, the author shifts gears and starts telling his life story. The book is a memoir. Not a weight loss plan. phooey. I found his life a bit of a Cinderella story, told in an engaging fashion. His life wasn't spectacularly unique, but his voice is. Then the last third of the book hits you sideways when out of the blue he describes his Cancer.

I really admire him for being a fitness trainer by profession and admitting his Cancer. Since my own diagnosis every casual acquaintance, friend and family member has offered up unsolicited opinion on why I had Cancer, questioning every aspect of my life from what I ate to how close I stood to the microwave. But day-um, if this guy, who made getting healthy his life's work was diagnosed, then truly anyone can get Cancer.

The subtitle to the book is "Adventures in the Weight-Loss Game." I think that should have been the actual title. Maybe I would have rated the book higher if I knew who he was before I started reading it. Going into it cold the book reminded me a lot of "Stop the Insanity," by Susan Powter, which I read back in the mid-90s. Both books are meant to inspire. Although the advice seems simple enough (for Powter it was to quit eating fat, for Tortorich it's stop eating sugar and grains) but replicating their actual weight loss remains elusive. Yes I did quit dieting. I've never taken pills or had bariatric surgery. I do work out - - and yet? I'm still struggling, so I can't rate either book very high for information or inspiration, but as a memoir it's ok.

[Crysta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was endearing and sad at the same time, and really had very little to do with fitness, exercise, or diet. Sugar and grains are bad, exercise is good, Vinnie likes extreme sports just about sums up that topic. What made it interesting to me was reading the viewpoint of a guy who seems like he's probably very sweet, but has had a lifetime of toxic masculinity heaped up on him in a ton of different ways. Teased for a speech impediment, harassed by teachers and beaten up by peers, he comes to see body building as an escape from the constant torment. And it works. He bulks up, is finally able to fight back, ends up on the football team, and is finally given the decent treatment that everyone should be given from the start. As an adult it sounds like he continues to crave proof that he's been accepted - the book is peppered with references to "hot chicks" he's hooked up with and instances where he pushed himself well beyond the boundaries of health and good sense to prove that he can ignore pain. He brings up multiple times how he wonders if anyone loves him and has a hard time believing anyone even likes him, despite sounding like he has plenty of friends and an otherwise good life. I relate. When the fear is that deep outside evidence can only do so much to calm it. I wish I could go back in time and hug that 7 year old with a speech impediment, tell those nuns to do their job and treat their students right instead of adding to the bullying, and reassure that 14 year old that he didn't have to risk brain injury to be a man.

Vinnie must be an incredibly sweet man because it shines through despite his fairly gross bragging about women he's slept with, pain he's endured, and stupid stunts he's pulled because he'd rather destroy his body than admit defeat. I wonder what he would have been like if he hadn't been pushed to jump through so many hoops just to be treated decently as a man.

[books_with_sass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is less a fitness book and more of a fitness memoir. That being said, there is a lot of good information towards the beginning about fitness and what kinds of changes you should make. The majority of the rest of the book was Vinnie's health journey, which can be inspirational and educational in a way that other so-called fitness and diet books aren't. He tells stories in a way that everyone understands and breaks down the science to a point that anyone can understand it. Even though this was not really the book that I was expecting, it was still a great read. There were definitely points in the book that I was completely drawn in to what Vinnie was saying.

I personally don't really understand how to live a no sugar no grains lifestyle. Does this mean absolutely no sugar? Because fruit has natural sugar. So I shouldn't eat fruit? Or is it more of a "eat as little sugar as possible" rule? And if so, is there a recommended amount that you shouldn't go over? I needed more of this information in the book rather than Vinnie's health story and his addiction to cycling.

All in all, this is less science and more life story. If you want some inspiration to get you started on your fitness journey or need some extra motivation, this book will do that. Although I didn't get from this exactly what I wanted, it was still a great read.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad, but is definitely more of an autobiography than a fitness book. The fitness part can be summed up simply by not eating grains and sugars, that is the main fitness take away I had. It was interesting him talking about the scams happening in the fitness gyms, that they are a business first, and a gym second. The last third of the book kind of just talks mostly about his fitness accomplishments. I found the audio version more irritating than the read version since he brags extensively about his greatness, and the tone is Trump-like on how great he thinks he is and almost ended my listen before getting to the end. I enjoyed the end when he interviews and talks about the challenges creating the book.

[Kenneth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This has some advice on diet, but more of a rule of thumb. I have no idea what his exercise philosophy is, but there's a link for me to look at some exercises on youtube. There's a memoir here that takes up most of the book. It's not terrible, but it's not really what this book billed itself as being. The memoir is meant to be inspiring, but that is undermined by the large swathes of 'old man rant'. 'Back in my day', and 'people today' etc. There's some truth to it, but the larger percent of it is just bullshit. You can do better for diet advice, exercise and inspiration.

[Ava · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written book that flows easy & keeps you interested. My husband first heard of Vinnie Tortorich on an Adam Corolla podcast. Intrigued by the NSNG idea I googled, downloaded a sample of the book then bought it. I was hoping to get more ideas on what I can eat in the book & yet no more info was provided. I have been following the NSNG way of eating for a month & I will continue doing so because I feel a lot better.

[Zac Stojcevski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book 1 rated 5 stars not for the authorship of either Vinnie or his co-conspirator but for the journey of Vinnie, for Lanyap, for the 30 minutes of laughter I had from the visual description I had of someone jerking off a dumbell and the ihorse commercial, for Richard Simmonds being called a Muppet and for being told in no uncertain terms to cut the crap. What a life Vinnie. I tips my hat to you and enjoy that single scotch on a Saturday night. Thank you brother and keep training!

[Michele Cryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want a 30inch waist? Yes you, anyone can do it if they understand the science of our own bodies. This information will revolutionalize your life and leave you fit, gorgeous and NOT HUNGRY!! Besides the nutritional info there's a story of life, setbacks, and success. Sit down and listen to this man tell his story his way. You'll be so glad you did! (yes, I lost 45lbs - thank you very much Mr. Tortorich!). Read this book and give a copy to everyone you love in your life!