The Armor Building Formula: Bodybuilding for Real People

by Dan John

The Armor Building Formula is a complete guide to bodybuilding for everyday people who want to be strong and capable while looking good. It combines armor-building with bodybuilding in a reasonable and repeatable package.

It features a complete bodybuilding protocol using just kettlebells and gives extensive details on how to build your body in every possible kettlebell configuration you might have.

Genres: Fitness, Nonfiction

180 pages, ebook

Published May 1, 2024

About the author

Dan John has coached for more than 30 years. He's helped hundreds of athletes pack on double-digit pounds of rock-solid muscle. As an athlete, John broke the American record in the Weight Pentathlon. He is the author of several books.

Reviews

[Stephan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eat protein. Lift weights. Drink water. Sleep. Walk.

I thoroughly enjoy Dan’s writing, although I think you have to be a bit older (read this in my late forties) to actually appreciate this book. Younger folks might be happier with mass made simple.

His messages are simple, just like the (in this book especially) specific workout routines. But it ain’t easy. Trust me, I tried and got humbled 😆

It’s a quick very insightful read I would suggest for the “Dad” types looking for a sustainable and proven way to get/stay in shape and avoid all the latest and greatest fitness hypes that still have to prove they are more useful than hurting.

[Chris Bowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many parts appear as filler which really seems a symptom of trying to sell this as a book. It is essentially a small guide which - with filler removed - could be covered in 30 pages. The core of the 'book' is excellent and potentially life-changing. The author comes across as very down to earth and likable.

(I moved away from a general fitness routine to this and I'm now on week 4. I'll likely continue the routine twice for 16 weeks and decide what next after that).

[WhiteWind · Rating 3 out of 5]

Había oido hablar bastante de su 'fórmula' y lo bien que funcionaba para gente con poco tiempo para dedicar al ejercicio y que con un par de pesas rusas era posible hacerlo en la comodidad de la casa de uno mismo y me animé a echarle un vistazo.

La mayor parte del libro es un poco de relleno y la parte importante es cuando habla de la fórmula de ejercicio que vende con este libro y su segunda versión con detalles ampliados.

Actualmente llevo 2 semanas siguiendo su plan y la verdad es que no toma nada de tiempo, sientes que has hecho bastante y aunque seguramente sea deficiente como único plan de ejercicios para quienes quieren tener un cuerpo visiblemente atlético (o de gimnasio), para mantenerse activo y tener fuerza para el día a día se habla muy bien de él.

El libro habla también de variaciones en los ejercicios: el plan original se basa en utilizar 2 pesas rusas del mismo peso, pero tiene versiones para pesas con peso distinto o incluso para una única pesa o utilizando una barra de gimnasio.

Si te llama la atención, lo recomiendo bastante, aunque personalmente lo acortaría bastante en contenido, porque hay pasajes que, para mi, sobraban un poco.

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Dan John's writing and thinking a lot. He writes for the everyday person and offers practical advice. You have to think for yourself about the weights and programmes but the principles, and lots of guidance are in this book.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to learn about getting fit and strong and using kettlebells correctly there is no better coach than Dan John. I highly recommend this book and workout as well as his many other amazing work that uses not only kettlebells but bodyweight, olympic lifting and basic strength training!

[Conner Sucic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m glad I got the book instead of just going by the ABC routine. I’ll try this out and see how it goes

[PJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

TL,DR: You should Kettlebell Clean, Press, and Squat.

[Travie SpineCracka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan John is a fantastic writer and an even better lifting coach. This book is filled with pearls of wisdom, as well as an awesome lifting program.

[Wellington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know about the programs, but his writing style is fantastic!