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King: The 4 Layer Approach to Becoming the Strongest Version of Yourself
Our mission as Kings: "To Become the Strongest Version of Ourselves and Empower Others."
Order King http://kingsinitiation.com/king/
Order King http://kingsinitiation.com/king/
- GenresNonfictionPhilosophy
Hardcover
First published January 19, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 24, 2016
The first half of the book is an introduction to Strength Training by Elliot's partner Chris Barnard. If you have even a basic familiarity of programming, proper form and training theory, you will not gain much. It was a refresher for me and a poor, extremely rudimentary one at that. I found much more benefit from Starting Strength and Supple Leopard. The two books mentioned offer more value and an in-depth look at how and why the body functions. King does no such thing. He offers plenty of anecdotal evidence (and boring, irrelevant stories about his glory days) but no studies or scientific analysis. The one time he tries to pretend he is stating researched fact, he disclaims that what he just wrote has no basis in any studies anywhere. He quotes the 'mystical Russian strength training legends'... from 50 years ago. These methods aren't new to anyone. As if these theories and practices haven't been tried and tested. The first 250 pages are essentially worthless. Spend your time with a better book that will give you a more in depth review of training methods and philosophies.
Then we move onto Elliot's portion of the book.
Elliot Hulse is a mystic or is peddling things he doesn't believe in. His faults are numerous. He is not a critical thinker or a believer in the scientific method. I have come to the realization that if Elliot believes in these pseudo-science claims, his whole theory of strength training should be taken with a LARGE grain of salt. If he can't realize when he is being taken advantage of, we should be cautious. Here are the largest baffles.
"Macro-Cluster" water. Any one who remembers their introductory Chemistry or even Biology class will realize what he is spouting as truth has no basis in reality. A quick review of basic water properties will show that water does not lock itself into permanent arrangements. A quick Google search leads to a Chemist who explains how ludicrous this is. This is inexcusable.
Alkalizing water. This is illogical. Your stomach is constantly acidic. It doesn't just produce acid when food is present. It may produce more when food is present. Secondly, the body has a large system in place to keep the blood pH at exactly the correct level. Alkaline water will not affect the blood pH at all. Again, what the hell Elliot?
Elliot mentions that you will be using up all your enzymes to go through bodily functions unless you drink the correct water and eat correct food. This implies there is a set amount of enzymes that the body has produced and cannot ever reproduce. This is factually not true.
To be honest, I'm quote sure this was put together in a weekend. There is nothing new here. If you are a fan of his, just watch his videos. I am extremely disappointed. It's of my opinion the book should be called BRO SCIENCE THE BOOK.
The hardest part of reading this was coming to realization that he's not the smart, sophisticated God we all thought he was. This book doesn't have those answer we are looking for. He's just a normal dude, who happens to be gullible and popular on YouTube. He say's things with such passion and force on YouTube that we take it for granted that he knows what he is talking about. But he doesn't. Find a new mentor.
Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny!
Becoming a Supple Leopard: The Ultimate Guide to Resolving Pain, Preventing Injury, and Optimizing Athletic Performance
Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training
Then we move onto Elliot's portion of the book.
Elliot Hulse is a mystic or is peddling things he doesn't believe in. His faults are numerous. He is not a critical thinker or a believer in the scientific method. I have come to the realization that if Elliot believes in these pseudo-science claims, his whole theory of strength training should be taken with a LARGE grain of salt. If he can't realize when he is being taken advantage of, we should be cautious. Here are the largest baffles.
"Macro-Cluster" water. Any one who remembers their introductory Chemistry or even Biology class will realize what he is spouting as truth has no basis in reality. A quick review of basic water properties will show that water does not lock itself into permanent arrangements. A quick Google search leads to a Chemist who explains how ludicrous this is. This is inexcusable.
Alkalizing water. This is illogical. Your stomach is constantly acidic. It doesn't just produce acid when food is present. It may produce more when food is present. Secondly, the body has a large system in place to keep the blood pH at exactly the correct level. Alkaline water will not affect the blood pH at all. Again, what the hell Elliot?
Elliot mentions that you will be using up all your enzymes to go through bodily functions unless you drink the correct water and eat correct food. This implies there is a set amount of enzymes that the body has produced and cannot ever reproduce. This is factually not true.
To be honest, I'm quote sure this was put together in a weekend. There is nothing new here. If you are a fan of his, just watch his videos. I am extremely disappointed. It's of my opinion the book should be called BRO SCIENCE THE BOOK.
The hardest part of reading this was coming to realization that he's not the smart, sophisticated God we all thought he was. This book doesn't have those answer we are looking for. He's just a normal dude, who happens to be gullible and popular on YouTube. He say's things with such passion and force on YouTube that we take it for granted that he knows what he is talking about. But he doesn't. Find a new mentor.
Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny!
Becoming a Supple Leopard: The Ultimate Guide to Resolving Pain, Preventing Injury, and Optimizing Athletic Performance
Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training
March 20, 2018
As many other of his young disciples, I also, had a period of time of following Elliott on YouTube for some consecutive time, seeing a good role model in this guy.
He definitely presented many interesting ideas in his videos, therefore I had good foundation to believe this book will be something extraordinary.
Well, first half of this book is written by Elliot's partner Chris, it contains mostly (very) basic information about muscle growth, stimulation and training. If you are at least intermediately familiar with strength training, you will find all information in this section irrelevant.
It also includes lot of anecdotes of his clients and personal stories, all written in a way that made me think all those parts were written there in order to show Chris's credibility as a coach and a writer, rather than to deliver some useful everyday training information. Therefore useless, unless you like to read how some Top football player strictly followed Chris's personalized plan and got incredibly better..surprisingly.
After struggling through the book for many days, I've decided I will not finish this publication and with great disappointment write this review in order not to criticize, but to tell guys like me, who don't save up much and think of every investment - to rather re-watch Elliott's well made videos instead of buying this particular book.
I sincerely think it does not worth the money and if you have high expectations due to Elliott's great YouTube channel, then please, don't waste your time and money.
He definitely presented many interesting ideas in his videos, therefore I had good foundation to believe this book will be something extraordinary.
Well, first half of this book is written by Elliot's partner Chris, it contains mostly (very) basic information about muscle growth, stimulation and training. If you are at least intermediately familiar with strength training, you will find all information in this section irrelevant.
It also includes lot of anecdotes of his clients and personal stories, all written in a way that made me think all those parts were written there in order to show Chris's credibility as a coach and a writer, rather than to deliver some useful everyday training information. Therefore useless, unless you like to read how some Top football player strictly followed Chris's personalized plan and got incredibly better..surprisingly.
After struggling through the book for many days, I've decided I will not finish this publication and with great disappointment write this review in order not to criticize, but to tell guys like me, who don't save up much and think of every investment - to rather re-watch Elliott's well made videos instead of buying this particular book.
I sincerely think it does not worth the money and if you have high expectations due to Elliott's great YouTube channel, then please, don't waste your time and money.
May 26, 2020
This book and The bible saved my life.
December 5, 2018
I got the 4 part audio book.
The first 2 parts were about weight training and read by Chris Barnard.
Part 3 was about physiology and diet.
Part 4 was about psychology and spirituality.
I definitely found the later parts of the book more suitable for myself. The book covers a very wide range of topics, all focused on becoming the strongest version of yourself. It was good to open my mind and have a teacher like Elliott draw connections between different worlds of knowledge and integrate that information.
The first 2 parts were about weight training and read by Chris Barnard.
Part 3 was about physiology and diet.
Part 4 was about psychology and spirituality.
I definitely found the later parts of the book more suitable for myself. The book covers a very wide range of topics, all focused on becoming the strongest version of yourself. It was good to open my mind and have a teacher like Elliott draw connections between different worlds of knowledge and integrate that information.
February 16, 2020
Good, quick read. Could've used a 'proper' publisher to comb out some spelling errors and layout the book a bit better. Contentwise it's good and doesn't hide away any information. It's useful too. Sometimes a bit dumbed down too much for my taste but that's personal.
March 31, 2021
1. I now do a 2:1 ratio for back muscle to Chest Muscles and train them twice a week
2. I think this book was partly responsible for helping me delve into Feng Shui
3. This book helped me understand the shadow sides to the King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover.
4. The importance of core values e.g. in knowledge, purpose (the underlying reason for becoming a stronger person), intimacy (to build a community), and legacy (the world doesn’t end at our front door - ripples from our actions can create change - quality and quantity of ripples you are sending out).
5. How I handle failure will tell a lot about myself. The Warrior Mindset is what you need to keep moving forward. (Everything is about the mindset)
6. Loved the example of the kid with the abusive father (hides and quiet = he won’t be abused). Other boy = chooses to stand tall and keep his chest up (mindset of hero). Both growing up in the same situation affect their mindsets. Both boys can overcompensate in each direction.
7. Failure is the soil of success
2. I think this book was partly responsible for helping me delve into Feng Shui
3. This book helped me understand the shadow sides to the King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover.
4. The importance of core values e.g. in knowledge, purpose (the underlying reason for becoming a stronger person), intimacy (to build a community), and legacy (the world doesn’t end at our front door - ripples from our actions can create change - quality and quantity of ripples you are sending out).
5. How I handle failure will tell a lot about myself. The Warrior Mindset is what you need to keep moving forward. (Everything is about the mindset)
6. Loved the example of the kid with the abusive father (hides and quiet = he won’t be abused). Other boy = chooses to stand tall and keep his chest up (mindset of hero). Both growing up in the same situation affect their mindsets. Both boys can overcompensate in each direction.
7. Failure is the soil of success
October 20, 2016
This book will teach you how to better yourself physically and mentally. The philosophy behind this book is to look for ways to always be better than what you can be. It will teach you how to have will power. This book will really stick with you because as humans we are always looking for ways to improve. The book has taught me how to be a better person, how to handle things, and how to live in a new way. This book will change your lifestyle. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to build your focus on your goals.
May 9, 2016
Great book.
Contains useful information about promoting muscle growth and building strength, acquiring optimal mental health, and developing a body that will serve you to become the best version of yourself.
I learned a lot about diet, physical exercise, and mind techniques to live an effective life.
Many good takeaway points from this book.
Highly recommend it to those who seek to better themselves and to those who want the reasoning of the included suggestions on bettering your life.
Contains useful information about promoting muscle growth and building strength, acquiring optimal mental health, and developing a body that will serve you to become the best version of yourself.
I learned a lot about diet, physical exercise, and mind techniques to live an effective life.
Many good takeaway points from this book.
Highly recommend it to those who seek to better themselves and to those who want the reasoning of the included suggestions on bettering your life.
April 28, 2016
I thought it was great. Many of the things he did go over can be found on his YouTube channels but for the most part, given someone who doesn't know his principles and philosophies they would gain huge amounts of knowledge and wisdom. He doesn't give these ideals as gospel but rather a great direction the person should take to finding the truth for themselves.
August 8, 2024
I think the core idea of having different levels of self work is great. I think there is a lot of pseudoscience in here. Hulse has had such a strange path, I love and respect who he has been, and am disgusted but what he has become lol. I think that this is a slice of his best. Imperfect execution, still valuable. I'll reference it time to time.
March 31, 2017
Very good material on how to train yourself and others. This book sets the foundation to begin a total transformation of not only the body, but also the mind. Elliot gives all his knowledge on how to train more than just muscles. Very interesting thoughts on how the body is the brain.
February 1, 2019
Been 3 years since I've read this book. As a follower of Mr Elliot for quite a while this had the content which I expected it to offer. I was more interested towards the latter of the book since I didn't had enough time to physically train myself so I jumped to the 2/4, 3/4 of the book which focused on the mental development and relations to spirituality primarily based on physical bondage with the mind. It isn't the best out there for my needs but as you know of Mr Elliot, he is very original with his ideas and this product interprets his learnings being a Bahai and deciphering what he explored.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews