LL Cool J's Platinum Workout: Sculpt Your Best Body Ever with Hollywood's Fittest Star

by L.L. Cool J., Dave Honig, Jeff O'Connell

LL didn't always have a diesel body—he chiseled it the old-fashioned way, with hard work and discipline. Here he shares the secrets of his transformation in a uniquely creative, yet no-nonsense regimen—enlivened with humor and sheer force of personality—that will inspire readers to enjoy working out as never before, while building a body they never thought possible. The book offers four levels of fitness, from Bronze to Platinum, including:

- a 4-week beginner's program that takes inches off the waist and boosts energy
-a 5-week program for intermediates that increases strength while maintaining muscular and cardiovascular endurance
- an advanced 9-week program that turns the body into a muscle-building and fat-burning machine—complete with 6-pack abs and as much energy as LL Cool J
- the hardcore 3-week fat-torching program LL used for the "Control Myself" video—a new level in ripped-to-the-bone fitness and sex appeal
- a special 4-week "Diamond" program for women seeking to shape up fast for summer or an upcoming event
- meal plans and recipes that fuel workouts while burning fat with food

Genres: Health, Fitness, Nonfiction, Reference, Sports

256 pages, Hardcover

First published December 12, 2006

About the author

James Todd Smith, better known as LL Cool J (short for Ladies Love Cool James) is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, I'm just reading this for the pictures, and on the off chance that if I faithfully follow its stupid instructions, someday LL Cool J will finally agree to have sex with me (I have literally been longing for that happy occasion since the fifth grade, and while my chances probably improved infinitesimally when I moved to New York in my mid-twenties, they are now once again in rapid decline towards zero).

So far the most depressing things about this book are: the ugly tattoos marring LL's otherwise flawlessly gorgeous body; embarrassingly recent and highly obscure lyric excerpts reprinted throughout; the creepy bionic lady demonstrating way too many of the exercises (sometimes through actual physical contact with Mr. Cool James, EW!!!); and, of course, the horrifying thought that despite my sacrifice of precious time spent reading this garbage, the long-treasured goal stated above will not ever be realized in this lifetime, no matter how many crunches I do.

As an achingly lovely pictorial of LL Cool J's spectacular physique demonstrating exercises while his Adonis-like, queerly unlined face maintains an attitude of great concentration, this book is a valuable gem (though if it weren't from the library, I'd black out the lady exerciser, who looks like a hideous monster). As an inspirational celebrity workout book, unfortunately, it is crap compared with Sly Stallone's.

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Enough with the celebrity work out books already. Just because you guys have trainers doesn't mean you have to write a book about the fact that you think you know how to work out. The only reason these celebrities are in such fantastic shape is because the have the money and resources to pay for the best trainers. Enough of my babbling already. This book is one of many that do the same thing...Attempt to teach you how to work out. Go see your kids gym teacher. He'll charge you less.

[Phillip · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book had some useful facts and some good information in it. However, I thought the book was poorly organized, and poorly written.

[Dillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that had some knowledge inside ahead of its time. There are some moments when the books formatting becomes a bit dizzying or confusing and is the only reason for the lack of 5 starts.

However, I think he was going for a book that looks as good as you will after completing his workouts. My brother picked this book up back in high school and has been following these routines for over a decade.

He’s in incredible shape and looks like the white version of LL on his cover. So I definitely recommend checking this book out if you want a personal trainer but can’t afford one.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

If for the pictures alone....it's totally worth checking out! The workouts are very intense and tough to follow if you aren't dedicated...if you have the dedication however, I recommend giving it a try. Has workouts of various intensitys as well as one section which focuses on women...which I photocopied but will be suprised if I complete.

[Farhana Faruq · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall it's a good book. I recommend it for someone new to training, because it's motivational and everything is clear cut - training splits (including instructions on how to do each exercise) and nutritional info.

I benefited from the explanations of certain things (like how to tell if you are over training, etc.) and I enjoyed the tips.

Design wise (layout & text) - I think it's awesome.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book's rating has been lowered because of the bad rap lyrics sprinkled throughout. If you can get over those, this would be a good workout manual, as long as you plan on working out every single day.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

SEXY as SIN.... that is what LL Cool J is...mmm mmmm LL does a body good and in this workout book, as long as you have to drive to strive to get the body you want.. this would be a great and helpful book. I might just check out the 360 book he did as well....

[Kas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pictures are nice!!!!! It had a lot of good information too!

[John Gardiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great workouts

[Juliene · Rating 2 out of 5]

He's hot.Good book.

[Philipp Dollmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believe me, sweetie, it´s not luck it´s logic - i´m the captain of my destiny... hell yeah-R!

[Macy]

Not sure I'll read this, really.

[Deon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awwwww snapple, I'm about to get my ripple effect on...stay tuned for further developments