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Sly Moves: My Proven Program to Lose Weight, Build Strength, Gain Will Power, and Live your Dream
Are you ready to be a contender? Sylvester Stallone's action–oriented program for getting fit and eating right is also a revealing portrait of one of Hollywood's biggest stars.
Sly Moves is more than just a handbook on fitness and nutrition. It's a provocative and candid inside look at the trials and triumphs of one of Hollywood's most famous stars. Throughout his career, Sly has always been body conscious, and as he experimented with intense training methods for various films, he has learned – often the hard way – what works and what definitely doesn't. His goal here is to help readers change harmful fitness habits, learn to counter reckless eating, and appreciate who they are even when they don't feel much like action heroes.
Part 1 is a history of Sylvester Stallone's physique, as the Rocky star shares stories about his being bullied as a child, finding comfort and strength at the gym, and then later, the wild ride of fad diets, crash–training regimens and workout disasters that fringed on obsession.
Part 2, The Sly Moves workout, outlines four exercise programs: classic, advanced, women's and hardcore. The workouts only require a commitment of about three hours a week (exactly the same amount of time Sly works out).
The Sly Moves eating plan (Part 3) is Sly's nutrition guide, highlighted by a unique meal plan for a lifetime of good eating.
Part 4 gives Sly an opportunity to inspire and encourage readers to make Sly Moves part of a long–term picture of health, fitness and wellbeing, with tips on everything from keeping goals and relaxation techniques to lessons learned from The Contender.
Sly Moves is more than just a handbook on fitness and nutrition. It's a provocative and candid inside look at the trials and triumphs of one of Hollywood's most famous stars. Throughout his career, Sly has always been body conscious, and as he experimented with intense training methods for various films, he has learned – often the hard way – what works and what definitely doesn't. His goal here is to help readers change harmful fitness habits, learn to counter reckless eating, and appreciate who they are even when they don't feel much like action heroes.
Part 1 is a history of Sylvester Stallone's physique, as the Rocky star shares stories about his being bullied as a child, finding comfort and strength at the gym, and then later, the wild ride of fad diets, crash–training regimens and workout disasters that fringed on obsession.
Part 2, The Sly Moves workout, outlines four exercise programs: classic, advanced, women's and hardcore. The workouts only require a commitment of about three hours a week (exactly the same amount of time Sly works out).
The Sly Moves eating plan (Part 3) is Sly's nutrition guide, highlighted by a unique meal plan for a lifetime of good eating.
Part 4 gives Sly an opportunity to inspire and encourage readers to make Sly Moves part of a long–term picture of health, fitness and wellbeing, with tips on everything from keeping goals and relaxation techniques to lessons learned from The Contender.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published May 10, 2005
18 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Sylvester Stallone
54 books137 followersSylvester Gardenzio Stallone is an American actor, director, producer and screenwriter. One of the biggest box office draws in the world from the '70s to the '90s, international megastar Sylvester Stallone is a global icon. He has played two characters who have become a part of the American cultural lexicon: Rocky Balboa, the boxer who overcame all odds to fight for love and glory, and John Rambo, a courageous soldier who specialized in violent rescue and revenge missions.
During the 1980s, he enjoyed phenomenal popularity and was one of the biggest movie stars in the world with the Rocky and Rambo franchises. Stallone's culturally influential films changed pop culture history and he has largely enjoyed a career on the Hollywood A list for over 30 years.
He is considered by many (including the mayor of Philadelphia) as the one who made the city of Philadelphia an international tourist attraction with the Rocky Steps. His immense popularity there has led to a statue of his Rocky character being placed permanently near the Philadelphia Museum of Art as a cultural landmark. In August 2007, a statue of Rocky was also erected in the Serbian village of Žitište. Stallone's film Rocky has also been inducted into the National Film Registry as well as having its film props placed in the Smithsonian Museum as a national treasure.
During the 1980s, he enjoyed phenomenal popularity and was one of the biggest movie stars in the world with the Rocky and Rambo franchises. Stallone's culturally influential films changed pop culture history and he has largely enjoyed a career on the Hollywood A list for over 30 years.
He is considered by many (including the mayor of Philadelphia) as the one who made the city of Philadelphia an international tourist attraction with the Rocky Steps. His immense popularity there has led to a statue of his Rocky character being placed permanently near the Philadelphia Museum of Art as a cultural landmark. In August 2007, a statue of Rocky was also erected in the Serbian village of Žitište. Stallone's film Rocky has also been inducted into the National Film Registry as well as having its film props placed in the Smithsonian Museum as a national treasure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 4, 2015
So there are three different sections to this book, all quite different from each other.
The first section is a short biography, which covers Stallone's life from birth to the time this book was written (around 2005). It's more of an over-view than an in-depth account, but this is easily the most readable part of the book. He's led quite an interesting life, and I found it quite easy to read and become engrossed in despite not being a fan of his work. (Not that I dislike it, I've just never seen any of his films.)
I'd imagine this section would be even more interesting to those who are fans - he mentions a fair number of interesting anecdotes about working on his films, the though processes that went into making them, and what methods he used to get into shape for the various roles (not to mention the various processes he tried that most emphatically didn't work - the yoghurt diet is one that will stick out in my mind for a while).
The second section is a bit harder to get through in some ways, despite the brevity of text. This section mostly describes various exercises that he recommends for those looking to get in shape. Interspersed are various tips on performing the exercises, a few examples of exercise plans a reader could use, as well as tips on how prepare and psych yourself up for working out, etc. It's definitely a useful section, if not as read-able as the first. The only issue is while there are descriptions and photos of the exercises, it would be helpful if there were a diagram of some sort to show you positioning and such. Or a dvd included, perhaps, to walk you through some of the exercises.
He does recommend a few times getting a trainer, however, and mentions that most gyms offer introductory sessions. As several of the exercises he recommends require gym equipment, it's likely expected that practical instruction would be offered by staff there.
The third section of the book covers diet & nutrition. He discusses various diets he's tried over the years, and the various positives and drawbacks he found them to have. He doesn't diss all of them, insisting readers follow his methods - he's pretty neutral towards many of them, notably weight watchers, though he does acknowledge that it may not work for everyone.
A lot of what he says, though, is mostly common sense that we've heard before - lots of vegetables, healthy meats, whole wheat over white flours, etc. He talks about what works for him, and how to stay on track with healthy eating. This section also has an anecdote from his movie days which had me giggling, so even if you find the subject matter a bit dry, I'd still recommend at least skimming through the section. If nothing else, the information is presented in a very encouraging manner which if you're feeling stuck or in a rut might be the encouragement you need to get back on track.
One thing he recommends a few times is various protein powders, and 'protein pudding' which I hadn't heard of before. Again, this isn't a new thing - I've heard before how important it is to make sure you're getting enough protein when working out to make sure you can build up muscle - it seems like less of an alien idea with the way he presents it, however. A protein shake seems a lot more manageable than a story I heard second hand about downing entire chicken breasts as a snack after a work out, for instance. And Stallone's recipe for oatmeal cookies sound a lot more appetizing (though personally I'd look at adding dried fruit, perhaps - playing with the recipe a bit).
He recommends supplements like flax seed oil as well, but not a lot of information is given, so personally I'd probably look into them more before making any decisions there.
There are also a few small after notes to readers at the end of the book - ways he finds to encourage his family to be active and healthy, an example of his daily schedule, etc.
One thing people complain about often is that he does make a couple of name-drops throughout the text. Personally, I didn't find it annoying or off-putting in this case, but others may differ.
He doesn't do so frequently, and there was only the one or two points where it seemed out of place. It would be stranger to me if a celebrity writing about their life didn't make some mention of other celebrities, especially those still working in the industry - they don't live in a bubble after all. Of course he mentions various people he's worked with over the years - when discussing his films, for instance.
It seems like a good reference for people considering branching out in their exercise routines, especially if it's true what he says about cardio not being a fix-all solution (I have no reason to doubt it, and his arguments make sense - I don't know enough about the subject to say for sure myself though). Personally, I'd like to see him come out with a longer, more in-depth biography, though. That was the most readable section of the book, and I found it really interesting.
The first section is a short biography, which covers Stallone's life from birth to the time this book was written (around 2005). It's more of an over-view than an in-depth account, but this is easily the most readable part of the book. He's led quite an interesting life, and I found it quite easy to read and become engrossed in despite not being a fan of his work. (Not that I dislike it, I've just never seen any of his films.)
I'd imagine this section would be even more interesting to those who are fans - he mentions a fair number of interesting anecdotes about working on his films, the though processes that went into making them, and what methods he used to get into shape for the various roles (not to mention the various processes he tried that most emphatically didn't work - the yoghurt diet is one that will stick out in my mind for a while).
The second section is a bit harder to get through in some ways, despite the brevity of text. This section mostly describes various exercises that he recommends for those looking to get in shape. Interspersed are various tips on performing the exercises, a few examples of exercise plans a reader could use, as well as tips on how prepare and psych yourself up for working out, etc. It's definitely a useful section, if not as read-able as the first. The only issue is while there are descriptions and photos of the exercises, it would be helpful if there were a diagram of some sort to show you positioning and such. Or a dvd included, perhaps, to walk you through some of the exercises.
He does recommend a few times getting a trainer, however, and mentions that most gyms offer introductory sessions. As several of the exercises he recommends require gym equipment, it's likely expected that practical instruction would be offered by staff there.
The third section of the book covers diet & nutrition. He discusses various diets he's tried over the years, and the various positives and drawbacks he found them to have. He doesn't diss all of them, insisting readers follow his methods - he's pretty neutral towards many of them, notably weight watchers, though he does acknowledge that it may not work for everyone.
A lot of what he says, though, is mostly common sense that we've heard before - lots of vegetables, healthy meats, whole wheat over white flours, etc. He talks about what works for him, and how to stay on track with healthy eating. This section also has an anecdote from his movie days which had me giggling, so even if you find the subject matter a bit dry, I'd still recommend at least skimming through the section. If nothing else, the information is presented in a very encouraging manner which if you're feeling stuck or in a rut might be the encouragement you need to get back on track.
One thing he recommends a few times is various protein powders, and 'protein pudding' which I hadn't heard of before. Again, this isn't a new thing - I've heard before how important it is to make sure you're getting enough protein when working out to make sure you can build up muscle - it seems like less of an alien idea with the way he presents it, however. A protein shake seems a lot more manageable than a story I heard second hand about downing entire chicken breasts as a snack after a work out, for instance. And Stallone's recipe for oatmeal cookies sound a lot more appetizing (though personally I'd look at adding dried fruit, perhaps - playing with the recipe a bit).
He recommends supplements like flax seed oil as well, but not a lot of information is given, so personally I'd probably look into them more before making any decisions there.
There are also a few small after notes to readers at the end of the book - ways he finds to encourage his family to be active and healthy, an example of his daily schedule, etc.
One thing people complain about often is that he does make a couple of name-drops throughout the text. Personally, I didn't find it annoying or off-putting in this case, but others may differ.
He doesn't do so frequently, and there was only the one or two points where it seemed out of place. It would be stranger to me if a celebrity writing about their life didn't make some mention of other celebrities, especially those still working in the industry - they don't live in a bubble after all. Of course he mentions various people he's worked with over the years - when discussing his films, for instance.
It seems like a good reference for people considering branching out in their exercise routines, especially if it's true what he says about cardio not being a fix-all solution (I have no reason to doubt it, and his arguments make sense - I don't know enough about the subject to say for sure myself though). Personally, I'd like to see him come out with a longer, more in-depth biography, though. That was the most readable section of the book, and I found it really interesting.
November 18, 2007
I'm taking a break from running (my acupuncturist told me I have to work on my yin, and running is bad for that), and this lack of exercise has been making me very cranky. I've been casting around for something else to do with myself physically, and when I saw this book at the library, I figured who better than Sly Stallone to provide me with the inspiration I need to follow my dreams and become a muscular, right-wing killing machine?
Really this is a self-help book, with an emphasis on fitness, by the guy who gave us Rocky. I get a kick out of Stallone, and this is actually a pretty good fitness book for anyone who shares this enthusiasm. The target audience here seems to be overweight, sedentary older people who loved Rocky. The best thing about it is the photograph of Stallone's mother in the women's body-building gym she opened in the early fifties. Awesome! The book so far hasn't mentioned anything about the benefits of steroids, but I guess that isn't really so surprising....
I've actually read a number of fitness books in my day, and this is one of the better ones. Stallone is very likable, and his approach to diet and exercise is reasonable. The message of this book is the same as the message of the first Rocky movie, which is that people can overcome obstacles and others' low expectations of them, and can meet their goals and realize their dreams, if only they work hard and believe in themselves. In a way that's obviously a very corny message, but it's also a helpful one. As someone who was completely unathletic (though not overweight) for most of my life, I understand many psychological barriers to physical activity that people face, and I was impressed to see that Stallone seems to understand these too. In a way it makes perfect sense that someone whose entire career is based on his physique has a grasp on how body image affects people's feelings about themselves, and his sincere commitment to motivating others towards physical fitness, while easy to make fun of, is also quite sweet and potentially very helpful. He really uses his life story as Inspirational Exhibit A, which you might find annoying, but I find -- surprise, surprise -- pretty inspiring.
One cool and slightly unusual thing about this book is that Stallone really goes out of his way to make the point that fitness shouldn't be about losing weight, but about being healthy. He makes the point that for larger people, the goal is to be "big and strong," not to waste away to Hollywood-style proportions. I haven't really gotten into the actual exercises, but it looks to me like real basic stuff that I already know, which is fine. I read fitness books when I get bored with my exercise routine (or lack thereof) and need an inspirational jolt. This book is pretty inspirational, though if you don't love Rocky, you won't love this either. However, if you do love Rocky (you should), and are thinking you'd like to get in better shape, you could do far worse than this book as a means of motivation.
---------
Okay, this had some bizarre moments (SS suggesting you drink 6 cups of coffee a day) and annoying ones (name-dropping which celebrities he runs into at the gym), but on the whole I liked it. Sly follows the convention of assuming that all chicks are terrified of sprouting enormous muscles (um, I'd KILL for those?) and cannot do real push-ups, but he's hardly alone, and if this approach helps more women get into exercising then I am for it. If you aren't at all charmed by Sly Stallone and don't find constant references to his movie roles amusing, you wouldn't like this book, but I really did. He makes a good case for the importance of weight training, insisting that girl cannot live by cardio alone. I might even head back to the weightroom after reading this, as my running off-season continues. Acupuncturist aside, I think it's good to mix things up a bit, so maybe I will try some of Stallone's "Rambo Curls" next time I'm bored at the gym.
Really this is a self-help book, with an emphasis on fitness, by the guy who gave us Rocky. I get a kick out of Stallone, and this is actually a pretty good fitness book for anyone who shares this enthusiasm. The target audience here seems to be overweight, sedentary older people who loved Rocky. The best thing about it is the photograph of Stallone's mother in the women's body-building gym she opened in the early fifties. Awesome! The book so far hasn't mentioned anything about the benefits of steroids, but I guess that isn't really so surprising....
I've actually read a number of fitness books in my day, and this is one of the better ones. Stallone is very likable, and his approach to diet and exercise is reasonable. The message of this book is the same as the message of the first Rocky movie, which is that people can overcome obstacles and others' low expectations of them, and can meet their goals and realize their dreams, if only they work hard and believe in themselves. In a way that's obviously a very corny message, but it's also a helpful one. As someone who was completely unathletic (though not overweight) for most of my life, I understand many psychological barriers to physical activity that people face, and I was impressed to see that Stallone seems to understand these too. In a way it makes perfect sense that someone whose entire career is based on his physique has a grasp on how body image affects people's feelings about themselves, and his sincere commitment to motivating others towards physical fitness, while easy to make fun of, is also quite sweet and potentially very helpful. He really uses his life story as Inspirational Exhibit A, which you might find annoying, but I find -- surprise, surprise -- pretty inspiring.
One cool and slightly unusual thing about this book is that Stallone really goes out of his way to make the point that fitness shouldn't be about losing weight, but about being healthy. He makes the point that for larger people, the goal is to be "big and strong," not to waste away to Hollywood-style proportions. I haven't really gotten into the actual exercises, but it looks to me like real basic stuff that I already know, which is fine. I read fitness books when I get bored with my exercise routine (or lack thereof) and need an inspirational jolt. This book is pretty inspirational, though if you don't love Rocky, you won't love this either. However, if you do love Rocky (you should), and are thinking you'd like to get in better shape, you could do far worse than this book as a means of motivation.
---------
Okay, this had some bizarre moments (SS suggesting you drink 6 cups of coffee a day) and annoying ones (name-dropping which celebrities he runs into at the gym), but on the whole I liked it. Sly follows the convention of assuming that all chicks are terrified of sprouting enormous muscles (um, I'd KILL for those?) and cannot do real push-ups, but he's hardly alone, and if this approach helps more women get into exercising then I am for it. If you aren't at all charmed by Sly Stallone and don't find constant references to his movie roles amusing, you wouldn't like this book, but I really did. He makes a good case for the importance of weight training, insisting that girl cannot live by cardio alone. I might even head back to the weightroom after reading this, as my running off-season continues. Acupuncturist aside, I think it's good to mix things up a bit, so maybe I will try some of Stallone's "Rambo Curls" next time I'm bored at the gym.
November 6, 2012
A surprisingly user-friendly book that covers weight training and nutrition. Stallone seems like a likeable enough fellow too. Not recommended for hardcore bodybuilders though (to the hardcore I'll recommend something like The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding: The Bible of Bodybuilding, Fully Updated and Revised).
This book should appeal to anyone who has at least hefted dumbbells before in their life, and is looking to give it another go. Something I especially appreciated about the book is the fact that there are no "trendy" or "exotic" exercises that you need all kinds of weird paraphernalia for.
There is a section for the ladies too.
Recommended.
This book should appeal to anyone who has at least hefted dumbbells before in their life, and is looking to give it another go. Something I especially appreciated about the book is the fact that there are no "trendy" or "exotic" exercises that you need all kinds of weird paraphernalia for.
There is a section for the ladies too.
Recommended.
April 20, 2008
I have bought 2 copies of this book. I read it once in 2006, and now again that I had my second baby. I love this book! Sylvester Stallone has designed a 3 hour a week workout routine to tone and shape the body. It is a lot more acheivable than a lot of things out there. He knows what he is talking about. Excellent read!
December 13, 2024
This book is packed with helpful nutritional information and details on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I enjoyed the personal history of Sly without going over the top in his life story.
March 28, 2021
I found this book by intentionally searching for books by Sly Stallone. It is overlooked, which is a shame because I find it to be one of the best and most well-rounded books on fitness, nutrition, health and mental well-being out there. He did a great job and I'll spread the word about it, everyone should read it!
February 16, 2011
I was disapointed Stallone didn't read the audio-book. Still it has some good stories about making 'Rocky' his lifestyle and training tips.
March 15, 2012
Great read if you love Sly. However, I think the training advice asks a little much of most bodies. Definitely worth reading, though, if just for the cool stories.
August 12, 2019
Sly is so positive, upbeat and amazing! He keeps it simple with good advise and basic fundamentals.
January 23, 2021
For those that know me, five stars should come as no surprise.
January 5, 2023
This is a great book for someone wanting to lose weight, a Rocky enthusiast, or just someone who wants to change up his or her workout routines. Rumours about his book appeared about 18 months before its release, when Stallone launched his supplement company Instone Nutrition. I know that I for one was waiting with anticipation.
It has a nice easy reading style and is full of personal stories and photos. It is part a chronicle of Stallone’s career, and part fitness book. The four sections are:
Part 1 Sly on Sly
Part 2 Shaping Up With Sly Moves
Part 3 The Sly Moves Eating Plan
Part 4 Sly Moves in Action
One of the greatest strengths of this book is that it recognizes that fitness for men and for women is different. It has recommended exercises for men and others for women. It also realizes that to make change, it will take real work and effort. Stallone states: “Locked inside each of us is the person we want to be. Others might not recognize it yet, but I'm telling you, it's in there. The passion shouldn't die before we do. Even against ridiculous odds, what propels you forward and separates you from the rest? P.R.I.D.E., which stands for perseverance, responsibility, integrity, determination, and excitement. If you have these five elements in your life, you can accomplish almost anything.” p. 201. With effort and time, results will be visible.
Like Bill Phillips in his book Body For Life says: "It's Very Important to understand the difference between dreams and goals. Dreams are things we wish for--things you enjoy thinking about but don't really know when they'll happen. Goals, on the other hand, are specific things you have decided you need to accomplish within a clearly defined period of time." Stallone’s techniques will help you to make your dreams become goals and the goals to become reality.
Stallone has tips for life. First written for his daughter, he shares them with us in the 4th section of the book. They are:
“Sly's Top Ten Tips for Life
10. Believe it! Truly, it can be done and it will.
9. Every day - every few hours - see your vision materializing.
8. Don't discuss your dreams. Pursue them!
7. If other people can steal your ideal, most likely they will.
(Reviewer’s note: not so fond of this one)
6. Don't be afraid of embarrassment while pursuing your goal.
It's all part of being committed.
5. Being naive is business and understanding human
nature is a recipe for disaster.
4. Study people's success stories hard. Study their failures even harder.
3. Enthusiasm is like a wonderful disease - keep spreading it
until everyone's infected.
2. Only choose a goal that - if you had to - you'd gladly pursue for free.
In order to achieve success, you've got to follow your passion.
Most Important: If it's not broken, break it.
That's how new discoveries are made.
That's why everything that changes life is called a breakthrough.” p.186. This book will help you have breakthroughs in your life. Those breakthroughs will be through a process of progressive changes in your life and lifestyle.
Robert Wolff, former editor of Muscle & Fitness, stated in his book: “The one thing you can be absolutely sure of in your life is change. It’s the only thing that never changes. The law of nature is that you either grow or you die; there’s no in-between. So, what have you chosen so far?” To many extents this book is a manual on how to make change. First in the area of physical fitness and then to apply the discipline learned there to other areas of your life. It is definitely worth the time and effort!
(First Published in Imprint 2006-07-28 as ‘Love It’ in the ‘Love It / Hate It’ book review column.)
It has a nice easy reading style and is full of personal stories and photos. It is part a chronicle of Stallone’s career, and part fitness book. The four sections are:
Part 1 Sly on Sly
Part 2 Shaping Up With Sly Moves
Part 3 The Sly Moves Eating Plan
Part 4 Sly Moves in Action
One of the greatest strengths of this book is that it recognizes that fitness for men and for women is different. It has recommended exercises for men and others for women. It also realizes that to make change, it will take real work and effort. Stallone states: “Locked inside each of us is the person we want to be. Others might not recognize it yet, but I'm telling you, it's in there. The passion shouldn't die before we do. Even against ridiculous odds, what propels you forward and separates you from the rest? P.R.I.D.E., which stands for perseverance, responsibility, integrity, determination, and excitement. If you have these five elements in your life, you can accomplish almost anything.” p. 201. With effort and time, results will be visible.
Like Bill Phillips in his book Body For Life says: "It's Very Important to understand the difference between dreams and goals. Dreams are things we wish for--things you enjoy thinking about but don't really know when they'll happen. Goals, on the other hand, are specific things you have decided you need to accomplish within a clearly defined period of time." Stallone’s techniques will help you to make your dreams become goals and the goals to become reality.
Stallone has tips for life. First written for his daughter, he shares them with us in the 4th section of the book. They are:
“Sly's Top Ten Tips for Life
10. Believe it! Truly, it can be done and it will.
9. Every day - every few hours - see your vision materializing.
8. Don't discuss your dreams. Pursue them!
7. If other people can steal your ideal, most likely they will.
(Reviewer’s note: not so fond of this one)
6. Don't be afraid of embarrassment while pursuing your goal.
It's all part of being committed.
5. Being naive is business and understanding human
nature is a recipe for disaster.
4. Study people's success stories hard. Study their failures even harder.
3. Enthusiasm is like a wonderful disease - keep spreading it
until everyone's infected.
2. Only choose a goal that - if you had to - you'd gladly pursue for free.
In order to achieve success, you've got to follow your passion.
Most Important: If it's not broken, break it.
That's how new discoveries are made.
That's why everything that changes life is called a breakthrough.” p.186. This book will help you have breakthroughs in your life. Those breakthroughs will be through a process of progressive changes in your life and lifestyle.
Robert Wolff, former editor of Muscle & Fitness, stated in his book: “The one thing you can be absolutely sure of in your life is change. It’s the only thing that never changes. The law of nature is that you either grow or you die; there’s no in-between. So, what have you chosen so far?” To many extents this book is a manual on how to make change. First in the area of physical fitness and then to apply the discipline learned there to other areas of your life. It is definitely worth the time and effort!
(First Published in Imprint 2006-07-28 as ‘Love It’ in the ‘Love It / Hate It’ book review column.)
August 5, 2019
I’m a big fan of Sly but I do have some issues with this book.
Overall, it’s mostly just outdated by this point. We have learned more about nutrition and fitness in the time since it was published, so that much of the information he shares is flat out wrong, or entirely opinion.
He does make a lot of important points nutrition-wise, condemning fad diets like Atkins and things like cutting carbohydrates, but in the same paragraph he will say that plant based protein is ineffective and only meat provides adequate protein. We know this to be entirely false.
He advocates a form of “intuitive” eating, but still seems to focus heavily on aesthetics.
His workouts are ok. It’s hard to write a good fitness book and he does put in a great effort to make it unlike other fitness books. Still, I was left wanting. There were a few neat moves I am interested in incorporating.
There’s also some pseudoscientific issues - “detox” is used in terms of things like apple cider vinegar.
An interesting look at Sly’s diet and lifestyle, as an example of how one can eat, but offers little else.
Although I am not speaking from the perspective of the general public as I don’t struggle as much with diet and exercise in terms of consistency, perseverance and willpower.
Overall, it’s mostly just outdated by this point. We have learned more about nutrition and fitness in the time since it was published, so that much of the information he shares is flat out wrong, or entirely opinion.
He does make a lot of important points nutrition-wise, condemning fad diets like Atkins and things like cutting carbohydrates, but in the same paragraph he will say that plant based protein is ineffective and only meat provides adequate protein. We know this to be entirely false.
He advocates a form of “intuitive” eating, but still seems to focus heavily on aesthetics.
His workouts are ok. It’s hard to write a good fitness book and he does put in a great effort to make it unlike other fitness books. Still, I was left wanting. There were a few neat moves I am interested in incorporating.
There’s also some pseudoscientific issues - “detox” is used in terms of things like apple cider vinegar.
An interesting look at Sly’s diet and lifestyle, as an example of how one can eat, but offers little else.
Although I am not speaking from the perspective of the general public as I don’t struggle as much with diet and exercise in terms of consistency, perseverance and willpower.
August 14, 2021
4 stars. Listened to this as an audiobook on Audible. My partner loves Stallone and wanted to read this book so, since we bought it, I listened to it too. I really love the Rocky movies (even though I hate sports movies) so I thought it’s be interesting to listen to this - I just wish it had been read BY Stallone. Otherwise, it was a very quick read and interesting to hear how he approaches exercise. He has stayed in incredible shape throughout his adult life, so nothing he said sounded preachy, like it might if someone who isn’t truly in shape had written a book like this (diet books in general). I think it’s worth reading. After being an athlete up until I was about 25, I’m currently now going through a period of trying to lose weight. A sedentary job and depression resulted in nearly 50 pounds gained in 5 years. Now I’m doing what I can to lose this weight because I feel horrible every morning that I wake up (not even looks wise). As I’m going through this fitness journey, I really appreciated listening to this book. There are a few tips that I can definitely take away from this and hopefully use while getting fit again. Definitely well written! Short and sweet read.
May 25, 2025
I love Sylvester Stallone so! I am pretty sure I read this book for the first time 15 or so years ago, but I was interested in how it held up, and it really impressed me! I love part 1, which is basically a short memoir with fun anecdotes about his workout regimens for each role. He fully admits it took years to get into Rocky III shape! Then Part 2 has form guidance for great basic weightlifting moves as well as combination suggestions if you are just starting out. Part 3 gives his common sense eating tips, and it makes me so happy that Sly eats everything, and has been all about real food before Michael Pollan ever said it! He's funny, inspiring, still humble and you feel him cheering you on to get stronger and take care of yourself. Cue the Rocky music!!
January 7, 2018
I enjoyed how Sly broke the book into 3 sections. The first was a little bit about him and his background. I really enjoyed how he talked about his different training methods for his different movies. The 2nd section was about exercise which has great workouts for all types of people. The 3rd section was on nutrition, lots of good info. Highly recommend if you are trying to loose some weight.
April 7, 2021
This is a very good book for good exercise tips and all round body training system. Whilst it doesn't explore more advanced fitness techniques such as hardcore bodybuilding, cutting phases and supplements, or hardcore strength training, what it will teach is how to live a healthy lifestyle, with a good muscle toning and building formula that covers each body parts.
It also gives good insight into Sly Stallone's workout regime that he was using around 2004.
It also gives good insight into Sly Stallone's workout regime that he was using around 2004.
February 4, 2018
Good for some biographical info on sly, but the workout is pretty basic, for beginners. It will not get you into Rocky shape.
July 22, 2019
I loved learning about Sly's life and stories about his most famous movies. The book also contains very simple self-help plans for everyone. I enjoyed this book very much.
August 21, 2019
This was a short but fairly comprehensive look at the dietary, nutrition, and exercise philosophies of Sylvester Stallone. Insightful and fun, it's an interesting read.
March 10, 2025
Not nescessarily a book but its got some damn good advice
September 14, 2025
really good Read would definitely recommend. feels like a rocky book for sure. definitely like the way he makes getting in good health feel possible!
March 1, 2017
Inspiring!
January 12, 2016
I can't say that I actually read this book. The reality is I studied this book. I devoured this book. I found the information provided by Stallone to be gold. Stallone has some great behind the scenes stories from Rocky, Rambo and other films. He details what he eats every day and has a great breakdown of workouts. I was able to tailor a workout and diet for myself from this book and lose over 100 lbs in two years. I still pick up this book from time to time and go over my workouts and add in some new things he has laid out in the book. One of the best things is his recipe of what he calls "Rocky Cookies". I recommend this book for anyone who is looking to start learning to work out or have questions on what to eat and what not to eat. Stallone has a great layout about good and bad carbs. He makes it very simple for anyone at any fitness level.
September 2, 2014
This book was good for his personal stories and maybe some inspiration if you are looking for some, but the actual diet and exercise information is nothing new for anyone who has read any kind of books on health before.
November 3, 2007
This guy simply inspires me when it comes to physical health.
February 1, 2008
Neat book, but somehow he fails to mention the fact that HGH was almost as responsible for his look as his challenging workout regimen....
July 8, 2012
Read it for the personal anecdotes behind his movie career. I enjoyed the stories concerning his career, but had little interest in the rest.
February 2, 2019
Awesome read 1.1.2010
December 28, 2013
pretty good easy to understand food and exercise. I will be referring back to this when needed!
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