5-Factor Fitness: The Diet and Fitness Secret of Hollywood's A-List

Harley's 5-Factor Fitness, that's how!Ok, I have to admit... Harley is a personal friend of mine, but as the publisher of a fitness and physique development magazine, Real SOLUTIONS ([...] that's never stopped me from being candid.I was in LA this past week, and so I stopped by to visit with Harley at his new training studio in West Hollywood. While there he gave me a new copy of 5-Factor Fitness, fresh off the press. That's why I'm able to write a review -- before the actual publishing release date.In eager anticipation, I read the entire book on the flight back to Colorado -- and I have to say...The remarkable way in which Harley explains the necessary components of training, nutrition and even supplementation is downright simple, but in my opinion, very effective. Especially for someone who is starved for time (aren't we all ;-/, and for someone who has little knowledge of how to put together a practical plan that is able to "fit" into their lifestyle -- without turning their life upside down (like most obnoxious diet/training books do).Simply put, Harley doesn't over complicate principles and theories, he merely presents the scientific facts, coupled with his unique 5-factor philosophy that he's used to help reshape and condition the bodies of Halley Berry, Rick Fox, Christian Slater, Stephen Dorff, and many other celebs.As you would expect, using detailed instructions and photos, Harley takes you through the five moves for the five/five-minute workout cycles, which totals a twenty-five minute workout. You perform this five days a week, whether from home or at the gym. He includes recipes and a five-week meal plan for the five meals a day. And the best part is, each meal takes just five minutes to prepare - and they taste great. (No kidding!) Nothing in the recipes requires a trip to a specialty or health-food store.And you know what... his program flat out works! In fact, I have readers who have been following his programs for years now, because he has written articles for us in past issues of our Real SOLUTIONS magazine, and they've all commented about the way he turns ordinary, boring workouts into fun, interesting, yet challenging, results-producing workouts!So, if you really want to strip off some unwanted bodyfat, reshape your body, and increase your level of workout intensity (and have some fun too!), then this easy-to-follow plan is for you. Or perhaps you just want to try something new... and change up your workout routine -- I encourage you to give Harley's 5-Factor Fitness a try. I'm absolutely certain you'll be thrilled with your results!!

I'm 23, and over the years I've experimented with various diets (Atkins/Keto Diet, South Beach, Zone, Sugarbusters), and various workout concepts (HIT, German Volume Training, etc). I've stayed in pretty good shape for the most part, but over the last couple of years I've slipped a bit, being in school and all.I heard of this book this summer when I ran into my old martial arts teacher. He's 50ish and last I saw him he'd gotten pretty husky. He still lifted weights some, but he wasn't in great shape or anything. When I ran into him this time, he was ripped and looked like a hollywood star or something. I asked him about it and he told me about this book and mentioned some of the concepts to me. I know this sounds like a tv infomertial but...This book is the best. This guy really really knows his stuff. He clears up so many misconceptions about nutrition and exercise, and the system he has devised is really very innovative... it's not just "eat this, do 3 sets of 10 reps on bench press, blah blah"; there's sound science to it... but at the same time, he's set it up in a way that is simple and will make sense to everyone.The way I see it, there are three main aspects to working out correctly; something that works, something that evades adaptation (and encourages muscle growth), and the key thing, something that won't damage your body (joints, etc). This plan hits all these points.Anyway I can't say enough about this book... after reading so many books and having to substitute my own ideas and concepts I'd read in still other books, it's nice to see all the right information in one book that is easy to read.

After having been obese pretty much since I was a fetus, and wasting years on fad diets [Slim Fast, Atkins, Cabbage soup, The Zone, etc.] I finally made the committment to lose weight the healthy way (by eating right and exercising) about 7 years ago. It's been a long journey and a process of trial and error, losses and gains, but overall, I've managed to lose 65 (only 60 more to go!). Though I've had success on my own (and with some help/support of Weight Watchers), I bought this book basically to get some fresh ideas for meals and workout routines so I don't get stuck in a rut.What I love about this book is it is REALISTIC, specifically in the duration and type of exercises included, the results you can expect, and best of all, the fact that Harley cuts you some slack. You don't see sentences like: "You can never eat x food again" or "You must run 5 miles a day" (in fact, he discourages running as it is hard on the joints).The workout plan simply consists of a little cardio to warm up, 2 strength exercises, some ab work, and a bit more cardio to finish up. As someone who despises cardio, and doesn't run unless there's an ice cream truck in front of me or a serial killer behind, I appreciate that i don't have to spend a lot of time on any one part of the rountine. When I read the exercises for the first workout, I thought, "Okay, this looks easy." Wrong! Though I've been strength training for years, the high amount of reps Day One called for was very challening. I intend to complete the whole 5 week plan, and I'm excited to see what the results will be with this new way of working out.The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 is that I have a couple of issues with the food plan. While Harley claims the diet portion is not lo-carb, virtually every meal is loaded with meat and dairy, which he refers to as "high quality protein sources". Large quantities of animal protein are rough on the kidneys and can deplete the body of calcium. Though he doesn't specify how many grams/portions of protein one should eat daily, I'd imagine a vegetarian would have to eat PLENTY of egg whites and cottage cheese to get in the servings suggested. And a vegan would have to practically live on soy-based meat substitutes.While it won't yield the quicker weight loss, a diet centered around vegetables and fruits first, then whole grains and legumes, and healthy fats [nuts, olive oil], plus some seafood and limited, organic dairy will get you the most nutrients and is best fr your heart. While not totally excluded, grains, beans, and starchy vegetables (like sweet potatos) play a limited role in Harvey's plan.The other part of the food plan that I have a problem with the recommendation to have a "sugar free beverage" with each meal. While this of course can refer to water and unsweetened tea, Harley also has no problem including artificially-sweetened drinks, which are loaded with chemicals. I guess if you don't mind your body being a science lab, this won't be a problem for you. I personally choose to stay away from Frankenfoods like that. I give him BIG props, however, for allowing a "cheat day" once a week.