SparkPoints: (152,202)
Fitness Minutes: (148,152)
Posts: 29,536
2/5/10 8:32 P

I was already in maintenance when I purchased The Spark. I admit, I bought it because of the incentives offered at the time - too good a deal to pass up.

I am not sorry either because I found the background history to be very interesting and I really liked reading the comments in the book by other SparkPeople members.

SparkPeople works because of the Spark Community.

This doesn't answer your question though - no one can tell you if you should buy the book.

current weight: 122.0

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120

Posts: 9,925
2/4/10 3:51 P

OK, I'll be honest. I had a 33% off coupon from Border's and wanted the free exercise video from Spark so I bought the book. All of your comments are convincing me to spend time reading it. Thanks.

current weight: 7.0  over

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-10

SparkPoints: (66,324)
Fitness Minutes: (81,355)
Posts: 14,779
2/4/10 2:33 P

I myself have debated in getting the book for the same reason. I have been in maintenance for almost 2 years but wasn't sure if it would be a good idea to buy it or not. Thanks for posting this and for all the responses. I am considering it now!

current weight: 158.6

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SparkPoints: (15,445)
Fitness Minutes: (17,459)
Posts: 412
2/4/10 7:47 A

Thanks for everyone's input thus far. I've decided to go out and invest the small 13 dollars (and to receive my 500 spark points!). I'm still looking forward to what others who are maintaining have to say about the book.

current weight: 126.0

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125

SparkPoints: (88,798)
Fitness Minutes: (20,412)
Posts: 22,932
2/4/10 7:36 A

I am glad I bought the book. It helps in maintain and giving the support you need during this crucial time.

Pounds lost: 75.0

0 18.75 37.5 56.25

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Posts: 5,957
2/4/10 7:20 A

I am glad I bought the book, as some of the others have responded, too... because of the up front bits about the history, and the motivational material. While I've read similar things before, working through this and re-thinking things has been worthwhile.

If you want a more blow-by-blow reaction to the first few chapters, I have entries in my blog covering the first five. I am currently working on Chapter six and hit a wall. That's the beginning of the 28-day program, and I'm not convinced I'm ready to do that just yet, since I am close to goal and entering maintenance. To me it was kind of bad timing, as it felt like adding more to a plate already filled.

But I am starting to read about it, and intend to get back to it when I need a boost to keep me going.

current weight: 4.6  over

5 2.5 0 -2.5

-5

Posts: 7,094
2/4/10 6:26 A

The book is well worth buying. It is slow going and intense, but full of wonderful help, and background!

Posts: 19,906
2/4/10 12:38 A

I agree with DLWight the book does reiterate and reinforce much of what we learn on the site but it also shows the thinking behind the creation of the site and the attitudes involved.
I was reminded of the things that I have let go of a little and this was good for me.
At 12.95 it was a worthwhile spend, very reasonable for all the information and links there are in the book.
One thing I really liked was being able to have a hard copy so that I could show others what Sparks was all about.

113,552 SparkPoints

Posts: 26
2/3/10 11:44 P

I had reached my goal weight by the time I received the book. I am glad I got it and read it though. It is as much about goal setting and what you want out of life as it is about losing weight. There is helpful information for losing weight as well as maintaining. I do wish I had read it when I had started Sparks people. I have a better understanding about Sparkspeople and how to benefit from using the website.

SparkPoints: (15,445)
Fitness Minutes: (17,459)
Posts: 412
2/3/10 10:51 P

For those who have bought this book and are maintaining...should I go out and buy this book? Is there helpful information/motivation for us who have already reached our weight goal? What do you like/dislike most about the book? Thanks for any input!

current weight: 126.0

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125