SEAL Survival Guide: A Navy SEAL's Secrets to Surviving Any Disaster

Dashing ex-Navy Seal Cade Courtley , star of Spike TV's just-launched "Surviving Disaster" show, comes out with his own survival guide. He's the real deal, but there's not much new in the book, if you have read Robert Peltons guides and also Cody Lundin, etc. However, it's still good stuff, and if you don't have one of these real life disaster books, this may be the book for you.

A quote from the author:

"After making it through Seal training and the stuff I did as a Seal, I guess you start to feel like you can make it through anything. When you have that kind of a mindset, there's a certain confidence that goes along with that. The confidence is really helpful when all hell breaks loose," he notes. "We try to teach people, `Yeah, that just happened. Take a breath. Let's get that brain working and we can problem solve our way through this.' It's nothing too advanced where you'd need 20 years experience of hand-to-hand combat."

Entertaining, and perhaps life-saving.

SEAL Survival Guide: A Navy SEAL's Secrets to Surviving Any Disaster is the Go-To-Guidebook for surviving any disaster. Coutley has an impressive background as a Navy SEAL, and has done a great job at providng the right kinds of information. The book is comprehensive, has easy to understand illustrations, and is full of critical information. Every person in America should read this book to develop the right mindset advantage in any emergency. Knowing what to do in a cris is half the battle. I heartily recommend this book.

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1)If you put out a survival guide for your fellow countrymen --and if you trade on the name of the Seals --then you owe it to your readers to take the topic seriously. No one should expect Mr Courtley to provide classified info --but his shallow book leaves out much well known, unclassified info.

2) Example 1: Detecting surveillance (p. 280). Courtley says travel around several city blocks in a box (4 right turns.) Which does nothing but tip off the people following you that you are alert and tells them to take greater measures. Courtley says nothing about the fact that his method is easily beaten by a crew of three swapping positions. Or that even your wife can order a GPS cellphone beacon off the internet, hide it in your car and watch you remotely on her laptop -laughing as you do Courtley's stupid box turns before you head to meet your new girlfriend at the motel. Courtley says nothing about the basic technique -having a friend watch from several hidden locations (e.g, office window 5 stories up) as you walk through a series of cut-throughs -an opening in a wall-type barrier that forces a surveillance bubble to close up and go through the same opening in order to follow you. There are a number of counter-surveillance manuals on Amazon that will reveal the shortcomings of this section in Courtley's book.

3) Example 2: Firearms (p.299) In his list of things to do on p 299, Courtley doesn't mention the importance of knowing the law and how you can easily lose your life savings to civil suits if you step wrong. Nor does he mention the possibly of your armed opponent wearing concealed body armor and the need to immediately execute the Failure to Stop drill aka Mozambique drill and the corresponding demand for a high capacity magazine. He does punt and suggest you contact IPSC for actual info on using a gun -although IDPA would be a better source.

4) Example 3: "Survival Float" p. 216. Courtley briefly describes how to keep from drowning if you have to abandon ship at sea.

He should have noted that his "survival float" is widely known as "Drownproofing" , that learning the technique requires hours of training in advance, that such training is provided by the Red Cross and many swim clubs and that the technique has limited utility outside tropical waters because it accelerates hypothermia. Courtley does warn of the dangers of being even on large ships at sea and the need to know where life jackets and vests are located. But he should have noted the need for extensive training if you go out on smaller boats -such as is provided by the American Sailing Association -and the dangers of a sailboat hitting

a floating shipping container at night while traveling at top speed.

5) As a general criticism, Courtley should have done more to explain the high risk and danger in the areas he discusses, the need to avoid them and and the need to TRAIN IN ADVANCE/PREPARE IN ADVANCE if one can not avoid them. Strange because he emphasizes early on how a Seal must train for almost 3 years before being qualified for combat -and the need for advanced planning before

embarking into a dangerous situation.

6) Example 4: Improvised Weapons (p. 301) Courtley does not mention the deadliness of a 3.5 inch pocketknife --legal to carry

in many places where guns are banned -or the correct way to grip a knife, correct ways to use a knife, location of arteries, etc. Again, Amazon has several books on the subject of knifefighting.

7) Example 5: Nuclear Attack (p.245) Again, Courtley talks about what to do if a nuclear bomb unexpectedly goes off nearby --

but nothing about preparing in advance. Like knowing where the likely targets are and avoiding them. Like knowing where the deep shelters are and how to get to them. Courtley does not mention the flash bang technique of counting the time delay between the bright flash of light and the arrival of the blast wave (which can take up to 75 seconds to arrive if you are 15 miles away from ground zero) in order to determine the DISTANCE to the nudet. Which is ESSENTIAL in judging if the wind speed will give you time to run parallel to the oncoming fallout cloud to avoid it, as Courtley recommends. Courtley also does not mention the case in which you are UPWIND of the nudet --in which case you need to run directly AWAY from the nudet if you are within range of the fallout deposit. Nor does Courtley note the need to measure the width (degrees) of the fallout cloud 5 minutes after detonation to determine the yield--which in turn will tell you have many miles upwind of the blast you need to be to escape fallout. Nor does Courtley note how to evaluate the mushroom cloud to determine if the nuclear bomb was an air strike (likely

in many cases because of the greater damage) in which case fallout would not be generated/not a concern. Nor does Courtley note

the danger of firestorm and the need to excape from the area where it can erupt because a firestorm will incinderate even people in deep shelters.

Army manuals like 3-11.4 have detailed information/procedures but Courtley doesn't even mention them or refer readers to them even though they are unclassified and available online.

Courtley also does not mention the value of having one or two folded up oven bags in your wallet that you can fill with water so that you don't die of thirst if you have to stay in shelter for two weeks. Or the value of having a cell phone set up to receive text alerts warning 20 minutes in advance that an attack is coming or has already hit other locations. Or the value in having a small transistor AM/weather radio so that you can receive broadcasts telling you when it is safe to come out.

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You need this book. It's cover-to-cover with practical advice designed for the average person. You don't have to be an expert to successfully follow any of the advice given.

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Well written how not to get your self dead book. The author covers many survival subjects and makes some great suggestions. Even if you are not the physical specimen of a Navy Seal there is information that you can and should use. Most of what is offered is common sense which many in our society is lacking in an age that could kill you if you are not paying attention. This book brings focus as to what we should be paying attention to. Can you survive an active shooter in a mall? This book increases you chances in that scenario and many others.

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First Aid, CPR and AED Standard

This book is good because it was inexpensive, and it offers vital information that assists those who are trying to master their CPR skills. Unfortunately, this was the brief edition of the actual book that I needed, but I still manage alright with this one. Thus it proves that this book too is useful and informative.

Overall I like the book and the information it contains, but I feel some of the diagrams are mission along with some of the blocked concept sections. I could just have a faulty ebook I guess.

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This is an excellent all-around first aid field guide. You'll find most of what to look for and what to do in an emergency situation, which is exactly what most of us need. But be advised, as mentioned in a few other reviews, this is NOT the large textbook version. IF you're looking for a good first aid guide, this is it.

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this book was ordered for a school class. It met the requirement and arrived in time for school. The book was in good condition and an easy read.

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Bought the used version, it came almost like new. It's a must have for quick reviews esp. if you have been certified in CPR & First aid. Helps bring to mind what to do. And is a great addition to your Go Bag.

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Ayurveda: The Science of Self Healing - A Practical Guide

This book covers the fundamentals of holistic health / Ayurveda. This book helped me to understand the baics of our human body, why we get disease. It gave a positive perspective about health/life. So, Ayurveda not just treating the disease superficially. It's holistic healing with no side-effects (unlike alopathy).

Following book by the same author is also recommended:

~ The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies by Vasant Lad [If you want only one book,this is it! Every home who wants to be happy and naturally healthy should have this and follow it! ]

Ayurveda will save your money and health! :) Be healthy and happy!

"Ayurveda: The Science of Self Healing," is a succinct, wonderfully illustraded practical opus-guide to parts of the body related to the "tridoshas," (the three doshas body-types we all possess that must be in delicate balance for whole-health." Dr. Lad informs the reader-student of the connections of body-types with the elements of the zodiac, (fire, earth-water, air-ether), which are the ancient foundations of all spiritual tradtions. The illustrated body parts of body-types, and the foods relative for whole health and irritation which creates imbalances, is of immense assistance in illustrating to the self-healer, and/or those who simply want to be more greatly informed about natural healing methods.

Thank you Dr. Vasant Lad for this greatly information text!!!!!!!

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This is a great introduction to Ayurveda. Great information and very easy to understand... I enjoyed the book and my only two complaints were 1. As someone already mentioned there was not as much emphasis on constitutional types and the subject didn't get as in depth as I would have liked. 2. The style of writing was not as engaging as I would've liked.

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This was my first introduction to Ayurveda despite studying yoga for several years. I cannot judge how faithful the instructions in this book are to true Ayurvedic medicine; regardless of that, this book makes some strange and potentially hazardous medical recommendations. Pages 143-144 recommend taking the heavy metal mercury to "enkindle the enzyme system...and regenerate the tissues." Page 143 recommends lead as a cure for several disorders including skin diseases and venereal disease. Neither of these recommendations are accompanied by a warning that modern medicine has clearly identified these two metals as being toxic to humans. While these metals are promoted without warnings about their toxicity, the author warns readers about the dangers of vitamin intake. On page 87, the author claims that overpresciption of vitamins to patients by Western physicians may cause them to suffer from "hypervitaminosis." Page 140 makes great claims about the curative powers of onions. It claims that when used as a nasal inhalant or as eye drops they will relieve acute epileptic seizures, reduce cholesterol, and serve as a heart tonic. Ouch...that stings even just thinking about it. If the preceeding prescriptions haven't deterred you from subscribing to this book's recommendations, then the following might. Pages 42-44 suggest drinking a cup of your own urine each morning in order to cleanse and detoxify your large colon.

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While this book covers enough amount of information for an introductory book... the writing style is terse and information is not detailed enough. This book was written in 1984.

I would highly recommond Lad's more recent book (Ayurvedic Remedies) that is written in 1998. It covers everything that is already in this book plus you get remedies for common ailments. That book is written in a more friendly manner and relatable. He addresses some western aspects (for example he touches on how westerners are averse to vaman/vomiting therapy). Its just $3 more, I would get that.

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Body by You: The You Are Your Own Gym Guide to Total Women's Fitness

I loved the Mark Lauren's first book, You Are Your Own Gym. It was a great book in the severely lacking bodyweight training market. It is still, in my opinion, the best book on bodyweight training in the market.

However, as great as that book is, this one is equally as effective for the specific market for women. There are so many great things about this book. I especially like the information in the introduction where he explains that women are aspiring for looks that are only achievable by a very small minority and that are not, in reality, healthy. He wants you to appreciate the body that you have, but to try and make it as healthy as possible.

I have had a lot of training in the field of functional training and I will never do anything else. I completely agree with the statements that chronic cardio is just asking for overuse injuries. I was a marathon runner and now I am a broken marathon runner. I can speak to this first hand. This book emphasizes short, high quality functional exercise that is the key to a healthy body. I whole heartedly agree.

The exercise section is wonderful and reminds me of another book Convict conditioning. The strength is in the progression of exercises in order to achieve more and more challenging exercises. But, unlike Convict conditioning, this is for women and includes more steps of progression. This is exceptional since a woman's strength gains are different and not as great as a mans.

This is my new go to training book. I received an advance copy for review, but I liked it so much that I am ordering the final version when it is ready for release. If you are tired of the confusion of the fitness market and want simple and effective training, this book is IT. Thank you Mark!

After working many years in a long-hours, sedentary job, I found myself in sorry physical shape. I started turning that around by making simple changes to food choices and becoming more active. That helped a lot, but eventually I found I hit a plateau and was no longer becoming stronger or fitter.

Just when I was thinking I would have to start going to the gym or acquire a lot of exercise and weight training equipment for my home, this book came along. Right off the bat, what Mark Lauren was saying resonated and made sense to me. Here are some of the key messages:

* You don't need equipment, trainers or a gym to get fit and stay fit

* To become lean and fit, you must build muscle

* Adding muscle is the key to losing weight because muscle burns more calories

* Weight training allows women to firm and tone their bodies; women do not have the hormonal makeup to develop bulging muscles

* Cardio exercise is time-consuming and can be counterproductive, because it doesn't use most of your muscle mass and may actually cause a loss of muscle

Mark Lauren prescribes a system of weight training that is designed to exercise the entire body, build lean muscle and give you more grace and balance. You don't need any equipment; you just use the walls and furniture around you. The system is described clearly and completely and you can get started right away.

(I don't want to get off track here, but I remember a few years ago seeing an interview with Martina Navratilova, and while out on a walk in the country, she talked about how she exercised without equipment, using her own body weight, and demonstrated several of the exercises she did regularly. This is one of the world's top athletes, not somebody trying to sell you something.)

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

In this book, Mark Lauren prescribes five types of bodyweight training exercises, called movement categories:

* Pulling

* Squatting

* In-line Pushing

* Perpendicular Pushing

* Bending

Lauren divides 125 specific exercises into each category (25 in each movement category), ranks them from easiest to hardest and includes good, detailed descriptions and illustrations of each exercise. Every one of the exercises can be done in your home, at an office or in a hotel room without any specialized equipment.

The training system is designed for you to consistently train three days a week for 30 minutes each time, with a day of rest between sessions. The book includes workout session charts that list each of the five movement categories, tell you how many sets and repetitions of each type of exercise to do in the session and a column in which you can write the number of the specific exercise you will do that session in each movement category.

You begin the program with a couple of evaluation sessions, so that you can determine where you should start your program. For example, you will look at the ranking of the exercises in the Pulling category and try them until you reach the most challenging exercise you can still complete within the prescribed time period, using the designated number of sets and reps, and in proper form. If that's #5, then you write #5 on your exercise chart for the session and that's where you will begin your program for the Pulling category. You'll repeat this for each movement category and wind up with a chart filled out with the numbers of the exercises in each category that you'll begin your program with. You might be much better at pulling than squatting exercises, in which case your starting exercise for pulling might be much higher than your starting exercise for squatting.

Once you've completed your two evaluation sessions and established your starting points for each movement category, you follow the program through 4-week cycles that Lauren describes. You upgrade from one exercise to the next-harder exercise once you can do all the sets and reps in good form. You do this at your own pace. If you need to take it down a notch, Lauren tells you how to do that. You can also go to Lauren's website to get (for free) other exercises to add to your program and to share experiences with others.

SPECIFIC EXERCISES

Just to give you an idea of the exercises in the book: In the Pulling movement category, they include wrapping a towel around a doorknob, placing your feet on each side of the door, grasping one end of the towel in each hand, leaning back with bent knees and pulling yourself up to the door. Other exercises (in different categories) include many varieties of presses, push-ups, pull-ups and hip raises; again, all ranked from easiest to hardest.

STYLE

When I read that Mark Lauren has, for many years, been a physical trainer for military elites, I had some trepidation. I thought he might have a boot-camp style, full of aggressiveness and macho posing. I was pleased to find his style to be just the opposite. His manner is no-nonsense, for sure, but he shows a lot of respect for women and is helpful and encouraging. What a refreshing approach in these days when so many trainers seem to think that yelling at people and humiliating them is motivational.

I'm just getting started on Lauren's program, but I can report that the book is clear and easy to follow. It's exciting to look at all the exercises and imagine getting stronger and working all the way to #25 in all five categories. If you're a woman who is ready to start bodyweight training, I can recommend giving this a try before spending time and money on a gym, trainer or expensive equipment.

Note: The book also includes a nutrition portion, but I am not using it. I have other resources I use for nutrition, including SparkPeople.

UPDATE: I've been working with the program for several weeks. I don't always do it every other day, but I'm pretty consistent. I started in the very low numbers of the exercises, especially those involving upper-body strength. I've moved up a few steps, but I'm taking it slowly so that I don't get discouraged. I do feel stronger in the upper body and I think I'm getting a little stronger in the core. I was already strong in the legs, so I don't see as much change there.

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MY THOUGHTS

LOVED IT

Every January, I try to get back into shape and this year I think I found the perfect book to help me out. I can't get to a gym and with a bad back, some exercises are just impossible for me to try. I am now working through this program and I find that it is really easy to do. No special equipment, no special things, just a door and some floor space to make the whole thing work. You can make the exercise as easy as you need it to be and for anyone with injuries, it is easy to work up to doing more repetitions as the author recommends.

I have found that my strength is increasing and I can easily work in these movements. I really recommend that you find a very stable door I use the fire door between my house and garage. I was afraid that using one of the other interior doors would be too much of a strain on the hinges. I really don't mind doing these movements and the whole program reminds of a fitness class that I took in college that had me in the best shape ever. I really recommend this easy to use guide to getting you back into shape.

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This book IS all you need if you can't afford a gym membership and want better faster results. Mark Lauren is a certified military physical training specialist, special operations combat controller, triathlete, and champion Thai boxer. He is NOT some ordinary guy who was obese, lost weight, and wrote a book to cash in on his journey. Instead, this book shares his knowledge of fitness for those who want to get in shape without gym memberships, funky expensive equipment, and pricey trainers you can't afford. He uses a simple yet extremely useful strategy, your own body weight.

Mark Lauren uses the same movements the military's advanced forces, SEALs to Green Berets use. He also addresses a woman's needs and concerns by adjusting every exercise to fit your own physical ability to accomplish each movement. Each movement category progresses from easiest to hardest so you're never doing the same exercise over and over. Train 3 days a week, with a rest day between workouts.

Movement Categories: Pulling, Squatting, In-line Pushing, Perpendicular Pushing, and Bending. Difficulty is adjusted by changing the intensity of movements through leverages, pauses, and single or double-limb engagement. Broken down into 3 Cycles each lasting 4 weeks, with 25 exercises listed for each category to choose from. This progression lets you avoid hitting a plateau and continue building lean muscle and a faster metabolism.

Excerpt from book "The reality is that strength training will make you smaller, not bigger, because increasing lean muscle mass will burn up fat over your entire body." -"Your muscles will not look toned unless there is little fat masking them."

Remember ladies...we don't have the same hormonal makeup as men therefore we don't turn into the hulk (unless you're using certain substances) we instead get leaner, harder, sexier bodies : )

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I am a fan of Body by Science: A Research Based Program to Get the Results You Want in 12 Minutes a Week but I don't necessarily want to go to the gym to exercise. I was happy to get a review copy of this book. Somehow I thought that it would be full of exercises to do without any aids except your body and the floor and possibly a mat and a wall. Many and maybe most of these exercises involve pieces of furniture or doors. I live in an older house and I really don't think my door hinges and frames would hold up to the challenge. And I don't think I have the right kind of furniture. However there are also lots of exercises without props also.

I do like the progression he offers. He does not just give you easy, moderate and hard exercises for a particular function he gives you lots of exercises in a detailed progression so you see the path forward.

He offers exercises in 5 movement categories (Pulling, Squatting, In-Line Pushing, Perp Pushing and Bending) with 25 exercises or variants described and listed in order of difficulty. Also he details how to plan your work out cycles and individual work outs and chart your progress. I wish that they had put each movement category in a separate chapter and changed the page footers to match so it would be easier to find a movement category. I have a black and white review copy so perhaps there are colored visual cues that I can't see.

I'm not sure who would need the third part of the book a simple overview of his views on nutrition. I follow a primal/paleo diet so it was not speaking to me but I did appreciate his emphasis on the need to eat some fat. He suggests multiple small meals of low Glycemic index foods although he does recommend things like fruit juice (!) and oatmeal ...

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