Review of Beneath the Muscle
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Carin Fraser
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- Latest Review: Beneath the Muscle by Lauren Powers
Review of Beneath the Muscle
[Following is a volunteer review of "Beneath the Muscle" by Lauren Powers.]
In Lauren Powers' memoir, Beneath the Muscle, she shares her story of success as one of the top body-building champions. Having an interest in fitness from a young age, she pursued various activities such as surfing and skateboarding in her youth. It was not until she was almost 40 years old that she started body-building. Powers shares Powers shares details of her California upbringing and the influence of strong women in her life. Much of her book focuses on overcoming challenges, including coping with a drug and alcohol addiction. Throughout the memoir, Powers' highlights her competitive, persistent nature.
I enjoyed the first part of the book the most, where Powers talks of her earlier adventures, including attending university in Hawaii and becoming an entrepreneur. I found myself feeling motivated, and it was inspiring to read about all she had accomplished. It was apparent in her writing that she was grateful for the people who helped her get to where she is today.
Throughout the book, Powers mentions her workbook, "Inner Champion." She provides action steps that readers can complete as they go through the book. These activities are a helpful way to take the material from the memoir and apply it to one's own life. She had many good suggestions in the book. One tip that I enjoyed was to focus your time on what you do best and what you're passionate about and delegate the rest.
Despite the positive, encouraging tone of the book, Powers did come across as somewhat disconnected from the struggles many women deal with. She frequently made comments that implied anyone could do what she did, but she didn't remark on the challenges that others face. She claims that if you do what you love, success will follow; however, this is not the case for everyone. Powers even admits at one point in the book that she is not very familiar with how it feels to fail.
She portrayed conflicting viewpoints throughout the book which led me to wonder how she truly felt about certain issues. On the one hand, Powers emphasizes the importance of physical health and well-being. On the other hand, she talks about extreme dieting that made her feel unwell but was worth it for the results. She discloses that she has had 11 breast augmentations and takes human growth hormone - practices that can easily be viewed as putting appearance before health.
Women interested in fitness or body-building would likely enjoy this book since that is Powers' claim to fame. Budding entrepreneurs may be encouraged by some of her accomplishments as well. I would not recommend this book to women who are mothers. Powers is not a parent, and some of her comments in the book about women letting themselves go after having children were disappointing to read. She seems out of touch with the realities of parenting and the sacrifices required to care for anyone besides herself. Overall, I rate this memoir 2 out of 4 stars. While Powers tries to convey herself as a positive role model for women, at times it appears she is working from a skewed perspective.
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Beneath the Muscle
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In Lauren Powers' memoir, Beneath the Muscle, she shares her story of success as one of the top body-building champions. Having an interest in fitness from a young age, she pursued various activities such as surfing and skateboarding in her youth. It was not until she was almost 40 years old that she started body-building. Powers shares Powers shares details of her California upbringing and the influence of strong women in her life. Much of her book focuses on overcoming challenges, including coping with a drug and alcohol addiction. Throughout the memoir, Powers' highlights her competitive, persistent nature.
I enjoyed the first part of the book the most, where Powers talks of her earlier adventures, including attending university in Hawaii and becoming an entrepreneur. I found myself feeling motivated, and it was inspiring to read about all she had accomplished. It was apparent in her writing that she was grateful for the people who helped her get to where she is today.
Throughout the book, Powers mentions her workbook, "Inner Champion." She provides action steps that readers can complete as they go through the book. These activities are a helpful way to take the material from the memoir and apply it to one's own life. She had many good suggestions in the book. One tip that I enjoyed was to focus your time on what you do best and what you're passionate about and delegate the rest.
Despite the positive, encouraging tone of the book, Powers did come across as somewhat disconnected from the struggles many women deal with. She frequently made comments that implied anyone could do what she did, but she didn't remark on the challenges that others face. She claims that if you do what you love, success will follow; however, this is not the case for everyone. Powers even admits at one point in the book that she is not very familiar with how it feels to fail.
She portrayed conflicting viewpoints throughout the book which led me to wonder how she truly felt about certain issues. On the one hand, Powers emphasizes the importance of physical health and well-being. On the other hand, she talks about extreme dieting that made her feel unwell but was worth it for the results. She discloses that she has had 11 breast augmentations and takes human growth hormone - practices that can easily be viewed as putting appearance before health.
Women interested in fitness or body-building would likely enjoy this book since that is Powers' claim to fame. Budding entrepreneurs may be encouraged by some of her accomplishments as well. I would not recommend this book to women who are mothers. Powers is not a parent, and some of her comments in the book about women letting themselves go after having children were disappointing to read. She seems out of touch with the realities of parenting and the sacrifices required to care for anyone besides herself. Overall, I rate this memoir 2 out of 4 stars. While Powers tries to convey herself as a positive role model for women, at times it appears she is working from a skewed perspective.
******
Beneath the Muscle
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Beneath the Muscle by Lauren Powers
