The original Fitness for Dummies, published in 1996, was a real breakthrough: a book that took a reader through all the fitness basics without being offputtingly complicated or insultingly simplistic. This second edition only improves on that tough balancing act.
The authors are two of the most experienced fitness writers in the business--Suzanne Schlosberg is a longtime contributor to Shape and Liz Neporent is a veteran personal trainer, corporate fitness consultant, and contributor to Shape and The New York Times. In addition to being experienced at explaining exercise, they're both exercise junkies, and their firsthand knowledge and love of the topic is evident throughout.
Each section of the book--whether dealing with basic fitness issues, cardiovascular training, strength training, flexibility, joining a gym, or exercising at home--offers a combination of well-researched, easily understandable information, combined with informed opinion. For example, in chapters discussing exercise equipment, they're able to offer personal reactions to the gear--mentioning that Life Fitness makes great exercise bikes but a treadmill they don't care for.
New information in this second edition includes "100 Reasons to Break a Sweat," featuring the latest research on exercise benefits; sections incorporating Internet fitness resources; and beefed-up exercise-video advice. That latter section includes tips about avoiding rip-offs (older videos are sometimes repackaged, with new covers promising different benefits) and a handy guide to choosing the best video instructors for different fitness levels.
The core information, though, is the best reason to buy this edition of Fitness for Dummies. Exercise science is complicated, but this book makes it as simple--and entertaining--as it can possibly be. --Lou Schuler
Fitness for Dummies FROM THE PUBLISHER
Sixty-three percent of American men and 52 percent of American women participate in some form of exercise or sport. This fun and easy guide delivers just what people need to join this health-conscious majority-or get more out of their current workouts. The book shows how to put together a personalized fitness program, from setting up an easy-to-stick-to exercise routine, choosing a health club, and purchasing exercise gear to eating right and selecting appropriate dietary supplements.
Now fully revised, it offers updated information on exercise machines and gadgets (including versaclimbers and heart rate monitors), workout trends (including circuit training), health club chains, fitness Web sites, and more.
SYNOPSIS
With all the infomercials hawking this or that new ab- or butt-busting contraption and fad diets touted amid implausible claims of instant weight loss, it's no wonder that many people just throw up their hands on the whole idea of fitness and console themselves with pints of ice cream. Fortunately, you can count on this get-fit reference for information that's both medically sound and entertaining: Fitness For Dummies. With the help of authors and fitness professionals Suzanne Schlosberg and Liz Neporent as your personal trainers, you see through the hype of celebrity weight loss videos and the quackery of fat-dissolving potions and creams. Fitness For Dummies shows how you can set and achieve realistic fitness goals without dipping into your retirement fund to buy dust-gathering, high-tech equipment. Thanks to clear, concise explanations and informative photos and illustrations, you'll quickly discover how to . . . Test your fitness level, set realistic goals, stick with your program, and get great results Make sense of scientific studies that pop up in the news media almost daily -- only to fall by the wayside in a few months Design aerobic and weight-training routines that meet your needs Find health club membership bargains -- steer clear of scams and high-pressure sales tactics Identify where fat is sneaking into your diet Get the most out of high-tech exercise machines -- and use plain ol' barbells and dumbbells or a simple jump rope to achieve the same results Understand fitness buzzwords like "target zone," "circuit training," and "metabolic rate" Create your own home gym on a budget Locate a qualified fitness trainer to help you reach your objectives Even survive aerobics and other exercise classes, no matter how uncoordinated and awkward you feel
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