Delavier delivers much-needed help specific to women's fitness needs
938107
You can always count of Delavier to give you the truth. All women, from young to old, need strength training. Delavier gives you the reasons and the needs for each age group. You can be sure you are not left out. But, the book goes much further. It helps you determine your specific needs. What do you want from a fitness program. How often do you want to work out? All this and more is considered in helping you to develop a unique fitness plan just for you.

Delavier introduces 49 programs for sculpting every region of the body. Featuring 157 exercises targeted to the back, shoulders, abs, buttocks, legs, arms, and chest, Delaviers Womens Strength Training Anatomy Workouts includes 140 photos and 290 remarkable anatomical illustrations.

Contents

Introduction

Part I Developing Your Own Training Program
Part II The Exercises
Part III The Programs

In Part 1, you are asked to be specific in outlining your own fitness goals. Some women want simply to be more healthy. Others want endurance. Some want muscle mass and strength. Most want a combination of results. But rest assured, you need special exercises for the different goals. There is no one size fits all like many trainers and books would have you believe.

You are even advised as to the best time to workout. And no, it's not necessarily the morning. But again, it depends on YOU. "Training whenever your muscles are at their strongest is ideal. For most women, this peak performance occurs in the afternoon." But, the author concedes an afternoon workout won't fit in the schedule or desire of some women. "If you can train only in the morning, you body will get used to it and gradually reschedule its peak strength," he writes.

The author addresses women-specific needs like our flabby underarms. Don't we just hate that? But even that area can become attractive and muscular. But, you have to do the right exercises in the right way.

As with all books in this series, you see dramatic anatomical pictures of the muscles worked and to the degree worked. And, of no small importance, you learn how to exercise safely.  For example, the deadlift is an incredibly valuable compound exercise. But, done wrong and it's dangerous. You will learn how to do it safely  and effectively.

You'll also find out that you should choose an order in which to work the muscles in each session. It's not enough to go through some exercises. They need to be done in the correct order. He shows you the six major body regions. "The main issue is how to combine these body parts to train them in the most efficient manner," he says.

You'll discover how to:

1. Take full advantage of the indirect work.
2. Rate the importance of each muscle according to your goals.
3. Focus on your weak areas.
4. Use the rotation principle.

As you can see, this book is all about you and your own unique needs. If you want to be your best and stay that way, I highly recommend this book.

- Susanna K. Hutcheson
Health & Fitness Researcher
2400303
About four years ago, my left triceps tendon completely detached from the bone, requiring surgery.  When I finally received the green-light to start lifting weights again, I was like a baby learning to walk and resistance bands were critical in putting me back on pace to lifting heavy again.  The set of 6 bands I used certainly got the job done, but my on-going use of them has revealed several limitations.  The AMAZONBASICS RESISTANCE BAND SET not only addresses those limitations, but provides a few unrealized perks as well.

WHAT YOU GET:

- 5 bands that individually offer resistance up to 4, 6, 12, 20 and 30 lbs.
- Attachments that include 2 handles, 2 ankle straps and a door anchor.
- A square nylon zip pouch that stores all bands and attachments.

WHY I LIKED THIS SET:

- My old set of bands had handles attached to each band, which proved to be limiting, as well as creating a storage problem.  The AMAZONBASICS set of bands use of carabineers at the end of each band solved both of these problems.  First of all, now Im dealing with only 2 handles, not 12, and Im using 2 fewer bands to accommodate my needs (significant space-saver).  Second, the carabineer ends allow multiple bands to be attached to the 2 handles for added resistance.  I can now use a single handle when adding resistance, rather than trying to grip multiple handles.

- The attachments are solidly made with comfort in mind.  The handles are a significant improvement over the naked plastic tube grips attached to thin nylon straps Id grown accustomed to.  These handles are very solid, with a rugged, thicker nylon strap and a thick tubed grip covered with a spongy sleeve.  They provide a comfortable yet sure grip.  While the D-ring can accommodate all 5 bands for max resistance, I wouldnt recommend doing so unless you're absolutely certain the door anchor can handle the resistance (this should be considered anytime the door anchor is used).

- The Velcro-adjusted ankle straps have a soft, spongy interior that not only offers comfort, but keeps the straps in place.

- Flexibility.  While this set comes with essential attachments (grips and ankle straps), the carabineer ends allow you to add any sensible grip device (a rope end grip, for example).

- The nylon storage pouch holds everything together and has a nylon-strap loop that allows you to hang it or use a carabineer and attach it to your gym bag.

This set of resistance bands would be a great addition to any household.  They can be used by people of all ages and can be used for many purposes (strength building, stretching, injury rehab, core-building, cardio, etc.).  If I had to get picky, I wished it included a super-heavy band (> 30 lbs.), but thats why I have a gym membership.  I found this particular set of bands perfect for stuffing into my suitcase for a recent business trip (those metal hotel door frames actually can handle the resistance of using all 5 bands).  The combination of versatility and quality offered by the AMAZONBASICS RESISTANCE BAND SET is certainly hard to ignore.
3703030
Macaccino....you are the gift that keeps on giving.  I finally sprung for this super delux version of you and you came thru again.  Too many people are taking psychotropic medication for energy and focus when all along they can have you!
I take this kind when I'm have preparing for a high performance day.  Also, facing menopause I like the fact that it's good for hormone balance.
2201904
Ladies! I love this eBook! I immediately tried a few of the awesome and efficient workouts. For example, the chisel club workout - Rise & Grind - may initially appear like a synch, but it's no joke! My cute and less functional tights (which show every grimace of sweat) left me walking home with a noticeably wet crotch. In spite of the fact that it's only 20 minutes, the Rise & Grind feels fulfilling as it covers a lot of bases. Especially the arms. If possible, grab two sets of weights - I did and went heavier in exercises like the squats. If you really focus on making this an AMRAP, your heart rate will go up and you'll simultaneously feel like your toning your whole body. What I had to remind myself was to not let the clock allow me to get sloppy (helloooo form on renegade row!). The workout is as hard as you make it - your speed and weights will determine a lot. So go for it! I did and 20 minutes later I felt like a bawse.
3082104
My Self subscription started when Women's Sports & Fitness was cancelled. While it's not quite as athletic as that magazine was, Self has an extra emphasis on participation rather than competition. They use "reader models" in a lot of their photo spreads, and really emphasize the idea of a healthy and strong body, over an idealized "fashion model" body. Articles discuss the latest gym class crazes, nutrition and supplement breakthroughs, and debunking of fad diets. They do include some fashion (focus on workout apparel) and makeup (emphasis on natural look and healthy skin) info, but this is not a foo-foo Cosmo magazine. There are healthy recipes, workout plans targeting a new body part monthly, and creative ways to workout outside the gym as well as inside. Overall, this magazine focuses on real women's lives and how to make them healthier, happier, and more fit. There's a lot of practical advice here that is very applicable to most people's lives.
53267
I positively love this new stretching title by Frederic Delavier. I have a few of his previous titles related to strength training and am very happy to add this to my library.

Those not familiar with his art should start by previewing the book with Amazon's Look Inside feature. His work as an anatomical illustrator is without equal. His stunning drawings are both beautiful and informative - a huge benefit to those of us who are visual learners! The book goes even further by adding hundreds of full-color photo sequences explaining stretches as well.

This all-body training tool will benefit men and women who know they should be adding more stretching to their workout routines. Whether you're an athlete hoping to improve results with the stretching programs provided here or are seeking a resource to help relieve back pain or tight hammies, this is the book for you. This is an instructive and gorgeous book. :)
3330192
There are very few books that address nutrition and strength for women specifically, and there are NO other books that show average females from all backgrounds and athletic abilities. There is no greater motivation than seeing other real-life women, who are not necessarily sponsored athletes, make major strides in their fitness and overall health. This book is such an inspiration to women everywhere. I am proud.
3053964
I was fortunate enough to be able to participate in this program when Anna was developing it at our church (it was not in book form yet). We did the program during lent as an incentive to start working toward a healthier lifestyle. I have always found that in a supportive (and sometimes a little competitive) atmosphere, that I am more likely to stick with an exercise and fitness routine/lifestyle. Especially when I have to answer to a team. Anna, being an Army wife, had moved to another part of the country. And when I was faced with once again trying to get myself back on track with exercise, I was very happy to learn that she had published this book. I used it on my own and embarked on a new journey of fitness, with the support of the book. I remain in contact with Anna as she has moved around the country, and at the request of our priest, and with help and support from Anna, led a Christ Walk program at our church for lent in 2014. I find the book to be very real and heartfelt as Anna shares her personal experiences and relates them to biblical principals of health and spiritual growth. The book is an encouraging "one step at a time" approach to beginning your health and fitness "walk". Give it a try if you need incentive. You won't be sorry.
2386664
As a mother of two and owner of a small business, I don't have as much time for the gym as I would like, but my fitness is still important for my health.  After sitting in the office all day, or in the car driving to meetings, my posture deteriorates and my neck often gets tight.  Using the Healthy Learning DVDs and following the exercise routine has significantly improved my posture and given me the support I need to feel poised and productive at work!
2120950
As a woman doing P90X it's hard to get through an hour workout involving pull-ups without using support. I used to use a chair, but this is SO much better! It keeps your body in proper alignment throughout the entire motion. Changing resistance is a breeze, which is something that i found hard to do with the chair. None of that sticking my leg out trying to lessen the help from the chair without the chair disappearing! I found i can even use it to do some TRX-style moves.
2804394
I've found that this is a very thorough book covering women's wellness and fitness. I personally liked that the exercises were broken up into different types, which made it easy to find strength building exercises or stretching routines. There was also a handy section on both pre- and postnatal workout options.

There are tons of helpful photographs demonstrating proper posture and exercise technique, which I think is super helpful if you're a beginning exerciser. I found that the directions were easy to follow and understand. I think the authors did a great job of explaining the purpose behind the exercise and the benefits of complete mind/body wellness.
4684539
I read the prior review above and it gave me the courage to order "A Woman's Guide to Weight Training".  As a woman who has made excercise part of her life in the last two years, I'm constantly looking for new challenges and "mixups" in my routines.  This book is a great reference for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels.  It breaks down routines for each level and gives pros and cons for everything!  I learned quite a few new things that I had not found in any magazines and found myself inspired again.  This is definitely a great investment especially for beginners and intermediate excercisers.  Advanced levels are also helped by means of mixing up your routines but not as extensive as they would be from Oxygen magazines. For a woman serious about her body and excercise this book is a definite plus!!
2016598
I recently bought my own rower and was looking for guidance on smart use of it. This book provided a good perspective on not limiting my use of the rower. The approach of daily rows makes it easier than worrying about rowing 3 times a week and then missing one (or more). Rowing has also become my replacement for running, after years of not running because of continuous leg and foot problems. The full body rower workout helps me break a solid sweat and achieve the "runner's high" that I have missed for so many years - and that is the biggest benefit!

The program outlined in this book works for me. The workouts have raised my conditioning level to make my other hobbies more enjoyable. It also recommended getting involved in the online rowing community. I set up an account with concept2 and have participated in one challenge to date. The challenges and the logbook tracking give me regular visibility into my performance, which has been a great motivator by feeding on my competitive nature.

The biggest gap in the book to me is that it doesn't provide a complementary stretching program, so you have to figure that out on your own.

I recommend this book for all of us ex athletes looking for an effective exercise that doesn't pound our joints.
I feel it has given me a workout approach I can sustain through the rest of my life (I'm shooting for another 50 years)!
1129157
Body by Design is an excellent guide to body transformation that is easily approachable by anyone.  The book's strengths lie with its well rounded approach to overall fitness.  The book offers an easy to follow diet plan with approved foods and tips on timing and portions.  It also offers a 12 week exercise routine with logs to track your progress and illustrations on how to properly perform each move.  The book even advises key supplements for overall health with recommended products.  These important sections aren't what sets the book apart however.  Many people will focus on diet or exercise and in a few cases both, they all too often fall off the path to transformation because they fail to address another key component: motivation and support.

It's easy to stick with the fitness plan on January 1st or 2nd, but it becomes much harder to follow through several weeks later, after the resolution fervor has faded and life's demands have taken their toll.  We struggle to find motivation when many of our friends and family are less than helpful examples. This is where Bodyspace comes in, a massive online social network and support base of people striving for transformation and improvement who can keep you accountable and inspired and where you can help each other reach higher goals.  One of the book's greatest strengths was its showcase of many of these stories, with pictures and stories from people who overcame tough odds to reach their goals.  These people aren't just stories on a page either, they all have Bodyspace accounts and are part of this transformation movement which anyone can join.

No matter your level of fitness, Body by Design will be an excellent resource for helping you reach your goals.  Whatever your fitness goal is, you can find advice and motivation for striving higher and with a resource like Bodyspace, the potential is limitless.  I've also joined Bodyspace and I've found that tracking measurements and goals and knowing that anyone on there can see whether or not I'm keeping up my efforts is an enormous push to keep working harder, and I urge you to do the same!
2856724
Just started this program.  I will update feedback when done with my first 12 weeks!  I really like their  philosophy of self care and nutrition--in addition to their main focus on building the core muscles for mothers!  I love their website and customer service is friendly.  I'm also glad the nutrition recommendations within the program are items I can find at the local grocery store.  Also, they offer alternative suggestions for exercise equipment by suggesting use of every day household items for exercise equipment if you don't have suggested equipment on hand.

Update:  This program really does help, but you do have to follow it.  The online support is very good.
2610772
Losing weight, getting in shape, and being healthier overall, are common New Year's resolutions. Helping you to keep those resolutions is Denise Austin in her new book Denise's Daily Dozen. Denise Austin, a 52 year old (can you believe it!) fitness trainer with nearly thirty years experience, is a personal inspiration of what a healthy diet and regular exercise can do for you.

Denise's Daily Dozen is comprised of a Fitness Plan and an Eating Plan. The Fitness Plan includes a workout with three essential elements: "cardiovascular, toning, and flexibility in twelve easy moves you do for twelve minutes a day." Like most fitness trainers, however, Denise acknowledges that you should ultimately work up to thirty minutes a day. Still, according to Denise, on your busiest days the twelve minutes are enough. In addition to the Daily Dozen workouts, Denise prescribes twelve miles of cardio exercise weekly. Walking counts as fulfilling this requirement. The Eating Plan is basically a 1200 calorie a day meal plan that includes three servings each of veggies, fruits, and proteins with two of healthy grains and one of a healthy fat.

While much of the information, limit calories to around 1200 a day and perform 30 minutes of cardio day, is not new, it is put together in a user friendly format. With lots of pictures of the exercises and specific instructions (exercises and meal plans) for each day of the week, it is easy to follow. I also enjoyed the real life stories from women who lost weight following Denise's plan. Also helpful is the chapter "Twelve Meals You Can Make in About Twelve Minutes" because who isn't pressed for time? And lastly the weekly shopping lists promote quick and efficient shopping in that dieter's temptation den known as the grocery store.

Denise's Daily Dozen is a great do-it- yourself resource for losing weight the healthy way!

Publisher: Center Street (January 5, 2010), 336 pages.
Advance Review Copy Provided Courtesy of the Publisher.
3327635
The modern fitness industry is so noisy with new trends, equipment, methods, rules, and gimmicks, that it is nearly impossible to know what is "right".  And despite all of the options, our population is still increasingly obese.  Something isn't working!

This book takes it back to basics and PROVES you don't need to spend a lot of money or learn "new tricks" in order to get in shape.  It points out the blatantly obvious that we all KNOW, but avoid by looking for shortcuts or magic potions.  Bakey spells it out for you in an easy to read, approachable way that leaves you no choice but to put in the work.

As a woman who is definitely a sucker for bright colors and flashy fitness objects, I found this book incredibly helpful.  A staple everyone should have to remind them that they don't need to over-complicate things to get results.