Fitness for real people
589183
This book is for real people. I actually think it's a good idea to read the author's story and his wife's story at the end first. I also like it, because it is written in a way so you can read it all at once, or take one chapter a day and work on the one thing and/or build on each thing. Love it!
2010131
I bought this book along with several others to learn about strength and fitness for life.  Although perhaps I might have known it from the title, this book is not about the fitness you will need for daily life.  This book is about how to build an exercise program in order to adore yourself in the mirror.  I personally find that thought revolting, so the book isn't really for me.  That said, ...

This book does a good job of outlining a flexible exercise program that can easily be adjusted to meet anyone's needs.  It outlines the basic muscles that need to be worked.  Then, each program has slots for each muscle group.  So, fill in an exercise for chest muscles, another for ham-strings, etc.  From the standpoint of building a program, this may be the easiest and simplest book I have come across.  This is also the only book I have seen that actually treats women's issues in particular.  Things such as time of the month, or pregnancy, can affect how your exercise program works.  Unlike other books, this author has recommendations for dealing with those issues.

The author also recommends using the mirror to determine what goals you wish to set for yourself.

What is not in this book are the why's: why this program versus that one.  Why should I do three sets of 8-12 reps, and when should I (if ever) switch to sets of low reps?  When is my program okay, versus when should I change it and how?  I mean, the three exercise program outlines are likely to get old quickly.  Likewise, Schoenfeld offers only one program during pregnancy, and no insight on how or why to vary it for variety and safety--only that his must be followed to be safe.

Knowing what I do now, I would not buy this book again.  I think I'd recommend Schuler's New (old) Rules of Lifting for Women instead.  (They aren't new rules, but I like the book anyways.)
680154
To start, one of the most intriguing things about the book that caught my eye was its title "The Workout" in all caps and it's all black background.  When you open up and start to read you immediately realize that this is a book written by someone who knows strength fitness and health and that he knows what he is talking about.

The book is not lacking in the support of several well-known and famous people:  Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Lopez and Mike Tyson.  Celebrity support notwithstanding, overall, "The Workout" is a good book and should be a welcome addition to anyone's fitness library.
793285
Body weight exercises are all the rage- and with good reason. But one thing many of the fitness gurus are missing is the ability to actually link their exercises to real world applications. After all, we don't do things like pushups and situps to get good at doing pushups and situps- the idea is that they have an application to the rest of our activites. Coach Sonnon (and he really works like a coach, not like a guru, or a trainer- like a coach who is honestly interested in your success) manages to provide a real world series of 'exercises' (movements really) to regain the range of motion, ability and 'wellness' that you once had as a child. In that Sonnon succeeds. I've been following this program (and the 'Body-Flow' series) for about 4 months or so, and, despite a large amount of competitive injuries from earlier martial arts work, I'm moving with no pain, stiffness or those problematic 'popping and cracking' of my joints.

It's not a miracle- it does require work and dedication- but in a short time, with some earnest effort, Scott Sonnon has presented a program to renew both your body and mind.

Roger
45879
This book was recommended to me by a friend. I was skeptical about the practicality of the "minimal effort = maximum weight loss" plan that is stated on the cover. But this book is not about minimal effort or maximum weight loss. It's about a practical approach to developing and maintaining a lifestyle that will result in a heathier body. Isaacson and his co-authors provide details and specific guidelines for a simple, logical plan of diet and exercise that even I have been able to follow.
1311752
I love this DVD. It shows real people, hefty people doing the exercises. It makes me feel real good, to see Matt, mess up occasionally. (Matt, is the winner of one of the Biggest Loser's episodes).

I am not that coordinated, but in the comfort of my own home, I can follow the exercises and practice until I get it right. Bob Harper is just right as a motivational personal trainer.

I have recommended this DVD to several people.
932633
Awesome book filled with useful, practical information to improve fitness and everyday life!

Buy the book nowgreat for reference too!
468348
As a Certified Personal Trainer, I was impressed by the selection of exercises and the detail with which they were presented. If you are looking for a basic fitness program to follow by yourself, you couldn't do better.
1959263
I love this book.  The photos are of REAL PEOPLE and the exercises are simple to follow.  I keep buying copies to give as presents to friends and they have all loved it.
3113565
A great book that is applicable for beginners and those who exercise regularly. Braeden's emphasize on total body fitness and the health benefits exercise show he has the knowledge and expertise to help anyone. This is an excellent resource for anyone who would like to improve their life and get the health benefits of exercise in a easy manner. Excellent book. Very easy read and lots of information. Even sections that were devoted to the writer's personal journey to discovering his nature physique managed to trap me with bits of wisdom for life.
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.
4966324
I consider myself a fitness enthusiast. However, I consciously try to avoid working out at the gym as I firmly believe that it makes my body stiff. Instead, I prefer alternate workout regimens such as calisthenics, circuit training and high intensity interval workout to maintain peak energy levels while keeping myself fit, flexible and healthy. I had heard of pilates, but never had an exposure to this workout. Reading this book, I feel that I now have an understanding of pilates and how I can use it to keep myself fit. I will definitely include the exercises given in this book in my regular workout regimen.

I would however prefer to see more exercises in the book instead of the amount of knowledge about pilates.
686445
As pointed out, getting in shape could cost you a bit of money between the equipment and maybe a gym  membership.  But so will a first heart attack or a lifetime of prescription medicine.  If interested in avoiding as much as possible those outcomes I would not hesitate in buying "The Lean Look".  The workouts are tailored for either a beginner or advanced and would require a modest commitment of time and progress from simpler to more challenging workouts in 3 phases.  Many exercises can be done with no weights or a modest set of weights.  If cost is an issue, I'd recommend a membership at the YMCA if you have one available.  I finally bought just a few used weights and an adjustable bench from a resale shop ($150 for both).  This replaced my first set of weights I bought from a garage sale ($15).  Seniors on fixed incomes may find this still a challenge, but it doesn't detract from the solid recommendations for a daily exercise commitment, smart food choices (grandpa was right, if it wasn't around 100 years ago, it probably isn't good for you)  and if you desire, supplements that have been shown to improve your health and workout.  I was impressed with its evidenced based approach.  At least check the book out at your library and see for yourself.  This is a very solid book.  In fact, I'm off to the gym right with my copy.
4271825
As a fitness design specialist it is refreshing to see a no  nonsense easy to understand book about health and fitness. This book puts it all together, explaining why no matter what genes you have you are not predisposed to follow a life of fear about heard disease, diabetes.or cancer. This is not just a book but a tool we all need to get to a better place in our lives.
3389956
I've completed reading the book and ready to start through it again making use of his suggestions for motivation, record keeping, and exercise. I need to make fitness a priority for me.
102541
This is a great book to get your "why" and "how to" in order for fitness. Let's be real, lots of married people have let themselves go a bit compared to when they were dating. Be it kids, age, career, a lot of us fall into this category. At some point maybe you want to get hot and heavy again but if you're like me, you might have some body issues with this new, post kid body. This book is an easy guide to get you inspired and moving. There are lots of free resources online, but this is relatively cheap and compiled for you so you don't need to waste time searching the internet.

That being said, it's not beautifully written. But it doesn't need to be. It's an easy read and gets the job done. The writing quality didn't detract from the overall outcome for me. I'd recommend it!
589212
This is a great book for those of us who either can't afford the fee, or simply can't work in a trip to the gym into our already hectic life. This allows you to use your own body for exercising, no expensive equipment needed. It's amazing how simply adjusting posture or position can increase resistance and work a totally different set of muscles. This is the best workout plan ever! Very easy to follow and understand, and fun to implement.

I received this at a discount in exchange for my review.