7-Week Cycling for Fitness

This is one of several books of the type; a general overview of the sport/hobby of cycling. Aimed at the beginner, it nevertheless provides maintenance, training, nutrition, and gear types for any level of rider. I found that this one offered a bit more than usual (at this level) in the physical training category. Like most DK books, the photography is bright, sharp, and abundant. Offers a specific training program (hence the title) if you are interested in following it, but the info is generally helpful for the freelancer. Worthwhile if you are looking for getting into biking.

I will start by saying that, in general, I despise fitness workout books. Most of them are semi-useless and simply boring. Not so with this one. It actually works! And, as a added bonus, it is actually fun. I have been involved in competitive distance running since 1959. I am older now and to be frank, my knees have simply betrayed me. How to stay in shape? I dislike walking and really dislike workout tapes and the like. I turned to cycling. I soon found I was clueless. I purchased several (well, actually more than several) books on the subject, learned a bit, but still could not find a program that fit my needs. Then I discovered this work. The author has given us a well designed, well written and logical program to fitness through cycling. The text is this book is informative and the color photographs are accurrate and a pleasure to the eye. The first chapter gives a good fitness overview, basic and not so basic infomation about bikes. This is all very helpful information to the beginner, like myself. Wish I had had this work when I purchased my first bike, which, by the way, was a complete disaster. Then the author begins a wonderful suggested fitness regimen using the bike. This structured program uses many of the same techniques used by runners to get and stay fit. The nice thing about this program is that it can be modified in so many ways in order to fit the needs of just about anyone at any fitness level. This program though, like any program, must actually be followed and done to be of any use. Simply reading the book will not get you fit (even though the reading alone is rather fun). You actually have to go out and do some road work! I have found that using this book, along with a mild weight program, fits my particular life style and needs perfectly. All in all, recommend this one highly. It is one of the few fitness books that I would actually recommend you plunking your dollars down for.

I used this book to get in shape - it is the best fitness book I have ever used, and I've tried plenty. The book beautiful, with high quality photos and layout. There are introductory chapters that explain fitness and heart rates, help you evaluate your fitness level, and explain different types of bicycles. The workouts are great, and include many different varieties, all geared toward increasing your fitness level in 11 weeks. Each workout has three levels, beginning, intermediate, and advanced. Each workout also contains bike riding techniques to work on and other tips. The workouts include intervals, active recovery, sprints, hill sprints, corner acceleration, long rides. I have purchased three copies of this book for friends - it is that good!