Framework: Your 7-Step Program for Healthy Muscles, Bones, and Joints

'Framework' is a fitness program for your bones and joints and offers a complete workout combined with diet and lifestyle advice. It is divided up into three parts. Part one discusses why you need framework. Part two is the program and its components include cardio, core strengthening and flexibility, upper and lower body stretching and strengthening exercises, resting and recovering, diet, and decreasing stress. And finally, part three discusses various treatment options for when your frame fails (injuries). This is not a terribly detailed section, but rather offers the reader a general overview. All-in-all I felt it to be a worthwhile resource for anyone looking to give their aged or worn frame a tune-up. Also recommend Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff for more detailed info on rotator cuff tears and fixing many shoulder problems.

I've seen more and more people drop away from their usual exercise programs as they enter mid-life, discouraged by joint pain, injuries and repetitive stress fractures. After a recommendation from a friend, I got this book and passed it on to other friends. It was written by an orthopedic surgeon who has worked with famous football players as well as ballet dancers. In other words, he knows how to keep just about anyone in peak form, in spite of whatever toil one's exercise or workout regime takes on the body. It literally saved my husband's exercise routine, allowing him to work around an arthritic and swollen knee, continual joint pain (he learned how to adapt for that), etc. I am NOT suggesting that this book is ONLY for older adults. It is not. It would be helpful to anyone, preventing injuries before they occur. Before we got this book, our exercise program had gone rather fitfully because we'd overdo it (or underdo it) and then have to start over. Sometimes we'd be forced to take a week or two off. That doesn't happen any more. Thanks, doc, for writing this one!

Runners, bikers, swimmers, and other exercise buffs (I'm a runner) need serious guidance about injury prevention and alternate physiological improvement. I find this to be great guidance, not from an amateur enthusiast, but from an MD who has seriously taken on the problem, even beyond sports medicine. I found the guidance to be in depth for medical professionals, but still summarily accessible to lay readers. Exceptional benefits include the exercise alternates; free weights, stretch bands, exercise balls. Given the constraints of travel and gym availability, alternates are needed. Also, the guidance toward good nutrition and "healthy living" is spot on. The suggestions I have for improvement are that: 1. There are really too many exercises to accomplish at once. It would be great to add a "half-hour daily" program calendar that covers all strength and stretch, over the course of a week. I've made up my own... 2. The information is suitably categorized, but the multimedia is missing. A Windows multimedia version of Framework content concerning exercise mechanics, and physiology, would be worth a subscription price to me.

This book is written well and describes common injuries and preventions that will help you with your injuries. The book breaks down the chapters into easy to follow body parts and common injuries that occur to these regions and the exercises to perform. Mostof the exercises are not new, but are a good review for those who have not picked up any weights in a while. The author takes his time to explain major faults and injuries ro specific regions such as the ankle and foot and common prevention measures to take once you have been injuried. Also recommend " The Backsmart Fitness Plan" by Dr. Weiss a great campaion to Frame work, Dr.Weiss goes into more detail of abdominal and core workouts and stretches that are different and very helpful.These books are worth the price for bulding a stronger, healther body.

Finally a body maintenance bible. "Framework" is the most complete and informative book on health that I've ever read. I was so impressed that I bought and sent copies to each of my 3 adult, health conscious children. "Framework" speaks to us in lay terminology that is understandable and interesting. I especially liked the self administered multiple choice test that questions and responds to our individual health needs. The emphasis is on building and maintaining your muscles, bones and joints through a 7 step program creating a foundation for healthy living. I've been hoping and waiting for someone who has the credibility to write such a book that meticulously outlines your path to optimal health. Now I've found him in this book's author, Dr. Nicholas DiNubile, the nation's leading sports medicine specialist.