Strength Training Over 50: Stay Fit and Fabulous

As a 59-year-old who has been active all my life, I think this book is terrific for four reasons of my own: 1) The exercises can be done at home with a set of bar-bells, a folding chair, and a stability ball ($9 at Walmart). 2) The author includes beginner/intermediate and intermediate/advanced workouts for: upper body and abdominals AND lower body and back. Each workout starts with pretty much the same set of foundational and balance exercises, goes on to either the upper body or lower body exercises, and ends with stretches and cool-downs. 3) Stretches are included, and the workouts incorporate the appropriate stretches at the appropriate points. 4) The book is written simply, without an excess of verbage. There are also specialized workouts (15-minute workout, on-the-road workout, lower back workout). The author also addresses specialized senior concerns: arthritis, osteoporosis, strengthening the out-of-shape over-65, and exercises for those confined to a wheelchair.

Staying Fit and Fabulous is certainly a challenge over 50 and this book is an amazing tool for success. It shouldn't even be evaluated with the perky-chatty books it shares the shelves with. The book is quite well thought out from the medical illustrations which help me focus and visualize, to the spiral spine of the book inself which lays flat as I coordinate my excercise routines. I find myself using it to help "cure" my aches and pains from simple daily chores and have finally found how to relieve that backache at the end of the day. I am amazed how dramatically my posture, energy and stamina have improved. I have been singing the praises of this handbook since the day I found it.

Great book on training for the over 50 set. I bought 4 copies after the first one. My physical therapist wanted one, my Mother at 89 took my first copy. I also bought my health consious sister a copy. Outstanding mterial. Cris does a wnderful job making fitness fun and easy to understand. Everyone over 50 needs a copy! Don

As a 52-year-old who has always shunned weight training for fear of injury, I think this book is terrific, for three main reasons: 1) The authors realize that many older exercisers are very out of shape and/or recovering from past and present injuries, and their exercises are shown in several variations, from very easy to moderately difficult; 2) There is a lot of emphasis on core body strength and proper form, which not only helps you do the exercises safely but also improves your posture (which I think is one of the best ways to look younger (have you ever noticed how you can tell someone's age without seeing their face, just by observing how they stand, walk and sit?) 3) It's hardcover, but with a spiral spine, so you can lay the book open flat on the floor next to you as you do the exercises (why aren't all fitness books made like this?) Even people in their 70's, 80's and beyond can benefit from this book.

For an athletic 56 year old on the brink of 'going to seed', Caivano's wisdom has rescued my life from the pressures of relationships, the stresses of work, and slavery to my PC. This book is an invaluable resource for any of us baby boomers who recognize that our lives are barely 1/2 over and that our next 50 years can only be fulfilling if we continue to lead a life of active movement.