The Complete Book of Fitness: Mind, Body, Spirit

There's nothing more frustrating than diligently adhering to a fitness regimen and not getting the results you expected. If this has ever happened to you, you must read this book.So many times we start with good intentions but bad advice. Or our bodies work differently than we expected them to. Knowledge is very powerful, and it helps you take control of your health and really understand your body. Instead of getting frustrated, blaming yourself, and giving up, get some facts.Here are just a few of the fitness issues this book resolved for me:Q: How long do I need to do aerobics to burn fat?A: (p.160) 15-25 minutes for men, 25-40 for women.Q: Why aren't my muscles getting big, like men's muscles?A: (p.147) Women's muscles get denser, not larger.Q: How often should I strength train?A: (p.113) Two or three times per week, for 30-60 minutes.Q: What is this pain I get down my arm during lateral raises?A: (p.79) Sounds like impingement syndrome, a swelling of the rotator cuffs.I have yet to approach this book with a question and come away without an answer. To review the contents briefly, the book is divided into:Strength Training, including- Muscle charts- Exercise guides- Equipment- Posture and breathingCardiovascular Training, including- Energy and burning fat- Stretching and flexibility- Pregnancy- Injuries, muscles and ligamentsDiet & Nutrition, including- Alcohol, caffeine and food additives- Phytochemicals, minerals and vitamins- Dieting and digestion- Fat, protein and carbohydratesWellness, including- Yoga, tai chi and chi kung- Aromatherapy and homeopathy- Chinese medicine and ayurveda- Depression and stressAnd much more, of course. Fantastically useful. If you own one fitness book, let this be it. Odds are good that you'll never need another.

In the world of fitness, I can tell you I have seen a lot of crazy fads that people go for. With every fad I have seen people loose the weight yet pack it back on in a few months time. I'm not only writing a review on this awsome book, but also want to say if it seems too good to be true guess what... it is. Please do not risk your health to loose some pounds. It's just not worth it. Going on same crazy diet where you eat watermelon and drink gallons of water will not work. Trust me.I read a lot of books on fitness and such and I can honestly say this book is by far the best I own. It's the ONLY book I own. It has everything and I often go back to it when developing a new program for a client. It includes sections on strength and cardio training, Explains what muscle an exercise works with detailed diagrams as well as how to perform the exercise. If your starting out or at an advance level, this book is honest and stright forward. No crap...just the honest facts.I would also like to take this chance to say that I believe a healthy body makes for a healthy mind. Accept your body for what is it. It is a gift... take care of it, treat it with respect. Set realistc goals for yourself. This book will help you get there. Health and fitness does not have to be chore.Best of Health to you!

A 5 star book for someone new trying to stay/get in shape (not the bodybuilder) and maintain healthy outlook. Keep it out on the coffee table to keep youself on the ball, and don't give up.

Can't say enough good things about this book. I am a fitness-book-junkie, so books that just cover the basics don't do too much for me. Although this book is written in language suitable for beginners, it covers some of the more advanced concepts dealing with strength and endurance training. I have put some of the principles I learned in this book into practice, and noticed a difference after just a few weeks.I think the people who will find this book most useful are those who regularly work out, but have never been able to afford a personal trainer. This book cost far less than one session with a trainer, and I learned plenty.

This book is one of the best finds! It is simple to understand, easy to read, and breaks down all aspects of health and fitness into a language that even the novice can comprehend. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about their bodies and getting fit.