Favorite Fitness Books?

[Natasha]

Okay, I know that fitness and feeling good about yourself are not things you can learn from any book; it needs to come from within, you need to put in an effort, etc., etc., etc.... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif But there are definitely some fantastic and informative books out there to get people on the right track and motivated. I would love to hear about your favorite books of this type. They could, for example, be exercise books, or books discussing healthy eating, or a combination.

As for me, I strongly recommend Nancy Clark's Sports Guidebook. I'm always recommending this book to anyone interested in a healthy lifestyle, even if they say they're not "into" sports. It shows how activity is important, yes, but also just plain good eating. Also, the message throughout is that eating is a GOOD, enjoyable activity. The emphasis is on eating to optimize the intake of nutrients food offers and enjoy it, rather than eating food for what "bad" things it doesn't have (e.g., fat, excessive calories, cholesterol). It also has a lot of tables and charts on things like nutrients in various types of foods that I refer to very often. Two thumbs up! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif Please play along and share your thoughts.


[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 09-06-2000).]

[Natasha]

No players? Aw, shucks ... humor me!

[marys]

I haven't come across any books to recommend, but I have really enjoyed Women's Sports and Fitness magazine. They seemed to cover everything, from the basics of starting a fitness program, to extreme sports. Unfortunately, the current issue is their last one. Apparently there weren't enough other people that enjoyed it as much as I did! Since that monthly motivator is now gone, I am interested to see what other books people suggest.

[jd]

Natasha, I'll be looking for the book you recommended. I haven't found a good one. The last 'healthy' book I read was Oprah's book with her personal trainer. I actually listened on audit tape, and it was interesting, but not earth-shattering! I hope you get some more responses. jd

[skylarc]

Here are a couple that I have liked...

The "Strong Women" books by Miriam Nelson. Explains why strength training (and not just aerobic exercise) is critical for women.

"Weight Training for Dummies" by Suzanne Schlosberg & Liz Neporent. They also did "Fitness for Dummies". I like the "dummies" books because you can jump in anywhere & start reading.

[This message has been edited by skylarc (edited 09-08-2000).]

[Natasha]

Thanks for your responses! I have heard great things about Dr. Nelson s books too, but have not read any yet. I should have another look at them!

About the Weight Training for Dummies book - were the explanations clear? Were there illustrations? I am always paranoid about weight training without someone showing me what to do, or at least clear pictures, because it s so easy to injure yourself. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif

Mary - they re getting rid of Women s Sports and Fitness? Too bad! I hadn t realized that. Does anyone remember Shape Cooks magazine? I enjoyed the few issues I bought but it sure didn t last long.

Maybe I should expand the topic a bit. Does anyone use fitness videos or follow along with fitness TV shows? I haven t ever used a fitness video, and have not seen a fitness TV show for a very long time. I admit that I have a kind of mental block against them, but should be more open-minded. Any recommendations to share with other BBers? Thanks for any responses!

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 09-10-2000).]

[Kelly]

I am a big fan of Dr. Miriam Nelson's book. I have "Strong Women Stay Young" and have recommended it to several people. It has some basic weight training exercises that are easy to follow. I have also looked at "Strong Women Stay Slim"; this is also a great book, but the exercises are the same one that are in the "... Stay Young" book so I won't bother to buy both.

The books explain why you need a certain amount of everything (fat, sodium, cholesterol) in order for you body to work properly. I highly recommend reading them.

[BevP]

Hey, Kelly, I have the Strong Women Stay Young also! It's the book I bought to start out with. It easily explains how to do the exercises but also explains good pain/bad pain. I like it not just for the ease of how to fit weight training in your life but the fact that it only asks you to commit 2 days a week to it. Now if I only would commit 2 days (at least!).

[skylarc]

Originally posted by Natasha:
About the Weight Training for Dummies book - were the explanations clear? Were there illustrations? I am always paranoid about weight training without someone showing me what to do, or at least clear pictures, because it s so easy to injure yourself. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif
[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 09-10-2000).]

I would say that yes, the illustrations were clear and the book was written from a very safety-minded perspective. I started my strength training with "Strong Women Stay Young" -- very easy to follow movements, minimal investment. When I decided that this was something I wanted to keep doing, I joined a club, paid for a trainer & also read the "Dummies" book. Between the trainer & "Dummies" I think I have a very clear view of what is safe & what I want to accomplish.

[Toscana]

Were there weight training exercises for the lower half of the body (thighs and hips in particular) that could be done at home? I have free weights to work out arms and upper body, but am looking for lower body weight training that does not require the machines at a gym.

Originally posted by skylarc:
I would say that yes, the illustrations were clear and the book was written from a very safety-minded perspective. I started my strength training with "Strong Women Stay Young" -- very easy to follow movements, minimal investment. When I decided that this was something I wanted to keep doing, I joined a club, paid for a trainer & also read the "Dummies" book. Between the trainer & "Dummies" I think I have a very clear view of what is safe & what I want to accomplish.

[skylarc]

Toscana,

The "Strong Women" books use ankle weights for lower body strengthening. I bought adjustable ankle cuffs that can go up to 20 lbs. (sounds like a lot, huh? I started with 3 lbs. in each leg). You have to be careful to avoid injury with ankle weights, but all the exercises are done sitting or standing next to the chair.

When I started having success with my weight loss goals, I set as a secondary goal "having great legs". Even at my thinnest when I was younger, I never had nice looking legs. Developing actual muscles in my legs was truly a remarkable thing. I read something about a woman being shocked to find hard lumps in her thighs -- only to realize that they were muscles! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif