Claire Walter and Annette Tannander Bank have written a book for a very wide audience, indeed. They address the needs of most lifestyles and fitness levels, ranging from the 18 year-old confronting basic training, to a sedentary middle-aged diabetic. The book also meets the needs of a retired person who would like to dedicate time and energy to improving his or her health. I would like to commend them on this accomplishment.



The heading ¨goals¨ starts the book and that general idea develops, always with the word ¨realistic¨ at the forefront. The writers are not patronizing; they also do not protect bad habits or pander to insecurity through euphemisms. In essence, they bluntly use words such as ¨overweight,¨ ¨obese ¨ and ¨couch potato,¨ while steering clear of expressions such as ¨a little heavy¨ or ¨somewhat larger.¨ Through shredding the veil of ambiguity, this book helps people face their anxieties and begin to solve them. Among the many self-esteem builders lies another fundamental: people should not expect to live up to unrealistic standards. She discourages her readers from aiming to look like celebrities, or fit into their teenage daughters' jeans.



The book is not just for the sedentary among us. While she bravely confronts the national epidemic of obesity, she also speaks to people who have been working out for years. The second part enters the area of physical fitness, and breaks this general area of ¨getting in shape¨ into categories, including toning (and the choices available for resistance training) and alternative paths (such as yoga, and tai chi). The book includes specialized aerobics programs, as well as other choices for cardio training. She enters the realm of physiology, and again, effectively balances writing for beginners and intermediate.



To conclude, the book offers general advice about logistics, such as gyms and equipment, in relationship to one's financial resources and fitness needs. The options range from jumping rope, to investing in a personal trainer. Notwithstanding, it also includes tips on how to integrate a healthy diet and physical fitness into your lifestyle and daily routine. Great introduction. Even better book to have on hand.