What exactly is new in fitness? In the exercise world, there’s something new in equipment, research, classes, gadgets, videos, and Web sites just about every day. The last few years have also seen the invention and marketing of new schlock—like pills that claim to eliminate cellulite or burn extra carbohydrates and machines that purport to tone your thighs “without any effort on your part.” It’s all too easy to get confused by all the myths and mixed messages out there.
But don’t sweat it! This thoroughly revised edition of Fitness For Dummiesupdates you on all the latest—the good, the bad, and the bizarre—tackles your fears about getting fit, and gives you the knowledge and motivation to stick with fitness for the rest of your life. Renowned fitness experts Suzanne Schlosberg and Liz Neporent show you how to:
- Test your fitness level and set realistic goals
- Pinpoint fat sources in your diet
- Create a personalized fitness program
- Find Internet fitness forums and Web sites
- Brave a public gym
This is your essential get-fit guide, covering state-of-the-art fitness techniques, equipment, programs, and health clubs in a practical, friendly way. You’ll see how your individualized fitness program will help you strengthen your heart and lungs, burn lots of calories, lower your stress level, and even help you stay injury-free. You get the latest on low-carb eating, new food pyramids, the glycemic index and trans fats, and new carb guidelines. Plus, you’ll see how to:
- Take advantage of hot trends like Yoga and circuit training
- Incorporate weight training in your workout
- Choose the best fitness equipment for your home gym
- Stay fit at all ages and stages
Complete with a list of ten great fitness investments under $100 (and ten fitness ripoffs!) as well as proven ways to stay motivated, Fitness For Dummies, Third Editionis your one-stop guide to a slim, trim new you!
Covers hot trends like yoga and circuit training!
Cut through the fitness myths and get more from your workout
Confused by mixed messages surrounding diet and exercise? Don't sweat it! This is your essential get-fit guide, covering state-of-the-art fitness techniques, equipment, programs, and health clubs in a practical, friendly way. With expert guidance in proper nutrition and staying active for all ages, it's your key to a slim, trim new you!
Praise for Fitness For Dummies, 2nd Edition:
"One of the most comprehensive, authoritative — and entertaining — fitness books I've ever seen."
—Men's Fitness
"A funny, irreverent, and very smart guide to wading through the confounding maze of fitness information."
—Cooking Light
Discover how to
- Test your fitness level and set realistic goals
- Pinpoint fat sources in your diet
- Create a personalized fitness program
- Find Internet fitness forums and Web sites
- Brave a public gym
Introduction.
Part I: Getting Your Butt off the Couch.
Chapter 1: Fitness 101: Getting the Scoop.
Chapter 2: Testing Your Fitness.
Chapter 3: Establishing Your Plan of Attack.
Chapter 4: Hiring a Trainer.
Part II: Enjoying Total-Body Health: Eating Well and Staying Injury-Free.
Chapter 5: This Doesn’t Have to Happen to You: Avoiding Common Injuries.
Chapter 6: The Scoop on Stretching.
Chapter 7: Nutrition Basics.
Part III: Getting to the Heart of the Matter.
Chapter 8: Cardio Crash Course.
Chapter 9: Using Cardio Machines.
Chapter 10: Exercising Outdoors.
Part IV: Lift and Curl: Building a Stronger Bod with Weights.
Chapter 11: Why You’ve Gotta Lift Weights.
Chapter 12: Your Muscles: Love ’Em or Lose ’Em.
Chapter 13: Demystifying Strength Equipment.
Chapter 14: Designing a Strength-Training Program.
Part V: Cardio-Strength Workouts: Getting the Best of Both Worlds.
Chapter 15: Circuit Training for Fitness and Fun.
Chapter 16: All about Yoga: Mind and Body.
Chapter 17: Pilates: Sculpting and Strengthening.
Part VI: Conquering the Gym (Even at Home).
Chapter 18: Health-Club Primer: Getting the Most Out of Your Gym.
Chapter 19: Choosing an Exercise Class or DVD.
Chapter 20: Designing a Home Gym.
Part VII: Exercising for All Ages and Stages.
Chapter 21: Fit Pregnancy: Exercising for Two.
Chapter 22: Kids, Tweens, and Teens: Fun Activities for the Whole Family.
Chapter 23: Staying Active as You Age.
Part VIII: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 24: Ten Great Reasons to Break a Sweat.
Chapter 25: Ten Great Fitness Investments under $100.
Chapter 26: Ten Fitness Rip-Offs.
Chapter 27: Ten Ways to Stay Motivated.
Appendix: Educating Yourself.
Index.
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