I’m not looking for miracle weight loss or to transform into The Rock overnight, but I basically want to get healthy, have more energy and look better nekkid. Unfortunately, if I look at two books from the fitness section they maintain different things: Stretch before exercising- No! stretch AFTER exercising!- Do cardio for 30 minutes 5 or 6 times per week- No, 20 minutes 3 times per week is all you really needs- high weight/low reps- No, low weight, lots of reps, etc…
What I’m looking for is a good no-nonsense and non-fad intro to cardio, weightlifting, and perhaps whatever is the best evidence this week in nutrition. I’d like one that gives the basic types of weightlifting exercises (machine or free weights) and some good dos and don’ts.
Any suggestions?
Body For Life is basically good, although it has one definite problem and a couple potential flaws. You wouldn’t go too wrong following that method.
This will make some people scream bloody murder, but Combat Conditioning by Matt Furety has worked wonders for a number of people I know (self included).
He’s a proponent of bodyweight calisthenics, i.e. no weights. You won’t necessarily get ripped, but you will get strong.
To be fair, the book itself is a bit pricey and you can find a lot of his techniques in old Grappling magazines.
Ooh, ooh ooh!!! I know a great bok: The Ultimate Fit or Fat by Covert Bailey, that guy who used to lecture on PBS during pledge drives a few (maybe more than a few) years ago. It’s got lots of practical, down-to-earth advice, including what your body fat level should be. The advice in the book was a great way to kick-start me on my diet/exercise plan. Well, that plus actualy paying attention to the RDA guidelines.