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Summary

In the exercise world, there's something new in equipment, research, gadgets, videos, and Web sites just about every day. Health clubs are offering innovative new classes like cardio kickboxing and firefighter boot camp, and nifty new machines, like the elliptical trainer. Meanwhile, scientists have published scores of new studies suggesting that exercise may, among other things, improve memory, reduce the risk of breast cancer, and give you a mood boost.Fitness For Dummies, 2nd Edition, updates you on all the latest - the good, the bad, and the totally weird. But the central mission of this book is to tackle your fears, whether you worry that operating a stairclimber requires a degree in mechanical engineering or fret that no matter what exercise routine you start, sooner or later you'll end up back in the recliner. This book is for anyone who wants to Set realistic fitness goalsAnalyze your eating habitsMaximize your cardio workoutDemystify strength equipmentC hoose a health clubThis down-to-earth guide tells you the stuff you really want to know, such as: Will you burn more fat if you exercise at a slower pace?Which brands of home exercise equipment are most reliable?Can you actually become "Rock Solid in 6 Weeks," like the magazines say?Which weight training exercises are best for beginners?What the heck is Pilates, and how do you pronounce it?How many days a week do you really need to work out?How can you tell if a fitness trainer is qualified?Will exercise ever be fun?Don't become a fitness statistic. The fact is, among people who start an exercise program, half quit within eight weeks. Fitness For Dummies, 2nd Edition, presents strategies for making exercise a habit and explains the basics of healthy eating so that you steer clear of fad diets and useless supplements. This book gives you the knowledge and motivation to stick with fitness for the rest of your life.

Introduction

(6)

Part I: Getting Your Butt off the Couch

(66)

100 Reasons to Break a Sweat

(10)

Testing Your Fitness

(16)

Your Plan of Attack

(12)

Nutrition Basics

(14)

Educating Yourself

(12)

Part II: Working Your Heart

(58)

Cardio Crash Course

(10)

Designing Your Cardio Program

(12)

Using Cardio Machines

(18)

Exercising Outdoors

115

(16)

Part III: Building Strength

131

(82)

Why You've Gotta Lift Weights

133

(8)

Your Muscles: Love 'Em and Learn 'Em

141

(20)

Demystifying Strength Equipment

161

(16)

How to Design a Strength-Training Program

177

(10)

A Simple Strength Workout

187

(26)

Part IV: Staying Flexible

213

(32)

The Scoop on Stretching

215

(6)

An Easy Stretching Workout

221

(12)

Yoga, Pilates, and Other Mind-Body Workouts

233

(12)

Part V: Braving the Gym

245

(50)

Choosing a Health Club

247

(10)

Hiring a Trainer

257

(14)

Gym 101: The Unwritten Rules

271

(10)

Choosing an Exercise Class

281

(14)

Part VI: Exercising at Home

295

(40)

Designing a Home Gym

297

(6)

Buying Cardio Equipment

303

(8)

Buying Strength and Stretching Equipment

311

(12)

Exercise Videos

323

(12)

Part VII: The Part of Tens

335

(48)

Ten Great Fitness Investments under $100

337

(8)

Ten Fitness Rip-Offs

345

(12)

Ten Common Fitness Injuries

357

(10)

Ten Tips for a Fit Pregnancy

367

(10)

Ten Ways to Stay Motivated

377

(6)

Appendix A: Resources

383

(6)

Appendix B: Your Fitness Test Results

389

(2)

Index

391

Supplemental Materials

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.