Books To Change Your Fitness Philosophy
Although our knowledge of health and fitness is constantly evolving, after reading about it for so long you begin to feel that if you see one more suggestion to eat right and exercise you might try to find the author and strangle them with a slim jim. But just before I resort to a violent meat crime I always seem to find a book that gives me a fresh perspective on fitness. It’s always a pleasure to read books that are genuinely written and help people find the best way to exceed their goals. The following books are dripping with sweat worthy tips that will flip all of your fitness philosophies.
In Order of Excellence:
Core Performance was written by Mark Verstegen and contains an abundance of information for your fitness endeavors. The book starts with a self evaluation, continues by defining the expectations and guidelines required for the program, and follows by questioning the desired outcome of your workouts. I have never seen another fitness book that tries to get to the root of your motivation and expectations so vigorously. Core Performance breaks down every aspect of a workout into the following categories:
Movement Prep – Dynamic Stretching for warming up your muscles
Prehab – Moves to improve stability for avoiding injury
Physioball Routines – For strengthening your Core Muscles
Elasticity – Quick body weight movements for improving agility
Strength – Resistance training focusing on translation into real life motion
ESD – A twist on traditional cardio focusing on quality by working smarter
Regeneration – Stretching and foam rolling for optimal performance
The final pages of the book discuss the best diet, power foods, and other frequently asked fitness questions. There are also an additional workout sheets for those wanting to continue past the original 12 weeks.
A collection of dynamic stretches to get your body moving the way it is supposed to. The book contains a four week program that begins with one collection of moves and continues by adding additional movements each day of the week. You begin by flexing your wrist and ankles on day one, then add stretching your neck and eyes on day two, and then chest, shoulder, and arms on day three. The first few workouts only last a few minutes but since each day tacks on a few new movements by the end of week two you are getting a full body wake up call and by the end of the month you will be performing an entire body transformation routine by utilizing this martial art. A great way for exploring the martial arts for fitness or as great dynamic morning routine even if you only use the first two weeks.
The Abs Diet is not really a diet which is why I liked it so much. I hate the quick fix connotations of the word diet but I suppose they had to use it in order to sell some books and spread the good word. It contains simple guidelines such as eating more fiber and protein every two hours so you feel full and don’t eat as much as well as a basic weight lifting regimen. There is also a large emphasis on eating power foods which are revealed in this clever backronym.
Almonds and other nuts
Beans and legumes
Spinach and other green veggies
Dairy – low fat milk yogurt and cheese
Instant oats – unsweetened and unflavored
Eggs
Turkey and other lean meats
Peanut butter
Olive oil
Whole grain breads and cereals
Extra protein – Whey powder
Raspberries and other berries.
Other recommendations include minimizing refined carbs, Trans fats and alcohol. A simple and effective plan with a six pack revealed at the end of the path.
Just as I was reaching for that slim jim Power Training came along and rocked my sweat wicking socks off. It is very similar to Core Performance in the sense that it advocates training for athleticism not stocky, inflexible muscles. It makes sure that your workout involves training your muscles through all three planes of movement. You’re working towards strength and balance and not just an alluring reflection in the mirror. The warm up suggested in this book is excellent as well as the brief discussion on diet. There is little physioball focus as this book is a much greater proponent of using free weights to carve your core. A great collection of fresh free weight moves for your entire body.
With all the information in these publications you should have no trouble in forming your brand new body – or at least a healthy bookcase.