Really good, but tries to cover too much, 14 Jul 2008

I bought this when qualifying as an ETM teacher last year. It's really good from an aerobics point of view, and was incredibly useful - lots of parallels with my training course (YMCA).

However, having since qualified as a step instructor, and revisited the section for step - it's left me slightly concerned. Key teaching points are missed, and the choreography samples are confusing. I'm not sure that you could use this section to create a safe and effective step session, especially not one aimed at anything higher than complete beginners. Ditto for the weights sections - it's trying to cover a big subject in a small area, and doesn't quite get there. It's probably good as a general overview of what you should consider for each of those class types, and good as a reference if you already know what you're doing, but I'd be cautious of assuming that once you've read this book you'll be able to teach those class types.

GREAT for aerobics and body-weight MSE. Shame it didn't stop there...

An excellent book!, 23 May 2004
I am a student studying to become a qualified teacher in exercise to music and had to purchase a informative book which could help me. When i bought this book i was very pleased as it contained everything needed for a teacher, student or even someone wanting to take exercise to music as a hobby. Debbie Laurence cleverly combined detailed theory about exercise to music with helpful and useful choreography that is fantasic to use in an actual class. This book is a great learning source and is worth every penny. If you are a teacher, student ect. this book is a must have. Another reason this is such a great book is because it is written by a fitness proffesional. Included in this book is advice on music choices, choreography and various programmes to induce in to an exercise to music class. This is the definitive practical handbook for anyone wanting a performance advantage.

Really good, but tries to cover too much, 14 Jul 2008

I bought this when qualifying as an ETM teacher last year. It's really good from an aerobics point of view, and was incredibly useful - lots of parallels with my training course (YMCA).

However, having since qualified as a step instructor, and revisited the section for step - it's left me slightly concerned. Key teaching points are missed, and the choreography samples are confusing. I'm not sure that you could use this section to create a safe and effective step session, especially not one aimed at anything higher than complete beginners. Ditto for the weights sections - it's trying to cover a big subject in a small area, and doesn't quite get there. It's probably good as a general overview of what you should consider for each of those class types, and good as a reference if you already know what you're doing, but I'd be cautious of assuming that once you've read this book you'll be able to teach those class types.

GREAT for aerobics and body-weight MSE. Shame it didn't stop there...

An excellent book!, 23 May 2004
I am a student studying to become a qualified teacher in exercise to music and had to purchase a informative book which could help me. When i bought this book i was very pleased as it contained everything needed for a teacher, student or even someone wanting to take exercise to music as a hobby. Debbie Laurence cleverly combined detailed theory about exercise to music with helpful and useful choreography that is fantasic to use in an actual class. This book is a great learning source and is worth every penny. If you are a teacher, student ect. this book is a must have. Another reason this is such a great book is because it is written by a fitness proffesional. Included in this book is advice on music choices, choreography and various programmes to induce in to an exercise to music class. This is the definitive practical handbook for anyone wanting a performance advantage.

Highly Recommended, 21 Jan 2006
This is a really well written and sensible Pilates book. Having had Pilates lessons to intermediate level, I found the explanation of the basic principles excellent, with clear instructions and illustrations. The workouts are tailored to your shape, which is extremely useful. I haven't had the book long, so can't comment on whether I'll have "a new body in 4 weeks" but I certainly think it will improve my fitness level and shape.

a new body in 4 weeks, 04 Dec 2005
I love this book. It`s very well written, very clear, and it delivers! I`m a pilates teacher, and sometimes find it hard to fit my own sessions into a busy life with a family. This book made it easy, and having announced to my clients that I was going to follow the programme for 4 weeks several of them joined in.The results were impressive, we lost from half an inch to an inch from the waist, and an inch to 2inches from the hips!! We also felt stronger and more flexible, and for myself there was the unexpected bonus of a real confidence boost. We are all familiar with the Body Control Pilates method, but found this book fresh and fun. The workouts took no more than half an hour once we got used to them, and the quick results made it self-motivating. It`s a committment, but it works.

This book has it all, I love it!, 11 Jun 2005
This book has everything. It tells you about the different body shapes, and how to work on them to get the best results for your body. It has a long introduction to all the basic moves, with pictures and how to perform them, and what you need to think about to do them correctly. There are exercies for the hole body with step-by-step descriptions and pictures. At the end there is 5 workout programs for each body shape. It's a basic book, but it includes programs with new and more advanced exercises, for which you can use when you get stronger and more used to the movements.
The only con is that some of the descriptions are so long, that you might want someone to read them to you when you do the exercise... But you might want someone to do and watch the exercises with you anyway, so you know that you are doing them right...

Really good, but tries to cover too much, 14 Jul 2008

I bought this when qualifying as an ETM teacher last year. It's really good from an aerobics point of view, and was incredibly useful - lots of parallels with my training course (YMCA).

However, having since qualified as a step instructor, and revisited the section for step - it's left me slightly concerned. Key teaching points are missed, and the choreography samples are confusing. I'm not sure that you could use this section to create a safe and effective step session, especially not one aimed at anything higher than complete beginners. Ditto for the weights sections - it's trying to cover a big subject in a small area, and doesn't quite get there. It's probably good as a general overview of what you should consider for each of those class types, and good as a reference if you already know what you're doing, but I'd be cautious of assuming that once you've read this book you'll be able to teach those class types.

GREAT for aerobics and body-weight MSE. Shame it didn't stop there...

An excellent book!, 23 May 2004
I am a student studying to become a qualified teacher in exercise to music and had to purchase a informative book which could help me. When i bought this book i was very pleased as it contained everything needed for a teacher, student or even someone wanting to take exercise to music as a hobby. Debbie Laurence cleverly combined detailed theory about exercise to music with helpful and useful choreography that is fantasic to use in an actual class. This book is a great learning source and is worth every penny. If you are a teacher, student ect. this book is a must have. Another reason this is such a great book is because it is written by a fitness proffesional. Included in this book is advice on music choices, choreography and various programmes to induce in to an exercise to music class. This is the definitive practical handbook for anyone wanting a performance advantage.

Highly Recommended, 21 Jan 2006
This is a really well written and sensible Pilates book. Having had Pilates lessons to intermediate level, I found the explanation of the basic principles excellent, with clear instructions and illustrations. The workouts are tailored to your shape, which is extremely useful. I haven't had the book long, so can't comment on whether I'll have "a new body in 4 weeks" but I certainly think it will improve my fitness level and shape.

a new body in 4 weeks, 04 Dec 2005
I love this book. It`s very well written, very clear, and it delivers! I`m a pilates teacher, and sometimes find it hard to fit my own sessions into a busy life with a family. This book made it easy, and having announced to my clients that I was going to follow the programme for 4 weeks several of them joined in.The results were impressive, we lost from half an inch to an inch from the waist, and an inch to 2inches from the hips!! We also felt stronger and more flexible, and for myself there was the unexpected bonus of a real confidence boost. We are all familiar with the Body Control Pilates method, but found this book fresh and fun. The workouts took no more than half an hour once we got used to them, and the quick results made it self-motivating. It`s a committment, but it works.

This book has it all, I love it!, 11 Jun 2005
This book has everything. It tells you about the different body shapes, and how to work on them to get the best results for your body. It has a long introduction to all the basic moves, with pictures and how to perform them, and what you need to think about to do them correctly. There are exercies for the hole body with step-by-step descriptions and pictures. At the end there is 5 workout programs for each body shape. It's a basic book, but it includes programs with new and more advanced exercises, for which you can use when you get stronger and more used to the movements.
The only con is that some of the descriptions are so long, that you might want someone to read them to you when you do the exercise... But you might want someone to do and watch the exercises with you anyway, so you know that you are doing them right...

Short of the mark, 14 Jan 2006
Tamilee Webb should stick to the workout videos she plugs within this text. Every other page contains content of questionable relevance, such as basic descriptions of DNA.

The book assumes that you’re a woman which gets frustrating. Being published in 1998 you would have thought that they had proof read it by now.

“You count 7 beats in 10 seconds: 10x7 = 70 beats per minute.” Page 90.

However if you can overlook the mistakes and the content padding, this book does provide a wealth of fitness moves along with tips for doing them in the home.

Not an enjoyable read. Not a complete waste of cash.

Great for people who have never worked out before!!, 29 Jul 1998
I love this book. This is a book for people who are basically brand new to exercising and healthy living, in a sense. The book goes through basic workouts to get anyone started on the road to health. I am an exercise sports science major with a minor in nutrition, and I have reccommended this book, as well as, Nutrition for Dummies, Weight Training for Dummies and Fitness for Dummies, to many of my personal training clients. I love the whole line of books. I love the fact that someone thought to write books that people with no background in the subject area could use, and get something great out of the reading, and especially understand it. My clients have even reccommended the books to other friends and family. I even get referals off of the books, when they are reccommmended. Good job guys.

As a professor of preventative medicine and a regular triathlon participant, the author of Triathloning for Ordinary Mortals, Steven Jonas, is in the best position to offer advice on this enthralling subject. As Jonas says, "This book is for you if you are an average recreational endurance athlete", who is looking to expand their "recreational" activity to something greater. Jonas is also the author of The Essential Triathlete, so approaches the subject from a position of ample experience.

The book covers the triathlon from its origins, through to recommended training schemes, diet and equipment. The training programs suggested are well balanced and thought out,and aimed towards achieving realistic results, regardless of your athletic ability. The diet and nutrition sections provide useful charts to help you monitor your food consumption. The final sections of the book are geared towards actual races--how to prepare yourself and what techniques to use to maximise your performance.

Jonas draws from a great number of reference sources to bring weight to what he says in Triathloning for Ordinary Mortals, and to great effect. The book is effectively written and factually sound in its advice. However, the book is written for a US audience and this is prevalent throughout, though having said that, this doesn't detract from the solid fact base from which this book was spawned. In a market that doesn't cater heavily for the sport, Triathloning for Ordinary Mortals is a great handbook for anyone participating in or starting the sport, as well as anyone interested in improving their physical fitness. --Chris Hall

Really good, but tries to cover too much, 14 Jul 2008

I bought this when qualifying as an ETM teacher last year. It's really good from an aerobics point of view, and was incredibly useful - lots of parallels with my training course (YMCA).

However, having since qualified as a step instructor, and revisited the section for step - it's left me slightly concerned. Key teaching points are missed, and the choreography samples are confusing. I'm not sure that you could use this section to create a safe and effective step session, especially not one aimed at anything higher than complete beginners. Ditto for the weights sections - it's trying to cover a big subject in a small area, and doesn't quite get there. It's probably good as a general overview of what you should consider for each of those class types, and good as a reference if you already know what you're doing, but I'd be cautious of assuming that once you've read this book you'll be able to teach those class types.

GREAT for aerobics and body-weight MSE. Shame it didn't stop there...

An excellent book!, 23 May 2004
I am a student studying to become a qualified teacher in exercise to music and had to purchase a informative book which could help me. When i bought this book i was very pleased as it contained everything needed for a teacher, student or even someone wanting to take exercise to music as a hobby. Debbie Laurence cleverly combined detailed theory about exercise to music with helpful and useful choreography that is fantasic to use in an actual class. This book is a great learning source and is worth every penny. If you are a teacher, student ect. this book is a must have. Another reason this is such a great book is because it is written by a fitness proffesional. Included in this book is advice on music choices, choreography and various programmes to induce in to an exercise to music class. This is the definitive practical handbook for anyone wanting a performance advantage.

Highly Recommended, 21 Jan 2006
This is a really well written and sensible Pilates book. Having had Pilates lessons to intermediate level, I found the explanation of the basic principles excellent, with clear instructions and illustrations. The workouts are tailored to your shape, which is extremely useful. I haven't had the book long, so can't comment on whether I'll have "a new body in 4 weeks" but I certainly think it will improve my fitness level and shape.

a new body in 4 weeks, 04 Dec 2005
I love this book. It`s very well written, very clear, and it delivers! I`m a pilates teacher, and sometimes find it hard to fit my own sessions into a busy life with a family. This book made it easy, and having announced to my clients that I was going to follow the programme for 4 weeks several of them joined in.The results were impressive, we lost from half an inch to an inch from the waist, and an inch to 2inches from the hips!! We also felt stronger and more flexible, and for myself there was the unexpected bonus of a real confidence boost. We are all familiar with the Body Control Pilates method, but found this book fresh and fun. The workouts took no more than half an hour once we got used to them, and the quick results made it self-motivating. It`s a committment, but it works.

This book has it all, I love it!, 11 Jun 2005
This book has everything. It tells you about the different body shapes, and how to work on them to get the best results for your body. It has a long introduction to all the basic moves, with pictures and how to perform them, and what you need to think about to do them correctly. There are exercies for the hole body with step-by-step descriptions and pictures. At the end there is 5 workout programs for each body shape. It's a basic book, but it includes programs with new and more advanced exercises, for which you can use when you get stronger and more used to the movements.
The only con is that some of the descriptions are so long, that you might want someone to read them to you when you do the exercise... But you might want someone to do and watch the exercises with you anyway, so you know that you are doing them right...

Short of the mark, 14 Jan 2006
Tamilee Webb should stick to the workout videos she plugs within this text. Every other page contains content of questionable relevance, such as basic descriptions of DNA.

The book assumes that you’re a woman which gets frustrating. Being published in 1998 you would have thought that they had proof read it by now.

“You count 7 beats in 10 seconds: 10x7 = 70 beats per minute.” Page 90.

However if you can overlook the mistakes and the content padding, this book does provide a wealth of fitness moves along with tips for doing them in the home.

Not an enjoyable read. Not a complete waste of cash.

Great for people who have never worked out before!!, 29 Jul 1998
I love this book. This is a book for people who are basically brand new to exercising and healthy living, in a sense. The book goes through basic workouts to get anyone started on the road to health. I am an exercise sports science major with a minor in nutrition, and I have reccommended this book, as well as, Nutrition for Dummies, Weight Training for Dummies and Fitness for Dummies, to many of my personal training clients. I love the whole line of books. I love the fact that someone thought to write books that people with no background in the subject area could use, and get something great out of the reading, and especially understand it. My clients have even reccommended the books to other friends and family. I even get referals off of the books, when they are reccommmended. Good job guys.

Great book for the first timer, 05 Jan 2004
I used this book to help me train and race 4 sprint and one Olympic triathlons in 2003, including the Olympic distance Windsor Triathlon. Although active, I was not fit and had never even contemplated any endurance sport and my last serious exercise (other than skiing) was more than 10 years ago.

This book was ideal for me; I wanted take the training seriously but had no ambitions to become a top performing athlete (especially at the age of 39). I followed the 13 week program and it did what it said on the label - in fact my performance was much better than I could have dreamt of when I first had the crazy idea of doing a triathlon.
It also covers all other aspects of preparing for the race. And yes, I will use the book again to help me prepare for my 2004 races.

Really good, but tries to cover too much, 14 Jul 2008

I bought this when qualifying as an ETM teacher last year. It's really good from an aerobics point of view, and was incredibly useful - lots of parallels with my training course (YMCA).

However, having since qualified as a step instructor, and revisited the section for step - it's left me slightly concerned. Key teaching points are missed, and the choreography samples are confusing. I'm not sure that you could use this section to create a safe and effective step session, especially not one aimed at anything higher than complete beginners. Ditto for the weights sections - it's trying to cover a big subject in a small area, and doesn't quite get there. It's probably good as a general overview of what you should consider for each of those class types, and good as a reference if you already know what you're doing, but I'd be cautious of assuming that once you've read this book you'll be able to teach those class types.

GREAT for aerobics and body-weight MSE. Shame it didn't stop there...

An excellent book!, 23 May 2004
I am a student studying to become a qualified teacher in exercise to music and had to purchase a informative book which could help me. When i bought this book i was very pleased as it contained everything needed for a teacher, student or even someone wanting to take exercise to music as a hobby. Debbie Laurence cleverly combined detailed theory about exercise to music with helpful and useful choreography that is fantasic to use in an actual class. This book is a great learning source and is worth every penny. If you are a teacher, student ect. this book is a must have. Another reason this is such a great book is because it is written by a fitness proffesional. Included in this book is advice on music choices, choreography and various programmes to induce in to an exercise to music class. This is the definitive practical handbook for anyone wanting a performance advantage.

Highly Recommended, 21 Jan 2006
This is a really well written and sensible Pilates book. Having had Pilates lessons to intermediate level, I found the explanation of the basic principles excellent, with clear instructions and illustrations. The workouts are tailored to your shape, which is extremely useful. I haven't had the book long, so can't comment on whether I'll have "a new body in 4 weeks" but I certainly think it will improve my fitness level and shape.

a new body in 4 weeks, 04 Dec 2005
I love this book. It`s very well written, very clear, and it delivers! I`m a pilates teacher, and sometimes find it hard to fit my own sessions into a busy life with a family. This book made it easy, and having announced to my clients that I was going to follow the programme for 4 weeks several of them joined in.The results were impressive, we lost from half an inch to an inch from the waist, and an inch to 2inches from the hips!! We also felt stronger and more flexible, and for myself there was the unexpected bonus of a real confidence boost. We are all familiar with the Body Control Pilates method, but found this book fresh and fun. The workouts took no more than half an hour once we got used to them, and the quick results made it self-motivating. It`s a committment, but it works.

This book has it all, I love it!, 11 Jun 2005
This book has everything. It tells you about the different body shapes, and how to work on them to get the best results for your body. It has a long introduction to all the basic moves, with pictures and how to perform them, and what you need to think about to do them correctly. There are exercies for the hole body with step-by-step descriptions and pictures. At the end there is 5 workout programs for each body shape. It's a basic book, but it includes programs with new and more advanced exercises, for which you can use when you get stronger and more used to the movements.
The only con is that some of the descriptions are so long, that you might want someone to read them to you when you do the exercise... But you might want someone to do and watch the exercises with you anyway, so you know that you are doing them right...

Short of the mark, 14 Jan 2006
Tamilee Webb should stick to the workout videos she plugs within this text. Every other page contains content of questionable relevance, such as basic descriptions of DNA.

The book assumes that you’re a woman which gets frustrating. Being published in 1998 you would have thought that they had proof read it by now.

“You count 7 beats in 10 seconds: 10x7 = 70 beats per minute.” Page 90.

However if you can overlook the mistakes and the content padding, this book does provide a wealth of fitness moves along with tips for doing them in the home.

Not an enjoyable read. Not a complete waste of cash.

Great for people who have never worked out before!!, 29 Jul 1998
I love this book. This is a book for people who are basically brand new to exercising and healthy living, in a sense. The book goes through basic workouts to get anyone started on the road to health. I am an exercise sports science major with a minor in nutrition, and I have reccommended this book, as well as, Nutrition for Dummies, Weight Training for Dummies and Fitness for Dummies, to many of my personal training clients. I love the whole line of books. I love the fact that someone thought to write books that people with no background in the subject area could use, and get something great out of the reading, and especially understand it. My clients have even reccommended the books to other friends and family. I even get referals off of the books, when they are reccommmended. Good job guys.

Great book for the first timer, 05 Jan 2004
I used this book to help me train and race 4 sprint and one Olympic triathlons in 2003, including the Olympic distance Windsor Triathlon. Although active, I was not fit and had never even contemplated any endurance sport and my last serious exercise (other than skiing) was more than 10 years ago.

This book was ideal for me; I wanted take the training seriously but had no ambitions to become a top performing athlete (especially at the age of 39). I followed the 13 week program and it did what it said on the label - in fact my performance was much better than I could have dreamt of when I first had the crazy idea of doing a triathlon.
It also covers all other aspects of preparing for the race. And yes, I will use the book again to help me prepare for my 2004 races.

A good read if you suffer from back pain, 13 Nov 2007
If you like myself spend many hours in front of a pc this is a good read.
Tips on how to improve posture and get rid of the pain.

good education, 17 Oct 2006
Good read lots of excellent information. Builds up from the basics making a lot of technical info easy to understand. I have had neck problems for the past few years and have been to a phsyio and doctor which had little effect after a visit to a chiropractor who suggested part of my problem was posture (i am have an athletic build and no one can notice the posture problems i've had so you'd be suprised what you will learn) I bought sevral books of which this is by far the best. This book if followed will help prevent a lot of possible back problems.

DOES EVERYTHING IT SAYS ON THE TIN !, 02 Sep 2004
I picked this book up in montreal by chance a couple of years ago and I've been reading it ever since! There is so much information that it takes a while to absorb it all. You don't need to be a sports person to benefit from this book. The underbelly or core muscles are THE neglected muscles of the human body. If you apply what is in Power Posture you will probably never suffer from a bad back ! Its not just about what to do but why, like from first principles. Readable and unpretentious.

Really good, but tries to cover too much, 14 Jul 2008

I bought this when qualifying as an ETM teacher last year. It's really good from an aerobics point of view, and was incredibly useful - lots of parallels with my training course (YMCA).

However, having since qualified as a step instructor, and revisited the section for step - it's left me slightly concerned. Key teaching points are missed, and the choreography samples are confusing. I'm not sure that you could use this section to create a safe and effective step session, especially not one aimed at anything higher than complete beginners. Ditto for the weights sections - it's trying to cover a big subject in a small area, and doesn't quite get there. It's probably good as a general overview of what you should consider for each of those class types, and good as a reference if you already know what you're doing, but I'd be cautious of assuming that once you've read this book you'll be able to teach those class types.

GREAT for aerobics and body-weight MSE. Shame it didn't stop there...

An excellent book!, 23 May 2004
I am a student studying to become a qualified teacher in exercise to music and had to purchase a informative book which could help me. When i bought this book i was very pleased as it contained everything needed for a teacher, student or even someone wanting to take exercise to music as a hobby. Debbie Laurence cleverly combined detailed theory about exercise to music with helpful and useful choreography that is fantasic to use in an actual class. This book is a great learning source and is worth every penny. If you are a teacher, student ect. this book is a must have. Another reason this is such a great book is because it is written by a fitness proffesional. Included in this book is advice on music choices, choreography and various programmes to induce in to an exercise to music class. This is the definitive practical handbook for anyone wanting a performance advantage.

Highly Recommended, 21 Jan 2006
This is a really well written and sensible Pilates book. Having had Pilates lessons to intermediate level, I found the explanation of the basic principles excellent, with clear instructions and illustrations. The workouts are tailored to your shape, which is extremely useful. I haven't had the book long, so can't comment on whether I'll have "a new body in 4 weeks" but I certainly think it will improve my fitness level and shape.

a new body in 4 weeks, 04 Dec 2005
I love this book. It`s very well written, very clear, and it delivers! I`m a pilates teacher, and sometimes find it hard to fit my own sessions into a busy life with a family. This book made it easy, and having announced to my clients that I was going to follow the programme for 4 weeks several of them joined in.The results were impressive, we lost from half an inch to an inch from the waist, and an inch to 2inches from the hips!! We also felt stronger and more flexible, and for myself there was the unexpected bonus of a real confidence boost. We are all familiar with the Body Control Pilates method, but found this book fresh and fun. The workouts took no more than half an hour once we got used to them, and the quick results made it self-motivating. It`s a committment, but it works.

This book has it all, I love it!, 11 Jun 2005
This book has everything. It tells you about the different body shapes, and how to work on them to get the best results for your body. It has a long introduction to all the basic moves, with pictures and how to perform them, and what you need to think about to do them correctly. There are exercies for the hole body with step-by-step descriptions and pictures. At the end there is 5 workout programs for each body shape. It's a basic book, but it includes programs with new and more advanced exercises, for which you can use when you get stronger and more used to the movements.
The only con is that some of the descriptions are so long, that you might want someone to read them to you when you do the exercise... But you might want someone to do and watch the exercises with you anyway, so you know that you are doing them right...

Short of the mark, 14 Jan 2006
Tamilee Webb should stick to the workout videos she plugs within this text. Every other page contains content of questionable relevance, such as basic descriptions of DNA.

The book assumes that you’re a woman which gets frustrating. Being published in 1998 you would have thought that they had proof read it by now.

“You count 7 beats in 10 seconds: 10x7 = 70 beats per minute.” Page 90.

However if you can overlook the mistakes and the content padding, this book does provide a wealth of fitness moves along with tips for doing them in the home.

Not an enjoyable read. Not a complete waste of cash.

Great for people who have never worked out before!!, 29 Jul 1998
I love this book. This is a book for people who are basically brand new to exercising and healthy living, in a sense. The book goes through basic workouts to get anyone started on the road to health. I am an exercise sports science major with a minor in nutrition, and I have reccommended this book, as well as, Nutrition for Dummies, Weight Training for Dummies and Fitness for Dummies, to many of my personal training clients. I love the whole line of books. I love the fact that someone thought to write books that people with no background in the subject area could use, and get something great out of the reading, and especially understand it. My clients have even reccommended the books to other friends and family. I even get referals off of the books, when they are reccommmended. Good job guys.

Great book for the first timer, 05 Jan 2004
I used this book to help me train and race 4 sprint and one Olympic triathlons in 2003, including the Olympic distance Windsor Triathlon. Although active, I was not fit and had never even contemplated any endurance sport and my last serious exercise (other than skiing) was more than 10 years ago.

This book was ideal for me; I wanted take the training seriously but had no ambitions to become a top performing athlete (especially at the age of 39). I followed the 13 week program and it did what it said on the label - in fact my performance was much better than I could have dreamt of when I first had the crazy idea of doing a triathlon.
It also covers all other aspects of preparing for the race. And yes, I will use the book again to help me prepare for my 2004 races.

A good read if you suffer from back pain, 13 Nov 2007
If you like myself spend many hours in front of a pc this is a good read.
Tips on how to improve posture and get rid of the pain.

good education, 17 Oct 2006
Good read lots of excellent information. Builds up from the basics making a lot of technical info easy to understand. I have had neck problems for the past few years and have been to a phsyio and doctor which had little effect after a visit to a chiropractor who suggested part of my problem was posture (i am have an athletic build and no one can notice the posture problems i've had so you'd be suprised what you will learn) I bought sevral books of which this is by far the best. This book if followed will help prevent a lot of possible back problems.

DOES EVERYTHING IT SAYS ON THE TIN !, 02 Sep 2004
I picked this book up in montreal by chance a couple of years ago and I've been reading it ever since! There is so much information that it takes a while to absorb it all. You don't need to be a sports person to benefit from this book. The underbelly or core muscles are THE neglected muscles of the human body. If you apply what is in Power Posture you will probably never suffer from a bad back ! Its not just about what to do but why, like from first principles. Readable and unpretentious.

So good in so many ways, 17 Jul 2008
My partner became vegan and I was worried I would not be able to make cakes etc. No worries with this book. The double choc pecan brownies (and variations) are out of this world - you would not know they are dairy free and this is now a regular birthday treat. The muffins are light and moist - better than the shop versions. Using fruit and veg to make lovely moist bakes.
When we could not find organic chocolate soya dessert commercially, we used the recipe for the cream to use in sandwich cakes and now my partner prefers that to the commercial soya dessert that is back in the shops. So easy to make, he does it himself.
NB the recipe for cornbread may have a little too much baking soda - we found it inedible, so made a wee adjustment. This said, highly recommend the book if you like to bake and are dairy free.

Bloomin' marvelous!, 18 Nov 2004
This book is fantastic - so far everything I have made from it has been delicious and disappears before it even makes it to the cake box most times. The chocolate chip cookies worked well with rye flour as well as with barley flour and I cant wait to try the brownies. I drool each time I look at the book.

Really good, but tries to cover too much, 14 Jul 2008

I bought this when qualifying as an ETM teacher last year. It's really good from an aerobics point of view, and was incredibly useful - lots of parallels with my training course (YMCA).

However, having since qualified as a step instructor, and revisited the section for step - it's left me slightly concerned. Key teaching points are missed, and the choreography samples are confusing. I'm not sure that you could use this section to create a safe and effective step session, especially not one aimed at anything higher than complete beginners. Ditto for the weights sections - it's trying to cover a big subject in a small area, and doesn't quite get there. It's probably good as a general overview of what you should consider for each of those class types, and good as a reference if you already know what you're doing, but I'd be cautious of assuming that once you've read this book you'll be able to teach those class types.

GREAT for aerobics and body-weight MSE. Shame it didn't stop there...

An excellent book!, 23 May 2004
I am a student studying to become a qualified teacher in exercise to music and had to purchase a informative book which could help me. When i bought this book i was very pleased as it contained everything needed for a teacher, student or even someone wanting to take exercise to music as a hobby. Debbie Laurence cleverly combined detailed theory about exercise to music with helpful and useful choreography that is fantasic to use in an actual class. This book is a great learning source and is worth every penny. If you are a teacher, student ect. this book is a must have. Another reason this is such a great book is because it is written by a fitness proffesional. Included in this book is advice on music choices, choreography and various programmes to induce in to an exercise to music class. This is the definitive practical handbook for anyone wanting a performance advantage.

Highly Recommended, 21 Jan 2006
This is a really well written and sensible Pilates book. Having had Pilates lessons to intermediate level, I found the explanation of the basic principles excellent, with clear instructions and illustrations. The workouts are tailored to your shape, which is extremely useful. I haven't had the book long, so can't comment on whether I'll have "a new body in 4 weeks" but I certainly think it will improve my fitness level and shape.

a new body in 4 weeks, 04 Dec 2005
I love this book. It`s very well written, very clear, and it delivers! I`m a pilates teacher, and sometimes find it hard to fit my own sessions into a busy life with a family. This book made it easy, and having announced to my clients that I was going to follow the programme for 4 weeks several of them joined in.The results were impressive, we lost from half an inch to an inch from the waist, and an inch to 2inches from the hips!! We also felt stronger and more flexible, and for myself there was the unexpected bonus of a real confidence boost. We are all familiar with the Body Control Pilates method, but found this book fresh and fun. The workouts took no more than half an hour once we got used to them, and the quick results made it self-motivating. It`s a committment, but it works.

This book has it all, I love it!, 11 Jun 2005
This book has everything. It tells you about the different body shapes, and how to work on them to get the best results for your body. It has a long introduction to all the basic moves, with pictures and how to perform them, and what you need to think about to do them correctly. There are exercies for the hole body with step-by-step descriptions and pictures. At the end there is 5 workout programs for each body shape. It's a basic book, but it includes programs with new and more advanced exercises, for which you can use when you get stronger and more used to the movements.
The only con is that some of the descriptions are so long, that you might want someone to read them to you when you do the exercise... But you might want someone to do and watch the exercises with you anyway, so you know that you are doing them right...

Short of the mark, 14 Jan 2006
Tamilee Webb should stick to the workout videos she plugs within this text. Every other page contains content of questionable relevance, such as basic descriptions of DNA.

The book assumes that you’re a woman which gets frustrating. Being published in 1998 you would have thought that they had proof read it by now.

“You count 7 beats in 10 seconds: 10x7 = 70 beats per minute.” Page 90.

However if you can overlook the mistakes and the content padding, this book does provide a wealth of fitness moves along with tips for doing them in the home.

Not an enjoyable read. Not a complete waste of cash.

Great for people who have never worked out before!!, 29 Jul 1998
I love this book. This is a book for people who are basically brand new to exercising and healthy living, in a sense. The book goes through basic workouts to get anyone started on the road to health. I am an exercise sports science major with a minor in nutrition, and I have reccommended this book, as well as, Nutrition for Dummies, Weight Training for Dummies and Fitness for Dummies, to many of my personal training clients. I love the whole line of books. I love the fact that someone thought to write books that people with no background in the subject area could use, and get something great out of the reading, and especially understand it. My clients have even reccommended the books to other friends and family. I even get referals off of the books, when they are reccommmended. Good job guys.

Great book for the first timer, 05 Jan 2004
I used this book to help me train and race 4 sprint and one Olympic triathlons in 2003, including the Olympic distance Windsor Triathlon. Although active, I was not fit and had never even contemplated any endurance sport and my last serious exercise (other than skiing) was more than 10 years ago.

This book was ideal for me; I wanted take the training seriously but had no ambitions to become a top performing athlete (especially at the age of 39). I followed the 13 week program and it did what it said on the label - in fact my performance was much better than I could have dreamt of when I first had the crazy idea of doing a triathlon.
It also covers all other aspects of preparing for the race. And yes, I will use the book again to help me prepare for my 2004 races.

A good read if you suffer from back pain, 13 Nov 2007
If you like myself spend many hours in front of a pc this is a good read.
Tips on how to improve posture and get rid of the pain.

good education, 17 Oct 2006
Good read lots of excellent information. Builds up from the basics making a lot of technical info easy to understand. I have had neck problems for the past few years and have been to a phsyio and doctor which had little effect after a visit to a chiropractor who suggested part of my problem was posture (i am have an athletic build and no one can notice the posture problems i've had so you'd be suprised what you will learn) I bought sevral books of which this is by far the best. This book if followed will help prevent a lot of possible back problems.

DOES EVERYTHING IT SAYS ON THE TIN !, 02 Sep 2004
I picked this book up in montreal by chance a couple of years ago and I've been reading it ever since! There is so much information that it takes a while to absorb it all. You don't need to be a sports person to benefit from this book. The underbelly or core muscles are THE neglected muscles of the human body. If you apply what is in Power Posture you will probably never suffer from a bad back ! Its not just about what to do but why, like from first principles. Readable and unpretentious.

So good in so many ways, 17 Jul 2008
My partner became vegan and I was worried I would not be able to make cakes etc. No worries with this book. The double choc pecan brownies (and variations) are out of this world - you would not know they are dairy free and this is now a regular birthday treat. The muffins are light and moist - better than the shop versions. Using fruit and veg to make lovely moist bakes.
When we could not find organic chocolate soya dessert commercially, we used the recipe for the cream to use in sandwich cakes and now my partner prefers that to the commercial soya dessert that is back in the shops. So easy to make, he does it himself.
NB the recipe for cornbread may have a little too much baking soda - we found it inedible, so made a wee adjustment. This said, highly recommend the book if you like to bake and are dairy free.

Bloomin' marvelous!, 18 Nov 2004
This book is fantastic - so far everything I have made from it has been delicious and disappears before it even makes it to the cake box most times. The chocolate chip cookies worked well with rye flour as well as with barley flour and I cant wait to try the brownies. I drool each time I look at the book.

Confusing and, in places, just wrong, 25 Jun 2005
I bought this book when I got my Heart Rate Monitor. One simple example illustrates this book's fundamental failure: "Hard Day - run 15-30 minutes at 65-75% effort". "Moderate Day - run 20-40 minutes at 75-80% effort". That's right - run harder for longer on easier days! With that howling editorial failure, none of the rest of the material can be trusted.

Jack of all trades, master of none, 18 May 2003
I bought a heat rate monitor and needed some advice on how to use it effectively, so turned to this. I mountain bike - but the cycling section refers exclusively to the spray-on lycra brigade and their peculiar regimes. I run - but the running section contained flat out contradictions (e.g. "training plan phase I: hard day, run 30 minutes at 75% effort; moderate day, run 40 minutes at 80% effort").

Look elsewhere - there are plenty of titles.

Good book for training, 12 Sep 2001
I used this book to set up my training routines. I don't really understand the comments about the book being "too technical". Training and setting up routines is a technical subject. Setting your max heart rate and lactate thresholds is pretty tricky but once I'd taken the time to do that my performance improved no end working with the workout suggestions.

Excellent reference source, 05 Dec 1999
I am currently studying A Level PE & BTEC Sports Science, and found this book to be invaluable to my course. If you have anything to do with fitness trainin programmes you need this book.

An In-depth book for the serious., 11 Jun 1999
It is a very good book if you are interested in the theory of heart rate training. I found it overwhelming (as another reader did) in that it was a little too technical. I don't like the way there are different authors to different sports. I have to agree that it is written towards Polar but does not that matter when the book has so many other things to offer. This is a good book but just wasn't the sort of book that I was looking for. I am a fitness fanatic not a runner or inline skater or triathlete!!

Really good, but tries to cover too much, 14 Jul 2008

I bought this when qualifying as an ETM teacher last year. It's really good from an aerobics point of view, and was incredibly useful - lots of parallels with my training course (YMCA).

However, having since qualified as a step instructor, and revisited the section for step - it's left me slightly concerned. Key teaching points are missed, and the choreography samples are confusing. I'm not sure that you could use this section to create a safe and effective step session, especially not one aimed at anything higher than complete beginners. Ditto for the weights sections - it's trying to cover a big subject in a small area, and doesn't quite get there. It's probably good as a general overview of what you should consider for each of those class types, and good as a reference if you already know what you're doing, but I'd be cautious of assuming that once you've read this book you'll be able to teach those class types.

GREAT for aerobics and body-weight MSE. Shame it didn't stop there...

An excellent book!, 23 May 2004
I am a student studying to become a qualified teacher in exercise to music and had to purchase a informative book which could help me. When i bought this book i was very pleased as it contained everything needed for a teacher, student or even someone wanting to take exercise to music as a hobby. Debbie Laurence cleverly combined detailed theory about exercise to music with helpful and useful choreography that is fantasic to use in an actual class. This book is a great learning source and is worth every penny. If you are a teacher, student ect. this book is a must have. Another reason this is such a great book is because it is written by a fitness proffesional. Included in this book is advice on music choices, choreography and various programmes to induce in to an exercise to music class. This is the definitive practical handbook for anyone wanting a performance advantage.

Highly Recommended, 21 Jan 2006
This is a really well written and sensible Pilates book. Having had Pilates lessons to intermediate level, I found the explanation of the basic principles excellent, with clear instructions and illustrations. The workouts are tailored to your shape, which is extremely useful. I haven't had the book long, so can't comment on whether I'll have "a new body in 4 weeks" but I certainly think it will improve my fitness level and shape.

a new body in 4 weeks, 04 Dec 2005
I love this book. It`s very well written, very clear, and it delivers! I`m a pilates teacher, and sometimes find it hard to fit my own sessions into a busy life with a family. This book made it easy, and having announced to my clients that I was going to follow the programme for 4 weeks several of them joined in.The results were impressive, we lost from half an inch to an inch from the waist, and an inch to 2inches from the hips!! We also felt stronger and more flexible, and for myself there was the unexpected bonus of a real confidence boost. We are all familiar with the Body Control Pilates method, but found this book fresh and fun. The workouts took no more than half an hour once we got used to them, and the quick results made it self-motivating. It`s a committment, but it works.

This book has it all, I love it!, 11 Jun 2005
This book has everything. It tells you about the different body shapes, and how to work on them to get the best results for your body. It has a long introduction to all the basic moves, with pictures and how to perform them, and what you need to think about to do them correctly. There are exercies for the hole body with step-by-step descriptions and pictures. At the end there is 5 workout programs for each body shape. It's a basic book, but it includes programs with new and more advanced exercises, for which you can use when you get stronger and more used to the movements.
The only con is that some of the descriptions are so long, that you might want someone to read them to you when you do the exercise... But you might want someone to do and watch the exercises with you anyway, so you know that you are doing them right...

Short of the mark, 14 Jan 2006
Tamilee Webb should stick to the workout videos she plugs within this text. Every other page contains content of questionable relevance, such as basic descriptions of DNA.

The book assumes that you’re a woman which gets frustrating. Being published in 1998 you would have thought that they had proof read it by now.

“You count 7 beats in 10 seconds: 10x7 = 70 beats per minute.” Page 90.

However if you can overlook the mistakes and the content padding, this book does provide a wealth of fitness moves along with tips for doing them in the home.

Not an enjoyable read. Not a complete waste of cash.

Great for people who have never worked out before!!, 29 Jul 1998
I love this book. This is a book for people who are basically brand new to exercising and healthy living, in a sense. The book goes through basic workouts to get anyone started on the road to health. I am an exercise sports science major with a minor in nutrition, and I have reccommended this book, as well as, Nutrition for Dummies, Weight Training for Dummies and Fitness for Dummies, to many of my personal training clients. I love the whole line of books. I love the fact that someone thought to write books that people with no background in the subject area could use, and get something great out of the reading, and especially understand it. My clients have even reccommended the books to other friends and family. I even get referals off of the books, when they are reccommmended. Good job guys.

Great book for the first timer, 05 Jan 2004
I used this book to help me train and race 4 sprint and one Olympic triathlons in 2003, including the Olympic distance Windsor Triathlon. Although active, I was not fit and had never even contemplated any endurance sport and my last serious exercise (other than skiing) was more than 10 years ago.

This book was ideal for me; I wanted take the training seriously but had no ambitions to become a top performing athlete (especially at the age of 39). I followed the 13 week program and it did what it said on the label - in fact my performance was much better than I could have dreamt of when I first had the crazy idea of doing a triathlon.
It also covers all other aspects of preparing for the race. And yes, I will use the book again to help me prepare for my 2004 races.

A good read if you suffer from back pain, 13 Nov 2007
If you like myself spend many hours in front of a pc this is a good read.
Tips on how to improve posture and get rid of the pain.

good education, 17 Oct 2006
Good read lots of excellent information. Builds up from the basics making a lot of technical info easy to understand. I have had neck problems for the past few years and have been to a phsyio and doctor which had little effect after a visit to a chiropractor who suggested part of my problem was posture (i am have an athletic build and no one can notice the posture problems i've had so you'd be suprised what you will learn) I bought sevral books of which this is by far the best. This book if followed will help prevent a lot of possible back problems.

DOES EVERYTHING IT SAYS ON THE TIN !, 02 Sep 2004
I picked this book up in montreal by chance a couple of years ago and I've been reading it ever since! There is so much information that it takes a while to absorb it all. You don't need to be a sports person to benefit from this book. The underbelly or core muscles are THE neglected muscles of the human body. If you apply what is in Power Posture you will probably never suffer from a bad back ! Its not just about what to do but why, like from first principles. Readable and unpretentious.

So good in so many ways, 17 Jul 2008
My partner became vegan and I was worried I would not be able to make cakes etc. No worries with this book. The double choc pecan brownies (and variations) are out of this world - you would not know they are dairy free and this is now a regular birthday treat. The muffins are light and moist - better than the shop versions. Using fruit and veg to make lovely moist bakes.
When we could not find organic chocolate soya dessert commercially, we used the recipe for the cream to use in sandwich cakes and now my partner prefers that to the commercial soya dessert that is back in the shops. So easy to make, he does it himself.
NB the recipe for cornbread may have a little too much baking soda - we found it inedible, so made a wee adjustment. This said, highly recommend the book if you like to bake and are dairy free.

Bloomin' marvelous!, 18 Nov 2004
This book is fantastic - so far everything I have made from it has been delicious and disappears before it even makes it to the cake box most times. The chocolate chip cookies worked well with rye flour as well as with barley flour and I cant wait to try the brownies. I drool each time I look at the book.

Confusing and, in places, just wrong, 25 Jun 2005
I bought this book when I got my Heart Rate Monitor. One simple example illustrates this book's fundamental failure: "Hard Day - run 15-30 minutes at 65-75% effort". "Moderate Day - run 20-40 minutes at 75-80% effort". That's right - run harder for longer on easier days! With that howling editorial failure, none of the rest of the material can be trusted.

Jack of all trades, master of none, 18 May 2003
I bought a heat rate monitor and needed some advice on how to use it effectively, so turned to this. I mountain bike - but the cycling section refers exclusively to the spray-on lycra brigade and their peculiar regimes. I run - but the running section contained flat out contradictions (e.g. "training plan phase I: hard day, run 30 minutes at 75% effort; moderate day, run 40 minutes at 80% effort").

Look elsewhere - there are plenty of titles.

Good book for training, 12 Sep 2001
I used this book to set up my training routines. I don't really understand the comments about the book being "too technical". Training and setting up routines is a technical subject. Setting your max heart rate and lactate thresholds is pretty tricky but once I'd taken the time to do that my performance improved no end working with the workout suggestions.

Excellent reference source, 05 Dec 1999
I am currently studying A Level PE & BTEC Sports Science, and found this book to be invaluable to my course. If you have anything to do with fitness trainin programmes you need this book.

An In-depth book for the serious., 11 Jun 1999
It is a very good book if you are interested in the theory of heart rate training. I found it overwhelming (as another reader did) in that it was a little too technical. I don't like the way there are different authors to different sports. I have to agree that it is written towards Polar but does not that matter when the book has so many other things to offer. This is a good book but just wasn't the sort of book that I was looking for. I am a fitness fanatic not a runner or inline skater or triathlete!!

A great book for fitness, self-healing and transformation, 20 Apr 2006
I'd heard of Nia and bought the book as it sounded interesting. Nia's been around since 1983 so the concepts in the book are well back up by personal stories of healing and transformation. The book takes you through the history of Nia, explaining not only how to do Nia but also why. There are great anatomy lessons along the way that are easily and innovatively explained and beautifully illustrated. There are great photos to show all the moves, (both classic and athletic) so I could easily start my own movements and get a work out at home. The body awareness checklists are great too. This book taught me a lot about my body and myself, I urge you to buy a copy if you are at all interested in your body, getting fit, or healing yourself. It's a bit of a fitness revolution really as it gets rid of the ideas of pain and punishment and is all based in the pleasure principle - using comfort as a guide. At last I've found something to keep me fit that embraces my body, mind and spirit, and is really enjoyable. I found out there are now classes in the UK and there is a website if you want to find classes or teachers in your area.

Really good, but tries to cover too much, 14 Jul 2008

I bought this when qualifying as an ETM teacher last year. It's really good from an aerobics point of view, and was incredibly useful - lots of parallels with my training course (YMCA).

However, having since qualified as a step instructor, and revisited the section for step - it's left me slightly concerned. Key teaching points are missed, and the choreography samples are confusing. I'm not sure that you could use this section to create a safe and effective step session, especially not one aimed at anything higher than complete beginners. Ditto for the weights sections - it's trying to cover a big subject in a small area, and doesn't quite get there. It's probably good as a general overview of what you should consider for each of those class types, and good as a reference if you already know what you're doing, but I'd be cautious of assuming that once you've read this book you'll be able to teach those class types.

GREAT for aerobics and body-weight MSE. Shame it didn't stop there...

An excellent book!, 23 May 2004
I am a student studying to become a qualified teacher in exercise to music and had to purchase a informative book which could help me. When i bought this book i was very pleased as it contained everything needed for a teacher, student or even someone wanting to take exercise to music as a hobby. Debbie Laurence cleverly combined detailed theory about exercise to music with helpful and useful choreography that is fantasic to use in an actual class. This book is a great learning source and is worth every penny. If you are a teacher, student ect. this book is a must have. Another reason this is such a great book is because it is written by a fitness proffesional. Included in this book is advice on music choices, choreography and various programmes to induce in to an exercise to music class. This is the definitive practical handbook for anyone wanting a performance advantage.

Highly Recommended, 21 Jan 2006
This is a really well written and sensible Pilates book. Having had Pilates lessons to intermediate level, I found the explanation of the basic principles excellent, with clear instructions and illustrations. The workouts are tailored to your shape, which is extremely useful. I haven't had the book long, so can't comment on whether I'll have "a new body in 4 weeks" but I certainly think it will improve my fitness level and shape.

a new body in 4 weeks, 04 Dec 2005
I love this book. It`s very well written, very clear, and it delivers! I`m a pilates teacher, and sometimes find it hard to fit my own sessions into a busy life with a family. This book made it easy, and having announced to my clients that I was going to follow the programme for 4 weeks several of them joined in.The results were impressive, we lost from half an inch to an inch from the waist, and an inch to 2inches from the hips!! We also felt stronger and more flexible, and for myself there was the unexpected bonus of a real confidence boost. We are all familiar with the Body Control Pilates method, but found this book fresh and fun. The workouts took no more than half an hour once we got used to them, and the quick results made it self-motivating. It`s a committment, but it works.

This book has it all, I love it!, 11 Jun 2005
This book has everything. It tells you about the different body shapes, and how to work on them to get the best results for your body. It has a long introduction to all the basic moves, with pictures and how to perform them, and what you need to think about to do them correctly. There are exercies for the hole body with step-by-step descriptions and pictures. At the end there is 5 workout programs for each body shape. It's a basic book, but it includes programs with new and more advanced exercises, for which you can use when you get stronger and more used to the movements.
The only con is that some of the descriptions are so long, that you might want someone to read them to you when you do the exercise... But you might want someone to do and watch the exercises with you anyway, so you know that you are doing them right...

Short of the mark, 14 Jan 2006
Tamilee Webb should stick to the workout videos she plugs within this text. Every other page contains content of questionable relevance, such as basic descriptions of DNA.

The book assumes that you’re a woman which gets frustrating. Being published in 1998 you would have thought that they had proof read it by now.

“You count 7 beats in 10 seconds: 10x7 = 70 beats per minute.” Page 90.

However if you can overlook the mistakes and the content padding, this book does provide a wealth of fitness moves along with tips for doing them in the home.

Not an enjoyable read. Not a complete waste of cash.

Great for people who have never worked out before!!, 29 Jul 1998
I love this book. This is a book for people who are basically brand new to exercising and healthy living, in a sense. The book goes through basic workouts to get anyone started on the road to health. I am an exercise sports science major with a minor in nutrition, and I have reccommended this book, as well as, Nutrition for Dummies, Weight Training for Dummies and Fitness for Dummies, to many of my personal training clients. I love the whole line of books. I love the fact that someone thought to write books that people with no background in the subject area could use, and get something great out of the reading, and especially understand it. My clients have even reccommended the books to other friends and family. I even get referals off of the books, when they are reccommmended. Good job guys.

Great book for the first timer, 05 Jan 2004
I used this book to help me train and race 4 sprint and one Olympic triathlons in 2003, including the Olympic distance Windsor Triathlon. Although active, I was not fit and had never even contemplated any endurance sport and my last serious exercise (other than skiing) was more than 10 years ago.

This book was ideal for me; I wanted take the training seriously but had no ambitions to become a top performing athlete (especially at the age of 39). I followed the 13 week program and it did what it said on the label - in fact my performance was much better than I could have dreamt of when I first had the crazy idea of doing a triathlon.
It also covers all other aspects of preparing for the race. And yes, I will use the book again to help me prepare for my 2004 races.

A good read if you suffer from back pain, 13 Nov 2007
If you like myself spend many hours in front of a pc this is a good read.
Tips on how to improve posture and get rid of the pain.

good education, 17 Oct 2006
Good read lots of excellent information. Builds up from the basics making a lot of technical info easy to understand. I have had neck problems for the past few years and have been to a phsyio and doctor which had little effect after a visit to a chiropractor who suggested part of my problem was posture (i am have an athletic build and no one can notice the posture problems i've had so you'd be suprised what you will learn) I bought sevral books of which this is by far the best. This book if followed will help prevent a lot of possible back problems.

DOES EVERYTHING IT SAYS ON THE TIN !, 02 Sep 2004
I picked this book up in montreal by chance a couple of years ago and I've been reading it ever since! There is so much information that it takes a while to absorb it all. You don't need to be a sports person to benefit from this book. The underbelly or core muscles are THE neglected muscles of the human body. If you apply what is in Power Posture you will probably never suffer from a bad back ! Its not just about what to do but why, like from first principles. Readable and unpretentious.

So good in so many ways, 17 Jul 2008
My partner became vegan and I was worried I would not be able to make cakes etc. No worries with this book. The double choc pecan brownies (and variations) are out of this world - you would not know they are dairy free and this is now a regular birthday treat. The muffins are light and moist - better than the shop versions. Using fruit and veg to make lovely moist bakes.
When we could not find organic chocolate soya dessert commercially, we used the recipe for the cream to use in sandwich cakes and now my partner prefers that to the commercial soya dessert that is back in the shops. So easy to make, he does it himself.
NB the recipe for cornbread may have a little too much baking soda - we found it inedible, so made a wee adjustment. This said, highly recommend the book if you like to bake and are dairy free.

Bloomin' marvelous!, 18 Nov 2004
This book is fantastic - so far everything I have made from it has been delicious and disappears before it even makes it to the cake box most times. The chocolate chip cookies worked well with rye flour as well as with barley flour and I cant wait to try the brownies. I drool each time I look at the book.

Confusing and, in places, just wrong, 25 Jun 2005
I bought this book when I got my Heart Rate Monitor. One simple example illustrates this book's fundamental failure: "Hard Day - run 15-30 minutes at 65-75% effort". "Moderate Day - run 20-40 minutes at 75-80% effort". That's right - run harder for longer on easier days! With that howling editorial failure, none of the rest of the material can be trusted.

Jack of all trades, master of none, 18 May 2003
I bought a heat rate monitor and needed some advice on how to use it effectively, so turned to this. I mountain bike - but the cycling section refers exclusively to the spray-on lycra brigade and their peculiar regimes. I run - but the running section contained flat out contradictions (e.g. "training plan phase I: hard day, run 30 minutes at 75% effort; moderate day, run 40 minutes at 80% effort").

Look elsewhere - there are plenty of titles.

Good book for training, 12 Sep 2001
I used this book to set up my training routines. I don't really understand the comments about the book being "too technical". Training and setting up routines is a technical subject. Setting your max heart rate and lactate thresholds is pretty tricky but once I'd taken the time to do that my performance improved no end working with the workout suggestions.

Excellent reference source, 05 Dec 1999
I am currently studying A Level PE & BTEC Sports Science, and found this book to be invaluable to my course. If you have anything to do with fitness trainin programmes you need this book.

An In-depth book for the serious., 11 Jun 1999
It is a very good book if you are interested in the theory of heart rate training. I found it overwhelming (as another reader did) in that it was a little too technical. I don't like the way there are different authors to different sports. I have to agree that it is written towards Polar but does not that matter when the book has so many other things to offer. This is a good book but just wasn't the sort of book that I was looking for. I am a fitness fanatic not a runner or inline skater or triathlete!!

A great book for fitness, self-healing and transformation, 20 Apr 2006
I'd heard of Nia and bought the book as it sounded interesting. Nia's been around since 1983 so the concepts in the book are well back up by personal stories of healing and transformation. The book takes you through the history of Nia, explaining not only how to do Nia but also why. There are great anatomy lessons along the way that are easily and innovatively explained and beautifully illustrated. There are great photos to show all the moves, (both classic and athletic) so I could easily start my own movements and get a work out at home. The body awareness checklists are great too. This book taught me a lot about my body and myself, I urge you to buy a copy if you are at all interested in your body, getting fit, or healing yourself. It's a bit of a fitness revolution really as it gets rid of the ideas of pain and punishment and is all based in the pleasure principle - using comfort as a guide. At last I've found something to keep me fit that embraces my body, mind and spirit, and is really enjoyable. I found out there are now classes in the UK and there is a website if you want to find classes or teachers in your area.

Really good, but tries to cover too much, 14 Jul 2008

I bought this when qualifying as an ETM teacher last year. It's really good from an aerobics point of view, and was incredibly useful - lots of parallels with my training course (YMCA).

However, having since qualified as a step instructor, and revisited the section for step - it's left me slightly concerned. Key teaching points are missed, and the choreography samples are confusing. I'm not sure that you could use this section to create a safe and effective step session, especially not one aimed at anything higher than complete beginners. Ditto for the weights sections - it's trying to cover a big subject in a small area, and doesn't quite get there. It's probably good as a general overview of what you should consider for each of those class types, and good as a reference if you already know what you're doing, but I'd be cautious of assuming that once you've read this book you'll be able to teach those class types.

GREAT for aerobics and body-weight MSE. Shame it didn't stop there...

An excellent book!, 23 May 2004
I am a student studying to become a qualified teacher in exercise to music and had to purchase a informative book which could help me. When i bought this book i was very pleased as it contained everything needed for a teacher, student or even someone wanting to take exercise to music as a hobby. Debbie Laurence cleverly combined detailed theory about exercise to music with helpful and useful choreography that is fantasic to use in an actual class. This book is a great learning source and is worth every penny. If you are a teacher, student ect. this book is a must have. Another reason this is such a great book is because it is written by a fitness proffesional. Included in this book is advice on music choices, choreography and various programmes to induce in to an exercise to music class. This is the definitive practical handbook for anyone wanting a performance advantage.