THE BODY OF AMERICA

by Blair Sabol ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 29, 1986

A satiric walk down Fitness Way alongside Sabol, who fell for the craze hook, line, and Nautilus machine. Sabol, health columnist for Mademoiselle, finds much to criticize in the national focus on muscle- and endurance-building. How did it all begin? She sees the craze as the Yuppies' continuum with their 60's youth: ""In a sense it made us young again. Marathons and 10-K's gave us a nostalgic whiff of Woodstock gatherings and peace marches, except that our celebration and cause were a selfish scream for our own endurance rather than universal nonviolence."" Sabol's bite is enjoyably venomous, whether she's reporting on jogging, with all of its modern ""accoutrements--including the Walkman, Velcro shoe wallet, $100 thermo arch sneakers, run-along Mace can, and Jog-A-Tog survival Thermos on a belt""--or on the fanatics themselves, identifiable ""by the grim determination in their faces during their oppressive daily workouts. . .their commitment. . . orchestrated like a military campaign."" Sabol also has a sharp eye for ""puppies"" (perspiring urban professionals) and HIC (high-intensity crotch fashions in gym wear). In fact, the whole cult of gym fashion causes her to wonder whether these clothes are worn ""to work out or to make out."" An energetic sendup of the fitness craze.

Pub Date: Sept. 29, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Arbor House

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1986

Categories: NONFICTION