DIANA NYAD'S BASIC TRAINING FOR WOMEN: A Total Fitness Program in Just 30 Minutes a Day

Nyad's admirable challenge to women is to change the way they approach exercise and fitness; but her program is more at the level of those familiar with training for competitive sport, rather than newcomers to the exercising ranks. Marathon swimmer Nyad has been in rigorous training since she was ten (over 20 years ago), and she has an enviable understanding of her body which she communicates to readers. The program, comprised of stretching, aerobic exercise, and weight training, is supported by strong encouragement for women to reach their potentials: ""intellectual and emotional and economic and social; I believe, however, that physical strength and courage is at the very root of self-respect and self-worth."" The three-component program is sound and balanced; arranged in increasing difficulty; and preceded by a warm-up month for beginners. It is also carefully explained and illustrated; but Nyad's long familiarity with the subject may have made her unaware of just how unfit and uncomfortable with exercise many women in this society are--for them, a lower starting level is needed. This is excellent, then, for those who have some previous athletic training; beginners who don't have access to knowledgeable coaching should consult other sources.