101 FITNESS MYTHS

A New York City-based certified personal trainer exposes the myths and realities of achieving overall physical fitness.

Established fitness coach Wiedenbach, a 20-year weight training veteran, has produced what he calls a “no-nonsense natural” approach to muscle-building and healthful nutrition with the assemblage of 101 knowledgeable tips targeted to the novice exerciser. In the constructive introduction, Wiedenbach declares that anyone, regardless of age or gender, will see real results from a 45-minute “lifting program” performed three times a week alongside a reasonable diet regimen. This type of sensible advice populates the book’s straightforward sections on weight training and cardio, diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle. The author’s responses to more commonplace beliefs can be surprising, as when discussing the role genetics plays in physicality (a small one), those hard-won abdominal muscles (“a matter of proper diet”) and pre-workout stretching (best performed after exercising). Fallacies about grapefruit, protein consumption, fats and carbs, stress, protein bars, alcohol consumption and the limits of aerobic exercise are also fascinating to read. He additionally offers workout plans, a few “cheat” exercise moves and a section on the smartest choices at fast food restaurants. The author may strike an alluring, scantily clad pose on the cover (sure to entice book browsers), but he misses an opportunity to aesthetically fortify his undertaking. Whether intentional or not, the book itself is straight text on the page and devoid of charts, instructional illustrations or any type of graphic extras, which is the only disappointment in an otherwise impressive effort. In a marketplace awash in a surfeit of quick-fixes, 48-hour promised results, nutritional phenomenon and miracle muscle-building techniques, Wiedenbach offers smart, realistic counsel on the importance of incorporating diet and exercise into everyday life. Sound fitness advice delivered though a regrettably flat format.