Dr Joyce Vedral, one of America's leading fitness experts, offers an easy-to-follow guide to weight training. The book is intended for beginners of any age of weight.
Joyce L. Vedral, PhD, is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and a trailblazer in women’s fitness. She also holds a PhD in English literature from New York University. With over a million copies of her books and DVDs sold worldwide, she has inspired generations to take charge of their health through strength training and self-belief. Known for her no-nonsense style and warm encouragement, Joyce became a trusted voice not only in fitness, but in personal transformation. Now, Joyce brings that same passion and conviction to her deepest calling yet: helping people build a direct, personal relationship with God. Unapologetic in her faith and bold in her message, she believes that anyone—no matter where they are in life—can talk to God and get answers. Her mission is simple: to show people they are never alone and that divine guidance is always within reach. Joyce lives in Florida, still trains every day, talks to God all day, and doesn’t plan on slowing down until He says so.
To my shame, I just now added an exercise/fitness shelf here at GR; it is obvious I had no use for them as is evident in my doughy pictures on display here. However, I have gotten into wonderful shape any time I tried the workouts in this excellent fitness book, and the need for me to get back into shape right now is the reason I'm here writing this short review.
What I like about Vedral's workouts is that they are condensed into a shorter amount of workout time because of the quick reps (or that's how I did it and got results). So you don't have to (not) look forward to an hour or more of exercise and weight lifting when you get home from work.
The book has some valuable information that Vedral learned over the years from trainers at her gym. She writes in layman's terms so that even the fitness-challenged can comprehend. Vedral's toned body is proof that she practices what she preaches. The only thing I don't like is the way she sucks in her gut and holds her breath in her photos--it's not necessary and it just looks odd.
Whenever I am trying to get back in shape, I find myself reaching for this book (which, as an aside, I picked up for 50 cents in a flea market over ten years ago... wow!). Joyce Vedral's ease and friendly writing style convinced me long ago that weight training is an essential component of any working out schedule, and that it is important to build up the muscles and keep them strong.
I liked how she set up her training so that you are eased in through the four different workouts. I have never actually graduated to the fourth one, but I like the third very much and am not actually sure I want to mix it up too much. Perhaps if I ever stick with it long enough to start getting bored of the workout I will try the fourth one.
The best part for me about weight training is that I can do it at my own pace, at home with very minimal equipment. Following her instructions made me feel like I could do this on my own. Her writing is also very enthusiatic and encouraging.
Vedral gives very clear answers to beginner's questions and presents a do-able workout for even the newest newb. I had never even dreamed of doing weight training before stumbling on this book, but it has really made me feel strong and capable when I do follow her workouts.
My only complaint about the book is that I disagree with how long she says the workouts take. Even now (currently doing it consistently for over 2 months after coming back for at least the fourth or fifth time after lapsing) I can only really knock my workouts down to about 25 minutes, not the 15 she claims in the book. But it is a very minor criticism, because to me it is worth the half-hour four times a week to build my muscles (and not look like a body-builder!) and feel like I am making my body stronger and fitter.
But I am also realistic in my expectations - I know I'll never look as good as she does on the cover... and that was when she was in her mid-50s!
To sum up: if you are starting working out or getting back to it, or feel that your current workouts aren't doing it for you, try this book and try weight training. It truly is simple and easy.
Fantastic book on weight training. This program got me in shape many times. It's easy, fun and it works. I have been using her various books for over 13 years with success.