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Fitter Than Ever at 50 and Beyond
Fitness expert Susan Dawson-Cook, M.S. knows fitness and how the right balance of exercise, proper nutrition, and mindful practices such as yoga and meditation can transform lives. Stop making resolutions and quitting them and start living a healthy lifestyle today. Fitter Than Ever at 50 and Beyond addresses lifestyle, physical, and emotional changes we face in our 50s. You'll exercise to boost energy level and mood and improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle tone--embarking on activities you enjoy. You'll savor nutritious foods that reduce cravings and boost mental focus. You'll engage in mindful practices that will help you establish a healthier relationship with your body and with food. Your Fitter Than Ever journey will be truly transformative, enabling you to live an empowered, healthy, and joyful life. With a passion for transforming not just bodies but lives, Susan worked in the fitness industry for 30 years at a world-renowned spa and an active adult community in northwest Tucson. Then an AFAA certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor, she is currently a RYT-200 Yoga Alliance certified Ashtanga Yoga instructor. In 2017, Susan and her husband retired. They now live in San Carlos, Mexico and southern Arizona. Susan writes, teaches yoga, volunteers with a marine wildlife rescue group, and swims in the Sea of Cortez--often with a friendly pod of bottlenose dolphins.
266 pages, Paperback
Published January 17, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 4, 2021
May Work for Already Fit Retirees...
If the word “fitter” in this book’s title made you think it is strictly about exercise, it is not. The author blends discussion about the different aspects that make for a healthier life, including diet, exercise, and practices that can soothe your mind and spirit (like yoga and meditation). Her focus, though, is on getting and staying slim. The author makes a lot of assumptions about 50+-year-olds. If you truly followed every step of her plans (yes, plural!), you would likely have to be retired to do so (or at least not have a demanding job). For instance, she recommends getting 250 minutes of cardio each week. That's over 4 hours, and that doesn't include the two days of strength training she recommends as well. As a full-time nurse who works 12-hour shifts, I cannot imagine carving out that much time for a week for exercise. She has you journal and track a squizillion things; that alone could take a ton of time. Will there not be a time in life where we are NOT supposed to track every morsel we put in our mouths? She also strongly encourages the reader to make all their meals; again, I would have a hard time achieving that goal. The author also seems to assume that the 50+-year-old reading the book is relatively healthy already and has few physical limitations (though she does discuss limitations briefly in the book). She doesn't provide much insight into what someone who is not as fit as her (a retired personal trainer who clearly leads a very active life) should do to slowly become more fit, starting where they're at. I appreciate that the author includes references to scientific studies to back up what she said, though some studies mentioned are nearly three decades old! I don't doubt that the author's suggestions would work to help people get more fit, but whether you would have the time, money, physical ability, or energy to do all she says would be unlikely.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
If the word “fitter” in this book’s title made you think it is strictly about exercise, it is not. The author blends discussion about the different aspects that make for a healthier life, including diet, exercise, and practices that can soothe your mind and spirit (like yoga and meditation). Her focus, though, is on getting and staying slim. The author makes a lot of assumptions about 50+-year-olds. If you truly followed every step of her plans (yes, plural!), you would likely have to be retired to do so (or at least not have a demanding job). For instance, she recommends getting 250 minutes of cardio each week. That's over 4 hours, and that doesn't include the two days of strength training she recommends as well. As a full-time nurse who works 12-hour shifts, I cannot imagine carving out that much time for a week for exercise. She has you journal and track a squizillion things; that alone could take a ton of time. Will there not be a time in life where we are NOT supposed to track every morsel we put in our mouths? She also strongly encourages the reader to make all their meals; again, I would have a hard time achieving that goal. The author also seems to assume that the 50+-year-old reading the book is relatively healthy already and has few physical limitations (though she does discuss limitations briefly in the book). She doesn't provide much insight into what someone who is not as fit as her (a retired personal trainer who clearly leads a very active life) should do to slowly become more fit, starting where they're at. I appreciate that the author includes references to scientific studies to back up what she said, though some studies mentioned are nearly three decades old! I don't doubt that the author's suggestions would work to help people get more fit, but whether you would have the time, money, physical ability, or energy to do all she says would be unlikely.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
September 14, 2023
Transform Your Life
I absolutely loved Fitter Than Ever at 50 and Beyond by Susan Dawson-Cook. This book takes a comprehensive look at how to achieve a healthier lifestyle and is focused on helping readers establish a healthier relationship with their bodies and with food. It is encouraging as it encourages readers to engage in activities they enjoy and savor nutritious foods that reduce cravings and boost mental focus.
When I read about the author's struggles with food in her late teens and early adulthood, I was amazed at how she was able to turn her life around and reach a healthy weight and maintain it. I was particularly impressed that she was able to do this without any fad diets or extreme exercise.
Overall, Fitter Than Ever at 50 and Beyond is an inspiring and transformative read that will motivate readers to live healthier, more joyful lives. Whether you are just starting your wellness journey or looking for new ways to maintain your health, this book is a must-read for everyone. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to make a positive change in their lifestyle.
I absolutely loved Fitter Than Ever at 50 and Beyond by Susan Dawson-Cook. This book takes a comprehensive look at how to achieve a healthier lifestyle and is focused on helping readers establish a healthier relationship with their bodies and with food. It is encouraging as it encourages readers to engage in activities they enjoy and savor nutritious foods that reduce cravings and boost mental focus.
When I read about the author's struggles with food in her late teens and early adulthood, I was amazed at how she was able to turn her life around and reach a healthy weight and maintain it. I was particularly impressed that she was able to do this without any fad diets or extreme exercise.
Overall, Fitter Than Ever at 50 and Beyond is an inspiring and transformative read that will motivate readers to live healthier, more joyful lives. Whether you are just starting your wellness journey or looking for new ways to maintain your health, this book is a must-read for everyone. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to make a positive change in their lifestyle.
July 26, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book. It starts in the best way possible of having you make realistic, achievable plans and goals. Trying to exercise and gain better health is quite difficult without dealing with disabilities. Since I do have disabilities to deal with, it has been more challenging. I was happy that the author specifically stated not to push injuries, but to change to different exercises rather than continuing with exercises that are hurting. I felt like the author has been there and dealt with health issues for herself and her clients, so the book feels authentic and believable. I really liked the section on recommended activities and intensity as well as exercises to avoid for different types of health issues. I was a little disappointed that there are no examples (drawings) of exercises, but there are a lot of webpage links to get more information and exercises. Well-written fitness and health book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2023
"Fitter Than Ever at 50 and Beyond" by Susan Dawson-Cook is a practical and inspiring guide for those looking to lead a healthier life in their 50s and beyond. Susan, a seasoned fitness expert, offers valuable insights into exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness. The book addresses the challenges of aging and provides actionable steps to boost fitness, make healthier dietary choices, and manage stress effectively. With personal anecdotes and a commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, Susan's book is a motivating resource for those on a journey to achieve a fitter and more balanced life.
March 19, 2023
The voice of experience
Sadly this book isn't designed for me- although I appreciated that the author a at least acknowledged those of us with medical issues. That was refreshing.
For the reader who is after common sense ideas, practical advice given by someone who has years of experience.
(Readers who don't agree with yoga, they is a chapter covering the authors experience with this.)
Sadly this book isn't designed for me- although I appreciated that the author a at least acknowledged those of us with medical issues. That was refreshing.
For the reader who is after common sense ideas, practical advice given by someone who has years of experience.
(Readers who don't agree with yoga, they is a chapter covering the authors experience with this.)
July 23, 2021
Not quite what I was expecting!
I was expecting much more actual exercises etc and found this much more generalised than I was hoping for.
It's definitely a nuisance having to scroll through all the pages to get where you want to be as you're unable to click to get to the desired chapter.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was expecting much more actual exercises etc and found this much more generalised than I was hoping for.
It's definitely a nuisance having to scroll through all the pages to get where you want to be as you're unable to click to get to the desired chapter.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2024
I found this book to have way to much information on the stuff that I didn’t need, and a little long winded. There were however some interesting points, such as regarding sweeteners. The plan ideas were good in particular and I did find the information in the three appendices useful and informative. It did not particularly inspire me on though.
July 23, 2021
Great guide! Lots of helpful information laid out in an easy to understand way. Definitely a book that I will be referring to regularly!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2023
lots of information
Ok so if you have never worked out and are searching for somewhere to start this has lots of information. I would recommend it to someone who needs guidance and has no idea how to begin.
Ok so if you have never worked out and are searching for somewhere to start this has lots of information. I would recommend it to someone who needs guidance and has no idea how to begin.
July 24, 2021
Great book with lots of good information but also personal stories covering lots of various topics. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews