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The Female Body Bible: A Revolution in Women's Health and Fitness
Brought to you by Penguin.
This book tackles the taboos around women's bodies and aims to educate and empower us to be open rather than embarrassed about our health throughout our lives.
Did you know...
Hormones can be harnessed to improve our work productivity and exercise habits.
Women are up to six times more likely to suffer a joint injury than men.
Women lay down all our bone density by the age of 30, after which it starts to decrease.
Women are 40% more likely to suffer insomnia than men.
Women didn't compete in marathons until 1967 as it was thought we were too fragile to do so.
The data gap in women's health remains in sports science and medicine in 2020 as little as 6% of research was conducted exclusively on women. Worse still, of that 6%, only 8% was found to be of high enough quality for the outcomes to be trusted.
Women go through various life stages, with each moment bringing a new set of challenges and opportunities. Yet we rarely speak openly about these, or share our knowledge and solutions with each other. We use euphemisms to describe periods rather than saying the word. We don't acknowledge leakages or admit that we don't know how to find our pelvic floor or even what it does. We buy trendy sports bras without thinking how they work for breast health or exercise performance. We see young women giving up exercise in their teens to the detriment of their health at an older age. We barely mention the menopause.
Body literacy is something every woman is entitled to. Health and fitness are not the same as aesthetics and photogenics. Instead of prioritising how a body looks we need to focus on how it feels and functions. How it works. When we listen to the body, embrace it and nurture it, health and fitness will follow.
Merging the expertise of sports research scientist Dr Emma Ross, athletic coach Baz Moffat and NHS doctor Bella Smith, The Well HQ champions the non-negotiables when it comes to understanding our health and wellbeing as women, throughout all stages of our lives.
This book tackles the taboos around women's bodies and aims to educate and empower us to be open rather than embarrassed about our health throughout our lives.
Did you know...
Hormones can be harnessed to improve our work productivity and exercise habits.
Women are up to six times more likely to suffer a joint injury than men.
Women lay down all our bone density by the age of 30, after which it starts to decrease.
Women are 40% more likely to suffer insomnia than men.
Women didn't compete in marathons until 1967 as it was thought we were too fragile to do so.
The data gap in women's health remains in sports science and medicine in 2020 as little as 6% of research was conducted exclusively on women. Worse still, of that 6%, only 8% was found to be of high enough quality for the outcomes to be trusted.
Women go through various life stages, with each moment bringing a new set of challenges and opportunities. Yet we rarely speak openly about these, or share our knowledge and solutions with each other. We use euphemisms to describe periods rather than saying the word. We don't acknowledge leakages or admit that we don't know how to find our pelvic floor or even what it does. We buy trendy sports bras without thinking how they work for breast health or exercise performance. We see young women giving up exercise in their teens to the detriment of their health at an older age. We barely mention the menopause.
Body literacy is something every woman is entitled to. Health and fitness are not the same as aesthetics and photogenics. Instead of prioritising how a body looks we need to focus on how it feels and functions. How it works. When we listen to the body, embrace it and nurture it, health and fitness will follow.
Merging the expertise of sports research scientist Dr Emma Ross, athletic coach Baz Moffat and NHS doctor Bella Smith, The Well HQ champions the non-negotiables when it comes to understanding our health and wellbeing as women, throughout all stages of our lives.
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Published May 11, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 18, 2023
I turned 40 this year. I read this book switching between thinking, why am I only just finding out about this stuff that specifically related to my physical body, and feeling incredibly downhearted and disappointed that the patriarchy still massively hampers women in so many different areas; in the case of this book, women in sport.
Even if you’re not planning to run marathons or strength train to life heavy weights, this is still an excellent book to discover how being a woman, from your menstrual cycle, to your breast size and your bone structure is going to effect your performance when it comes to being active. It also highlights very alarmingly that the majority of research into sports science is focused on men. In major sports, women are frequently hampered by having to wear unisex clothing, which is a one size fits all kit designed for a male physique. If women did have a kit made for them, it is often hyper sexualised (e.g. men in hockey wear shorts and shirts, women in hockey wear skirts and vests). Imagine the noise men in sport would make if sports clothing was specifically made to fit a woman’s body and they had to wear that for their male physique?
With all this focus on men and women offered the aptly named, ‘shrink it and pink it’ version, it’s no wonder women and girls are put off sport.
The book has lots of easy to digest information and advice women can take away and add to their own fitness regime. Instead of our menstrual cycle being an inconvenience and someone taboo we shouldn’t talk about, the book highlights the menstrual cycle’s superpower. I didn’t know my body will gain more strength and muscle if I just focus my strength workouts at a specific time in my cycle before I read this book.
The book highlights the need for more research and studies solely on women and the need to talk about our bodies and our reproductive system beyond its purpose to carry a child.
An ARC was given to me by the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Even if you’re not planning to run marathons or strength train to life heavy weights, this is still an excellent book to discover how being a woman, from your menstrual cycle, to your breast size and your bone structure is going to effect your performance when it comes to being active. It also highlights very alarmingly that the majority of research into sports science is focused on men. In major sports, women are frequently hampered by having to wear unisex clothing, which is a one size fits all kit designed for a male physique. If women did have a kit made for them, it is often hyper sexualised (e.g. men in hockey wear shorts and shirts, women in hockey wear skirts and vests). Imagine the noise men in sport would make if sports clothing was specifically made to fit a woman’s body and they had to wear that for their male physique?
With all this focus on men and women offered the aptly named, ‘shrink it and pink it’ version, it’s no wonder women and girls are put off sport.
The book has lots of easy to digest information and advice women can take away and add to their own fitness regime. Instead of our menstrual cycle being an inconvenience and someone taboo we shouldn’t talk about, the book highlights the menstrual cycle’s superpower. I didn’t know my body will gain more strength and muscle if I just focus my strength workouts at a specific time in my cycle before I read this book.
The book highlights the need for more research and studies solely on women and the need to talk about our bodies and our reproductive system beyond its purpose to carry a child.
An ARC was given to me by the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2024
Easy to read overview about female athletes, pelvic floor, sports bras, injury prevention and general cultural shifts around sports. Worth a read for any women or non binary people. Especially those who move their body.
I learned about RED-S from this book.
I learned about RED-S from this book.
July 9, 2023
A great introduction to the female body and how science & sport has primarily focused on the male body. I never realised how important my pelvic floor was .. and getting the right bra! Lots of useful links shared at the back to point you in further reading directions.
September 6, 2023
This book brings to light how little research is done specifically in conjunction with women and sports/training/life. I knew a lot of the info because I've been interested in this field for some time, but there was also a lot I learned.
November 15, 2024
I felt like this book provided me with a lot of valuable information. It gave me awareness to things I would not have thought about!
November 27, 2024
OBSESSED I <3 THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
January 8, 2025
As a gym girlie, this book changed my life.
July 7, 2025
why the hell did we not read this in secondary school
February 18, 2024
I didn’t love this book, but I didn’t hate it either. It definitely had some very useful chapters but I felt like there was a lot missing from this book. Although, It’s a great book to start with if you’re just starting to learn about the female body. I wouldn’t limit my knowledge to this book.
July 25, 2025
Think this rates higher if you haven't learned a lot about the menstrual cycle's impact and fluctuations already, still some interesting and informative stuff in here though. Harder to put into practice than to read about it.
August 23, 2024
a very useful reference to raise awareness of the functioning of the female body according to the most recent studies. Loved the part about sleeping 😴 and confirmed my knowledge concerning menstrual cycle.
April 26, 2024
This is a book for women assigned female at birth, who are into sport in a bigger way than I am (to clarify, in a week I walk for about five hours, do an hour of yoga and another couple of hours mix of hiit and weights.) The authors make a point at the beginning that when they use terms 'girls' and 'women' they are referring to people born with female genitals and who identify as women. I had no idea what they meant when they used the word 'man' because they didn't define it.
I feel that it wouldn't have taken too much of an effort to include all women in this book. For instance I'm sure any woman with breasts could benefit from chapter 6 supporting your breast well, if only it was a bit more informative. Obviously the bit about "superpower periods!" wouldn't be for all women, perimenopausal me included. But the rest of the book could have been tweaked, surely.
Sadly, I feel that this book uses a lot of words to say very little. Although it was interesting to learn that we sweat iron when we exercise. I did double check this though, because they also mentioned the stress response, allegedly when presented with a threatening situation such as a hungry lioness, men's hormones give them the fight or flight response, while the female response is tend and befriend. Because it's a lot more difficult to flee if you have to take a child along, they said. I fail to see how this response ensures the survival of your genes, as suggested, rather than getting you eaten!! You ditch the joey and leg it, without a joey you either edge away or attack, but I digress.....
I think I am not the target audience and some reviewers do seem to find this book has new information for them.
I feel that it wouldn't have taken too much of an effort to include all women in this book. For instance I'm sure any woman with breasts could benefit from chapter 6 supporting your breast well, if only it was a bit more informative. Obviously the bit about "superpower periods!" wouldn't be for all women, perimenopausal me included. But the rest of the book could have been tweaked, surely.
Sadly, I feel that this book uses a lot of words to say very little. Although it was interesting to learn that we sweat iron when we exercise. I did double check this though, because they also mentioned the stress response, allegedly when presented with a threatening situation such as a hungry lioness, men's hormones give them the fight or flight response, while the female response is tend and befriend. Because it's a lot more difficult to flee if you have to take a child along, they said. I fail to see how this response ensures the survival of your genes, as suggested, rather than getting you eaten!! You ditch the joey and leg it, without a joey you either edge away or attack, but I digress.....
I think I am not the target audience and some reviewers do seem to find this book has new information for them.
August 14, 2023
A lot of revelations whilst reading this book, especially into the power and impact a woman's cycle has on her performance. I didn't know our period symptoms aren't due to our bodies filling with hormones but our bodies dealing with a big drop in hormones. I found the section on injuries women are most likely to face and how to mitigate this very useful. The section on nutrition was useful too and something I've been on a journey with as I increase my training.
I gave it four stars because I felt something was missing. Some layer that unlocks everything. Perhaps that's because there isn't enough research out there yet or I was wanting some more practical actions/tips or diagrams perhaps. This book didn't necessarily need to do that but I felt due to its length that I would be getting more of that.
Highly recommend it to all women who want to get to grips with what is going on with their bodies across their lifetime. As someone that has struggled with so many things this book covers, I would have valued this in my teens and 20s as well. I'm now going to lend it to my mum too as there's lots in there for her.
I gave it four stars because I felt something was missing. Some layer that unlocks everything. Perhaps that's because there isn't enough research out there yet or I was wanting some more practical actions/tips or diagrams perhaps. This book didn't necessarily need to do that but I felt due to its length that I would be getting more of that.
Highly recommend it to all women who want to get to grips with what is going on with their bodies across their lifetime. As someone that has struggled with so many things this book covers, I would have valued this in my teens and 20s as well. I'm now going to lend it to my mum too as there's lots in there for her.
May 7, 2023
This book is a must for all sports coaches and exercise professionals. It takes you on a journey to understand the female body and performance. How to work more effectively with girls and women, supporting them, creating coaching conversations, challenging your thinking and practice.
It’s packed with tips and approaches to immediately impact your sessions and coaching practice; which influence your planning and design.
Each chapter is carefully set out to guide you, supported by the authors sharing lived experiences from themselves and their clients.
Whether you read cover to cover, dip into chapter headings or keep as your reference guide it will change your coaching of girl and women athletes.
As a coach of women, my only regret is that the book wasn’t published a decade ago. It’s a great book to share with athletes as it provides a safe space for conversation and allows you to explore topics and have quality coaching conversations using the book as the ‘stimulus’. It’s added to my coaching toolbox.
It’s packed with tips and approaches to immediately impact your sessions and coaching practice; which influence your planning and design.
Each chapter is carefully set out to guide you, supported by the authors sharing lived experiences from themselves and their clients.
Whether you read cover to cover, dip into chapter headings or keep as your reference guide it will change your coaching of girl and women athletes.
As a coach of women, my only regret is that the book wasn’t published a decade ago. It’s a great book to share with athletes as it provides a safe space for conversation and allows you to explore topics and have quality coaching conversations using the book as the ‘stimulus’. It’s added to my coaching toolbox.
November 16, 2024
I wish this book had been around 20 years ago when I was a teenager. It’s shocking how little we are taught about our bodies, in particular how hormones affect our every day life over the course of a monthly cycle. How have I got to my 30s without this knowledge?!
This is a book I think every 12 year old girl, parents of girls and anyone working with girls/women should read. It’s very enlightening.
The book is easy to read and digest. It’s well written and has mini case studies which make it really relatable.
It covers a range of topics like the “shrink it and pink it” approach to women’s sportswear and equipment, how our bodies change through puberty and menopause, how to have a healthy diet and how to use all the knowledge of the above to stay active.
It highlights the huge gap in scientific research into the female body and how nearly everything is based on the male body. Despite this, it’s a positive and empowering read.
This is a book I think every 12 year old girl, parents of girls and anyone working with girls/women should read. It’s very enlightening.
The book is easy to read and digest. It’s well written and has mini case studies which make it really relatable.
It covers a range of topics like the “shrink it and pink it” approach to women’s sportswear and equipment, how our bodies change through puberty and menopause, how to have a healthy diet and how to use all the knowledge of the above to stay active.
It highlights the huge gap in scientific research into the female body and how nearly everything is based on the male body. Despite this, it’s a positive and empowering read.
April 17, 2023
This is everything I wanted and more.
I don't want to spoil anything for anyone who wants to read this as I would highly recommend the whole thing without skipping anything!
Each chapter goes through enough detail to understand each topic without being overwhelming.
There were things I have learnt from this book that I wish I knew from an early life. (Covers things like puberty, menstruation).
Many things I could resonate with from my youth and things to now help me prepare for the next stages in life for myself and clients!
I am so excited for this information to be available to everyone as we shouldn't be confused and lost about our own bodies!
Thank you so much for writing this book, let's see if this can start a revolution for how women are seen in sport and in general life!
I don't want to spoil anything for anyone who wants to read this as I would highly recommend the whole thing without skipping anything!
Each chapter goes through enough detail to understand each topic without being overwhelming.
There were things I have learnt from this book that I wish I knew from an early life. (Covers things like puberty, menstruation).
Many things I could resonate with from my youth and things to now help me prepare for the next stages in life for myself and clients!
I am so excited for this information to be available to everyone as we shouldn't be confused and lost about our own bodies!
Thank you so much for writing this book, let's see if this can start a revolution for how women are seen in sport and in general life!
May 7, 2023
It's no exaggeration to say that this book could change your life! Chapters, packed with accessible, practical and fascinating advice, include:
'Mastering your Menstrual Cycle', 'Your Body and Birth Control', 'Perfecting your Pelvic Floor', 'Supporting Your Breasts Well', 'Bodies That Move Well', 'Eating Well', 'Sleeping Well' and 'A Woman's Brain'.
Having worked and coached in the fields of sport and fitness for over 25 years, I now have a 'go to' resource with all the current best practice and information in one place. Plus, it's easy to follow, lighthearted in places, highly readable and engaging.
I will be recommending this book to all the girls, women and sports coaches in my life!
'Mastering your Menstrual Cycle', 'Your Body and Birth Control', 'Perfecting your Pelvic Floor', 'Supporting Your Breasts Well', 'Bodies That Move Well', 'Eating Well', 'Sleeping Well' and 'A Woman's Brain'.
Having worked and coached in the fields of sport and fitness for over 25 years, I now have a 'go to' resource with all the current best practice and information in one place. Plus, it's easy to follow, lighthearted in places, highly readable and engaging.
I will be recommending this book to all the girls, women and sports coaches in my life!
May 8, 2023
It all started when I began following The Well HQ…. Now The Female Body Bible has become something I use and speak about almost daily!
Whether for my own understanding, training and general awareness of my body or to empower those I coach and train. More than once I have gone “No way! That cannot be the case, how didn’t I know that?”
I think the best thing is that it’s bought so many conversations to the fore of our minds and conversations. No longer do you feel embarrassed to talk about your period and how you feel absolutely exhausted and can’t complete a training session, or that you need to skip that session otherwise it’s going to cause more detriment than benefit.
Written by three fantastic and inspiring women - body literacy long May this continue!
A must ready book!
Whether for my own understanding, training and general awareness of my body or to empower those I coach and train. More than once I have gone “No way! That cannot be the case, how didn’t I know that?”
I think the best thing is that it’s bought so many conversations to the fore of our minds and conversations. No longer do you feel embarrassed to talk about your period and how you feel absolutely exhausted and can’t complete a training session, or that you need to skip that session otherwise it’s going to cause more detriment than benefit.
Written by three fantastic and inspiring women - body literacy long May this continue!
A must ready book!
May 10, 2023
This is a must read for anyone who supports women doing sport of any kind, is the parent of a girl/woman doing sport or is in sport themselves. I cannot recommend it highly enough, it's a total revolution in equalling the gender information gap we have been living with and had I read this 25 years ago it would have completely transformed the way I approached my normal monthly cycle, highly performance sport and my growth into adulthood. I hope it will get into the hands of plenty of men who coach and support women as well, this will do so much to help them give and receive well founded advice. I have been in the fitness industry for 23 years and have an MSc in Applied Physiology and I've never read such a well researched and set out book!
May 10, 2023
This book is about to be a game changer.
As someone who suffers with endometriosis, I'm more aware of my cycle than most, but this book goes so much further than that. Emma, Baz and Bella make it so easy to use this information in real life.
It covers hormones, sports bras, nutrition, injury prevention, the pelvic floor and so much more. It's easy to understand and laden with real life experiences. It should be on the bookshelf of every woman, parent, coach, teacher and doctor in world!
As someone who suffers with endometriosis, I'm more aware of my cycle than most, but this book goes so much further than that. Emma, Baz and Bella make it so easy to use this information in real life.
It covers hormones, sports bras, nutrition, injury prevention, the pelvic floor and so much more. It's easy to understand and laden with real life experiences. It should be on the bookshelf of every woman, parent, coach, teacher and doctor in world!
March 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ this is a well rounded book on all things women’s health, covering topics from exercise, nutrition, sleep, periods, menopause and more. I found the tone of the book a little ‘young’ for me, as it felt far more targeted towards teens. However, I did learn some new things, including how to find your perfect bra fit 😂 and there were some interesting takes on nutrition/exercise syncing with your period. It’s a fairly basic and simple guide, but can see its place in educating women (and men) on topics not always openly discussed.
May 10, 2023
Having worked in female health ans fitness for over 10 years and being involved in sports for the majority of my life. I work with pregnant, post partum and peri to post menopausal women and have studied course after course and personally feel that this book compiles the very best of everything a woman could need to know throughout every life stage. A fabulous read, I would highly recommend to any female wanting to truly understand their own bodis and that of their daughters.
August 18, 2023
This book taught me a lot of interesting facts I didn’t know. Some of the info is very surprising! Even shocking. (Do you know what year women started participating in marathons? 1967! Before that they were considered too fragile. Only 56 years ago.) It was awesome to devote some of my time to body literacy and thinking more deeply about how my body functions and works. Written by true experts, it helped me to feel more knowledgeable both as a Mom about what my young daughter is going to go through and for myself about the changes to come with menopause and aging. I want to understand health and well-being better and reading this book helped me with that goal. Although information-dense, if you have questions about periods or menopause or exercises you need to do as you age or your pelvic floor (or if you’re a female coach/athlete) you may get a lot out out if this book. Yet another book I read this summer that is extremely convincing that I need to start doing resistance training!
June 23, 2024
I’ve marked this as ‘read’ but it’s very much a book to dip into and I will continue to do this.
A much needed, ‘how to’ guide to the female body and health, providing a much needed resource that can be lacking elsewhere.
There’s a big emphasis on situations facing the ‘active’ female but most of the topics are universal and due to this I think there is a space for such a book that covers the experience of the ‘average’ woman (whoever she may be).
Otherwise a helpful read.
A much needed, ‘how to’ guide to the female body and health, providing a much needed resource that can be lacking elsewhere.
There’s a big emphasis on situations facing the ‘active’ female but most of the topics are universal and due to this I think there is a space for such a book that covers the experience of the ‘average’ woman (whoever she may be).
Otherwise a helpful read.
January 24, 2025
A great and insightful look into women's fitness and health. The phrase "shrink it and pink it" when looking at how fitness studies focusing on men's health are applied to women shows how little women's bodies are considered. With data such as 6% of all fitness studies done solely on women, 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra, and how intermittent fasting is good for men but not women, this book is insightful for all women at different stages of life, particularly if physically active. Brilliant gateway into better self care and health.
December 22, 2023
'Vunerability is not winning or losing, it's having the courage to show up when the outcome is uncertain, about being seen for who you truly are and to ask for what you truly need.'
I think this should be a staple read for all and really touches some key topic on women's health, exercise and the systems around them.
I think this should be a staple read for all and really touches some key topic on women's health, exercise and the systems around them.
July 23, 2024
I agree big times with the authors, knowledge about women body and healthy need to known by everyone to build empathy and understanding towards women problem and suffering in everyday situations. Perception towards and for women that looks is what matter need to be change as happiness and health should be prioritize first and society should stop euphemizing about women health issues.
May 24, 2025
An insightful book for understanding the female body. It covered some good topics, including hormones, fitness, bras, pelvic floor and nutrition. I learned some new things and surprising facts. While it was a little dry in some places, I recommend it for anyone looking to learn more about their body.
May 1, 2023
Amazing book! Fills a big gap in information. Being a sports science student I have seen first hand the gaps in research for women. I would highly recommend this book for anyone women playing or working in sport as well as those who work with women.
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April 1, 2024I didn't rate this book because I don't think it was too relevant to me.
I didn't realise that this book was centred around women in sport which is definitely not me.
It was interesting and informative and definitely worth the read or listen especially if you are very active.
I didn't realise that this book was centred around women in sport which is definitely not me.
It was interesting and informative and definitely worth the read or listen especially if you are very active.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews