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Fitter Faster: The Smart Way to Get in Shape in Just Minutes a Day
A lifetime of fitness in just minutes a day. I don't have time . . . I'm too tired . . . I hate gyms . . . These are among the most common excuses for not exercising. But the truth is that getting in shape requires less time and effort than you might think. Examining everything from pre-workout stretches to post-workout protein shakes, this science-backed book slices through fitness fads and misconceptions to reveal how you can exercise quickly and effectively. For example, is it best to exercise in the morning? Does aerobic activity burn more fat than weight lifting? You'll also learn how to get and stay motivated, what equipment to buy (and what not to waste money on), which dietary supplements really help, and how to combat muscle soreness. Fitter Faster explains how to: Find the right balance between cardio, strength, and stretching * Slash workout times with high-intensity interval training * Prevent boredom * Enhance fat-burning The accompanying Fitter Faster Plan, developed with celebrity trainer Brad Kolowich, Jr., pulls everything together. Requiring as little as 15 minutes a day, these quick workouts maximize efficiency-allowing you to reap the greatest benefit in the shortest possible time...all without ever having to set foot in a gym. With photographs illustrating each exercise routine, this eye-opening book will forever change the way you work out- and help you get fitter faster.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2017
73 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Davis
4 books17 followersRobert J. Davis, PhD, a.k.a. The Healthy Skeptic, is an award-winning health journalist whose work has appeared on CNN, PBS, WebMD, and in The Wall Street Journal. The author of three previous books on health, he hosts the “Healthy Skeptic” video series, which dissects the science behind popular health claims. Davis holds an undergraduate degree from Princeton University, a master’s degree in public health from Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, and a PhD in health policy from Brandeis University, where he was Pew Foundation Fellow.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 8, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Fitter Faster is an exercise support guide with the aim of helping you get fitter and in better shape by doing little and often.
I would say this is a great fitness starter for beginners or those who want to get back into shape after a long period of time not doing so. Most of the exercises and workouts I'd say most people should be able to do or be able to do with practice.
Most of the information in this book I've read before unfortunately so I didn't learn anything new but absolute beginners might find it very useful and informative.
Fitter Faster is an exercise support guide with the aim of helping you get fitter and in better shape by doing little and often.
I would say this is a great fitness starter for beginners or those who want to get back into shape after a long period of time not doing so. Most of the exercises and workouts I'd say most people should be able to do or be able to do with practice.
Most of the information in this book I've read before unfortunately so I didn't learn anything new but absolute beginners might find it very useful and informative.
July 28, 2021
Okay, so this one is partially my mistake and i ll attribute the other half to foolish google algorithm.
Background-- I have been into HIIT for 5 yrs + now and was into powerlifting (state level competetion, PB of 515 lbs conventional deadlift at 178 Lbs bodyweight). I have also dropped about 12 pounds (give or take) over 6 weeks based of clean eating and HIIT with no injuries on 2 different occasions. Fat loss based of workouts and nutrition is not new to me hence.
I was looking for a book on HIIT and google suggested this as a good read.
Well, this has nothing to do with HIIT. It is more of a workout routine (compound bodyweight workouts that are great by the way) for getting fit.
I didn't find much about nutrition and not much on other fronts too (in depth nutrition advice or busting fat loss myths etc, well you have Tom Venuto and Mike Matthews for that).
Bit disappointed but recommended for absolute beginners to get a hang of some basic workout concepts.
Background-- I have been into HIIT for 5 yrs + now and was into powerlifting (state level competetion, PB of 515 lbs conventional deadlift at 178 Lbs bodyweight). I have also dropped about 12 pounds (give or take) over 6 weeks based of clean eating and HIIT with no injuries on 2 different occasions. Fat loss based of workouts and nutrition is not new to me hence.
I was looking for a book on HIIT and google suggested this as a good read.
Well, this has nothing to do with HIIT. It is more of a workout routine (compound bodyweight workouts that are great by the way) for getting fit.
I didn't find much about nutrition and not much on other fronts too (in depth nutrition advice or busting fat loss myths etc, well you have Tom Venuto and Mike Matthews for that).
Bit disappointed but recommended for absolute beginners to get a hang of some basic workout concepts.
June 1, 2017
This book is broken out into four parts: "How to Motivate Yourself", "What you need to know about aerobic exercise, strength training, and stretching", What to eat and How to prevent pain", and The Fitter Faster Plan".
In the first part, the book breaks down all of the benefits of exercise as well as some myths. After you have read the first part and determined that exercise in any form even walking is good for you; you are ready to move onto the second part of this book. For example, I was happy to see HIIT featured in this book. I am a fan of HIIT. It is a good workout that provides good results in a short period of time. Anyone can do this exercise. Additionally, you will never get bored with the many different variations of exercises you can put together for a HIIT routine. You also learn about circuit training and stretching.
The third part of this book will go into topics like eating protein, being selective with supplements, and does cupping reduce pain to name a few. Finally, you get to the last part...the exercises. I thought that the illustrations as well as the instructions for the exercises were well done. There were modified versions of exercises as well; perfect for beginners.
In the first part, the book breaks down all of the benefits of exercise as well as some myths. After you have read the first part and determined that exercise in any form even walking is good for you; you are ready to move onto the second part of this book. For example, I was happy to see HIIT featured in this book. I am a fan of HIIT. It is a good workout that provides good results in a short period of time. Anyone can do this exercise. Additionally, you will never get bored with the many different variations of exercises you can put together for a HIIT routine. You also learn about circuit training and stretching.
The third part of this book will go into topics like eating protein, being selective with supplements, and does cupping reduce pain to name a few. Finally, you get to the last part...the exercises. I thought that the illustrations as well as the instructions for the exercises were well done. There were modified versions of exercises as well; perfect for beginners.
March 27, 2022
It is not the first time that I read a book that promises the reader that it will allow him to achieve a better fitness in less time and fatigue distributed differently. Of course it could be the right one and the author certainly has sources and quotes, but I always remain skeptical, because it seems to me that there are a number of easy generalizations, accentuated by the stories collected by the author and whose characters have ages ranging from youth to old age.
Non é la prima volta che leggo un libro che promette al lettore che gli permetterá di raggiungere una migliore forma fisica in minor tempo e una fatica distribuita diversamente. Per caritá potrebbe essere quello giusto e sicuramente l'autore porta fonti e citazioni, ma io resto sempre abbastanza scettica, perché mi sembra che ci siano una serie di facili generalizzazioni, accentuate dalle storie raccolte dall'autore e i cui personaggi hanno un'etá che varia dalla giovinezza alla vecchiaia.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Non é la prima volta che leggo un libro che promette al lettore che gli permetterá di raggiungere una migliore forma fisica in minor tempo e una fatica distribuita diversamente. Per caritá potrebbe essere quello giusto e sicuramente l'autore porta fonti e citazioni, ma io resto sempre abbastanza scettica, perché mi sembra che ci siano una serie di facili generalizzazioni, accentuate dalle storie raccolte dall'autore e i cui personaggi hanno un'etá che varia dalla giovinezza alla vecchiaia.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
June 19, 2017
Davis, an award-winning health journalist, and Kolowich, a Certified Personal Trainer whose clients include well-known actors and athletes, have joined together to create this no-nonsense approach to exercise. They take the excuses out of working out and debunk some common exercise myths to get readers motivated to get in shape in just fifteen minutes a day.
The four sections of the book deal with motivation, knowledge, eating, and the actual workouts. The book never talks "over my head" and offers a simple approach to making the time for fitness in our already overly scheduled days. Who doesn't have fifteen minutes a day to devote to themselves?
One tip that stood out to me while reading included the motivation behind "loss-aversion". As much as we love receiving a reward, we hate losing that reward even more. A study showed participants kept their goal more if they were rewarded at the beginning of the month and would lose parts of that reward for not following through. Rather than waiting til the end of the month to receive your reward, give it to yourself to start with and if you don't meet your goals, the dress, the money, the vacation or whatever your reward is, is returned or canceled.
Throughout the book, there are personal stories of client's fitness journeys. Readers will be able to find someone that they can identify with from either gender and many age groups. I found Leigh's story of being exhausted from work and finding yoga helped her cope with daily challenges in her job as well as offering calm and strength to her body. The flexibility tests in the book were eye-opening to me and just reaffirmed my need to incorporate yoga into my daily routine.
The brief section on supplements and food offer just the highlights and some solid advice on what to avoid, what to watch out for in the ingredient list, and what you may want to add to your daily diet. Even though "The Eight Eating Rules" weren't anything new, they are still a good reminder for what to focus on when you are starting a new health and fitness plan.
Finally, the book ends with the actual workouts. Each workout has a photo and description of how it should be done. The workouts include beginner levels and advanced levels with a 7-day workout plan. I appreciated that all of the workouts use your own body weight, dumbbells, or furniture, all things I can do in my own home.
I felt like this who book was easy to understand and could realistically be incorporated into a daily routine. The workouts don't take a lot of time or space and could be done either in the morning or after work. Whether you are looking to live longer, improve your heart health, cut your cancer risk, become more flexible, or boost your brain power or mood, this book offers an ideal approach to fitting in quality workouts in a short amount of time.
The four sections of the book deal with motivation, knowledge, eating, and the actual workouts. The book never talks "over my head" and offers a simple approach to making the time for fitness in our already overly scheduled days. Who doesn't have fifteen minutes a day to devote to themselves?
One tip that stood out to me while reading included the motivation behind "loss-aversion". As much as we love receiving a reward, we hate losing that reward even more. A study showed participants kept their goal more if they were rewarded at the beginning of the month and would lose parts of that reward for not following through. Rather than waiting til the end of the month to receive your reward, give it to yourself to start with and if you don't meet your goals, the dress, the money, the vacation or whatever your reward is, is returned or canceled.
Throughout the book, there are personal stories of client's fitness journeys. Readers will be able to find someone that they can identify with from either gender and many age groups. I found Leigh's story of being exhausted from work and finding yoga helped her cope with daily challenges in her job as well as offering calm and strength to her body. The flexibility tests in the book were eye-opening to me and just reaffirmed my need to incorporate yoga into my daily routine.
The brief section on supplements and food offer just the highlights and some solid advice on what to avoid, what to watch out for in the ingredient list, and what you may want to add to your daily diet. Even though "The Eight Eating Rules" weren't anything new, they are still a good reminder for what to focus on when you are starting a new health and fitness plan.
Finally, the book ends with the actual workouts. Each workout has a photo and description of how it should be done. The workouts include beginner levels and advanced levels with a 7-day workout plan. I appreciated that all of the workouts use your own body weight, dumbbells, or furniture, all things I can do in my own home.
I felt like this who book was easy to understand and could realistically be incorporated into a daily routine. The workouts don't take a lot of time or space and could be done either in the morning or after work. Whether you are looking to live longer, improve your heart health, cut your cancer risk, become more flexible, or boost your brain power or mood, this book offers an ideal approach to fitting in quality workouts in a short amount of time.
August 1, 2017
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
I'm giving this a 5 star rating because I feel the author did an excellent job of conveying everything needed to getting fit/fitter. The book is thorough, carefully researched with the latest studies/info, exercises,etc., and ensures that you don't have any questions about any aspect of exercise and fitness. Although I feel the focus is more on male fitness than female (e.g., testosterone shots are discussed but not menstruation or fitness bras) there still is quite a bit of depth. More importantly, the reasoning behind each of the types of exercises is justified in that beginning text.The book breaks down into four sections, with the first three about preparation and knowledge while the chunky last third has the exercises. The first part is motivation, the second is why the exercises are aerobic, then strength training. Although the categories are broad, every aspect of exercise is thoroughly discussed - from how to deal with short term soreness to actual pain from injury, which supplements are worth the time and which aren't, drifit synthetic clothing versus cotton, HIIT and why it is important, etc. Even more homeopathic or unresearched/unproven techniques (Phelps' cupping, for example) are covered.
There were many aspects of exercise I hadn't considered to so I found this book useful as both an information source/manual as well as an exercise guide. No gym equipment other than dumbells is needed and you won't need a lot of space either (he even uses a couch in several exercises). So this is ideal whether in a small or large home, whether you have access to a gym or not, and whether you want to exercise indoors or outdoors. He takes away a lot of the reasons not to exercise.
Davis has done an excellent job here and I think anyone interested in getting off their sedentary life will benefit from this book and its exercises. Everything you need to know (except actual meal plans for healthier lifestyle) is included. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
May 11, 2017
Read my full review here: http://mimi-cyberlibrarian.blogspot.c...
Health journalist, Dr. Robert J. Davis, and personal trainer, Brad Kolowich, have developed a plan for overcoming barriers to fitness that have defined many people's life experiences. Their goal was to redefine exercise so that it's less time-consuming and intimidating and more convenient and enjoyable. Their plan includes an easy-to-follow workout plan that requires as little as 15 minutes a day, including aerobic, muscle-building, and fat-burning benefits. They have incorporated high-intensity interval training and circuits for strength training. Some of their exercise plan increases efficiency by providing aerobic and strength benefits at the same time. Everything can be done at home or outdoors.
The easy-to navigate book is divided into four sections: Get Ready; Get Smart; Get More Out of Exercise; Get Going. This is followed by a section of workouts from basic to intermediate. All the exercises outlined can be varied or customized. Everything looks doable--even for novices like me.
I found this book to be easy to navigate and understand. All the information and advice is laid out in easy to digest bits of knowledge that can be read and assimilated. For example, the author answers at the very beginning of the book what exercise can do for you. It can help you live longer, improve heart health, cut your cancer risk, boost your brain power, improve your mood, and fend off feebleness. Interspersed with all the pertinent information are stories of people who found help through improving their exercise.
The reviewer for Publisher's Weekly mentions that "what separates this guide from others is its commitment to facts and plans backed by science and research." This is what attracted me to Fitter Faster. I am working hard to regain strength and improve my mood following several months of working too hard and exercising too little. This is a valuable guide for both my husband and me.
Health journalist, Dr. Robert J. Davis, and personal trainer, Brad Kolowich, have developed a plan for overcoming barriers to fitness that have defined many people's life experiences. Their goal was to redefine exercise so that it's less time-consuming and intimidating and more convenient and enjoyable. Their plan includes an easy-to-follow workout plan that requires as little as 15 minutes a day, including aerobic, muscle-building, and fat-burning benefits. They have incorporated high-intensity interval training and circuits for strength training. Some of their exercise plan increases efficiency by providing aerobic and strength benefits at the same time. Everything can be done at home or outdoors.
The easy-to navigate book is divided into four sections: Get Ready; Get Smart; Get More Out of Exercise; Get Going. This is followed by a section of workouts from basic to intermediate. All the exercises outlined can be varied or customized. Everything looks doable--even for novices like me.
I found this book to be easy to navigate and understand. All the information and advice is laid out in easy to digest bits of knowledge that can be read and assimilated. For example, the author answers at the very beginning of the book what exercise can do for you. It can help you live longer, improve heart health, cut your cancer risk, boost your brain power, improve your mood, and fend off feebleness. Interspersed with all the pertinent information are stories of people who found help through improving their exercise.
The reviewer for Publisher's Weekly mentions that "what separates this guide from others is its commitment to facts and plans backed by science and research." This is what attracted me to Fitter Faster. I am working hard to regain strength and improve my mood following several months of working too hard and exercising too little. This is a valuable guide for both my husband and me.
March 2, 2018
I received this through the goodreads giveaway program.
I really liked the layout of the book. The author concentrates on motivation from the beginning and then discusses the categories of Aerobic Exercise, Strength Training and Stretching. The following sections cover what you should eat, how to prevent pain and exercise (in 3 levels based on your current fitness level).
Some of the greatest parts are the ones in which the author asks and then answers a multitude of questions; For example, 'Is walking or running on a treadmill as effective as doing so outside?', Can sitting cancel out the benefits of exercise?' and 'What's the best time of day to exercise?' All questions I'm sure most of us have asked our selves.
My only regret about reading this book...is that I didn't do it sooner!
I really liked the layout of the book. The author concentrates on motivation from the beginning and then discusses the categories of Aerobic Exercise, Strength Training and Stretching. The following sections cover what you should eat, how to prevent pain and exercise (in 3 levels based on your current fitness level).
Some of the greatest parts are the ones in which the author asks and then answers a multitude of questions; For example, 'Is walking or running on a treadmill as effective as doing so outside?', Can sitting cancel out the benefits of exercise?' and 'What's the best time of day to exercise?' All questions I'm sure most of us have asked our selves.
My only regret about reading this book...is that I didn't do it sooner!
August 24, 2017
I know, I know. Do we really need another book on fitness? Don't we know it all, yet? And isn't it about doing the stuff, not just knowing how to?
Yet this appealed.
You can easily see why the premise got me. I'm busy. I don't have time to exercise. Yet, because I'm busy, I need to. More than if I weren't, actually.
And the irony that when I get exceedingly busy, exercise is the one thing that goes. I don't have time, you see.
The first few chapters of this book explain why. Why cardio, why strength and resistance, why interval training and why a combination.
Read my full review here.
Yet this appealed.
You can easily see why the premise got me. I'm busy. I don't have time to exercise. Yet, because I'm busy, I need to. More than if I weren't, actually.
And the irony that when I get exceedingly busy, exercise is the one thing that goes. I don't have time, you see.
The first few chapters of this book explain why. Why cardio, why strength and resistance, why interval training and why a combination.
Read my full review here.
June 22, 2017
This book makes a good addition to a healthy lifestyle and exercise. This book allows a motivated person to get results working out with a variety of workouts that are easy enough for beginners and hard enough for those who work out often. There is everything you could ever need to really get going. I started a fitness journal and that helps to keep me on track. This makes me super happy and was one of my biggest takeaways from this book. You can workout anywhere and start at anytime. Now is a good a time as any, so grab this book, get reading and get moving!!!
December 22, 2023
I have read a thousand of these it seems. This is a cookie cutter book. Get fitter and in better shape by doing little and often. Pfft! Maybe this book is good for a beginner who knows nothing but I have a lot of experience with exercises, diets, nutrition, etc. weight loss (wrestling), bulking up (bodybuilding), and getting stronger (powerlifting), etc. I am 100% certain that this is 100% just a book and not even a good one at that. I would recommend this book to no one period. 100% leave this alone. Less than Worthless.
August 24, 2017
Thank you goodreads for sending me an ARC. I really liked this exercise book. Four and half stars but I am going to round this one up to five. It's well laid out with good solid advice backed by research. The nutrition advice is sensible and the exercise routines vary and are set up for three different skill levels. The equipment needed is basic and it is pretty much gimmick free. Good for you Robert Davis.
Get this book and just start doing a quarter hour a day!
Get this book and just start doing a quarter hour a day!
May 26, 2017
I'm always excited to read books about fitness, hoping that somehow I'll find something new to try at the gym. Unfortunately, "Fitter Faster" didn't hit this mark for me. While it's an interesting read, there was no new information about fitness that I could apply. This book may be better suited for someone just starting at the gym.
August 9, 2017
Impressive. You don't often see a regimen that emphasizes moderation in all things these days. This guy condemns fad/restrictive diets, crazy gimmicks, and specialized equipment. I really like how he structures everything and gives you a lot of free reign over workouts. And it works. My pants are already feeling looser. Yay!
May 14, 2017
No frills advice based upon lots of research.
September 18, 2017
Not just your typical fitness book. There's lots of good information!
October 24, 2017
This book did not get boring and was a fast easy read with interesting information
May 7, 2022
Such a great read! Full of lots of awesome info and great tips!
March 10, 2023
I read Supersized Myths before this one, and much of this one was repeated there. Not much new. Same exercises you can find anywhere. Good intro book but pass if you’re not a novice.
September 3, 2018
Not really anything I hadn't read before. Quick and easy read though and could be a good addition to the bookshelf of someone trying to ease into fitness.
June 16, 2017
Good book for insights into the most current research into physical training what works what does not work - I was impressed with the presentation and the content.
April 10, 2017
Spring has sprung and it’s soon swimsuit season. After having eaten your way through winter, you decide it’s time to PANIC. Well, calm down and grab a copy of Fitter Faster by Robert Davis and Brad Kolowich. Here the authors lay out a very doable plan to help jump start your fitness regime.
Read the entire review at https://journalingonpaper.com/2017/04...
Read the entire review at https://journalingonpaper.com/2017/04...
May 1, 2017
ARC generously provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great book for those starting to exercise or those who are looking at changing up their current exercise plan.
This is not a diet book, it does go somewhat into what you should eat, but this is an exercise book. You do not need to spend hours in the gym, you just need to work out correctly and this book lays out step by step plans on how to do that.
What I really liked about this book is that it gives you the list of why exercise is beneficial to a person, but points out that weight loss is not really one of them. Weight loss is more about your diet then exercise. However there are loads of other benefits that exercise does provide. It is also necessary for weight maintenance.
This is a great book for those starting to exercise or those who are looking at changing up their current exercise plan.
This is not a diet book, it does go somewhat into what you should eat, but this is an exercise book. You do not need to spend hours in the gym, you just need to work out correctly and this book lays out step by step plans on how to do that.
What I really liked about this book is that it gives you the list of why exercise is beneficial to a person, but points out that weight loss is not really one of them. Weight loss is more about your diet then exercise. However there are loads of other benefits that exercise does provide. It is also necessary for weight maintenance.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews