American College of Sports Medicine

As someone who is approaching 50 and who would like to get a better grip on both nutrition and physical activity levels, I was delighted to read ACSM's Complete Guide to Fitness and Health. The breakout by age group is excellent, although I'd like to see some subgroups in the 18-64 range. I also liked that the exercise section was divided into aerobic, resistance, and flexibility, and that the nutrition section addressed some of the more common conditions Americans face. My biggest issue was show more the reference to body mass index as an accurate measure of physical fitness, as it does not take differing body types into consideration. Otherwise, I found this to be a solid, thorough guide. show less

The title says it all: "Complete Guide". This is one of the most well written and accessible books on fitness and health that I've had the privilege of reading. It is concisely written and geared toward a larger audience, with something for everyone. The pictures, illustrations, and charts are clear and comprehensible, and I felt motivated to 'get on board' just be reading it. No coercing, no shaming, just a simple underlying message: "this is what a healthy lifestyle looks like. It's easy. show more Why don't you give it a try?"

I've read a lot of books on health, and this one easily surpasses them all. Easily worth the money spent. A worthwhile investment in your health that will bring continued and very real dividends. show less

This is an amazing, totally comprehensive book about starting or continuing an exercise program. It covers nutrition, starting fitness level, motivation, exercise plans, contraindications, flexibility, strength training and more. I think this book would be very valuable to anybody interested in starting or modifying their exercise program.

Ironically for a book about exercising, I think this book is great in content but is just uncomfortably heavy with all of the thick, glossy pages. It's show more hard to hold open. So I would suggest checking the index or table of contents first to find a few sections to read, instead of reading the entire thing cover-to-cover. show less

Complete guide to fitness & health is more than an exercise guide for the physical fitness buff. It also covers basic nutrition and healthy lifestyles for children through seniors as well as persons with various physical challenges and pregnant women. The book begins by assessing your fitness and then how to get to your fitness goals from where you are at the moment. The next section discusses the differing types of exercise (aerobic, resistance, and flexibility & balance) and why it is show more important to have each in your exercise routine. The next section gives suggestions based on age and the final section deals with the differing conditions that may require modifications in either diet or exercise such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure and more.

The book is easy to use, printed on glossy paper with many color illustrations, tables and photographs. To make it easy to find facts, there are sidebars with important information and a closer look at the problems of various individuals and how they met their goals. There is an extensive bibliography divided by chapter in the back of the book along with bibliographical references throughout the text. Although the editor warns that the websites are only current through February of 2011, she cites quality educational and government sites which are usually stable. She is also careful to note that the advice of a doctor should be followed, especially in the chapters for persons who are ill, pregnant or older.

I was impressed with the simplicity of the directions for exercises given in the book and the excellent photographs. Since I do a physical therapy program at home and at a gym when able, I picked up many hints for proper procedures and alternatives when needed. Another important point to note is that the book need not be read from cover to cover. If someone aged 45 and suffering from high cholesterol would like to start exercising, reading the chapters of interest will give enough information to get started. Important facts are noted in pertinent chapters so they will not be missed.

This work is sponsored by the prestigious American College of Sports Medicine, a professional group dedicated to promoting health through the training of its members and including the sponsorship of books such as this. Barbara Bushman, the editor, has done an amazing job in making the book read as if written by one person. There were no glaring inconsistencies between chapters that mar many other edited works. All the contributors are experts in their fields. This is an important and needed reference book for lay persons and for professionals who want to be able to help their clients. show less