The HIIT Advantage : High-Intensity Workouts for Women

I was a bit hesitant to put this on my early review request list, the last women's specific exercise book was a complete bomb for me. This one is much much better. The language is clear, there's only a smidgen of implying that women couldn't possibly want to get strong (aargh, toning!), instead focussing on the benefits of this type of workout. For me, the clear explanations of the theories behind HIIT were the most helpful part, and I"m looking forward to trying out the workouts. They have clear descriptions of the workouts, with usefully repeated information in the various sections, as well as good descriptions of the various exercises.

This is the 4th or 5th exercise book I've read in the last few years. HIIT (or Tabata) is a new-fangled form of exercise that appeals to me - mostly because it doesn't take much time. I was hoping this would be a good starting point for learning about HIIT. Sadly, the book wasn't quite what I was hoping. Lewis-McCormick started off strong. Part I is a densely-packed section full of information about the chemical, anatomical, biological, and kinetic theory behind HIIT. It's techical, particular for your average reader i.e. someone without a science background, but it's not inaccessible. With strong arguments, lots of information, and clear prose, I found this helpful for me to understand why HIIT is so beneficial. Part II is where things show more began to slide. This is all the HIIT Exercises. It's arranged well, starting with Lower-Body and moving to Upper, then Core, and the book lays open nicely, so you can have it open while you do the workouts. But the exercises. It seemed she tried to stretch how many she added by making up new ones that really should just have been variations on one type. For example, there are 5 types of push-ups listed, each given it's own page and instructions. But at least 3 have no discernible difference, or the difference is so slight it doesn't warrant its own page. Instead, she should have list push-up as one, and then under it, listed instructions for variations so it was crystal clear what you could change to make the exercise different. And while the pictures are helpful, the written explanations are confusing and generic, and in paragraph form, when they should be in list format. But the most frustrating thing about the book was Part III. This is where she gives you pre-made workouts. The issue is, the explanations are awful. She seems to use "Max Intervals" and "Hard, Harder, Hardest" interchangeable, and yet, clearly states they are different. There is lots written about the ratio of times (2:1 or 3:1 etc.) but doesn't actually apply them in a clear format to the pre-made workouts.
In the end, I was hoping this would be similar to Delavier's fitness books and it wasn't. A veteran HIIT practitioner will find it too basic for their needs and a beginner will find it too confusing. Lewis-McCormick has a strong beginning and it's clear she is intelligent and passionate. But the book needs work before it's usable.

Note: I received this book as part of LibraryThing Early Review's Program, in exchange for my fair and honest opinion. show less

I received this book free from Goodreads giveaways. What I liked most about this book is that the exercises can be incorporated in to any workout. The pictures give a great reference on how to execute the moves correctly. It includes information about anatomy and the muscles you are targeting, working with toys and tools, warm ups and cooling down, and plenty of exercises. My favorite parts were the exercise menus, 20 minute workout examples, and access to an online video library. I am excited to add some new moves to my regular workouts and to try the 20 minute workouts on their own. I would highly recommend to any level from beginner to advanced.

I received this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program, and wasn't sure what to expect. I found this book to be well-organized, thorough, and informative. It provided context and specific instruction, and offered some good foundation workouts while also providing me with the tools to create my own. I found it very helpful!

Excellent book to have on hand for fitness minded women. Clear and to the point with good descriptions and photos for clearer explanations. I really like how the tyoes of exercise are defined and you can mix and match for your own individual needs but this book also contains a chart for preformatted routines.

I received this book from LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program. I was impressed by the theories provided in the introductory chapters, as well as the detailed description of numerous individual exercises and suggested workout routines. I look forward to trying out more of the exercises and mixing and matching them into my own routines.

Clear and informative guide to high-intensity interval workouts for women. Lots of illustrations and good descriptions to aid in your workouts. Also guidelines for recovery and stretching, and how to avoid overtraining.