Fitness Books

Some people's lives are picture-perfect, filled with sunny days, starry nights and happy weekends. The good times just keep on coming. For post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) victims, things also go on forever. Over and over, they mentally relive their most traumatic experiences in a continuing nightmare. PTSD is insidious. First you are the victim of severe, unspeakable trauma. Then, like a ghost, the trauma comes back to haunt you. Many associate PTSD only with combat veterans. However, almost any severe, stressful event can cause PTSD, be it rape or assault, abuse, a natural disaster, a terrorist attack or an accident. PTSD is a deadly, serious problem that plagues its victims. Fortunately, it does not have to be a life sentence. Treatment is available and recovery is possible, as Glenn R. Schiraldi explains in this thorough sourcebook. In fact, he states firmly that PTSD is curable with the proper therapies. If you or someone you care about suffers from PTSD, getAbstract thinks this book could be useful, helpful and encouraging.

Hey there,
This book is unbelievably good. It has essential covering on a wide range of topics. Like shame/guilt, pain, sexual healt aspects. I haven't found any week spots in it.
It has concrete action suggestions, is written clearly and with a relaxed tone that can only come from someone who is educated, has great experience and has got it together completely. It is down to earth and couldn't be better for a non-expert self-healer and one doesn't have to be a genious to use it.
I respect the author much and feel grateful towards him.
By the way I find the book very helpful from time to time on various issues.

This book is written in an easy to read style and is full of information about PTSD which therapists and sufferers alike will find very useful in increasing their understanding of this distructive disorder.
Furthermore, a section of this book covers treatments for PTSD. Of particular interest to me is Chapter 23 entitled Thought Field Therapy. While little is known of this technique in some therapuetic circles, TFT or 'psycholocial acupuncture' is currently being used to successfully treat sufferers of PTSD in places like Rwanda.
If readers of this book try this technique for themselves by closely following the simple steps as described in Chapter 23, it is likely they will find relief from stress and anxiety.
I highly recommend this excellent book for the inclusion of this groundbreaking technique alone.

I'm a counselor and have found this book to be extremely helpful with clients suffering with PTSD. I highly recommend it.

This book helped me to realize that I was not crazy. I was in a car accident in 2006 where I had to helplessly watch my friend die right in front of me. I was not injured in the wreck which caused me lots of guilt. I thought my life was falling apart until I saw a therapist and a psychiatrist and learned that I was suffering from PTSD. I am still suffering from PTSD but this book is teaching me that I am not the only person who has ever gone through this and that I just might get better from this. I keep this book beside my bed and read it every night. With this book and continued therapy and medication, I hope to be able to live life again some day.

I loved loved this book....I checked it out at our local library and read it cover to cover in two days...Thats a record for me...I love that this woman took a sensible approach to her weight loss and over a course of 4 years, took the weight off. I find it frustrating when all the books tell of 100+ weight loss in a matter of 10-12 months...It made me feel lazy and inadequate to have lost 60 in a year...but not anymore having read this book. So many of the things she went thru I can relate to and know that there is light at the end of the tunnel gives me so much added motivation to keep doing what I am doing and it will pay off...It has already...Definately a book to read over and over again:)

This is a wonderful book showing some ups and more downs of the scale. This woman shows by example in her experience that if we don't follow a food regiment 100% you can still attain your goal of loosing weight. It is really refreshing to read that you can make a goal even when you slip away from it now and then, but you have to not give up. A good read hard to put down.

I bought this book on Saturday and finished it on Tuesday. I could hardly put it down. I also weigh what Sandra did and then some. This book was really motivating and I saw so much of myself in it so I could relate to it. It really gives me hope and shows me I am normal. I have been going to T.O.P.S. since April 2001 and have lost over 30 pounds and began backsliding. Now I see that may happen from time to time and I just need to stay motivated. Thank you for this book.I am a 37 yr. old widow with 2 children and really need to stay on track to be here for them and I think this book will help me.

I enjoyed the spirit with which this book was written. By the time I finished I felt as though I knew Sandra and her wonderful supportive family. I was cheering her on throughout the book. Not only did she lose weight for herself but she chose this time to help others and start up aerobic classes for women who feel left out at most health clubs. Her relationship with Richard Simmons made me smile. They had such mutual respect. It is wonderful that she accomplished what she did, helped others and at the same time wrote an enjoyable uplifting book.

In particular I liked the way she did not hold back her feelings or her problems. She tells it "like it is". I recommend this book even if weight loss is not the goal. She puts a positive spin on other things as well.

Not only is this book the bargain of the year, but it is literally the best diet book ever written. This lady tells her story from the beginning to what is going on today. It is like reading her diary. There are no gaps to the story-which I really appreciated. She tells you every step she took to lose the weight including what exercise she did along the way. She also tells you how your family and friends will react to your weight loss. For anyone who wants a "Step by Step" account of how a friend lost her weight, this is a "must" read. After reading Sandra's book, you feel like you are her friend. Very inspiring with an honest approach to weight loss. I can't say enough about this book!!

I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to follow, and it helped me to control my stress!!

This is my first book on Tai Chi and thus far I am loving it! The illustrations are wonderful as are the descriptions of the moves. It's very easy to understand and so much fun to do. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to start Tai Chi.

I got this book for my boyfriend and he loves it. He uses it all the time. It is easy to read and understand.

This is such and easy book to follow for Tai Chi, excellent illustrations.
Very well done.

Before purchasing this book I had attended one university gym tai chi class and taken some martial arts classes. Needless to say I was not a tai chi master by any stretch of the imagination. The book was very useful to me though. It got me into doing a daily tai chi exercise which I have been doing for about 6 months now. Tai Chi is very low impact and quite relaxing so it is easy to if you have some free time during your day. The book uses written directions and large picture illustrations to guide you through the moves of tai chi. The pictures are large and easy to understand, while the descriptions are thorough but not over bearing. The book is broken down into 5 phases so do not worry about being attacked with a ton very hard or stressful moves right at the beginning. There is a beginning phase that has the user go through the building blocks of tai chi. These building blocks will later be used to complete full forms or extended combined moves. The second phase is still a building phase but the moves are more intensive and require a little bit more effort. They aare meant to improve the strength and ability to make the correct motions. The third phase is even more aggresive moves meant to strengthen the balance and the movement of the reader. The 4 phase is kind of an offshoot that focuses on working with a partner. I have not personally tried this yet but im sure it is very helpful. The final phase is a form in which you use all previous stages to complete. This book has been very helpful to me to get into tai chi. I feel like i release a lot of stress and am doing something productive whenever I go through my movements.

Tom Bisio did a superb job! the knowledge gathered in this book is well researched, valid and profound. I highly recommend this book for anyone who get's beaten up and wants to be back in the ring as soon as possible ;o)

Great Book!
There is so much in this small book, that I have yet to digest it all!!

a lot of inside info ,stuff one has to learn by trial and error .great herbal recipes .not a lot sizzle ,real world useful stuff ,great for anyone who serious and puts in the time and earns the aches and pains pjf

This book is a jem. It describes the use of TCM in the treatment of traumatic injuries whether from sports, martial arts or accidents. The herbal infromation is second to none as is the explanation of TCM theory and injuries. The acupuncture is okay and parts of it are useful even though Rheumatology in Chinese Medicine has much better acupuncture for joint problems.
All in all, a very important book for any serious practitioner of Chinese Medicine.

I especially like Mr. Bisio's non-dogmatic approach. For example, many Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner's refuse to use ice based upon their principles of TCM. Tom's attitude is - use what works with the understanding of possible draw backs. This respects the reader's intelligence to come to their own informed decision.
The resources appendix is extensive and useful.
I plan on using several of the formulas in my massage and martial arts businesses for myself and clients.

I was looking for a book that actually had workout routines to specifically target areas that would increase my golf game and this one had it. It also has pre-season and off-season workouts which are a plus. It is a very detailed book. Great book!

This was a quick, easy and informative read for the novice weight trainer/improving golfer. Very nice!

I'm a multi sport athlete who trains all year round regardless of what sport I play. I bought a few of these Ultimate Guide to Weight Training books, and they definitely helped me train specifically for the different sports that I play. Then about a year later I received an email from amazon that there was a new edition out. These upgraded editions are even better than the originals, with more articles and a lot more sport-specific information. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who plays a lot of sports or wants to specifically focus on training for one sport in particular.

This book is great! I have always had a problem falling into a workout rut, and this book has designed a fun golf workout that changes every two weeks. I would recommend this book or any book in this series to someone who is training for a specific sport. The book is simple to read and you can download blank workout sheets from their website so you can track your progress. The book also has pictures explaining each exercise that is well organized by muscle group. Golf season has not started yet but I am looking forward to getting out there and crushing some great shots.

I'm an athletic director and I bought all the books in this series for my coaches and their athletes. We're the best conditioned team in the conference, and it gives us an edge in all sports. Especially golf, since many golfers dont work-out.

"Wonderful, wise words. It provides insight into the human side of serious illness and offers patients and families the hope and strength they need." Jimmie Holland, chairman Psychiatry, Memroial SLoan Kettering

"Filled with practical information for freinds and family, it should prove to be a great comfort..." Andrew von Eschenbach, director, the FDA


"...Provides hope and teaches us how to show compassion when it means the most." Steven Rosen, MD, director of the Lurie Cancer Center

This was the book I was searching for to help my best friend. It spoke to me because of the way the author told her personal story and gave ideas and suggestions. I felt like she was speaking to me.

She knew what I was feeling, knew I wanted to help and she gave me ways to do that. She helped me face the future right beside my friend.

when Life Becomes Precious was a godsend. It should be handed out to everyone at doctors' offices.

This truly is a fabulous resource! The information is quite straightforward and covers a wide array of areas/issues that are certain to be impacted by the news of a loved one being ill. The components of the book cover areas such as understanding your feelings, how our fears play out in the ordeal, how to have conversations regarding the illness and ramifications of the illness, how to find resourceful medical care and how to balance one's role in life given the situation.

I would highly recommend this book for people who are going through the challenge of a loved one being ill, as it applies to not only cancer patients - but all who have serious health issues.

Elise Needell Babcock's words are better than any I've read on dealing with cancer and family. Her advise is simple and extremely helpful.

My spouse had heart disease. At the same time, I was looking for a book for a friend with cancer. I found Precious and read it before giving it as a gift. I realized the suggestions applied to my family. I started using the author's ideas immediately and it helped us tremendously. I find myself quoting her often in my volunteer work at church (with patients) and with friends. One friend called and said she was having serious problem coping with her husband's diabetes. She read the book and called to tell me that after following the advice in Precious, she saw a dramatic change in the way her family communicated and supported each other. Another friend said she was in an argument with her daughter about the father's illness. The mother used the suggestions in the book to calm her daughter down. Later that evening, the daughter (in her 30s) came up to her mom and said, "Thank you. What you said and how you said it was wonderful!" This book should not even have cancer on the cover. It's practical, moving, upbeat and extremely helpful for patients and families coping with any medical challenge. J. Long, past president of a personnel agency

The Andropause Mystery, Unraveling the Truths About the Male Menopause by Robert S. Tan M.D.

In this book, Robert Tan MD , an astute clinician and a board certified specialist in geriatric medicine, describes his professional experience, diagnosing and treating hormonal decline in aging males. Tan describes a turning point in his career when he stumbled upon a bedridden male with the typical signs and symptoms of low testosterone, namely muscle weakness, frailty, memory loss, and hair loss. Lab testing confirmed low testosterone levels. Testosterone for aging males was new in those days, so Tan had difficulty convincing the pharmacy to release the testosterone injections ( 200 mg twice a month). After three months of injections, the patient grew a beard, began walking again, and his memory and libido improved.

The experience motivated Tan to do a Medline search on the topic, and he found very little research in the area of Male Menopause, also called Andropause. This book was written to unravel the truths and dispel the myths about the Male Andropause and Testosterone replacement for the aging male.

Tan asks a few obvious questions. The medical system treats women for the hormonal decline of Menopause, so why aren't men treated for their similar hormonal decline of male Andropause? The medical system recognizes Menopause, but does not recognize Andropause.

Many physicians deny that Andropause really exists. Tan says sorry, but it does exist, and his patients are testimony to this truth. Andropause is a real syndrome, and he clearly explains that 30% of males over 65 have low testosterone levels with the associated muscle weakness, memory loss, and loss of libido. Tan also explains the reasons why the syndrome is ignored by conventional medicine. There is no curriculum in medical school or residency, and very little research in the library due to lack of funding, and lastly, unlike females who are more expressive and communicative about their night sweats and hot flashes, males tend to be stoic, and in denial of their Andropause symptoms.

Tan discusses the beneficial affects of testosterone on cognitive function, finding that many (but not all) demented nursing home males are restored to normal after testosterone treatments. He also discusses the effect of testosterone on mood, cardiac function, muscle strength, bone density, and lastly improvement in libido and erectile function. In one humorous story, Tan recounts a demented nursing home patient whose testosterone treatment had to be discontinued because of hypersexual effects. Apparently, the old fellow had approached several nurses with inappropriate requests.

Tan also discussed the incorrect belief that Testosterone treatment increases the risk of prostate cancer. Tan dispels this myth, stating that in his clinical experience, he has yet to see a case of prostate cancer induced by testosterone replacement. Nonetheless, Tan advocates routine prostate surveillance with serial PSA and DRE.

Chapter 7 discusses the nuts and bolts of testosterone replacement with diagnostic blood testing, available testosterone preparations and dosage schedules. Tan feels that testosterone replacement for males should become as routine as HRT for the female menopause.

Inconclusion, in a field with scant information, Tan's book fills a void. The book is an honest, courageous, down to earth, and occasionally humorous look at testosterone replacement for the aging male. Also recommended is The Testosterone Syndrome by Eugene Shippen MD.

Jeffrey Dach MD

What I thought I bought; a book about the aging process and the Andropause. What I got; mostly a book about testosterone replacement. This book was a let down.

The bravado of patriarchy and its reliance upon presenting males as strong, vibrant creatures able to take on the world when young, and equally powerful when old has always been a myth perpetuated as the alpha male syndrome.

However, the reality is that, like women, men undergo similar hormonal changes as a result of aging. While the outward appearance of men may remain somewhat similar, both personality and hormonal changes occur along with the physical changes in muscle power that young men discern readily in challenging the older male establishment for power and prominence.

Little discussed, or viewed as the natural aging phenomenon of men and the mellowed perspective in which he sees the world, and operates in it, typical male menopause has focused upon his desire to grativate toward younger women to extend his male prowess, or by making the wild changes of adopting fast cars, and more relaxed lifestyles in an attempt to capture his youth.

That males haven't come to grips with the similarities of aging among women ought to be a concern since so much of society is organized not around the vitality cycles of natural aging, but by the fantasies of aging men who deny their own mortality, and the consequences of aging. Taught to view women differently, men therefore find it more difficult to accept their own aging process because of the enormous differences in how men and women are cultured to be viewed by a male dominant society.

Because men died at somewhat younger ages throughout life, the lifecyle phenomenon of men has never been approached with the legitimacy or credibility that is a part of the natural consequence of being male.

That either men or women are taught to view the aging process as one that is devalued because of its physical changes rather than prized for its contribution to stable and sustainable populations is a social problem that has yet to be taken seriously. When country singers sing that "all my rowdy friends have settled down," they are recognizing this natural tendency of men to settle into a lifestyle that accepts their aging as natural, and normal rather than continuing to idolize the rowdy lifestyle that the constant pumping out of male testosterone helps to create.

The message, of course, is that, like women, men will not live forever, do suffer the consequences of aging, and must adapt age appropriate lifestyles that respects their aging, rather than condemns it. That attitude will work for both men and women to help define the expectations of being human, and mature as individuals, in planning their lives and knowing what to expect from their bodies, and what not to expect.

I couldn't believe it! The controversy about hormones for women has begun, now men? The book and author was featured on NBC Nightly News on 7/31/02. Guess it must be an important topic to be on national news!

This book is really for the layperson. The book "Andropause Mystery" does describe evolving physical, sexual, psychological and mental challenges encountered by the aging male. It does explain hormone replacement for men and the potential problems. There is a nice chapter on the psychological impact of aging on sexuality. It is easy to read and understand, but I prefer "Aging Men's Health: A Case Based Approach" by the same author. No doubt, it is a textbook, but there is more depth and detail for the professional person.

The author rescues a beautiful golden retriever on advice from his doctor to get a dog. The dog however has the ability to alert the author to impending cardiac episodes and in doing so, gives the author the freedom to work and go about his daily life. This book touches the readers soul and lets us know that maybe there is more to the human-animal bond than we know. The book also dicusses the "Americans with Disabilities Act" as it relates to service dogs. Anybody who has loved a dog will love this book.

I could not put this book down. Mike and Dakota's story as a team was inspiring and transcended this world. Their devotion to each other was amazing. You do not have to be an animal lover to learn from this book. My hope would be that after you read this book you will see how special animals are in our lives.

I Absolutely LOVED this book! MY sister in law bought for my husband --animal lover...Anyway she bought it for him but I read it first because the cover called my attention. I like dogs but was reluctant to get one because I though of all the work there is involved with taking care of animals..besides with a little one, school, and work a dog would be more work for me....But after reading this book, I know I want a dog..The magic between Mike and Dakota is so overwhelming --that it made me think that that is what we need in our lives..Yea it will be work to potty train and take care of ..but then again things in life that are worth anything sometimes require alot of work--..God Bless you Mike and Dakota and thanks!!!!

I enjoyed the book so much. Felt like I was right there with them and every time the author had an attack could visualize how much his Angel/dog helped him through it. They had a bond that is so hard to explain unless you have had an animal and then know what it means, they are not dogs, they are your family and in this case especially he was not only family but his life support and friend. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone, have since bought additional copies to give to my animal lover friends for gifts.

I recently lost my Golden Angel too, and while I was looking for a book to help
Me cope with my pain, I found this book. I am a very busy person and don't
Have much time to read, but this book took me 2 days. It is full of feelings and even humor. No matter what the situation is, our Golden's will manage to put a smile on our face. When you start reading this book, make sure you have a box of Kleenex
Near by. This book goes into my favorite book list, and I purchased a few more as
Christmas presents.

Author Colin Campbell concludes that the answer to cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, etc... is known and within our control.

I was well aware of how the formula industry is destructive to breastfeeding.

I am familiar with how pharmaceutical companies have their own interests in mind when it comes to research and your health isn't their priority.

I have noticed that in every chapter in my medical books suggests more fiber, less fats, more produce, etc... but without emphasis, just a "little" suggestion.

I've have noticed that nearly anything that comes labeled with Busch, Kraft, School Box Tops should not be eaten.

I was not aware of how powerful these food industries (and meat and dairy corporations) are over nutritional research. Meat and dairy industry are to good nutrition what the formula industry is to breastfeeding: undermining, financially self-motivated and selfish.

He grew up on a cattle farm certain that beef and dairy does a body good.

Systematically he describes his life on the farm and his strong beliefs about the "benefits of protein."

In his academic research he expected to find that meat and dairy protein would prevent cancer in Asian children. He found the exact opposite, "Animal proteins, all of them, are dangerous to our health: leads to heart disease and cancer." As he continued to do research, all his studies confirmed the nutritional benefits of plants and the hazards of animal protein. He describes how big corporations are covering up these facts in the name of profits. Research and spending continues on to find cures and supplements, however nothing replaces good nutrition.

He has been a vegan (no meat, no fish, no eggs, no cheese) for like 15 years after giving up all that fresh milk and beef from his own cattle. It makes me think about my nutrition and the impact on my long term health.

It makes sense to me that the antioxidants and enzymes in plants would suppress cancer growth, prevent arteriosclerosis (an inflammatory condition), improve sugar regulation, fat metabolism (cholesterol and obesity), improve blood pressure and much more. Fortunately, his research also shows how some of the damage can be reversed.

Before you drink that milk, I recommend this read.

The author gives compelling evidence on the correlation between nutrition and human illnesses. In addition, he understands that the scientific community in the western society doesn't embrace the idea of his study. Although, 40 years of his research is published with real data that one can decipher it's volatility.

The audio book is great, everyone needs to know about the truth. Our food and drug industry are keeping us sick. Another good book to read is the RAVE Diet.

I purchased this book after hearing about it for years from different sources. Read it in only three sittings because it was so fascinating. I have incorporated much of the book into my daily life, especially what I eat. Study seems to be irrefutable. Health is largely a result of lifestyle, including dietary habits. I have changed mine. Only negative comment is the book is a little more academic than I would have preferred.

This book is phenomenal. It adds a whole new level to nutrition. It's so fantastic because the book is all about the research that has been going on about diet/animal protein for decades. It isn't some guy who wrote a whole book on some misinterpreted info from ONE research project and is out there just to make money.
Campbell doesn't tell you to stop eating animal protein directly and inform you of any new capsules or special diet package that he just so happens to market and sell himself; he shows you the facts. But it isn't all dooms-day negative either. The book is filled with case study after case study of people who have completely gotten over their heart disease issues, diabetes, etc. just by changing their diet and becoming a little more active. This isn't just theoretical.
This book is essential for anyone at all going into a healthcare profession, but is definitely something important for everyone to read as well. No matter what you have heard or read, this book is a magnificent insight into the way people eat and our health as a result and what you can do to change that.

The book is well written with an amazing amount of information in it. It has a lot of do it yourself help pages that are easy to understand. This is a must book to buy.

This book has a ton of great insights about disease prevention. Doctors rarely, if ever, provide information on prevention because prevention is not profitable for either hospitals or big pharma. If everybody took a little more time to understand how their bodies work, we'd have a lot less disease in our society. Prevention is the key to good health and you truly are what you eat. We can't expect to fill our bodies with garbage and expect good results.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to live a vital, disease-free life. Read the book and buy a copy for someone you love. Don't rely on doctors to keep you healthy. You can only rely on yourself.

I also highly recommend The Coconut Miracle. If you do nothing else, please introduce coconut oil into your diet and you will see amazing results.

Although I am still reading the book I find it to be very informative and very well written. It is easy to read and to understand. I feel at the end of this book I will be able to accomplish the goals that it sets out in the text.

I have been fasting/detoxing for many years. It is a passion of mine, and I don't have many interests in my life that I consider passions. Fasting/detoxing, some have claimed, is a gift you give yourself. I truly agree with this proclaimation.

Of all the material I have read about detoxing...this is the most insightful, through, and overall, best source.

This book is not full of religious quotes like a lot of detox/fasting books, although Fife does mention that many religions believe in fasting for clarity and health. This is a more scientific approach.

There are a lot of pictures, the columns are set up in a fast-paced reading style, and the stories and inspiring.

I've read countless books on health and cleansing and this still stands up as one of the best I've read. It has more information than any other detox book I've read, and gave me invaluable new sources of cleansing and healing the body, which led me to new routes of research on the internet and finding some very excellent health web sites and products. *Spoiler* The rebounder works wonders for your health- along with so many other things Fife explained about. I highly recommend this book. I'm studying to be a Naturopathic Doctor, and did many years of research before choosing this route. This is a book I still pick up a couple of years later. I enjoy how much of the spectrum he covers. Health savvy or not, Fife walks you through changing your life, and educates you on many things every health-conscience person needs to know. Great Book !!