Fitness Books

I was a little apprehensive when I bought this book because I knew that all IC patients were different. (I've been suffering with it for 3 years now and am a female, age 25) We all experience different symptoms, so I had no idea what to expect from this book. However, I'm SO glad that I bought it. I agree with others that it is a MUST READ for IC patients. I found myself crying throughout the book. Not because I was sad or over joyed, but because I could relate so incredibly much to Catherine Simone's story. I have been through and felt and experienced many of the things mentioned in this book, and even though I cried through most of it, I believe that it played a huge part in my healing. I needed to cry and let it all out. When I'm in pain I tend not to. I tend to tense up when really what I need to be doing it trying to kill the pain anyway I can and relax as much as possible.

Even if you are not an IC patient but love one, I also think this is a must read. It will give you a much better idea of what your loved one has or is or will go through. My husband is reading it now, and my mom is reading it after him.

I will most definitely try some of the things she talks about in the book when it comes to having a toxic body and cleansing it. At this point I'll do anything to get rid of the pain. I have found (like mentioned in this book) that drinking some water with a half teaspoon of baking soda in it actually helps! I will most certainly try other things she had to offer!

I applaud Catherine M. Simone for taking the time to write out her story. As anyone who has been dianosed with IC, or any family members trying to understand what this disease is all about, this book is a must read. I have felt pretty alone in trying to deal with this, and I think that most people are. Reading her words, feeling her pain and crying her tears with her through the bad times gave me comfort of someone elses understanding. My husband gained alot of understanding also, he's been such a dear help to me and trying to live with this disease.
I haven't tried all the things Catherine has done to be able to live her life IC free, but I learned so much from her, another IC paitent, not a doctor or a nurse or a friend who happened to read about the next "cure all" treatment I should try. I am trying to get my disease under control and I am anxious to try out her suggestions. I hope to be where she is now one day with my disease gone (and she can even drink Orange Juice again!); nothing else I've read even gave me hope that it is even possible.
If I've learned anything in the 3 years it took to get dianosed and the year I've been trying to deal with having IC, I have learned no two bodies are just alike and what hurts one IC paitent may not hurt another, and what heals one IC paitent may not heal another; but it's worth a shot.
The bad parts of this disease are written in such a way as I felt all she was feeling, the lowest of the lows and the lonliness that comes in the middle of the night when you wake again for the 10th time in a night to go to the bathroom, but it is balanced with the good of seeing life go on; and not just go on, but thrive and flourish and most importantly heal.
Thank you Cahterine, your words blessed me.

Catherine Simone's emotional chronicle about her experience with interstitial cystitis is a must read for anyone suffering with this sometimes debilatating condition. It has been my experience as well that some traditional doctors with their traditional methods can often do more harm than good. Read this book and find out how Catherine took control of her own health with great success. Be sure to also read her follow up "how to" book, "Along the Healing Path," which continues to give the IC patient a sense of hope and empowerment.

This book is very well written and an easy read. She offers many new aspects to this devastating illness. I personally have already tried many of the methods she used to heal herself and have been feeling much better. After 10 years of battling this illness and several doctors visits I found hope in her words and a better understanding of IC.

Before I came across this book, I thought I was doomed to live with IC for the rest of my life. After reading this book about Cath who had severe interstitial cystitis and many more ailments that seem to come along with this disease, I realized that there is hope in regaining my health. She tells her story of how she recovered from the nightmare she was living and shares with us what she did to recover. It's amazing she survived that horrendous experience! Thank you Cath for all the hope you give us with this book! :)

Real life wisdom for living life in balance and with heart.
Rachel tells her stories openly, with compassion and great warmth.
I have given this book to friends and family and carry its lessons in my own life. A lovely read, not at all preachy. Each chapter is worth savoring.

The author shares some inspirational stories of the lessons her grandfather, a Rabbi taught her as a child that served as building blocks for the rest of her life, as a Dr. and then a counselor. Whether you read this from cover to cover, because it is delightful and insightful, or take it story at a time over a period of time, it is a wonderful book. There are important life lessons for us all. Some will make you laugh, others cry, and others to say, "Oh wow!"

This is one of the best inspirational books I've read in a long time. I love it so much I'm buying it for friends! It is so full of wisdom...rich, rich, rich.

I happened upon this book by chance, and it is quite possibly the best book I've ever read. If you are looking for a book to inspire you and give you a positive outlook on life, this is it. It is incredibly refreshing and easy to read. Rather than one long story, it is a bunch of short stories, which makes it great for reading a little bit at a time. It has really helped me remember what is important in life. After reading this book, I can't wait to read other books by this author.

What a wonderful thing it would be if we all had a grandfather like Rachel Naomi Remen had. Since we don't, the next best thing might be to learn the lessons and experience the blessings by having her share her stories about him with us. She does so in a beautiful, almost under stated way that is never intrusive and leaves us with a feeling of deep appreciation. These are very human and moving parable like stories that enrich our connection to each other in almost imperceptible ways. Although this is definitely not a how to book, the stories may effect how we live our lives. Thank you to Dr. Remen.

Remember the fairy godmothers in Sleeping Beauty presented her with 'gifts' when she was born.....

A great baby present with lots of hopes and dreams for the child.

This was given to me as a baby shower gift for my daughter. It is one of our favorite books and I now give it out as a newborn gift to friends and family. The messages are powerful and simple. It is not a long book so it's perfect for bedtime.

This book is an awesome gift! It is a wonderful story that teaches children of all ages many important virtues and lessons!

This is a beautiful book about the wonderful gifts of birth! I have given this as a "new baby" gift to several of my friends, and they absolutely love the book. The illustrations and the words are done in a beautiful way. I highly recommend this as a great baby gift!

Every parent/grandparent needs this book and then every child needs to have it read to him/her over and over again so that he can know how very special the day is that he was born. This book celebrates the child's arrival to the family and helps to foster characteristics that should be a birthright to all children.

This is one of the easiest reads and greatest books I'v read on wellness, nutrition and fitness. The book is inspiring, motivating, educational and full of easy to use ideas and tips. A must read for any one at any level of fitness.

Everyday I read this book, I am amazed by the wisdom that this book offers. It covers many diverse aspect of exercise in easy to digest pages and each one is inspiring and sure to change my behaviour for the better. I wish I had this book long ago but I'm very glad to have it now.

Because of its small and usual (wide vs. long) size, it is very handy as a quick reference. Over a year later, I still refer to it daily, buy it as a gift for others embarking on the road ot fitness and look forward to his next book.

I am a fan of Eric Harr's work. I've read his columns in Shape magazine and have enjoyed his other titles very much. I am dismayed at the review written by "Barbara Jordan "brownsugar76" who is obviously misguided and pessimistic. This book is a tips book -- 100 in all -- that give people basic guidance about exercise and living better. It never promises to be a thick, boring, scientific guide ... and THAT'S the appeal. There are hundreds of fitness books out there. Harr tries to deliver fitness wisdom in 100 simple tips. Granted some of them are a little "soft" for fitness buffs -- but most are very valuable.

I'm giving this book 4 stars, because it is GREAT for many people getting into fitness, but it's not geared towards more serious fitness people (who work out, say 5+ times a week).

Barbara Jordan "brownsugar76" doesn't see the book for its incredible value...which is a hearty book in easily-digestible "one-a-day" tips for people seeking to get fit and live and eat better.

As to her comment about the reviews of others, it appears Barbara Jordan "brownsugar76" is jealous of Eric Harr's success. I checked these people's reviews -- and they're REAL people with real opinions.

Be wary of green-with-ency reviewers like Barbara Jordan "brownsugar76." This is a great book. Decide for yourself.

Finally, fitness advice that will get you off your couch and onto the track / bike / into the pool / or whatever else you do. I just bought the book about a week ago, returned home, and read it cover to cover in an hour. One hundred simple and truly life-altering strategies are contained within that have gotten even my lazy self up and moving. Over the past two days, following the book's advice on everything from nutrition, to technique and motivation, I've run ten miles (and feel great!), and I don't plan on stopping any time soon :). From his writing, the author is a truly fit individual, both mentally and physically, and his personal perspectives on the wonders of a clear mind and a healthy body are refreshing every time I open the conveniently-pocket-sized book. Humorous, compelling and without pretense, Harr's guide can pull out the passion and performance in anyone (and I mean anyone) and set them on the path to a healthier and happier self.

This book demystifies many weight loss, nutrition and exercise issues in a clear, friendly, expert way. It helps to answer why we're getting fatter in America. I read this wonderful book in eight hours--but don't let that fool you; it's packed with good information and moving inspiration. Every word matters. When I started showing results, my friends and family wanted to know the secret. At least 3 of them bought the book for themselves. Eric Harr's advice and motivation really works. Big! How do I know? Because I'm significantly SMALLER! Yahoo!!! :)

Bob Marckini's book took me by the hand, so to speak, and oriented me to the world of the prostate cancer patient. Quickly, I became highly informed about the nature of my disease, and the pros and cons of the treatment options. I cannot thank him enough for all his diligent research, for his wonderful gift of making complex things simple, and for the humanity that comes through in every page. Reading Marckini's book made me feel as if I had a friend and advocate right there with me to show me the way.

I was recently diagnosed with an early stage prostate cancer. I immediately began a feverish internet research of treatment options and interviews with friends who had undergone various treatments.

The good thing about a cancer discovered early is the option of several treatment methods which can offer a cure. My dilemma was to choose the best treatment for my situation that also offered the highest quality of life.

I stumbled upon Bob's website and I was impressed by the large number of testimonials in favor of proton therapy by prostate cancer survivors. In my research I did not find a groundswell of support from treated patients for other treatment options.

I read this book from cover to cover and learned many new things about the various treatments, especially the variability in brachytherapy with seed implant distribution, placement and migration. This book should be required reading for every man facing prostate cancer decisions. Bob offers a wealth of insights on the quality of life after treatment which were shared with him during his many interviews with treated prostate cancer patients.

Read this book before finalizing your treatment decision - you won't regret it!

John Miller DDS, MSD

I purchased this book from this website on the strength of the reader reviews. I was not misled!
Having just been diagnosed in early July 2008 with Prostate Cancer, I was in shock. I too, received the same kind of feedback about being perfect for surgery, photon radiation and seed implants, as the author did. But reading this book armed me with so much information, I was teaching my Primary Care Doctor about Proton Therapy. And HE was getting excited listening to me!
Nearly everything written in this book is of practical value. The usefulness of the information is extensive for a non-text book.
This review is a little premature, in that I have not begun my Proton Treatments yet. I will begin treatment at MPRI in Indiana in the coming weeks. But, I will add to this or write another review in the future. Because it appears to me that reviews of this book are by extension, also reviews of Proton Therapy.
For today, I will just say that one could add another subtitle to this book that may read something like this:
Proton Therapy - The Cancer Treatment with the least side-effects and least risks of all other Cancer treatments available today!
or this: Proton Therapy - The Prostate Cancer Treatment that will leave you ready to work and live your life immediately after the treatments are done!
Stay Tuned. I'll be back with more.

You Can Beat Prostate Cancer
By far, this is the most decisive and practical book available concerning prostate cancer treatment and options. This book offered much reassurance and comfort during a time of great stress and anxiety, after I received my prostate cancer diagnosis. Mr. Marckini's book helped me to take a systematic and logical approach to exploring my treatment options with optimism and hope. Mr. Marckini offers an extremely well researched and step-by-step approach to investigating your treatment options while identifying with his own treatment insights and experiences.

I felt well-armed and equipped to ask the best questions of my primary medical doctor, surgical doctors, and radiologists with whom I consulted. After reading this book, I felt empowered to make a proactive and well-educated decision, rather than feeling powerless and overwhelmed by the amount of information I had to digest and the decisions I had to make. Because his book provides such sound information and is easy to read, I routinely make this book 'required reading' for any of my patients with prostate questions and concerns. This book provides a wealth of information and resources necessary for every man to make an informed decision.

The diagnosis of prostate cancer affects not only the one who is diagnosed, it also affects everyone with whom he is close. This book is a "must-read" for every man, (and family members and friends) faced with the difficult task of confronting a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

This book was pivotal in my decision for Proton Treatment for my prostate cancer. I am grateful to Mr. Marckini for this wonderful book and for my life changing experiences at the Proton Treatment Center at the Loma Linda Univeristy Medical Center.

Disappointing. This is a self-published tract about the benefits of experimental proton therapy. Although other forms of treatment for prostate cancer are discussed in brief, this isn't a balanced, knowledgeable treatise on the disease. It's too personal and not written my a medical professional.

The best book on bodybuilding if you're a beginner! I bought the book and it's got more info jammed in fewer pages than anything you'll ever read. The different methods of training, technique, and the importance of rest and recovery. The specifics on nutrition alone is worth the price. The author shows examples of diet planning and how to manipulate your metabolism for maximum muscle. The author does not focus on worthless supplements, he simply pushes good nutrition and pumping iron. I am constantly referring to this book after three months of reading and re-reading. There are plenty of pictures and advice regarding how to avoid injury.
The only negative about this book is several errors in grammar.
But the stuff is so practical and easy to read who cares! A great compact easy to carry book that I still keep on my nightstand.
This author is showing what one bodybuilder did to build real muscle and compete to win the big prize. Whether you're just looking to tone or build muscle, this book will help you look good naked!

A very good book that delivers what it promises. The book is intelligently broken into topics that cover the exercises, the grouping of exercises into workouts, how often to exercise, how many reps to perform and nutrician. Each section is written to cover people who what only to tone up, people who want to loose weight and those who want to gain weight/bulk up.

His advise on all this really is 'realistic'. He stresses the basic exercises (bench presses, squats, pull ups, etc) to build a good foundation before progressing onto the more specialized exercises like cable crossovers. He points out that suppliments are not only expensive but aren't necessary if you simply eat the right foods at the right times.

Although the end of the book covers various aspects of competing, I think the book is best used by beginners to intermediates. It is the only bodybuilding book that I will need buy.

I think this is the book for working people who want to build muscle/tone them/loose weight etc. Most books seem to be considering that the reader is into professional body building. So, even if you start the program, you end it soon because it is just too much effort. This however is really a realistic approach and thus, you can continue it and getting results. I started with Arnold's book and the 5 set approach. That was just too much as I never had enough time for the same. Eventually after a month or two, I left the program. Then later on, after several years, I got this book and this was a no-nonsense approach, which I can adopt easily with my extremely busy work schedule and part-time graduate degree even!

This book is the best bodybuilding/weight training book I have read. It is a no bull approach that gives you the straight details without all the frill. This is not a catalog of grunts posing, it is a real book for real people who want to get into weight training.

Melfa is direct and honest on what you need to do. The nutritional information is the easy to understand and gives you a complete break down of how to eat for either muscle building or fat loss. I found the nutritional section to be much more consise then most other books. Considering that eating right is more the 50% of weight training, I don't know why so many other books have skimped on this section. The excersises are consise and clear. Melfa explians all aspects from beginner up to advanced competive training with clear photos and detailed examples for performing each excersise.

I've checked out just about every book in the library about body building and this is the one I wanted to buy. I am constantly referring to it, any and all questions are addressed. If you want glossy, full color printing in a large bound book so you can gawk and dream, then don't buy this book. If you want to be serious about getting into a training program and progressing, this is the book to buy.

I have lifted weights on and off for 25, sometimes pretty seriously, occasionally achieving quite a lot of bulk and definition, but this book finally gave me a real plan suited for guys like me - athletic nerds who want to be in shape.

It really is realistic; it is complete (diet, "dungeon" (basement) workouts, and - importantly - safety, are covered thoroughly), easy to follow, and the pictures are great. Many times, the author says "Look, I've done this excercise tens of thousands of times, and this is how you really have to do it. Watch out for X, Y, and Z, and don't fall into the various traps of bad form that can result in injuries, slow development, or uneven development).

The writing is friendly yet never verbose. The reader is encouraged at every step of the way, and the sample workouts and diets make things concrete.

great book! would buy if you never ran or walked or crawled a marathon

I finished this book the day after it arrived. So funny, so inspiring. This author freely admits that she was committed to laziness and yet finished a marathon. (albeit in pain!) This is truly more of a memoir than a training manual, but it should inspire you to get off your butt! Even if you have no intention of ever running a marathon, this book will convince you to set a goal and accomplish something that seems impossible. A truly enjoyable read.

Dawn Dais is hilarious! Get this book if you are even considering taking up running or starting a training routine for any length of race. It is more of a light read than a manual, but at the same time I find myself referring back to specific things in the book.

Perfect for any woman considering (or having committed to) the daunting task of moving your rear off the couch and on to the track! So funny, so honest, so motivational and realistic everyone who reads this book will finish it just as I did, totally inspired and ready to start the journey! I've already purchased my Water-Holder Butt Thingy and modeled it to the laughter of my family... Thanks Dawn for showing me I can actually do this!

I read the 10th spandex joke. Geez, the jokes were funny at first but by the time I made it not even halfway through the book they were SO annoying. She kept repeating the same things and about how much she HATES running. Enough already. I do not get the point of writing a running book if you hate running so much. I have run marathons before so I guess it is my fault for reading a non-runner's marathon book.
I just wanted something motivating to read. I did not realize she hated running though. I want to read Chipper Jen's journal. Now that would help me!
Yes, this book is definitely for beginner marathoners BUT definitely join a running group for your marathon training. My training schedules were completely different than the one's in her book so I do not care for those either. Jumping from week 5 at 60 mins to week 6 at 90 minutes is almost a 3 mile jump. How can that be right? For a newbie no less?
If you join a marathon training group for the first time and read this book you will probably find many similarities and enjoy the book.
OR if you HATE running and are running a marathon (which is pure stupidity to me--why torture yourself if you do not like running????) this book would be perfect for you.
For seasoned marathoners you might find the jokes stupid and annoying after awhile..

I have 6-8 weeks left of my pregnancy and started to read this book and bookmark pages for my birth partner, my husband. Reading now, I think this book is very beneficial and will be very useful for us when the time comes to deliver our first baby. It was recommended by my midwife and I am glad I listened to her.

This book is a great resource for anyone about to give birth or attending a birth.
It really goes into detail about "how it works", what can be done to help the mother, what might help alleviate birth discomfort, birth scenarios etc.. Very helpful, either as a supplemental reading for a birth class or as a very good substitute for one. I would definitely recommend you buy this book!

I loved this book I read it cover to cover in less than 3 days I found it very informative and the highlighted pages would be very usefull in the labor and delivery room. I look forward to being able to use it during the actual delivery

This is our first pregnancy, and my husband is honestly more nervous than me! Letting him know what to expect is great for him.

This was one of the best purchases we made in terms of labor and delivery for our first child. Well worth reading for the mom-to-be and anyone else who is going to be involved in the labor and delivery.

This is an excellent book for learning how to avoid and alleviate chronic body pain, including back, neck, and knee pain. Gokhale's methods are based on scientific principles and anthropological studies -- and clearly a lot of research. The book provides a detailed description of ideal posture and gives in-depth instructions on proper techniques for standing, sitting, walking, bending, and sleeping to avoid pain. Exercises and stretches to facilitate the methods are included. The explanations are clear and concise and supplemented with numerous excellent photos and illustrations. I found Gokhale's teachings easy to follow and, most importantly, have been able to easily and consciously incorporate them into my daily life. These methods work! The book is beautifully presented and a joy to read. I highly recommend this book.

This is an amazing and easy to use book that gives the experience of taking a workshop on how to sit, stand, bend sleep and walk correctly. It is beautifully written, has wonderful pictures and is a clear guide to a healthier way of living with your body. It requires some time and motivation but if you have that this book can help you to rethink all your movements. I am a Tai Chi Instructor and an ESL teacher. This book, and I've only had it for two weeks, has changed the way I walk, sit, stand and sleep. I am even changing some basic things in my Tai Chi set. I feel fortunate to have this book. I took one lesson with Esther in person and it helped tremendously, but only because I had studied her book so carefully before I went to see her. My presenting problem is pain in the heel of my right foot. I am very encouraged by all the exercises she presents as well as the new way to walk. Everything that is presented is not strenuous or complicated. It just takes practice. Ester's book provides a great service to modern man.

This was the greatest gift I could every given my self. I am 40 years old, always had back issue and horrible posture. I have bought every kind of pillow and device I could find over the years to help improve my posture and back pain and have heard stand up straight und pull your shoulders back a million times and nothing has helped. This book showed me how to have correct posture very easily with no discomfort and ease. My posture now is almost perfect back pain is little to none, my confidence is at its peak just because I feel normal after all these years. Buy this book!

I purchased this book for my mother who has had problems with back pain for years. She had been to the chiropracter, physical therapist and neurosurgeon with no improvement. After working her way through the book she is markedly improved. Wonderful pictures, easy to follow. I recommend it for all with this problem.

I think the book is based on solid theory, but it is very difficult to explain, even with numerous pictures, the proper postures in a book. This book is based on a hands-on class. It is like reading instructions on how to ride a bicycle.

Outstanding text, very clear. VERY inspirational. Goes into background of material and deep insights into Mindfullness, meditation. Immensely spiritual.

Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness is well worth the time it will take to absorb its pages. When applying these principles to your daily life you will discover the profound effects yoga can have, not just through physical discipline, but mental, emotional, and spiritual effects as well.

This is an excellent book.

-SP. Amherst, MA

this is the third copy i have bought to give to a friend.
i am a yoga and meditation teacher. i also suggest erichs book to my students. i really think you can put all other yoga books aside and i really like many of them, but the way erich writes you can feel the poses.the last chapter on meditation is the very best.
read every word and go out into the world and do every word.
this is the only meditation book you will need. you can relate so simply to his real approach. i think he should publish the meditation chapter on its own.

I am disappointed in this book. I was expecting a book which takes you right into practicing Yoga but the first Chapter is all about the author's youthful years in England and India. Then the next Chapters are on meditation. I got bored and put it down and haven't picked up it since.

This book is definitely for advanced students. My daughter loves it because she is 18 and can more easily twist herself into a pretzel than I could ever dream of. Eric is amazing and if nothing else, I look at this book periodically for the WOW factor and keep dreaming that some day I'll be able to do these postures.