Fitness Over 40: A Six-Week Exercise Plan to Build Endurance, Strength, & Flexibility

As we move across to the wrong side of forty age, it is imperative that we make it a habit to do some shape or form of exercise. And this is very critical given today's day and age when most of the jobs are sedentary. So I've been on a lookout for a good guide on how to get fitter by the day through stretching exercises, yoga and weight lifting and of course aerobics. So comes along this book which is awesome as it teaches you methodically what should be done to get fitter. I workout mostly at home so this book is really a perfect companion.It starts with the basics and provides and overview of body changes that one undergoes as you cross 40 or 50 or 60 or 70 or 80. And that is good to read. The reflexes slow down, the muscle percentage reduces and metabolism also slows down among a few changes. What's reassuring after going through the first few chapters of this book is that through exercise and proper dieting most of the age related changes can be reversed and you can march on towards a healthier future.This book very clearly explains the different forms of fitness exercises and then goes into detail of each describing the basic concepts behind them and how all of it aligns or would contribute to your end goal.Though video is a preferred mode to learn about new exercise and their form and technique, this book does its best to explain this very clearly with pictures and written words which make it almost as good as a video.As you progress through the book, you'll eventually reach a stage where a 6 week program has been described along with dietary considerations which is really a great start and something that even reputed trainers are not able to advise. As in you never really get much notes from the trainers and here you have is a good handbook that you can refer to any time to understand and revamp your fitness routine.I've thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and it is highly recommended for those who would like to work out at home to increase their fitness levels.

I’ll tell ya’ what, buy this book even if only for the stretching exercises.I’m over 40, hell, my kids are almost 40. I was very active until a back issue put the kibosh on my exercise routine. I still hike fairly regularly and walk between 15 – 25 miles per week.This book will help you get back into a routine with (mostly) simple exercises many of which, but certainly not all, require no special equipment. For exercises such as rowing and indoor cycling and swimming, if you are a bit beyond 40 you can join any one of several programs for free, or inexpensive, gym membership. Since I am on Medicare, I can join my local LA Fitness for free, as an example, through the “Silver Sneakers” program (depends on your Medicare insurer, but most all participate). AARP has online exercise routines, etc. There are many more options. But, keep in mind that many of the exercises in this book require equipment that you may not have at home. Other things to keep in mind is that they suggest that you, for instance, get a personal trainer. All of a sudden it’s not a simple exercise a bit at home every day method. Note, as well, that the time required to do the routines is in the one-hour range. If you have to drive to a gym, add that to your daily routine.This is why I gave the book 4 stars, it makes it appear easy but, in reality, it is just as time-consuming and reliant on specialized equipment and most other plans. It is also my opinion that achieving the 6-week stage in 6 weeks is a bit aggressive. A good trainer will bring you slowly through the stages; going too fast can get discouraging if you’re trying to do more than you are able to do comfortably.However, as you get a bit older and moldier, two things become more critical in your daily life; balance and flexibility, and this book handles those areas very capably. I am doing the exercises for both, and incorporating some of the others into my routine as I see fit. In 6 weeks I should have improved my balance and improved my flexibility, along with some increased muscle tone and perhaps increased endurance. If I achieve the six-week goal in 12 or 16 weeks, I’m fine with that as well. But, as stated at the beginning of the review, this book is a valuable resource to help you in those two areas, and that alone is worth the price of admission.This review was written by an older guy who used to run marathons, hike technical trails and teach martial arts. If you’re a 40-year-old, ignore this review, the exercises will be very useful. But, the title does say “Over 40” 😊Review of: Fitness Over 40 A Six-Week Exercise Plan to Build Endurance, Strength, & Flexibility

Some nice talk about the aging process and so on, in the first part of the book. Easy enough to read. Then it goes into the exercises which have a few different levels to choose from, including very easy - which was a great place for me to start after being in active for years. Simple enough to understand how to do the routines. Just takes developing a new habit and routine that includes exercise, which is the hardest part for me. Stretching is the best place to start when your completely out of shape and need to develop overall strength and flexibility for all the movements you'll be doing over time. This is taking me way longer than six weeks, but I knew it would and just wanted very easy exercises to follow until I get some body conditioning back.I do wish I could buy a chart to hang on my wall to make it easier to follow step by step.