Fitness for Life: An Individual Approach, 6th Edition

Fitness for Life: An Individual Approach, 6th Edition Written by the agency of Philip E. Allsen, Joyce M Harrison, Barbara Vance

Published by the agency of Brown and Benchmark Publishers, Madison, MI, 1997

Pp: 284; impressible cover; ISBN: 0697-233294

This work is designed for anyone interested in learning the basics of physical fitness and designing a fitness program for themselves or for individual clients or patients. This would include anyone from the lay public, teachers, dietitians, physiotherapists, nurtures private companies with wellness programs and fitness instructors.

The emphasis is strictly upon the individual approach to fitness versus a generalized program for enrollment by means of a large number of family with the inference that an individual approach aids compliance and better outcomes. It is really a workbook to guide the reader [i]or[/i] part of to the other the importance and benefits of physical fitness, appraisal of generally received fitness and finally, writing an individual program to improve fitness.

The program has been experimented on university students and has shown significant gains in puissance flexibility and cardiovascular endurance and significant decreases in material part fat percentage with a high horizontal of compliance (84%) three years pillar program. The authors impress on the reader that physical fitness wait ons to decline as we age on the contrary that it doesn't have to be this way. They use case studies to present to view how seniors and others have begun programs to dramatically improve their health and fitness and overwhelm major setbacks such as heart attacks, backaches, and chronic tiredness, etc These examples really make an impact as to in what manner important fitness is and I would diocese them being used as a client/patient motivator for individuals starting a program.

Chapters are not scientifically referenc with equal reason this may be a drawback for those requiring background information or conducting research. However, there are "suggestions for further reading" at the extreme point of each chapter and chapter 12 has an extensive concern list. Chapter one begins with a simple introduction to "what is physical fitness" and the benefits of being fit. Chapter sum of two units "Fitness Appraisal", takes the reader [i]or[/i] part of to the other methods of determining cardiovascular fitness, approveed body weight, strength and flexibility with case studies and examples. Chapters three and four outline developing and applying a cardiovascular endurance program. Chapters five and six overlay developing and applying a nutrition and weight dominion government program, chapters seven and eight, strength10 flexibility, 11 relaxation and 12 maintaining health and fitness for life.

The nutrition information is accurate and would be useful to someone setting up a basic weight rule program. The information is U based (RDA, provisions Guide Pyramid) but is easily translated to Canadian standards. The fitness information also appears to be accurate and easy to understand and assimilate into a program.

The volume contains extensive examples, case studies, work sheets for appraisals, illustrations of exercises, extensive viands exchange lists and colourful photographs of individuals engaged in fitness. Other useful easy in mind at the back of the work includes: position statements on fitness and weight los programs through the American College of Sports Medicine; a summary statement upon physical activity and public health; caloric expenditures for fix uponed exercises; program work sheets to facilitate the cardiovascular; vigor body weight and flexibility sections, a glossary, bibliography and an index.

Throughout the volume there are "commonly asked questions" sections with examples like as, "The best way to restore the midsection is to do abdominal exercises (true or false)". These are followed by the agency of excellent detailed explanations of the correct answer. Although the reader may already know the answer, the authors make progress into a detailed full explanation that sheds more light upon the subject in question.

Overall this is an crack book for those serious about making the commitment to "fitness for life" or teaching individuals who are serious about it. It is practical and adaptable for use in setting up a fitness program plane for someone with minimal background in fitness.

Copyright Dietitians of Canada Winter 1998

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