4.34

2

May 07, 2011

I got this book from the library because Neil Gaiman said that Younger Next Year was recommended to him when he started a program to improve his health. He dropped a bunch of weight from his body and a bunch of years from his overall appearance in a relatively short time, so I thought I'd check this book out.

There were few good things in it and I will share them with you right here to save you from having to read this book:

1) Work out for at least 40 minutes a day, six days a week. Make a couple I got this book from the library because Neil Gaiman said that Younger Next Year was recommended to him when he started a program to improve his health. He dropped a bunch of weight from his body and a bunch of years from his overall appearance in a relatively short time, so I thought I'd check this book out.

There were few good things in it and I will share them with you right here to save you from having to read this book:

1) Work out for at least 40 minutes a day, six days a week. Make a couple of those days consist of strength training.

2) Buy a heart-rate monitor to make sure you're working aerobically.

3) Get a good circle of friends.

That's it. The authors also really, really want you to join a gym. They say that you can't get healthy unless you do. I didn't put that in my list above because I don't think that's a "good thing." I don't think that joining a gym is necessary to be in shape.

Overall, I hated the book. It's geared towards women 50 and older and I am not quite in that age range yet. Maybe there is a generation gap happening, because the "patient" sounded like Wilfred Brimley to me. I know a lot of people think Wilfred Brimley is cute and funny, but, he's like nails on a chalkboard to me.

I found it tedious to wade through the pages describing his cycling, spinning and skiing workouts. And, I was irritated by his use of "piggy" to describe overweight people, sometimes calling them "big, fat piggies." I hadn't read Younger Next Year, so I don't know whether he uses that description for men, too, or whether it was only reserved for overweight women. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt here and believing that those terms were in the other book as well. But, I actually cringed and groaned when he wrote, "Draw a picture in your head...that being a big fat girl is just out of the question." I had to stop reading the book for a while after that, it bothered me so much. I could go on and on about how using derogatory words for people's bodies isn't going to shame them into changing their lifestyles. It does nothing but make people feel bad about themselves and that tends to lead to self-destruction rather than self-improvement. But, really, the authors should know that, shouldn't they?

The rest of us are just getting to a place where different sizes, colors and shapes are being appreciated and we realize that we don't all have to fit the 5'0, 100lb standard to be attractive, right? There's a difference between being obese and being healthy and strong. But using words like "piggy" and "big fat girl" are taking us back 50 years, aren't they?

It is a book that, supposedly, is written for women. But, it's written by two men. It doesn't fly. At all. ...more

2

Dec 23, 2015

This book has some good information about exercise and health, but the writing is so poor and bloated that I can't give it a higher rating.

The gist is that exercise can slow down deterioration of the body, and if you want to be healthy in your senior years, a fitness routine is key. Women should be exercising six days a week, between 45 and 60 minutes a day. Four of those days should be a more intense aerobic exercise. Women should also do strength training (as in, lift weights) two days a This book has some good information about exercise and health, but the writing is so poor and bloated that I can't give it a higher rating.

The gist is that exercise can slow down deterioration of the body, and if you want to be healthy in your senior years, a fitness routine is key. Women should be exercising six days a week, between 45 and 60 minutes a day. Four of those days should be a more intense aerobic exercise. Women should also do strength training (as in, lift weights) two days a week.

The writers also recommend getting a heart rate monitor to check the intensity of your workouts, avoiding junk food, and keeping up your social connections as you age. It's good advice, but this book will require a lot of skimming. ...more

5

Dec 16, 2007

I LOVE this book! Although it's geared to 'older' women, I believe it is good advice for women of all ages. In order to take charge of our bodies, the authors stress throughout the book the importance of good, hard exercise six days a week for at least 45 minutes. They also believe that we should take charge of our lives by caring, connection with others, and commitment. In other words, get involved and live life! I believe these are habits that can be practiced and developed at any age, and the I LOVE this book! Although it's geared to 'older' women, I believe it is good advice for women of all ages. In order to take charge of our bodies, the authors stress throughout the book the importance of good, hard exercise six days a week for at least 45 minutes. They also believe that we should take charge of our lives by caring, connection with others, and commitment. In other words, get involved and live life! I believe these are habits that can be practiced and developed at any age, and the sooner the better. It seems that active, involved 'young' women will naturally stay young if they continue this lifestyle in their later years. For those of us who haven't made daily exercise a habit yet and who need guidance and a push to get more involved with people, this book is an excellent source for information and motivation. "Growth or decay" is the choice we are faced with daily as we get older. This book explains that 'decay' is optional and that we can choose to 'grow' and get stronger, healthier and 'younger' instead. ...more

2

Jan 24, 2011

This book was loaned to me to read by my family doctor. He said he'd bought multiple copies and was lending them to all his older female patients...the first book he'd read about aging that he felt was worth sharing. I can't say I agree with him. The style of the book was very off-putting for me. I hate the "rah-rah" approach to almost everything except a soccer game. I avoid self-help books and programs on PBS like the plague. I'm annoyed by these people who claim to have "the answer" for This book was loaned to me to read by my family doctor. He said he'd bought multiple copies and was lending them to all his older female patients...the first book he'd read about aging that he felt was worth sharing. I can't say I agree with him. The style of the book was very off-putting for me. I hate the "rah-rah" approach to almost everything except a soccer game. I avoid self-help books and programs on PBS like the plague. I'm annoyed by these people who claim to have "the answer" for anything that ails the human race. This book sounded as if it were written by a reformed smoker, a born-again Christian, someone who's suddenly "seen the light" and has to make sure he convinces everyone else to do the same.
Basically the book claims that if you exercise enough and eat healthy foods you'll be able to age gracefully and in good health, then burn out suddenly and die at a very advanced age. I have no argument with the need for exercise and plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables...it's the approach taken in the book that annoys me. The insistence that you absolutely must have a heart monitor, a personal trainer, join a gym, participate fully in either biking, skiing, rowing, swimming, etc. If all of that were true, I wouldn't know so many people in their 80's living full, active lives, none of whom do any of those things. The focus on trainers, on skiing, on biking trips to Europe, and so on also make it a rich woman's book. My doctor, of course, enjoys skiing and can afford to travel regularly to Colorado to pursue his favorite sport.
I haven't the least intention of buying a monitor, taking up biking or skiing, and I'm certainly not going to hire a personal trainer or join a gym. I will continue working on our farm through the growing season, take long walks in our neighborhood, and this year I've purchased a summer outdoor pool membership so that I can return to swimming. My husband and I love fresh fruits and vegetables and have cut back on meat consumption. We are both in our mid-60's and in good health, and without following the prescription in this book I think we can stay that way for years to come.
The doctor asked me to pass the book on, which I will do this week. It will be interesting to hear what some other woman thinks after reading it. ...more

5

Nov 16, 2011

One day when I was in my twenties and my mother was in her forties a man from our chavura sat down next to me and waved toward my mother, who was surrounded by friends she was chatting with. "Quite a good looking woman, your mother," he said. She was, I supposed. Depressingly more attractive than her twenty something daughter. I probably took after my father or perhaps my grandmother on my father's side, I thought.

That moment stayed with me and as my mother got older and continued with her One day when I was in my twenties and my mother was in her forties a man from our chavura sat down next to me and waved toward my mother, who was surrounded by friends she was chatting with. "Quite a good looking woman, your mother," he said. She was, I supposed. Depressingly more attractive than her twenty something daughter. I probably took after my father or perhaps my grandmother on my father's side, I thought.

That moment stayed with me and as my mother got older and continued with her prodigious social life, her exercise, and her constant attempts to get my father to eat right. (In one of the oddest and yet inspirational moments, my mother got her PI license at retirement.) As I began to see other people age badly and die too young, I started to hope that I'd inherited my mother's vigorous aging genes. (People her age and younger still point her out to me as an attractive and vital woman.)

Until I read this book I thought it was the luck of the draw. Since reading it I now know that my mother simply did everything right. We've all inherited the right genes to age well. The question is not what our genes are saying to our body, but what we are telling our body about our environment through our actions. Is it winter in our soul and time for decay? Or is it the eternal springtime my mother lives in? We choose.

The book covers such obvious concepts as exercise, eat right, surround yourself with people and pursue a passion but it explains why these things matter. It explains how our bodies with the ancient instructions they've inherited interact with the very artificial environment we now live in and how we can convince our bodies to age better. We can be younger next year, which is a pleasure.

There are two authors: a doctor (who explains the science) and his "demo model" who fills the book with lively stories illustrating the concept. The book is both heart-warming and helpful. I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone who wants to live a good life.


I've thought of recommending this book to my mother, but seriously, what would be the point? She's already doing these things.

...more

5

Mar 21, 2012

This is my favorite health and fitness book of all time. When Younger Next Year was first published it was meant for both men and women. The book was so successful that the authors wrote a second book geared to women. If your husband needs a little nudging to help him get fit, buy him the co-ed book. A girl friend of mine read the book aloud to her husband as the two drove to the city on a daily commute. Subsequently, her husband joined a gym and now he's working out a couple of times a week This is my favorite health and fitness book of all time. When Younger Next Year was first published it was meant for both men and women. The book was so successful that the authors wrote a second book geared to women. If your husband needs a little nudging to help him get fit, buy him the co-ed book. A girl friend of mine read the book aloud to her husband as the two drove to the city on a daily commute. Subsequently, her husband joined a gym and now he's working out a couple of times a week lifting weights and on weekends he goes bike riding or hiking. The authors recommend aerobic exercise four times a week and strength-training twice a week, but my friend's husband made a huge improvement after reading this book.
Younger Next Year is so inspiring that when you read it you will want to put on your runners and either start sprinting or go out for a sprightly walk! The subtitle of the book is 'Live Strong, Fit, and Sexy-- Until You're Eighty and Beyond'. It's written by a doctor who explains why you'll become younger (I'm not kidding!) and a lawyer who's so funny he'll make you laugh out loud. Two subtitles inside the book are 'You do have to age, but you don't have to rot' and 'Don't eat crap.' My personal trainer adores this book. She buys the book by the caseload so she can present the book to all her clients to keep them motivated.
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1

Jun 23, 2011

I didn't like this book at all. It's basically 12 CD's of alternating narrators (a doctor and a patient)telling you to exercise 6 days a week for the rest of your life...over and over and over and over and over. Can you say ad nauseum? Also, did I mention that it's two MALE narrators? I don't care how enlightened and/or educated that they think they are, they are NOT WOMEN. Maybe it's sexist of me to think that they can't comment on a woman's experience of aging in any meaningful (to me)way, but I didn't like this book at all. It's basically 12 CD's of alternating narrators (a doctor and a patient)telling you to exercise 6 days a week for the rest of your life...over and over and over and over and over. Can you say ad nauseum? Also, did I mention that it's two MALE narrators? I don't care how enlightened and/or educated that they think they are, they are NOT WOMEN. Maybe it's sexist of me to think that they can't comment on a woman's experience of aging in any meaningful (to me)way, but I think that since I also believe that I can't fully appreciate a man's experience of aging, it balances out. Of course, men and women can catch glimpses of what it might feel like for the opposite sex, we don't truly know...but I digress. The doctor-written chapters are awful, so dry and dull that you can probably hear the pages crackling in the print version of the book. The patient-written chapters are a little more lively, but the subject is just as annoying. Exercise 6 days a week for the rest of your life. Oh, and did they mention to exercise 6 days a week for the rest of your life?
Mostly I just think that this book could have been written in one paragraph in, say, a magazine article with different philosophies on aging. Instead, they turned it into a book to ride on the coattails of the "male" version, "Younger Next Year" (sans the 'For Women'). Skip this one. ...more

3

Oct 27, 2012

My mom gave me "Younger Next Year for Women: Live Strong, Fit, and Sexy - Until You're 80 and Beyond" at my last birthday. It's written by a doctor, Henry Lodge, and Chris Crowley, an energetic guy in his 70s. These two previously wrote a "Younger Next Year" book focused on men. I've been reading the book little by little over the past year.

Basically, here is almost 400 pages condensed into what you really need to know:

Exercise 6 days a week for the rest of your life
Do serious aerobic exercise My mom gave me "Younger Next Year for Women: Live Strong, Fit, and Sexy - Until You're 80 and Beyond" at my last birthday. It's written by a doctor, Henry Lodge, and Chris Crowley, an energetic guy in his 70s. These two previously wrote a "Younger Next Year" book focused on men. I've been reading the book little by little over the past year.

Basically, here is almost 400 pages condensed into what you really need to know:

Exercise 6 days a week for the rest of your life
Do serious aerobic exercise 4 days a week for the rest of your life
Do serious strength training with weights for 2 days a week for the rest of your life
Spend less than you make
Quit eating junk food
Care
Connect and commit

There! Now you, too, can be younger next year.

I liked the book overall; it didn't really present anything I didn't know, but was a good reminder to do what we all know we need to but often resist doing, either for laziness or whatever reason. I found Crowley's tone a bit annoying (referring to one's husband generically as "old Fred," throwing in the rah-rah 'damn, girl!' type comment often, etc). Others may find it cute/motivating. ...more

4

Mar 28, 2011

AGING STARTS AT 30!! Everyone who is 30 or more should read this book or the original one, Younger Next Year. It really probably doesn't matter which one, the science and the recommendations are basically all the same. The for Women one just has a little more about women's health issues "more women die of heart disease each year than of all cancers combined ... two thirds of strokes happen in women." But the good news is that you DON'T have to age in the way we think about it, or as the authors AGING STARTS AT 30!! Everyone who is 30 or more should read this book or the original one, Younger Next Year. It really probably doesn't matter which one, the science and the recommendations are basically all the same. The for Women one just has a little more about women's health issues "more women die of heart disease each year than of all cancers combined ... two thirds of strokes happen in women." But the good news is that you DON'T have to age in the way we think about it, or as the authors say, you have to get old, but you don't have to decay. There is a lot of great stuff about the science of aging and the science of exercise, what is happening at the cellular/ hormonal/ blood stream/ brain level. I had already figured out for myself pretty much everything they are saying about how to live to avoid decay (one hour a day, six days a week of hard exercise, eat low glycemic index, high fiber, complex carbs and no saturated fats). But this makes it way more motivating, once you understand what all the benefits of it are, what it does for you and what happens if you don't follow these recommendations. I'm doing a lot better these days on all of it. ...more

3

Apr 30, 2012

I enjoyed the audio version of this book. The balance between both narrators was good--not too much fluff, not too much hard science. The basic premise of the book is simple--you're either growing/building your body or you're rotting. Simple to understand, tough to do, especially if you're still in the busy mom stage as I am. But it was a good wake up call that there is no time where you can sit back and take it easy.

So even though I'm in good shape "for my age" (46), this book made me realize I I enjoyed the audio version of this book. The balance between both narrators was good--not too much fluff, not too much hard science. The basic premise of the book is simple--you're either growing/building your body or you're rotting. Simple to understand, tough to do, especially if you're still in the busy mom stage as I am. But it was a good wake up call that there is no time where you can sit back and take it easy.

So even though I'm in good shape "for my age" (46), this book made me realize I need to do more--a lot more. Three days a week of aerobic exercise isn't going to cut it. I need to do at least 4 days of aerobic exercise and 2 days of strength training. Okay, okay. I also now understand the need for a heart monitor. Okay, okay.

But if anyone is hesitant about this book, they need to do nothing more than google the names of the authors and look for images. Yes, most of the pix are promotional for their books, but these guys are in tremendous shape and don't look anything like what you expect for their chronological age. They're living the dream.

Honestly, I'm just glad I discovered this book and have the ability to fully implement its recommendations. ...more

3

May 04, 2012

Overall I was very excited to learn how I can take better care of my body in the future and present by reading this book. However, some parts very annoying and blatantly sexist and classist. I was offended too in different parts. What the author suggests shopping as a "physical activity" is annoying,. And, whenever they talk about old fred---not only because not all women/womyn want to be with a man but talking about him like old fred makes him seem like a piece of furniture in her life Overall I was very excited to learn how I can take better care of my body in the future and present by reading this book. However, some parts very annoying and blatantly sexist and classist. I was offended too in different parts. What the author suggests shopping as a "physical activity" is annoying,. And, whenever they talk about old fred---not only because not all women/womyn want to be with a man but talking about him like old fred makes him seem like a piece of furniture in her life completly uninterested in her or her well being-- which is how no partner should be! And when ever he suggests activities to work out its always Canoeing, kayaking, "shopping" in one instance, skiiing etc... what kind of ever day person does this stuff or has access to them? THese are expensive sports! Sure you and Time go skiing and I can come over and snowboard, but the majority of ppl do no do or have access to these types of sports. Jeez! But, there is some really valuable information in here about exercising and how good it is for our bodies. It's so good!
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3

Jul 29, 2010

Good:

I am now exercising at least six days per week as a result of this book.

I have a real incentive to be more social.

Alternating chapters of personal narrative and science explanations makes the read less dull.

Not so good:

Scanning paragraphs at a time because they repeat their themes so often, and with the same words.

The tone is fear-inducing sometimes. Do this, or THAT will happen. You won't be able to walk, you will get fat, you will die, etc.

Verdict:

A book that I would borrow, but not Good:

I am now exercising at least six days per week as a result of this book.

I have a real incentive to be more social.

Alternating chapters of personal narrative and science explanations makes the read less dull.

Not so good:

Scanning paragraphs at a time because they repeat their themes so often, and with the same words.

The tone is fear-inducing sometimes. Do this, or THAT will happen. You won't be able to walk, you will get fat, you will die, etc.

Verdict:

A book that I would borrow, but not buy. I would recommend this book to people my age, and those much older (the book is designed for 40-50 year olds). ...more

4

Nov 11, 2017

This book and its companion volume for men, Younger Next Year: A Guide to Living Like 50 Until You're 80 and Beyond, are likely to be the only fitness books you ever see on my GR shelves. I don't read many fitness books because they usually bore me. Though I was a gym addict in my youth, that was mainly a result of living in NYC where working out was best done in the confines of a safe and clean gym, for women only. Nowadays, I like to get my exercise by playing outdoors with my husband: long This book and its companion volume for men, Younger Next Year: A Guide to Living Like 50 Until You're 80 and Beyond, are likely to be the only fitness books you ever see on my GR shelves. I don't read many fitness books because they usually bore me. Though I was a gym addict in my youth, that was mainly a result of living in NYC where working out was best done in the confines of a safe and clean gym, for women only. Nowadays, I like to get my exercise by playing outdoors with my husband: long walks, hikes in the hills, bike rides, and swimming in lakes and rivers wherever we ramble across them.

I like this book though because, firstly, the approach is sensible (though requires a firm commitment time-wise, as it should). Secondly, the author advising on all matters medical is a well-respected New York internist who knows his field and who is genuinely committed to helping people age better and avoid falling into a slag heap before their time. So, my favourite bits of the book are those written by Henry rather than Chris.

Chris is not a doctor but a patient himself who has benefited enormously from Henry's advice and care. Chris is charming and funny but, really, given that this book is for women, a woman's voice would have been very much welcomed by me. Chris's bit was already covered by the first book, Younger Next Year: A Guide to Living Like 50 Until You're 80 and Beyond, which I read first because my friend recommended it and the one for women had not yet come out. I highly recommend this to anyone who is human and can read, but most especially, if you are over forty and hoping to be fit and active for many decades to come. ...more

5

Jan 18, 2009

Life-improving book emphasizing the importance of taking care of ourselves as we get older. The authors' rules about various types of hard exercise, sharing and caring, not eating "crap", and spending less than you make are sensible and something I've always known, but they really came together for me here. Highly recommended!!

5

Jan 26, 2013

This book changed my life. I am working out every day- Zumba, the bike, weights! It was hard for me to read so I got it in audio form and listen to it while I cook, or do my taxes... in other words small doses works best. I plan on being younger next year!

2

Jul 19, 2009

You will find a cogent argument for 6-days-a-week exercise and the reason to eat small amounts of nutritious food rather than feasting, but I am glad I was reading a library book. I would not want to buy this as a motivational book or a reference book; the older author uses offensive language and refers to overweight women as "piggies." The nutrition and exercise rationales could be explained in fewer chapters.

3

Mar 03, 2010

Two authors, one is a folksy good old boy in his 60's or 70's the other is a doctor (I like the doctor chapters the best).

This book is written to the 50+ crowd but it applies to anyone over 35. Actually under 35 too. His basic premise is that you will age, but you don't have to decay. How do you stop decay? 60 minutes of hard sweaty exercise a day. He also talks a lot about lifestyle and how to keep yourself young through social interaction. There is one for men too and I think it would be a Two authors, one is a folksy good old boy in his 60's or 70's the other is a doctor (I like the doctor chapters the best).

This book is written to the 50+ crowd but it applies to anyone over 35. Actually under 35 too. His basic premise is that you will age, but you don't have to decay. How do you stop decay? 60 minutes of hard sweaty exercise a day. He also talks a lot about lifestyle and how to keep yourself young through social interaction. There is one for men too and I think it would be a great audio book for my man.

...more

5

Mar 05, 2009

Excellent guide to living life to the fullest by taking care of your metal and physical health. Written by a doctor and his patient. The doctor gives you all the medical reasons to keep yourself young in language that won't bore you while Chris Crowly pumps you up and out of your seat. Excellent guiding to keeping your physical and mental age much younger than your actual years. I bought over 20 copies of this book when it came out and gave them away for Christmas to my friends and co-workers. I Excellent guide to living life to the fullest by taking care of your metal and physical health. Written by a doctor and his patient. The doctor gives you all the medical reasons to keep yourself young in language that won't bore you while Chris Crowly pumps you up and out of your seat. Excellent guiding to keeping your physical and mental age much younger than your actual years. I bought over 20 copies of this book when it came out and gave them away for Christmas to my friends and co-workers. I will reread this book every year. ...more

5

Nov 18, 2009

If you had told me I would ever give five stars to a HEALTH book, I'd have told you you were crazy. Who knew a book about getting and staying fit and active could be so funny, so compelling, so motivating, and so readable! The two authors are a fit man in his seventies with a great sense of humor and a non-nonsense approach to things. His voice alternates with that of Dr. Lodge, an internist/gerontologist who provides easy-to-understand biology and physiology to go along with it.

Perhaps the most If you had told me I would ever give five stars to a HEALTH book, I'd have told you you were crazy. Who knew a book about getting and staying fit and active could be so funny, so compelling, so motivating, and so readable! The two authors are a fit man in his seventies with a great sense of humor and a non-nonsense approach to things. His voice alternates with that of Dr. Lodge, an internist/gerontologist who provides easy-to-understand biology and physiology to go along with it.

Perhaps the most interesting part was the role of non-physical things in our well-being: staying connected with others, finding something to be passionate about, etc. Very interesting stuff.

Their first book was for men, and I'm going to order it for Johnny. ...more

2

Feb 26, 2019

This book changed my perspective and will probably help me keep my daily workout plan for as long as I'm able. I learned some scientific things about aging and the human body and some practical tips. Why only two stars? I was really irritated by the non-doctor author's attitude toward overweight women. I think the word "piggy" was used. He also seemed obsessed with looking at women (join a gym where there are attractive people to look at) and it was offputting. I guess the book was written a few This book changed my perspective and will probably help me keep my daily workout plan for as long as I'm able. I learned some scientific things about aging and the human body and some practical tips. Why only two stars? I was really irritated by the non-doctor author's attitude toward overweight women. I think the word "piggy" was used. He also seemed obsessed with looking at women (join a gym where there are attractive people to look at) and it was offputting. I guess the book was written a few years ago, but still. The good stuff gets overshadowed by these sexist attitudes. A female co-author would have been a better strategy. I also don't think you need to join a gym to be fit, and he does strength training a disservice by calling it a drudgery. If you want to stay alive for a long time and want those years to be healthy, it is worth a read if you can ignore the asinine parts.

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4

Jul 19, 2009

Younger Next Year for Women is written by a doctor (Henry Lodge) and his patient (Chris Crowley). I found this book to be an easy read, very informative and I recommend it to anyone who is worried that the second half of our lives might not be as fun and rich as the first half (and guys - there is a version for men if you want to avoid topics like hot flashes). From this book I learned that the gradual decay that our society associates with aging - osteoporosis, stiffness, arthritis, dementia, Younger Next Year for Women is written by a doctor (Henry Lodge) and his patient (Chris Crowley). I found this book to be an easy read, very informative and I recommend it to anyone who is worried that the second half of our lives might not be as fun and rich as the first half (and guys - there is a version for men if you want to avoid topics like hot flashes). From this book I learned that the gradual decay that our society associates with aging - osteoporosis, stiffness, arthritis, dementia, etc - is NOT inevitable. As hunter/gatherers, our bodies were not designed to sit behind a desk and eat chocolate chip cookies. We need to exercise - ok here is the hard part - at least 6 times a week. Now this isn't new information, but Dr. Lodge presented enough explanation on how our bodies work, and the consequences of not exercising, to convince me to change my habits. I have been recommending this book to my family and friends - don't delay or decay! Read this book!
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5

May 17, 2008

I may have intuitively known some of the things in this book, but I clearly did not take it far enough. Every woman over the age of 50, every woman is who retired, every woman who can find the time (at least 2 hours a day) for that matter, should read this book. I am working on Rules 1, 5 and 7 at the moment. So far I am only up to long, slow exercise consisting of walking 5 miles per day 5 days per week with 30 minutes of Pilates as a warm-up each day. As suggested, I am trying to treat I may have intuitively known some of the things in this book, but I clearly did not take it far enough. Every woman over the age of 50, every woman is who retired, every woman who can find the time (at least 2 hours a day) for that matter, should read this book. I am working on Rules 1, 5 and 7 at the moment. So far I am only up to long, slow exercise consisting of walking 5 miles per day 5 days per week with 30 minutes of Pilates as a warm-up each day. As suggested, I am trying to treat exercise like work. Unfortunately I only worked five days a week (actually 4 10-hour days) so I am having trouble getting that sixth day of exercise. I am also working on getting rid of the crap in my diet. After three weeks, I have lost 5 pounds, a bonus if there ever was one. Hopefully next week will be my 30 mile week, the weight will continue to come off, and I will be as successful at eating right. Finding something to commit to I will have to think about. 3 out of 4 of my children and my grandchildren may be halfway across the country, but my husband, my children, and my grandchildren will always be my first priority. Maybe I'll look into Habitat for Humanity, a project I have long wanted to get involved with. Or maybe I'll find somewhere that wants web programming on a part-time basis. Or maybe I'll get back to writing. Clearly still thinking about this one. Congratulations to Harry and Chris for affecting so many lives in a positive way. Next step is the heart rate monitor. (I promise.) ...more

3

Sep 19, 2015

I was torn on this book. I can see both sides of the opinion scale on this one. On one hand, it's very inspiring and has a lot of truth to it. I can see myself reading it again in the future to get inspired. It's also funny and entertaining. I like the two personalities that co-wrote the book and how they feed off of each other. But, on the other hand, I can definitely see the criticisms of this as well. While it holds many facts, it's also daunting in it's main theme of exercise, exercise, I was torn on this book. I can see both sides of the opinion scale on this one. On one hand, it's very inspiring and has a lot of truth to it. I can see myself reading it again in the future to get inspired. It's also funny and entertaining. I like the two personalities that co-wrote the book and how they feed off of each other. But, on the other hand, I can definitely see the criticisms of this as well. While it holds many facts, it's also daunting in it's main theme of exercise, exercise, exercise. Running, moving, walking, climbing - whatever, the idea is if you never stop moving, you'll live longer. In so many ways this is true, but not an easy feat. Depending on your lifestyle, if you have the time to make exercise your main priority, then yes, this will work for you. Otherwise it gets hopeless quickly. My brother, a married man in his 40's with all children out of his house has plenty of time to focus his life on being healthy. However, me, a homeschooling mom of three, very involved in church and in charge of other programs, has very little time to work this into her schedule. I did it for the last half a year though. I changed my lifestyle, made new priorities, and lost 30 lbs. All the while, getting more and more depressed and stressed out trying to figure out how to balance time with my children, husband, friends, church, and those in need. Something needed to give. So, overall, this book definitely has value. It's well written and more entertaining than other health books I've read, and it has some really good messages. However, for those who can't exercise everyday, this book might depress. For me, I'm working on finding a happy medium - a middle ground where there is balance in all areas of my life, and a peace that pervades, so I can enjoy my family and my life more. ...more

5

Jun 24, 2015

Growth and decay - that is a phrase that has stuck with me throughout this book. That and the description of my arteries looking like a bubbling cheese pizza inside - not exactly a pleasant image to think of. I was given this book about 5 years ago, when I turned 40, from a friend that at that time was approaching her 50th. Back then, I couldn't get thru half of the book. I felt like it didn't apply, or something. For whatever reason, I picked it up again recently from my bookshelf and began Growth and decay - that is a phrase that has stuck with me throughout this book. That and the description of my arteries looking like a bubbling cheese pizza inside - not exactly a pleasant image to think of. I was given this book about 5 years ago, when I turned 40, from a friend that at that time was approaching her 50th. Back then, I couldn't get thru half of the book. I felt like it didn't apply, or something. For whatever reason, I picked it up again recently from my bookshelf and began reading from the beginning. Well, let me tell you, I was hooked. I am now 45, and I really needed a wake-up call. I've put on 15-20 pounds I don't want, always claiming that I'm trying to lose 10 pounds. Well, the time has come and I want to look younger next year, and fit and fabulous. And I'm on my way. I'm working out 6 days a week, I've kicked crappy food out of my plan, bought a great Polar heart rate monitor, and work out 2x week with a trainer for strength training. I am loving the results. Since I sit at my desk for 8+ hours a day, I hated what I was becoming. Now, I have more energy, want to try new workouts, and even workout doing cardio with my husband a few nights a week. The advice from Chris and Harry is hard to hear, but I needed it. Very straightforward and with fun anecdotes thrown in. I really enjoyed this book and I plan to go back and read sections again. I highly recommend! ...more

3

Dec 13, 2013

Pros: I recognized the gentleman reading the part of "Chris" from another book on tape. He was better suited to this role, I think. I appreciated his 'get over it' attitude of encouragement. He fully recognized and affirmed the fear, hesitancy, and trepidation a woman like myself feels in entering a gym and walking among the fit, fabulous, and decked out. He could be a bit crass at times, but overall I enjoyed the time I spent with him. (That's how it feels when listening to a book on tape piece Pros: I recognized the gentleman reading the part of "Chris" from another book on tape. He was better suited to this role, I think. I appreciated his 'get over it' attitude of encouragement. He fully recognized and affirmed the fear, hesitancy, and trepidation a woman like myself feels in entering a gym and walking among the fit, fabulous, and decked out. He could be a bit crass at times, but overall I enjoyed the time I spent with him. (That's how it feels when listening to a book on tape piece of non-fiction.)

Cons: Harry (and a bit of Chris) drove me nuts with his constant, repetitive, drenching of references to evolution and Darwinian assertions. Eventually, I just forwarded the tape every time he made mention of either. Result: I would up listening to him very little.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you're 50 or older and need a boost in the behind to get you moving for longer life, better health, and validation that you can and should take solid positive steps to changes for a younger you. Not artificially young, but an all-around stronger and more secure you. ...more