Every Wednesday, Gretchen Reynolds single-handedly influences how millions of Americans work out. In her Phys Ed column for the New York Times, she debunks myths, spurs conversation, and creates arguments among her readers by questioning widely held beliefs about exercise.
Expanding upon her popular columns, Reynolds tackles the questions we all have and (sometimes) ask about exercise. Consulting experts in physiology, biology, psychology, neurology, and sports, she uncovers how often we should exercise, how long workouts should be, how to avoid injury, and how to find the right form, routine, and equipment for our goals.
She also reveals some surprising answers like:
- Twenty minutes of cardio at a time is enough to obtain maximum health benefits (and in some cases, just six minutes is all you need).
- Stretching before a workout is counterproductive (it's better to just start easy, i.e., walk before you run).
- Core strength is nice but not necessary (a six-pack looks great but actually has little bearing on performance).
- Walking improves your memory; housecleaning improves your mood (the brain is like a muscle--it likes to exercise).
- Chocolate milk is better than Gatorade for recovery (providing the best sports nutrition is often the simplest).
Drawing on scientific expertise as well as her own athletic experiences, Gretchen Reynolds will help you find the right workout for your body, age, fitness, and goals. Whether your desire is to be fit for the rest of your life, to look great in a smaller dress size, or to run your third marathon in Boston, The First 20 Minutes will make your workouts work for you.
About the Author :
Gretchen Reynolds escribe la columna Phys Ed para The New York Times. Periodista galardonada con varios reconocimientos, sus textos han aparecido en The New York Times Magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine, AARP Magazine, Popular Science y Outside, entre otras publicaciones. Vive en Santa Fe, Nuevo México.
Karen Saltus has narrated television and radio commercials, audiobooks, textbooks, multimedia, film, and voice prompts for interactive telephone applications. She began her career thirty years ago at a radio station in Portland, Maine. She later became a creative director for a station in Massachussetts. In 1994 she became a full-time freelance voice-over talent.
Review :
"The First 20 Minutes is packed with interesting tips and insights. Pickle juice for cramps, who would have ever thought! Gretchen Reynolds once again delivers a winner."
-- "Dean Karnazes, New York Times bestselling author of Ultramarathon Man"
"Armed with the information in this book, readers will be inspired and motivated to reassess their habitual exercise programs and make positive changes."
-- "Publishers Weekly "
"Solid advice with motivational oomph to get you up and running."
-- "Kirkus Reviews"
"There has never been a better time in history to grow stronger, faster, and smarter; there has never been a more helpful book than Gretchen Reynolds's The First 20 Minutes. Smart, clear, and beautifully useful, this is the new fitness bible for the modern age."
-- "Dan Coyle author of The Talent Code and Lance Armstrong's War"
