This book goes more in depth with explain exercise, the need for it and the issues faced by older folk. I think it stands apart from other books in a great way. I think it will be a great addition for our library as we have faculty and non-traditional students using our collections.

I have been reading lots of non-fiction books lately, including Fitness After 40 by Vonda Wright, M.D., and pondering what way to review these. I decided sharing what I learnt from reading the book might be the best way to give you an idea whether or not this book is for you. And apart from that, it works as a great reminder for me too!

[book-info]

5 Things I Learnt from Fitness After 40 by Vonda Wright, M.D.

Psst ...I learnt more than 5 things, but these were the most inspirational and valuable to my life.

Getting older does not mean getting weaker

I love the message that no matter how fit or unfit you might have been in your younger years, it's never too late to reinvent yourself. I've had periods in my life where I ran frequent 10Ks, and periods where I slumped like a couch potatoe. But the older I get, the more I realise the exercise is the key for good mental and physical health for me personally. And I take pride from knowing that I'm fitter and healthier in my forties, than I was as a teenage.

40 is a vital decade that makes or breaks the next 30 years of your life

That's a sobering thought. When I picked up this book, I was thinking 40 isn't old. I can train just like I did 10 years ago. And that's true, I can. But it's a vital time to eat well, and challenge myself physically, to ensure I build a strong body for the decades ahead. Such a sobering and motivating thought.

Move, move, move!

We are designed to move; modern-day life is designed to make us sedentary. But the more you move, the more you strengthen your brain, the more you increase your happiness, the more you improve your memory, the more you benefit your body and of course it helps the figure on the scales. Obviously, there is nothing new about all this, but the book reinforces how important movement is.

F.A.C.E your future

After 40, you need to focus on Flexibility, Aerobic Exercise, Carry a Load and Equilibrium/balance. There are eye-opening facts about why each of these are so important. In particular I never thought much about balance, but balance declines after age 25. And, something as simple as balancing on one leg, while brushing your teeth, can help improve your balance. Which will go someway towards preventing falls and injuries in the future.

Creating a mantra gives you a mental edge

It's all too easy to listen to those voices telling you it's ok to quit, to break your diet, to self-sabotage. And sure occasionally treats make up a balanced lifestyle. But constantly giving in won't help you reach your goals. So the book suggest finding a mantra that rings true to you to help you push though. Again this is so simple, but very effective. I chose the mantra "keep on moving forward" and it helps me refocus when I feel like quitting. And "stay strong" also resonates with me and pushes me through hard times. Most of the time!

Overall I found Fitness After 40 by Vonda Wright, M.D. interesting and informative. I followed lots of the exercises, and applied lots of tips to my life. The tone feels a little dry, and humour is on the scarce side. But I followed my manta. I kept moving forward though the book, and discovered it was a worthwhile investment of my time.

Who should read Fitness After 40 by Vonda Wright, M.D.?

I'd recommend Fitness After 40 to you if you are 40 or over, with an interest in fitness, and nutrition, and aging well. Separate chapters focus on each decade, but I just concentrated on what was relevant to me. If you are older, then I'd say there are lots of topics to interest you too.

Thanks to NetGalley and Amacom Books for giving me a copy of this book for review consideration. As always, no matter what the source of the book, you get my honest, unbiased opinion.