I appreciated the author's realism. The aches, pains, and limitations are discussed in a sensible way, yet the tone remains encouraging and could reduce a reader's fears and worries about exercise. The section on joint replacements is particularly important and reflective of the experiences of an increasing number of people in the U.S. This title would be a good fit for our campus wellness program, and should be of interest to our general readers and health sciences students.

I really enjoyed Dr. Wright's book - I hadn't known about it previously (strange enough) and to read through her advice, the scientific breakdown and view the graphs, tables and figures backing up the information proved very beneficial.

I really didn't expect too much out of this book, and boy, did it over-deliver! As a fitness professional I am often amazed at how little new information is included in most of the books and articles about fitness.

Seriously, look at a Self, Shape, or Health Magazine from 20 years ago against one from today, and you will amused and horrified at the similarities.

But Vonda Wright pulls out all of the latest research for Fitness After 40. And all of it seems to point to the same thing - to age well we need to be as physically active and mobile as possible.

Joseph Pilates once said that we are only as old as our spines. If our spines are mobile and stable, working with us and for us as much as possible, we are young! Wright agrees, but focuses on the spine and the muscles/fascia. If we keep our tissue strong and healthy, we are strong and healthy.

A great guide to staying young, fit, and healthy after age 40. Includes both practical guides, with workout plans, and the research to back everything up.

In this second edition, revised for 2015, author Wright updates several sections (especially adding new exercises and plans as well as better nutritional information) but essentially keeps a large portion of the original version intact. At heart is her system, nicknamed "FACE": Flexibility, Aerobic exercise, Carry a load, Equilibrium/balance. There is a strong emphasis on running and her perspective seems to come more from people who were fit once than were never fit ever in their life. But on the whole, the book is comprehensive and easy to use.

Among the topics covered are: new science of aging, fitness beyond 40, moving to be stronger/smarter/happier, a six week jumps start to mobility plan (20 minutes at day), maximizing performance while minimizing injury, hip replacement issues, guide to smart nutrition, creating a positive mindset, and choosing the right fitness shoes. She's also included further resources and references.

Her exercise programs come in 'bricks' - a mix and match set of routines/stretches which should be put together in groups of five. She gives suggestions on how to put together the "FACE" components - mixing and matching aerobic, carrying a load, equilibrium, etc. She suggests either the included plans or making one's own depending on needs. Also provided are graphs and charts to help with compiling a fitness plan. Fortunately, they aren't annoying or difficult to either assemble or perform.

Due consideration is given to ages as well as issues with injuries - from broken hips to tendon issues and arthritis. As well, a nutrition section gives suggestions from supplements to the usual avoiding of processed foods.

Due to the formatting, the hardcover is much more useful than a Kindle version (unless you have a graphical version such as the Fire). And I would have really liked to have had more images of the exercises - beyond the small and relatively few black and whites provided.

Author Wright has covered the topic well and the book is suitable for those even well into the 70s to stay fit and alert. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.