Helping women look great

American Fitness, Sept-Oct, 2003

In the latest addition to his Look Great series, author, trainer and fitness expert Brad Schoenfeld shows women over age 35 how to stay fit. Look Great at Any Age: Defy Aging, Slim Down, and Optimize Health in Just 60 Minutes a Week (Prentice Hall Press; $19.95) is the fitness manual for women who want to maintain fitness as they age, but do not have the luxury of spending countless hours exercising.

Through more than 15 years of training women facing this dilemma, Schoenfeld has created a sound program based on scientific nutrition and exercise concepts as well as the idea that education brings lasting change. He debunks the dietary myths and gimmicks that have failed people for years. Schoenfeld clearly explains how and why fat is stored in the body, the proper way to fight too much fat storage and resistance training's crucial role in this battle.

His philosophy revolves around the idea that it is never too late to begin a resistance-training program and training quality, rather than quantity, is what matters. His routine is extremely efficient--in about 20 minutes, with nothing but a bench and set of dumbbells, the workout is complete.

The book is divided into three parts:

Part I explores major health and appearance issues, with chapters dedicated to exercise's effects on body fat, bone density, cardiovascular function and mental health. Interesting personal anecdotes from Schoenfeld's experiences with clients punctuate each chapter.

Part II details the Look Great at Any Age exercise regimen. Schoenfeld provides a pre-exercise checklist that reviews everything one needs to know before starting to train, a comprehensive explanation of the training protocols associated with the program and three 20-minute workout routines.

Part III outlines the Look Great at Any Age nutritional program, including dietary guidelines and meal plans. Proper nutrition is vital to achieving a healthy body and as important as exercise.

This easy-to-follow program is not a gimmick or fad diet. Based on years of research and experience, Look Great at Any Age can help women have great bodies throughout middle age and beyond. With a time commitment of only 60 minutes per week, any woman could fit this exercise regimen into her daily routine.