Faster, Better, Stronger: 10 Proven Secrets to a Healthier Body in 12 Weeks

by Eric Heiden, Massimo Testa M.D., Deanne Musolf

Are you one of the millions of people out there who feel like they've read everything there is to read on fitness and have spent an enormous amount of time and money trying to get fit—and still failed? Until you know how your body really works and reacts to physical activity, you may never succeed. Eric Heiden, M.D., and Massimo Testa, M.D., two preeminent sports physicians who know the training needs of beginners as intimately as those of elite athletes, want to fix this problem. They know there has been an entire field of training science and medicine that has never been translated for the general public—until now. In a program that is designed for everyday people, Heiden and Testa bring us Faster, Better, Stronger , a customized, science-based program designed to guide you into a lifelong fitness habit, giving you step-by-step instructions on how to make the most of your body through exercise—physically, mentally, biomechanically, and nutritionally. In Part I, the doctors detail the solid science behind your body's responses to exercise. They share the same philosophy and medical expertise they have shared with world-class athletes and give scientific "secrets" in several areas of fitness: the prescriptive aspects of exercise; the biology of movement; the importance of fueling your body with the right food and water; what rest really accomplishes; and motivation. They also debug and clarify some all-too-often misunderstood medical and biological truths about training, and offer you ways to find your hidden talents and strengths. These doctors know that the luxuries of time and access are significant factors in getting fit, and thus Part II helps you design your own unique, individualized exercise program no matter your age, ability, experience, or schedule. Once you have assessed your current fitness level, the doctors guide you through assembling blocks of activities into a twelve-week program that will get you started on the road to lifelong health.

Genres: Health

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Peggy]

I learned a lot from this book, and I love the way it really encourages you to exercise. It read a lot like a text book though, and because it talked about exercise in general it wasn't as specific as I was hoping it would be though. I took a lot away from it though, and am glad that I read it.

[Hussein]

The book emphasises the role of cardio/aerobic exercises, how to benchmark your progress and the need to do medical check-up before moving forward with the expertise plans. However, the completely lacks full example workout plans that summarise all the recommendations. So, the recommendations are really just scattered around in the book and then the reader have to figure out how to make a plan based on the principles that the authors recommend. It is probably not an exaggeration that this shortcoming renders the book almost completely useless to most people unless they read other books.

[Kevin Haile]

Not much new information here. No specific plans to follow. All in all it was a little disappointing, especially considering Dr. Biden's sports pedigree.

[Lori]

I don't know about this one. There were interesting parts, and parts that made me think differently about what I was trying to accomplish. But as a training book, or a health improvement book it was all over the place. Good if you are willing to redefine your life and activities...not an earth changing book for me.

[Dane]

Eric and Max work with riders like ATOC winner Levi. They spend a lot of time teaching you biology and most importantly how the human body reacts to different modalities of excercise. A must for anyone who enjoys endurance sports.

[Renee]

I have finished most of this after receiving it this week, but honestly so much of it has already been said... i really wanted to like this book.. too bad.

[Bob]

Still reading, but because cycling is a passion, I am finding it be hugely informative, easy to read and interesting

[Aud]

This is a book about exercise and fitness written by my childhood idol Eric Heiden. Now I just need to follow through!

[Melissa]

Very motivating.

[Hasan]

This book has a lot of good information, but basic idea is nothing new. It is better to be in shape than out of shape. You need a plan to get in shape.

[Christy Keeler]

Good basic book about gaining and maintaining fitness. Excellent for someone just starting the road toward living a healthier, fitter lifestyle.

[LK]

Good, smart advice.