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Star Trek: Body by Starfleet: A Fitness Guide
A fully illustrated guide that bridges the nexus between stasis and health, Star Body by Starfleet provides real, practical, and fun exercises for Star Trek fans of all ages and physical abilities so that they may boldly live long and prosper.Drawing from the most celebrated and iconic elements of over 50 years of Star Trek, Body by Starfleet will provide any pop-culture (or junk-food) junkie a fun and healthy way to engage their warp core and get moving. Whether you view the gym as an impenetrable final frontier or regularly bench press boulders like a Gorn, these simple, easy-to-follow instructions -- created in consultation with a certified fitness trainer -- is for readers of all ages and fitness levels to navigate through a series of enterprising exercises.Everyone, from an ensign in the Command Training Program to an admiral who's voyaged through every quadrant, will benefit from the more than 30 exercises featuring Klingon Tribble Twists, Chekov's Cossack Squats, Jefferies Tube Climbers, and Wesley Crunchers. All of the exercises in Body by Starfleet are designed for standard gravity so they can be performed with little to no equipment everywhere from living rooms to gyms to holodecks. Also included is a section covering nutrition so readers can program their replicators to eat better and cleaner, a workout log for recording activities and progress, and special exercises aimed toward non-humanoid species including Horta and Medusans.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2019
10 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 29, 2020
Firstly, let me say that I love that this exists in the world. The modern acceptance, even celebration, of geekery is just so much fun, and this no less so.
I wouldn't say that this lives up to being a "guide" because there are no set patterns of how to fit the exercises together, no plan of how to get fit, hence the docked star. Otherwise, this is delightful; it takes common exercises like wall sits and makes them fun and engaging (here, it is the Agony Booth, referencing a TOS episode). Every part of the franchise is mentioned (minus, I think, the Kelvin timeline), so this truly is for Trekkies. Even Discovery gets several shout-outs (this came out before Picard, so that one's not in here). Fans will be able to find many of their fav characters represented in the light-hearted illustrations (actually very helpful for the directions that are a little convoluted) and the references within the directions themselves. There are also variations on several of the exercises to make them harder (Captain's variation) or slightly easier (Cadet).
I loved this, and will be keeping it to remind myself of how to enjoy exercise. I do wish there were sample plans, but this is still a solid resource and a good beginning while I try and remind myself that exercise is a good and wondrous thing.
I wouldn't say that this lives up to being a "guide" because there are no set patterns of how to fit the exercises together, no plan of how to get fit, hence the docked star. Otherwise, this is delightful; it takes common exercises like wall sits and makes them fun and engaging (here, it is the Agony Booth, referencing a TOS episode). Every part of the franchise is mentioned (minus, I think, the Kelvin timeline), so this truly is for Trekkies. Even Discovery gets several shout-outs (this came out before Picard, so that one's not in here). Fans will be able to find many of their fav characters represented in the light-hearted illustrations (actually very helpful for the directions that are a little convoluted) and the references within the directions themselves. There are also variations on several of the exercises to make them harder (Captain's variation) or slightly easier (Cadet).
I loved this, and will be keeping it to remind myself of how to enjoy exercise. I do wish there were sample plans, but this is still a solid resource and a good beginning while I try and remind myself that exercise is a good and wondrous thing.
December 23, 2019
A hilarious, but legitimate, exercise guide to get you ready for 2020, or whatever year you live in. I’m not a Trekkie, so this’ll probably be even more enjoyable to those of you who are. Do arms, legs, and core, wooh exercises like Vulcan Planks, and get great wit and candor telling you to “do as many reps as you can before being launched directly into an asteroid field where you meet your noble end.” Enjoy!
February 19, 2020
“Starfleet is a promise.”
Body by Starfleet delivered on its promise to reorient how I approach working out. There’s nothing new to this book; at least, not in the exercises presented. As I worked my way through this book, I found familiar exercises from the tortuous days of high school and college Phys. Ed. classes. What this book does better: it makes these exercises entertaining.
The very first exercise, from the Stretches and Warm-Ups section, promises to teach me how to walk like a Gorn. Why would I want to walk like a Gorn? In a brief introduction to the exercise, the book informs me: “The Gorn are a dreaded, extraordinarily strong species with a taste for vengeance as cold as their reptilian blood.” Only then does it go on to tell me the practical applications of a human doing Gorn Walks (warm up your hip joints and get your blood pumping). Better yet, a talented artist created full-color illustrations of a Gorn doing the Gorn walks, so I had a visual to support me in my endeavors.
The rest of the book continues in this manner, leading new Starfleet recruits through Conditioning, Powering Up Your Warp Core, Upper Body, Lower Body, and Special Exercises for Nonhumanoid Species. The Special Exercises will require a slight stretch of the imagination, but they appear doable. (This recruit is still working her way there.)
Lastly, I love that this book doesn’t break character. From the Introduction to the Captain’s Workout Log in the last pages, this book invites new recruits on the adventure of a Starfleet workout. Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain muscle, or find the motivation to start moving your body, Star Trek: Body by Starfleet will make working out fun.
Body by Starfleet delivered on its promise to reorient how I approach working out. There’s nothing new to this book; at least, not in the exercises presented. As I worked my way through this book, I found familiar exercises from the tortuous days of high school and college Phys. Ed. classes. What this book does better: it makes these exercises entertaining.
The very first exercise, from the Stretches and Warm-Ups section, promises to teach me how to walk like a Gorn. Why would I want to walk like a Gorn? In a brief introduction to the exercise, the book informs me: “The Gorn are a dreaded, extraordinarily strong species with a taste for vengeance as cold as their reptilian blood.” Only then does it go on to tell me the practical applications of a human doing Gorn Walks (warm up your hip joints and get your blood pumping). Better yet, a talented artist created full-color illustrations of a Gorn doing the Gorn walks, so I had a visual to support me in my endeavors.
The rest of the book continues in this manner, leading new Starfleet recruits through Conditioning, Powering Up Your Warp Core, Upper Body, Lower Body, and Special Exercises for Nonhumanoid Species. The Special Exercises will require a slight stretch of the imagination, but they appear doable. (This recruit is still working her way there.)
Lastly, I love that this book doesn’t break character. From the Introduction to the Captain’s Workout Log in the last pages, this book invites new recruits on the adventure of a Starfleet workout. Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain muscle, or find the motivation to start moving your body, Star Trek: Body by Starfleet will make working out fun.
May 4, 2020
Entertaining if nothing else.
April 12, 2021
Bought this on a whim because while I had never heard of it before it seemed like a fun and silly read after some heavy material. And, as you can guess, the book is what it says.
It makes plays on the character names, alien races, tropes, etc. and creates exercises about them, with basic illustrations and "guides" of sorts. These are really basic descriptions of the exercises and how to make them more difficult if you need a greater challenge, but it is also not a hardcore exercise/fitness manual. There are blank pages at the end for you to record your progress but again, this is not meant to be a an actual guide.
This does seem to go through all the way through Discovery so it's a relatively comprehensive cover if you're looking to make sure that it covers the entire franchise.
As other reviews note, this is more of a humor book/gag gift rather than a serious book that would help a potential applicant get into Starfleet or Starfleet Academy. Amusing and entertaining read that might kill an hour or two, but ultimately not something that I'd keep.
Bought it as a bargain book and would probably recommend it as a library borrow if you're curious. BUT if you know someone in your life who is into the Star Trek franchise and maybe needs some humor or exercise motivation, this might be a fun gag gift to give for a birthday or White Elephant exchange.
It makes plays on the character names, alien races, tropes, etc. and creates exercises about them, with basic illustrations and "guides" of sorts. These are really basic descriptions of the exercises and how to make them more difficult if you need a greater challenge, but it is also not a hardcore exercise/fitness manual. There are blank pages at the end for you to record your progress but again, this is not meant to be a an actual guide.
This does seem to go through all the way through Discovery so it's a relatively comprehensive cover if you're looking to make sure that it covers the entire franchise.
As other reviews note, this is more of a humor book/gag gift rather than a serious book that would help a potential applicant get into Starfleet or Starfleet Academy. Amusing and entertaining read that might kill an hour or two, but ultimately not something that I'd keep.
Bought it as a bargain book and would probably recommend it as a library borrow if you're curious. BUT if you know someone in your life who is into the Star Trek franchise and maybe needs some humor or exercise motivation, this might be a fun gag gift to give for a birthday or White Elephant exchange.
May 25, 2020
This is a great mix of Star Trek fandom mixed with an exercise book. I love the references to everything Trekkie. I admit that I’m not a huge fan but even with my limited knowledge I enjoyed how everything was references.
There are numerous exercises that almost everyone could perform. Although some instructions might be a little complicated the images sum everything up well. Although there is no set schedule for how many to do, what combination, etc., there is a Captain’s Log in the back of the book so you can keep track of all the exercises you perform.
This book would be a great addition to any Trekkie’s collection. It is also a great way to start getting in shape for whatever year or even you expect to happen. It’s a great book and one I recommend checking out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
I would like to thank Kaye Publicity for the opportunity to read and share this book.
There are numerous exercises that almost everyone could perform. Although some instructions might be a little complicated the images sum everything up well. Although there is no set schedule for how many to do, what combination, etc., there is a Captain’s Log in the back of the book so you can keep track of all the exercises you perform.
This book would be a great addition to any Trekkie’s collection. It is also a great way to start getting in shape for whatever year or even you expect to happen. It’s a great book and one I recommend checking out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
I would like to thank Kaye Publicity for the opportunity to read and share this book.
January 5, 2020
The book is well put-together, but it was not all I was expecting. It provides good explanations of many different exercises, with cute, Trek-themed illustrations. It does not, however, give you any sort of overall plan, which was sort of what I was looking for.
So, if you are new to exercise and want to see some exercises explained, or if you just like anything Trek, this is a great resource. If you want a more in-depth exercise plan, look elsewhere.
So, if you are new to exercise and want to see some exercises explained, or if you just like anything Trek, this is a great resource. If you want a more in-depth exercise plan, look elsewhere.
March 29, 2020
This book delivers a most delightful combination of motivation to regularly exercise and rich, nuanced references to all incarnations of Trek. It delivers instruction with humor and encouragement, and I imagine it will be as fun to revisit many times over for exercise directions as it was to read through the first time!
March 6, 2020
Calisthenics for the eager Starfleet draftee, 'Body by Starfleet' contains useful and practical exercise regimes for toning and conditioning.
Pearlman's book is clear, with useful ('Star Trek' themed) illustrations to help readers follow these useful exercises.
Pearlman's book is clear, with useful ('Star Trek' themed) illustrations to help readers follow these useful exercises.
July 2, 2020
Corny and Cute
This book is a basic exercise book with rudimentary drawings. Heavy on the needy and light on exercise planning. But I did enjoy it.
This book is a basic exercise book with rudimentary drawings. Heavy on the needy and light on exercise planning. But I did enjoy it.
November 5, 2020
A bit of good trek humor to go with basic excercises
April 25, 2022
awesome
It is a Star Trek twist to common low or no equipment exercise. I will be re reading this when I have more time to practice these exercises.
It is a Star Trek twist to common low or no equipment exercise. I will be re reading this when I have more time to practice these exercises.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews