The First 20 Minutes
Surprising Science Reveals How We Can Exercise Better, Train Smarter, Live Longer
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4.3 • 130 Ratings
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
The New York Times bestseller that explains how groundbreaking scientific discoveries can help each of us achieve our personal best
Every week, Gretchen Reynolds single-handedly influences how millions of Americans work out. In her popular New York Times column, she debunks myths, spurs conversation, and stirs controversy by questioning widely held beliefs about exercise.
Here, Reynolds consults experts in a range of fields to share paradigm-shifting findings that were previously only available in academic and medical journals, including:
· 20 minutes of cardio is all you need (and sometimes six minutes is enough)
· Stretching before a workout is counterproductive
· Chocolate milk is better than Gatorade for recovery
Whether you’re running ultramarathons or just want to climb the stairs without losing your breath, The First 20 Minutes will show you how to be healthy today and perform better tomorrow.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Gretchen Reynolds writes the Phys Ed column in the New York Times, and her book is an informative and entertaining review of current science about exercise and fitness, with good, commonsense recommendations that cut through confusing, often conflicting research on the subject. The author pulls no punches with good humor she zeroes in and proves that almost everything we think we know about exercise is wrong. A very rational and readable volume, it is first and foremost a user's manual that also explains that much of what we have been advised to do is inappropriate and possibly dangerous, especially since we must exercise to achieve a healthy, lifestyle disease beating, aging-retarding regimen. Dispelling myths and deconstructing commonly held but inaccurate beliefs on almost every page, Reynolds reveals, for example, why stretching is bad, but warming up before working out is good; why it's better to drink (only water) before and after exercise, not during; that a normal, healthy diet, not "training" food is all we need; why it's harder for women than men to lose weight and keep it off; and why ibuprofen actually blunts exercise. Armed with the information in this book, readers will be inspired and motivated to reassess their habitual exercise programs and make positive changes.
Customer Reviews
Finally, reliable fitness information!
You can find endless opinions about fitness, from warming up to post-workout nutrition to proper footwear. But how much of it is backed up by research, or any evidence?
This book not only offers evidence for its fitness advice, but it reaches conclusions that contradict just about everything you learned in gym class or on the track team. I'm sure some people disagree with Ms. Reynolds' conclusions, and by all means read what they have to say. But look for their evidence, and see how it stacks up against the cites in this book.
Keep Moving
Gretchen Reynolds has succinctly corralled reams of research on the importance of movement, activity and exercise in a highly readable and humorous edition. As an Orthopedic Surgeon I see daily the results of inactivity affecting the quality of life in my middle age patients. This book has helped me to sound the clarion call to get people to simply stand up, walk and live a better life. I recommend this book.
Everyone needs to read this book
Fantastic book! So much great information and so inspiring. Everyone should read this book and then get out there and exercise, it's really fascinating how many amazing benefits there are!