The First 20 Minutes

May 7, 2012
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.