Physical Disobedience

May 21, 2018
In this spirited mixture of fitness guide and self-help, personal trainer Coomer (Lightness of Body and Mind) argues that women can better fight injustice by keeping strong and fit, asserting that “taking care of our bodies is a form of political action.” Coomer shares her own experiences with body image; as a teen and college student she despised her body; her belief that at 155 pounds she was overweight resulted in an eating disorder, which involved bingeing and purging several times a day. Her struggle with body image led her to become a personal trainer, both to make peace with her own body and to help others learn that “skinny doesn’t make for happy.” Although Coomer covers a number of topics (e.g., beauty, alternative therapies, motherhood), one of her most compelling “rants” addresses the fashion industry. She encourages women to find their own style, based on clothing that makes them feel good. Likewise, food is not the enemy. Diet, she claims, should be based on healthy choices (not deprivation), and exercise on the goal of moving, enjoyment, and finding strength. Coomer ends with a useful appendix of charitable and social justice organizations, aptly capping off her unique and “unruly” manual for improving both oneself and the world.

June 1, 2018

Despite the new wave of feminism and the #MeToo protests, women are still strongly connected to traditional patterns of behavior and body-image stereotypes. Coomer, a licensed personal trainer, offers another option for women who want to make changes in their lives, pointing to the importance of diet, exercise, rest, and stress reduction, but not providing specific plans for implementation. Instead, the author tells women to explore all the available options and choose those that will work for them. No need to go to the gym if one does not enjoy it, just take a walk; get exercise doing housework or gardening, or participate in an appealing sport. Eat whatever is enjoyable in moderation, but avoid excess sugar, fat, and processed foods. Wear comfortable clothes and hair styles and don't worry about fashion. Get a good night's sleep and do something relaxing so that there is energy for community service, activism, or whatever will help improve the world. Caveat for libraries: fill-in-the-blank workbook pages are included in each chapter. VERDICT A self-help book for those who want to chart their own path. An optional purchase.--Barbara Bibel, formerly Oakland P.L.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.