Ranulph Fiennes' caution "only the fit survive" at the beginning of this book prepares the reader for what is much more than a post-binge fitness fad. For Fit for Life is, says Fiennes, a way of life; a manner of eating and exercise that can not only make you look better but which will also enhance your energy levels, improve your base fitness levels and probably prolong your life. With the caveat that most of us probably wouldn't be up to polar expeditions (even if we did have the desire!) Fiennes goes on to convince even the most doubting couch potato that tip-top fitness is within everyone's reach. And the biggest surprise of the book is that he succeeds. Starting at a very low level--"The Fitness Basics"--is a very clever thing to do, because before you know it you have raced through the warm-up exercises, have finished the strength training section and are in the "Moving into the Top 2 Per Cent" chapter thinking "maybe I can run a marathon after all".Step by step, Fiennes takes you through genetic disposition to laziness, what's good (and bad) to eat and how to choose a sport and start an exercise programme, all the time assuring you that he is really the laziest person in the world who has to be cajoled into movement before every super endurance, life-threatening trek or expedition he takes part in. Illustrated extensively with photographs taking you through every recommended exercise, this book really is all you need (aside from motivation), whether you just want to reach a good general level of fitness and health, or go on and become an outstanding endurance athlete. Packed with sound advice, a number of training regimes for every level of fitness, (including the I-haven't-got-off-the-sofa-for- 20-years level) and a host of personal anecdotes and motivational tips, Fit for Life is a great fitness book for the real person. Trips to fashionable gyms and expensive lycra do not feature highly in this programme--personal motivation, outdoor sports and sensible eating do. A great antidote to the fitness fads of recent years. --Lucie Naylor
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