Fit and Female: The Perfect Fitness and Nutrition Game Plan for Your Unique Body Type [Paperback]

Geralyn Coopersmith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 4, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0471739030 | ISBN-13: 978-0471739036 | Edition: 1

"No one understands what it means to be fit and female better than Geralyn Coopersmith. Her work has brought results to women nationwide."
-Carol Espel, MS, National Director of Group Fitness for Equinox Fitness Clubs

"Every woman should read Geralyn's book."
-Michael Boyle, author of Functional Training for Sports

"Coopersmith leads the reader to new levels of self-awareness and the ability to make educated choices. Underlying her hip, upbeat tone is a sound background in exercise physiology and a strong desire to help women improve their lifestyles."
-Joan Pagano, author of Strength Training for Women

Ever wonder why some women look great with very little effort while others exercise and diet obsessively with disappointing results? The fact is, when it comes to getting in shape, all women are not created equal. We've all heard about apples and pears, but there's lots more to women's bodies than just that. If you've been frustrated by fad diets and the workout of the month that never seems to work, you need a program designed specifically for your unique body type.

In Fit + Female, Geralyn Coopersmith, a top fitness expert and certified personal trainer, ditches the one-size-fits-all approach to getting in shape and helps you determine which type you are. Then you get a nutrition and exercise plan that's tailored for your needs, not just generic, off-the-rack advice. If you want to get back into that clingy little number that now hugs all the wrong places, this is the realistic, scientific how-to for you!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Coopersmith, resident fitness instructor on the Fine Living Channel's Simplify Your Life, has devised a fitness and nutrition plan to accommodate the needs of women of all shapes and sizes. Observing that "fitness is not one size fits all," Coopersmith divides her approach to address six basic body shapes: the endo-pear, endo-apple, meso-pear, meso-apple, ecto-pear and ecto-apple. Each shape, she claims, requires a customized workout and eating plan, though all incorporate components of a cardio workout, muscular fitness segment and flexibility training. For instance, the already slim ecto pear focuses on shaping muscles while maintaining weight and should not overdo aerobic exercise, while the bulkier meso-apple needs to zero in on cardio work to trim the waist and abs. Illustrated exercises are provided for each body type. Noting that "fitness must fit into a busy woman's life," Coopersmith modifies each sequence, offering a "bare minimum," "ideal" and "gung-ho" work out. While Coopersmith's methods are individualized, her message to all women is to give up their notion of a "Barbie body," work with what they have, steer clear of fad diets and eat healthfully. Perky and friendly, Coopersmith offers an accessible plan and outlook that many women will warm up to. (Aug.)
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Review

Coopersmith, resident fitness instructor on the Fine Living Channel's Simplify Your Life, has devised a fitness and nutrition plan to accommodate the needs of women of all shapes and sizes. Observing that "fitness is not one size fits all," Coopersmith divides her approach to address six basic body shapes: the endo-pear, endo-apple, meso-pear, meso-apple, ecto-pear and ecto-apple. Each shape, she claims, requires a customized workout and eating plan, though all incorporate components of a cardio workout, muscular fitness segment and flexibility training. For instance, the already slim ecto pear focuses on shaping muscles while maintaining weight and should not overdo aerobic exercise, while the bulkier meso-apple needs to zero in on cardio work to trim the waist and abs. Illustrated exercises are provided for each body type. Noting that "fitness must fit into a busy woman's life," Coopersmith modifies each sequence, offering a "bare minimum," "ideal" and "gung-ho" work out. While Coopersmith's methods are individualized, her message to all women is to give up their notion of a "Barbie body," work with what they have, steer clear of fad diets and eat healthfully. Perky and friendly, Coopersmith offers an accessible plan and outlook that many women will warm up to. (Aug.) (Publishers Weekly, May 22, 2006)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (August 4, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471739030
• ISBN-13: 978-0471739036
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 0.5 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #539,165 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for any woman August 13, 2006

By Sunita

Format:Paperback

If you are looking for a book that will tell you what to eat and how to exercise in order to get a super-muscular body, or a super-thin model-type body, then look elsewhere. This is not a book about diet and exercise, but about learning to accept and take care of your body, no matter the shape and size. That said, there are exercises designed for each body type, as well as nutrition and eating advice.

Now we have all heard the message that we should love our body, no matter what, and certainly there are lots of books out there with the same message. So what makes Geralyn's book different from all the rest? It's because she's lived through the same struggles as the average woman. When a genetically-blessed woman tells you that you should accept your body, you probably think "Yeah, it's easy for her to say because she has the perfect body." And consequently, we never really listen to the message and reflect on what it means. However, coming from Geralyn, the message hits home because she has suffered the same weight issues as many of us. I was able to relate to Geralyn's message, because her struggles really mimicked my own. I've struggled to accept myself almost my entire life, and despite being an avid runner and very healthy, I still have a hard time with self-acceptance. Knowing that Geralyn was able to overcome her issues and find self-love and self-acceptance is a real inspiration. I think if someone had told me these things many years ago, it would have saved me a lot of suffering.

You may think that the motivational part of the book is too long, but I think Geralyn is on to something. Unless you can first accept your body the way it is now, no matter how much you exercise and diet, it is unlikely that you will be happy with your body no matter how fit and/or thin you may become.

Turning to the exercise portion of the book, you first have to determine your unique body type (e.g. ectomorph, mesomorph, or endomorph, and apple or pear). Of course, hardly anyone fits neatly into one category, but chances are you are predominantly one type. Once you know what "type" you are, Geralyn recommends certain cardio and strength training exercises, which are supposed to be optimal for your type. Recognizing that fitness has to fit a woman's schedule, she also tells you how many repetitions and sets you need to do, based on the amount of time you have (bare minimum, ideal, and gung-ho). Now, I've been running for over 5 years and have consistently strength trained, so when I saw the strength training exercises Geralyn recommended, I didn't think I'd derive much benefit. Boy, was I wrong! I did the gung-ho workout (most repetitions and sets) and my muscles hurt for TWO straight days!

In terms of eating, Geralyn teaches you to have a healthy relation with food. She cautions against mindless eating, urges proper nutrition, and details eating tips for each body type. Again, what makes her message powerful (because who hasn't already heard about the dangers of mindless eating?) is that she has gone through this herself.

To conclude, I highly recommend this book. Whether you are struggling with your body image, are just beginning to make the decision to love your body, or already wholly accept yourself (and kudos to you if you do!), you should read this book. It is truly enjoyable, powerful, and liberating. Keep in mind that changing your self-perception does not happen overnight, especially if you've had a negative image about yourself for many years (or your whole life, in my case). But with this book and the right attitude, you can begin the journey to a happier, and healthier, you.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great read! January 18, 2009

By Dasaya Cates

Format:Paperback

I think if you're someone who is trying to lose weight or get healthy and fit, it's essential to do your research. We can count fat grams or carbs all we like, but that's not the entire story. This is an easy to read book that gives you insight into your individual body type, and how best to work with what God gave you for weight-loss success. The only thing that I don't like is that you will have to go elsewhere for really good, results-oriented exercise plans, but this gives a good start.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars a book that makes sense, tailored to your body type May 17, 2007

By Make it Funny VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

What I like:

The author helps you figure out which of the 6 body types you are via a Quiz. It's a combo of being either an Apple or Pear, and being one of (Meso, Endo, or Ecto). I was amazed when I read the description of my body type and how 'true' her description rang.

She then recommends a regiment of Cardio and Weight exercises (with pictures for each exercise) for your body type. there's a range of 'how often' and 'how hard' you work out based on your own fitness level, time, etc...

Then the books goes into the diet portion, explaining very Factually and realistically what you need to do to lose weight, what to eat (food groups wise) for each body type.

I like that this is very concise and tailored to your body type, so it's fast and easy to digest!! Leaving you more time to actually workout!