This lively, inspiring, and informative book zeroes in on the state of American fitness--persistently sedentary, plagued by obesity--and issues a clarion call to action that reaches across economic, racial, and educational lines. Toni Yancey finds that despite our best intentions and repeated resolutions to exercise, as well as a 40-year investment in fitness education and counseling, physical activity in all levels of society continues to plummet. In a warm, reader-friendly narrative that draws on solid scientific research, personal experience, and her own poetry, Yancey calls for a radically different approach: one that respects diversity and is grounded in the cultures of those most at risk. Instant Recess proposes regular ten-minute exercise breaks that utilize music and dance and are easily incorporated into school, work, and community life. Rather than encouraging unhealthful habits like cigarette breaks or high fat snacks, these "instant recesses" make the active choice the natural one. Here is a new paradigm for fitness and public health that promises vitality, well being, and a greater sense of community--demonstrating, as Yancey argues, that what's good for the waistline is good for the bottom line.
Instant Recess
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Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
Yancey makes a compelling case for establishing ten-minute recesses—that is, aerobic breaks—in schools, churches, baseball stadiums, and offices around the country. Her goal: for people to think that prolonged sitting is as socially unacceptable as drinking and driving or smoking. Yancey holds an undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Northwestern, a medical degree from Duke, and a masters in public health from UCLA, where she is a professor, and one can easily imagine this 6-foot-2 African American woman refusing to take no for an answer. She lays out the problem (a sedentary America), the benefits of physical activity (good health, less obesity), the way to market fitness (change the culture and get people to choose activities they like), and the case for instant recess being good for the bottom line (preventing blood clots and the associated expenses). To liven up her text, the author shares poems she has written and fun photos, even as she stays focused on her call for an affordable, easy way to prevent chronic diseases and promote health. --Karen Springen
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Review
"Demonstrates the value of two 10-minute breaks of enjoyable communal activity as part of people's everyday lives."--New York Times
"An accessible aerobics program developed to promote a culture of physical activity at workplaces."--Washington Post Book World
"Makes a compelling case for establishing ten-minute recesses--that is, aerobic breaks--in schools, churches, baseball stadiums, and offices around the country."--Booklist
"Innovative approach for 21st-century fitness. . . . Highly Recommended."--Choice
"It's a how-to-improve-American's-health book. It's a great read for anyone interested in fitness beyond the personal. "--Advanceweb.com
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More About the Author
Toni Yancey, MD, MPH is a preventive medicine physician, a former city health director, a well-published scientific researcher, and an ardent public health advocate, with particular expertise in designing and testing health promotion policies and programs in low-income communities and communities of color. Instant Recess not only authoritatively characterizes our current societal challenges of sedentariness and obesity, but more importantly, offers an original and innovative yet straightforward solution in which everyone may participate now. Recently tapped for the Board of the non-profit supporting First Lady Obama's childhood obesity campaign, her concept of re-integrating brief bouts of physical activity wherever we congregate--at work, school, sports arena, civic center, or place of worship, has been embraced by health and human services agencies, corporations, media outlets, professional sports organizations and many sports stars, including MLB Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, NBA forward Jerry Stackhouse, world champion boxer Roy Jones Jr. and NFL kick-off returner Allen Rossum.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Hershey
Format:Paperback
Like most people over 35, I'm in a constant battle to fend off the pounds, especially around the waistline. Instant Recess really opened my eyes to the dangers of so much sitting and the value of short breaks of activity--of course for health purposes, but more immediately, to give me a little burst of energy and help me concentrate and stay alert. After returning to school, I found myself sitting for longer periods of time than ever.
I hear a lot on the news about the obesity problem, but not a lot about simple solutions to start the ball rolling in the right direction. I tend to be a very active person, but this book helped me understand how hard it would be for inactive people to get to the minimum exercise recommendation of 30 minutes. With all this talk about health care reform, Toni Yancey makes a compelling case that Instant Recess could prevent a lot of chronic conditions and reduce health care costs in the long run.
Yancey's really a storyteller. As a layperson, I was surprised to find this book so engaging and readable. She creates vivid imagery through her words, including her poetry, and also the photos and humorous cartoons.
All in all, a great read, and a very important issue that touches everyone!
I hear a lot on the news about the obesity problem, but not a lot about simple solutions to start the ball rolling in the right direction. I tend to be a very active person, but this book helped me understand how hard it would be for inactive people to get to the minimum exercise recommendation of 30 minutes. With all this talk about health care reform, Toni Yancey makes a compelling case that Instant Recess could prevent a lot of chronic conditions and reduce health care costs in the long run.
Yancey's really a storyteller. As a layperson, I was surprised to find this book so engaging and readable. She creates vivid imagery through her words, including her poetry, and also the photos and humorous cartoons.
All in all, a great read, and a very important issue that touches everyone!
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By J. Miller
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I purchased this book thinking it would teach me some exercises that I could use to set up an exercise program for my office staff. I was really looking forward to getting everyone moving. When the book arrived, I paged through it eagerly looking for the exercises . . . but there were none. Nothing but a fuzzy photo of a poster used in one of the author's programs. I skimmed through the book hoping to get something out of it, but it was just a series of exhortations to eat right and exercise, interspersed every few pages with photos and reminiscences celebrating the author's incredible beauty, fitness, and talent. Here's a picture of me when I was an international supermodel. Here are a bunch of wonderful poems I wrote. Here's a picture of me as a college basketball star. Here's a story about my incredible accomplishments in the medical field. You little people won't ever be like me, but don't despair--you can lose a couple of pounds and be at least a bit less disgusting than you are right now. Bah humbug!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Finally, somebody who gets it! "Instant Recess", in my opinion, marks a paradigm shift in our perception of obesity, and how physical activity can be a powerful (and highly effective) tool in our prevention arsenal. As a fellow public health professional and fitness consultant who has seen many health innovations crash and burn, I can attest to the feasibility and effectiveness of the Instant Recess model Dr. Yancey proposes. Peppered with personal stories and cheeky anecdotes throughout, Yancey brings you into her world and shows you how much physical activity and active living has been a part (at some point) of all of our lives, and must continue to be!
"Instant Recess" is right on time, and a must-read for all!
"Instant Recess" is right on time, and a must-read for all!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A motivating call to action, not a self-help guide
I read this book expecting encouragement to go to the gym every day. While it certainly provides data to motivate such action if you're so inclined, it's really more about... Read more
Published 4 months ago by m&m
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing read and a realistic solution to get people moving!
When Toni Yancey gave me a copy of Instant Recess, her new book published by UC Press, I diligently began reading, expecting measured and important public health advice, solid... Read more
Published on February 28, 2011 by Chikarlo Leak
5.0 out of 5 stars
Less is More!
As one who struggles constantly to get there, Instant Recess really hits it out of the park--a spot on compelling read for all of us who need to stop and smell the roses. Read more
Published on January 16, 2011 by Ronald S. Barak
5.0 out of 5 stars
Making exercise fun
Toni Yancey makes a compelling case for short bursts of activity being fun and healthful. Too many people get turned off to exercising because they think they have to change... Read more
Published on January 11, 2011 by Carolyn F. Katzin
4.0 out of 5 stars
We definitely need more movement in our lives...
It's for sure that a significant percentage of the American population is very overweight and sedentary. Diets come and go, but the weight continues to climb. Read more
Published on November 29, 2010 by Thomas Duff
5.0 out of 5 stars
Finally!!!!!
Sometimes it takes a simple idea to get us "unstuck." This book is about taking short breaks during the work or school day or meetings of any kind. But it's also about much more. Read more
Published on November 15, 2010 by drunkenfig
5.0 out of 5 stars
Finally! A practical tool for addressing obesity prevention
Who should read this book?
Anyone who is interested in an easy-to-use, practical approach to helping their worksite, school, or community become more active... Read more
Anyone who is interested in an easy-to-use, practical approach to helping their worksite, school, or community become more active... Read more
Published on November 15, 2010 by lit chick
5.0 out of 5 stars
Get Off Your Butt!
Most of us have forgotten that we used to look forward to getting out of our chairs and moving around. That's what this book is all about. Read more
Published on November 13, 2010 by Long Ball
5.0 out of 5 stars
The most important book of the year
Instant Recess offers practical, simple, and most importantly, fun ways to incorporate exercise and movement into our daily lives. In Instant Recess, Dr. Read more
Published on November 12, 2010 by Raquel Hunter
5.0 out of 5 stars
A solidly recommended read all around
Good health shouldn't take a lot of time. "Instant Recess: Building a Fit Nation 10 Minutes at a Time"is a guide to finding one's own sense of health and well-being without... Read more
Published on November 11, 2010 by Midwest Book Review
