The Maffetone Method: The Holistic, Low-Stress, No-Pain Way to Exceptional Fitness [Paperback]

Philip Maffetone (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 20, 1999

Dr. Maffetone's unique training system for champions proves that the kinder, gentler approach actually works the best. This fitness regimen has worked for champions and non-athletes alike- because it's based on Dr. Philip Maffetone's deep understanding of how the body works. Maffetone has used that knowledge to develop The Maffetone method, his successful low-stress fitness program, which can be tailored to any individual. It means "training slower to go faster," says Mike Pigg, world champion triathlete and Maffetone client. The Maffetone Method includes: A ten step program to reduce stress and increase overall fitness; Exercise techniques designed for increased results with decreased pain; The real lowdown on some of those fad diets. In short, this is a fitness regimen for champions that everyone can use to reach their own goals whether it be running a marathon or walking around the block.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

" A sensible and balanced approach to better fitness and health."--Kent Johnston, strength and conditioning coach, Green Bay Packers

"Dr. Maffetone . . . looks at health and fitness as an integrated balance. He deals with the whole picture clearly and directly. Fascinating and illuminating--and I feel great!"--James Taylor, singer, recording artist

"I appreciate your contribution to both my own physical health and to others."--Anthony Robbins, best-selling author

"Dr. Maffetone is one of the most sought-after endurance coaches in the world."
--VELO NEWS

"The great conductor Arturo Toscanini once remarked, 'Tradition is the last bad performance.' Like Toscanini, Philip Maffetone questions some of the weary tenets of performance training. His stable of athletes is perhaps the purest expression of his craft."--John Howard, bicycling legend and coach

"Dr. Maffetone is a modern day medicine man whose views, practices, and techniques extend far beyond the turbocharged adrenaline of the exercise kingdom."--William R. Katovsky, founding editor of INSIDE TRIATHLON and TRIATHLETE magazines and two-time Ironman

"The only difference between training to win the Ironman and training for life is the distance. The principles are the same. I used Phil's workout structure during my competitive years and was able to win the Ironman six times. I still use Phil's training principles to keep me fit for life."--Mark Allen

Health & Fitness

Conditioning

Athletic Training

Mind & Body Sports & Outdoors Health

Sports & Athletics

Health, Mind & Body Diet & Nutrition

Exercise

From the Back Cover

The Maffetone Method Will Show You How Simple It Can Be To Feel Good Again

Here's what people have said about Philip Maffetone's approach to health and fitness:

"Dr. Maffetone's system goes beyond dealing with symptoms; he looks at health and fitness as an integrated balance. He deals with the whole picture clearly and directly. Fascinating and illuminating--and I feel great!" --James Taylor, singer, recording artist

"I appreciate your contribution to both my own physical health and to others." --Anthony Robbins, best-selling author

"A sensible and balanced approach to better fitness and health." --Kent Johnston, strength and conditioning boach, Green Bay Packers

Eclectic, insightful, inspirational--doctor and coach Philip Maffetone has helped some of the world's premier athletes achieve astonishing results. But he's equally interested in the athlete inside each of us. In The Maffetone Method, he destroys the "no pain, no gain" training myth and introduces a revolutionary fitness program that not only engenders peak performance but can help you enjoy the most vibrant health of your life. Clearly, simply, and sensibly, Dr. Maffetone explains the benefits of aerobic fitness, proper nutrition, stress reduction, and even choosing the right exercise shoes (expensive is not better!). The Maffetone Method will show you how simple it can be to feel good again.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 198 pages
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press; 1 edition (July 20, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071343318
• ISBN-13: 978-0071343312
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #95,978 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #10 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Aerobics

More About the Author

If you've lost track of me, I'm still here. After devoting my life to private practice and working with many athletes around the world, I expanded my horizons. I spent a considerable amount of time researching plants to find the most therapeutic phytonutrients. This culminated with the development of a number of nutritional products unique to the industry. I continued to lecture and write (I'll list some of my books below). I recently developed a unique form of neuromuscular biofeedback (Manual Biofeedback)and incorporated neurofeedback, spend time with some rock bands as their doctor, and other exciting ventures.

In 2004 I further expanded my world, plunging nearly full time into a singer-songwriter career. Yes, this seems like a radical change, but it's what my mind has always wanted but never made it clear enough. I went to LA to work with producer Rick Rubin and have written about 200 songs and recorded five demo albums, and my first CD is due out December 2006.

With all these different directions, I have not abandoned my own personal health and fitness philosophies and practices I began teaching many years ago.

Some of my other books include:
Fix Your Feet (Lyons Press)

In Fitness and In Health (The No Nonsense Guide)(4th edition, Barmore)

Complementary Sports Medicine (a textbook) (Human Kinetics)

Eating for Endurance (2nd edition, Barmore)

Training for Endurance (Barmore)

Nutrition for Children with Brain Dysfunction (with Coralee
Thompson, MD; in Press)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Revelation!, February 14, 2002

By 

G2H (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Maffetone Method: The Holistic, Low-Stress, No-Pain Way to Exceptional Fitness (Paperback)

I am 48 years old and have exercised since I was 14. I have read this book three times. It is a godsend. Every concept, every suggestion, every analysis given has proven to be accurate for me. I first changed my training shoes per instructions with amazing results. Second, I purchased a Heart Rate Monitor and it has become my most important training aid. Third, I have slowed my training pace and increased my training time considerably and have received performance results, excellent health and mental calmness eclipsing anything that I have previously experienced. My whole training program is now focused on health. This book should be manditory reading in High School health classes. If I could give it 10 stars, I would.

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars this book changed my life, January 18, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Maffetone Method: The Holistic, Low-Stress, No-Pain Way to Exceptional Fitness (Paperback)

Reading this book was a revelation. Not only did I discover that I'm carbohydrate intolerant but I also found out that I have been exercising too hard (anaerobically) for several years now while I'm jogging. After following Dr. Maffetone's carbohydrate intolerance diet and making an effort to jog at a lower heartrate, I feel so much better. My quality of life has gone up because Dr. Maffetone shares information that others don't. I highly recommend this book to other non-professional athletes like myself.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars very well written, full of good information, August 13, 2003

By 

Dr. Tom G (Jerusalem Israel) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Maffetone Method: The Holistic, Low-Stress, No-Pain Way to Exceptional Fitness (Paperback)

The Maffetone method is not revolutionary and is not a break-through. Hence the title of this book may be a bit misleading. The MAF method is simply low heart-rate walking in order to burn maximal amounts of fat (instead of carbs) while exercising.
The author makes a very strong case for something that any runner knows: slow running builds fitness, is easy on the joints, and also is maximally effective in promoting weight loss. What makes the book strong is the author's ability to take the time and explain the rationale behind this method of slow aerobic burn. I appreciate mixing theory and practice and presenting his case in an intelligent and learned manner.
For those who are not exercisers and who are looking for weight loss, this is a very important book to explain the rationale and get one going.
The book is best used in conjunction with a heart rate monitor.