* Would you flee in terror if confronted with a room full of sweaty people in spandex thongs?* Are you not immune to the occasional Van Halen-style air guitar jump?* Have you been known to push aside your coffee table and dance like crazy in your living room?If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, here at last is your workout book. As simple as throwing on that old Ramones (or even White Stripes) record, punk meets a high- and low-impact workout in an exercise craze that is spreading like wildfire amongst teens and aging rockers alike: Punk Rock Aerobics. Unlikely bedfellows though they seem, punk has always been about image-from Iggy's abs to the Sex Pistols' carefully cultivated outfits. Back in the good old days cigarettes would suffice to keep rockers slim, but to have real punk energy, say these rockers-turned-certified- aerobics-instructors, you need to drop those chips and get off the couch.Chock-full of easy-to-follow moves in an accessible, home-exercise-friendly format, Punk Rock Aerobics contains photos and instructions for DIY, heart-pumping (and thigh-slimming) retro moves like the "Air Guitar," the "Skank," and the "Fire Hydrant," while suggesting songs by the Sex Pistols, Blondie, and the Stooges for a perfect workout soundtrack. With sidebars and Q&A's with rockers like J. Mascis and Evan Dando, this is definitely "not your mom's aerobics class" (Boston Globe).
| ||||||||||||
Browse our Bookshelf Favorites store for big savings on popular fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and more. |
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
"An absolutely hilarious book...Remains true to the punk DIY ethos and looks like way too much fun...Inspired." -- Netsurfer Digest 02/21/04
"Better than the last Sex Pistols reunion. Hilarious and wonderfully done." -- Greil Marcus, author of Lipstick Traces: A Secret History of the 20th Century
"Crank up the music and do these heart-pumping, muscle-toning moves for a great body!" -- CosmoGIRL! April 2004
"Getting in shape with Punk Rock Aerobics is as easy as 1! 2! 3! 4!" -- Spin
"Punk Rock Aerobics is where it's at...All great fun." -- Q Magazine June 2004
"The book, part serious aerobics instruction, part hilarious coffee table fodder, delivers on its subtitle." -- Boston Magazine January 2004
"The high impact and hardcore aerobic workouts appeal to punks who last broke a sweat circling the mosh pit." -- In-Forum 04/22/04
"These certified aerobics instructors have developed a work-out routine that uses fun, energetic music combined in a do-it-yourself book." -- Fort Myers News-Press 12/08/03
"Will get you in the mood to move." -- Miami Herald 01/13/04
"You need to check out this funny twist on fitness books...It offers a unique, un-boring approach to exercise." -- Twist January 2004
"Better than the last Sex Pistols reunion. Hilarious and wonderfully done." -- Greil Marcus, author of Lipstick Traces: A Secret History of the 20th Century
"Crank up the music and do these heart-pumping, muscle-toning moves for a great body!" -- CosmoGIRL! April 2004
"Getting in shape with Punk Rock Aerobics is as easy as 1! 2! 3! 4!" -- Spin
"Punk Rock Aerobics is where it's at...All great fun." -- Q Magazine June 2004
"The book, part serious aerobics instruction, part hilarious coffee table fodder, delivers on its subtitle." -- Boston Magazine January 2004
"The high impact and hardcore aerobic workouts appeal to punks who last broke a sweat circling the mosh pit." -- In-Forum 04/22/04
"These certified aerobics instructors have developed a work-out routine that uses fun, energetic music combined in a do-it-yourself book." -- Fort Myers News-Press 12/08/03
"Will get you in the mood to move." -- Miami Herald 01/13/04
"You need to check out this funny twist on fitness books...It offers a unique, un-boring approach to exercise." -- Twist January 2004
About the Author
Jamaica Plain resident Maura Jasper is a well-known video artist and painter with extensive exhibition history and background in music, including designing album covers for SubPop and Atlantic Records and curating art and music for Gallery Bershad in Somerville, Massachusetts. Hilken Mancini studied at the Boston Conservatory of Dance before forming the indie rock band Fuzzy as lead guitarist in 1992. She currently plays music in The Count Me Outs and The Mayflowers, and lives in Boston, Massachusetts.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Lynne C
Format:Paperback
This is a funny, well written book. The exercise advice is sound. I've been a gym-goer on and off most of my life, and steadily for the past two and a half years. I love the bricks for weightlifting. I'm going to stick with dumbbells, but that's mostly because bricks are too light for me now.
I have to take an mp3 player to the gym so that I can do cardio to Siouxsie & the Banshees and the Replacements. How cool it must be to have a whole class of dancing to the Ramones and Television! I'm dying to start my own class, although I'm not sure the attendance will be very high in the deep south.
And if you buy this book for no other reason, J Mascis demonstrating one of the butt exercises is worth the price. Buy this book.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By "vc12"
Format:Paperback
This book is "fists in the air" all the way! Hilken and Maura perfectly depict the "rock-on" mindset we all need to spur and motivate ourselves into working out to feel our best. The concept is phenomenal: having so much fun you don't realize you are exercising! The photos complement the easy-to-follow exercise instructions for a high intensity workout. Love all the background information as well, and the outfits say punk is here to stay --- Can't wait for the video!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By vickys
Format:Paperback
Traditional aerobics classes annoyed and intimidated me. The thought of being surrounded by gym bunny types while listening to bad music for an hour or so horrified me. Then came PRA. I *heart* PRA. It's weird and fun and kicks your ass everytime in a good way.
While there's nothing like going to a real PRA class, the book does a good job of demonstrating the moves used in class. The stories and pictures in the book are hilarious too. More importantly, the sound exercise advice they give is realistic. They don't expect you to become a hardbody, but they do encourage you to get moving in your own way. Can't get more DIY than that.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
...and undoubtedly the funniest. I've heard about these chicks for a while and couldn't resist impulse-buying this when I first spotted it. The humor/rock & roll factor caused the initial purchase, but I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be well-written and "unputdownable" until finished. Sound exercise advice, moving personal stories, side-splitting hilarity, super-cool music suggestions, killer layout and photography--it's got just about everything the rock & roll fitness freak could want. I also dig the page of "hate mail" the gals received from clueless punk nazis who just don't get it. I've got only one minor gripe myself...the gals wisely advise against working out in Doc Martens or Chuck Taylors, but then are shown wearing Chucks and Keds skippies in some of the exercise photos. Clearly it was done just for fun--you're not meant to work out in the wacky outfits they're sporting, unless you really want to--but still, this was a contradictory display. Nevertheless, the photos alone are worth the price of the book--the facial expressions and overall unintimidating d.i.y. attitude are totally fun and refreshing. Now, what would really be cool is a companion exercise video! Music licensing fees would probably prohibit this, but a gal can dream.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a totally enjoyable book. The music is 'core, and the exercise stuff is perfect for the impatient and out-of-shape. Check out the photos. They show off easy moves that even a spazz (like me) can do, but they are also HILARIOUS (go ahead, try and find ONE straight face). "Punk Rock Aerobics" screams FREEDOM, from health clubs, from annoying money-beat dance grooves, but mostly from your own heaving lungs and lazy ass. These sisters ROCK!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Jessica Lux
Format:Paperback
Punk Rock Aerobics is a "bizarre union violating the natural and godly order of things" by combining the nonconformist underdog with the spandex-clad squeaky clean. The concept is completely DIY--no gym or special equipment required. And of course, the authors have compiled a hundred-plus discography to make your workout rock out. The Boston-based authors obtained their instructor certifications and opened an aerobics studio in 2001, and now their bring attitude and moves to you in paperback format. They make their studio mercifully dark (like a good rock clubs) and welcome guests of all ages and interests.
In addition to all the punk rock posturing, this is a good workout book. The program includes warm-up and cool-down phases. Individual moves have photo illustrations (with punk rock fashion ideas galore), detailed instructions, and tips for optimal performance. Moves are rated by difficulty and include advanced techniques for further exploration.
In addition to all the punk rock posturing, this is a good workout book. The program includes warm-up and cool-down phases. Individual moves have photo illustrations (with punk rock fashion ideas galore), detailed instructions, and tips for optimal performance. Moves are rated by difficulty and include advanced techniques for further exploration.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Susan
Format:Paperback
You gotta check these girls out! This book is so original, with a true punk rock spirit, and hysterically funny photos. The moves really kicked my (newly toned) butt and I loved the punk rock histories. I've given this book as a gift to some friends because it's truly inspiring in a real life way.
Having fun while exercising, who would have thought it possible?
Having fun while exercising, who would have thought it possible?
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Jen G.
Format:Paperback
As a kid I used to do the Jane Fonda Workout with the sound turned down and New Order cranked up on my stereo, so when I discovered Maura & Hilken's class, it was a dream come true (albeit a sweaty dream where my butt hurts and I can't breathe...). This book distills their aerobics routines, enabling the reader to mix and match moves to whatever music you like, so you can send Kathy Austin and her dance muzak packing! It's also a really fun and informative read, and the photography is great. If you can make it to the classes in Cambridge, MA, it's definitely worth seeing these ladies in action, but the book does a solid job of communicating the PRA principles.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great workout!
This is my 2nd time buying this. Great floor exercises and great routines.
There are plenty of illustrations/descriptions to assist you in doing the exercises... Read more
There are plenty of illustrations/descriptions to assist you in doing the exercises... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Harlemesque
3.0 out of 5 stars
Punk?
"Punk Rock Aerobics" is great for ladies who know little about punk or exercise. The pictures and directions of the "killer moves" are easy to follow, but the girls' "punk"... Read more
Published on July 31, 2007 by ellievee
4.0 out of 5 stars
minor sweat
I love this book! It doesn't just give you the right movies, but gives you music/movie/book recommendations. Read more
Published on October 22, 2005 by Mellietronx
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hell yeah!
Ok, I am NOT a person who exercises, but when I picked up this book, I knew that was all about to change. Read more
Published on July 3, 2004 by Fallen Angel
4.0 out of 5 stars
I like it very much!
This book was hard to put down. The pictures are adorable (especially of Clint Conley!) and the interviews kept me reading ahead. Read more
Published on March 18, 2004 by Anne C. Walker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Punk Rock Aerobics
This book is totally original, innovative,and fun to read. I'm a mom in LA where there is a gym on every corner flouded with the unrealistic woman. Read more
Published on March 17, 2004 by Sara
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun moves + DIY attitude
For the aerobic phobic: I checked out the classes and had a lot of fun, so bought the book for a kick - and ended up doing it at home, putting old punk compilations to perfect use! Read more
Published on March 16, 2004 by ranomaly
5.0 out of 5 stars
So much more than I expected-
This book rocked my world! It's hilarious and inspiring from cover to cover. This is way more than another lame exercise book, it's the inspiring story of how how two flabby... Read more
Published on March 16, 2004 by katie O'malley
5.0 out of 5 stars
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!
To me this book succeeds on so many levels! It's informative, funny and actually taught me a lot about punk rock!! Read more
Published on March 16, 2004 by mellymell
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 2
books:
- Punk Rock by Virgina Boston in Front Matter
- Never Mind the Bollocks: That Was the Sex Pistols by No Author in Back Matter
Books on Related Topics
(learn more)
|
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Listmania!
|
|
So You'd Like to...
|
|
