A Woman's Book of Strength [Paperback]

Karen Andes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1995

Always at the forefront of health and physical fitness, renowned teacher-trainer Karen Andes has reinvented exercise for women by re-introducing dance as a source of both aerobic and spiritual fitness. This easy to understand, step-by-step guide explores the round, soft movements that feel more natural to the female body. By incorporating influences from Middle Eastern dance, other ancient sacred dances, as well as martial arts and yoga, Karen Andes has created a simple approach to movement which draws on our ancient past and serves our modem lives.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Strength is as much an emotional and psychological quality as it is physical. This meld of mind and body is the foundation upon which this intelligent guide to sensible bodybuilding and overall fitness for women is built. Andes' qualifications for writing this book are sound on two fronts. Not only is she co-owner of Gold's Gym in Marin County, California, and Cher's personal trainer, she has also studied writing with the likes of John Irving and John Gardner. Andes spends ample time on such factors as nutrition, overcoming fear, and achieving a balance between hard-core workouts and relaxation techniques. She cautions readers to be careful about posture and to pay attention to their breathe, two keys to safe and effective workouts. Bodybuilding equipment is described and explained, gym "etiquette" discussed, and issues such as obsession and discouragement are analyzed with a trainer's understanding of the pitfalls women encounter in the early phases of training. The exercises are presented in detail with good visual support, and suggestions for sequences and sets are clearly explained. The "exercise anatomy chart" will help readers identify aching muscles, while Andes' pep talks about self-esteem establish a positive mind-set. Donna Seaman

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade; 1st edition (January 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399518991
• ISBN-13: 978-0399518997
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #709,139 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Since publishing this triology I have been on a wild journey of movement exploration: lifting, dancing and yogically twirling myself through space using a Fly Gym yoga swing, a pole and padded monkey bars.

While I still love the meditative quality of weight lifting and dancing the sacred swirls and spirals, leveraging body weight and playing with and against gravity have taught me so much more (and made me stronger in the intrinsic "connecting" muscles).

Please visit www.flygym.com and see the wonderful uses of the Fly Gym swing. It's medicine for all levels and can be used for rehab or serious fitness and everything in between.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book, but style annoyed me, July 15, 2000

By 

Grace - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Woman's Book of Strength (Paperback)

First, let me say that this book is great on the mechanics of weight-training. She explains almost everything you could want to know about it, from different approaches to working out to the difference between fast-twitch/slow-twitch. On that count, I really like this book and think it's great.

On the other hand, I often found the style of writing extremely annoying. For example: "you simply must keep going, like brave and humble knights, onward into the dragon's den, wrapping your chattering mind in a soundproof box . ." Now, visualization is all well and good, as well as attempts at inspring the reader . . . but phrases like that (sprinkled rather liberally throughout the book) just grated on my nerves after the first few times. Perhaps other people enjoy that style of writing, but I personally found it to be overly artsy and irritating, rather than inspirational.

I can get past that irritating stylistic quirk, because the book really does have great content. But I thought I should warn others who may not appreciate grand attempts at spirituality/artsiness.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars even great for men, December 22, 1999

By 

leeba antares "the chic geek" (ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Woman's Book of Strength (Paperback)

Karen Andes' form is so thorough and instruction so complete, this book is even great for men. Her tips for visualization are immensely helpful; I love her "tricks of the trade." And the suggestions to make moves harder or easier mean that you may never outgrow an exercise. Clearly photographed and explained, the exercises are well-discussed and sound. Most exercises do require gym-type equipment, but many of her other suggestions will be very helpful to all exercisers. She is motivating, instructional and inspiring. She obviously finds great strength and beauty in the vast assortment of women out there, and believes all of us can find our own beauty, physical, emotional, spiritual, as well.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring book, August 14, 1999

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Woman's Book of Strength (Paperback)

This book is truly a must-own for every woman who cares about her health, both spiritual and physical. The exercises are clearly described and the author's writing style is beautiful. I thought I would find the chapters on emotions would be hokey but I actually found myself wanting to read more.

Another major advantage to this book over others I've tried to use is its flexibility. Rather than give us a woman's magazine style 8-week program guaranteed to tighten your butt, she encourages you to make your own plan using your own style and needs. I've been using this book to guide my strength training for two months now and expect I'll return to it again and again. This time, thanks to Karen Andes, I think I'll actually stick to my fitness routine!