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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
A must read for any woman
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...
Published on August 13, 2006 by Ray of Sunshine
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Good in parts
I gave this a try because it had good reviews, but I think that whether you find this book helpful and motivating depends very much on the type of person you are. There's much talk of the unrealistic 'Barbie' figure, but the body type and exercise illustrations are almost as far from reality - just a nit I know, but... As I read through the book, it seemed as if it's...
Published on May 20, 2008 by TaosBrit
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
A must read for any woman, August 13, 2006
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.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Great information for women!, August 17, 2006
I read through the introduction of her book so fast that my eyes couldn't keep up with me. I couldn't wait for the next line to know more about this real life story laced with struggles and successes alike.
Her understanding yet no nonsense approach takes all the guess work out of confusing exercise facts and myths. She walks you through topics like body image, genetics and all the stuff in between that "the never taught us in school".
There is a neat little quiz that helps you define your body type. Then, workouts and nutritional plans for each specific type i.e. Ecto-Apple or Meso-Pear.
Jam Packed with motivation and inspiration; it's a real sense of "touch down". A relief from the crazy world wind of unhealthy fad diets, magic pills and empty promises that bombard us every day.
I have already benefited from the many little tips she offers that can be implemented into daily life.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Substance, June 24, 2007
Fit+Female was surpisingly a book with some substance to it. When I bought it I expected a run-of-the-mill book with pictures of workouts and guidlines for a diet. Although it does contain all of these things, the book outlines specific diets and excersise plans for each of the six body types. Coopersmith explains how to find which type you are, as well as including a quiz. I felt like I was reading a magazine with my friends not trying to get in shape. The fitness plans are straightforward. The diet plans are sound as well, and instead of just giving foods to eat, Coopersmith tells why you should eat them and how you should make healthy choices outside her meal plans.
The best thing I thought about the book was that it went beyond the superficial. Coopersmith not only writes about fitness and nutrition, but goes in depth about body issues and self-confidence. She explains that you should love your body for what it is, and as long as it is a healthy body, that is what matters. Coopersmith writes that the ideal shouldn't be the emaciated, stick-figure models, but strong, healthy women. This is a really important message. Fit+Female goes beyond just a fitness book, and I would highly recommend it to any woman.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
a book that makes sense, tailored to your body type, May 17, 2007
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!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Great read!, January 18, 2009
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.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Stop eating, get off the couch and start working out!, December 12, 2006
I have been a personal trainer for over 12 years and have finally found the perfect book for all my female clients. Never before have I read such a motivating yet humorous book that is both concise and informative. If you follow Geralyn's plan for your body type you will be assured success. Fit and Female is the Holiday gift all of my clients will be getting this year(g). I can't wait for her next book. Great stuff.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Great Resource, November 11, 2006
As a trainer, one of the hurdles that I deal with when I am working with female clients is the unrealistic expectations they have when starting a fitness program. When I read Fit and Female, I knew Geralyn identified with what a lot of women struggle with; body image. Having been through the same experiences as so many women, she is really able to capture the female reader's trust. I have given the book to all of my female clients, and it has been an inspiration to all of them. It has helped to change their mindset, and to rethink goals. The Introduction and First Chapter alone are worth the price of admission. Get this book for someone you love.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Great for mothers and daughters!, September 21, 2006
I never thought a fitness book could be so entertaining.This book has great advice and it is given in a very humerous way. I have three daughters and my oldest is a teenager, I think this book will really help her get on the right path. So many kids today have eating disorders, take diet pills and do not want to excercise. This book shows you how to eat and excercise for the type of body you have. I enjoyed it alot. I recommend it for people who are frustrated with their bodies and want to get healthy.
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A Must Read Informative Guide to Your Metabolism, September 7, 2009
I checked this book out at the library and read it. I was so impressed by the book that I decided to purchase it from Amazon. It's filled with information that you need to learn to love your body and the type it is. Knowing what metabolism and how it works is crucial to weight loss. Once you know how fast your metabolism is you can learn to deal with its speed or slowness.
If your curvy love your curves. You will never be a waif. If your straight up and down love it. You won't be voluptuous but you can get more definition in your body.
Loving your body and working out according to its type is what this book is all about.
Love it!
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Good in parts, May 20, 2008
I gave this a try because it had good reviews, but I think that whether you find this book helpful and motivating depends very much on the type of person you are. There's much talk of the unrealistic 'Barbie' figure, but the body type and exercise illustrations are almost as far from reality - just a nit I know, but... As I read through the book, it seemed as if it's mainly a fitness and nutrition book for fitness centre members, with some post-editing done to acknowledge overweight people.
The diet section trots out the same old stuff, with slight variations in summaries for each body type. I.e. chicken breasts and steamed vegetables, more fibre.
The exercise sections were much better, and something I feel I will do.
So overall, I didn't feel motivated by this book. I found "Dr Abravanel's Body Type Diet and Lifetime Nutrition Plan" much more compelling and motivating. Maybe because there seems to be some research behind his suggestions: the basis of hormonal 'types' provides advice that makes sense to me and feels 'right' for my challenges. I can more readily identify with the body type(s) and cases he talks about.
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