The Personal Trainer's Handbook

Rating:
Summary: This is a great book for non-professionals, too
Review: This book was recommended to me by a friend who's really into fitness training. I was just looking for a guide that would enable me to exercise more effectively. This is it! It's terrific! Many, many exercises are fully explained (all with diagrams,) from stretching to working with weights. The book is written so a novice like me can easily understand every concept, yet the level of thoroughness is really amazing. Mental approach, setting goals, creating an individualized program, danger signs (that indicate over-exercise) are all discussed in an intelligent, yet readable way. Even the stuff that doesn't apply to me-- the professional trainer pointers regarding setting up a business, how to market yourself, legal matters, etc. are interesting reading. The style is friendly and sometimes humorous, yet serious and to the point. I also like the ever-present integrity of the author's viewpoint. She's not at all shy about telling it like it is. I expected a hard-to-read technical manual. I am quite pleasantly surprised. Wish I could give it an 11!