The First 20 Minutes: Surprising Science Reveals How We Can Exercise Better, Train Smarter, Live Longer

by Gretchen Reynolds Narrated by Karen Saltus

Overview

Every Wednesday, Gretchen Reynolds singlehandedly influences how millions of Americans work out. In her Phys Ed column for The New York Times, she debunks myths, spurs conversation, and creates arguments among her readers by questioning widely held beliefs about exercise. Expanding upon her popular columns, Reynolds tackles the questions we all have and (sometimes) ask about exercise. Consulting experts in physiology, biology, psychology, neurology, and sports, she uncovers how often we should exercise, how long workouts should be, how to avoid injury, and how to find the right form, routine and equipment for our goals. She also reveals some surprising answers, like: * 20 minutes of cardio at a time is enough to obtain maximum health benefits. (And in some cases, just six minutes is all you need.) * Stretching before a workout is counterproductive. (It's better to just start easy, i.e., walk before you run.) * Core strength is nice but not necessary. (A six-pack looks great but actually has little bearing on performance.) * Walking improves your memory; housecleaning improves your mood. (The brain is like a muscle,; it likes to exercise.) * Chocolate milk is better than Gatorade for recovery. (Providing the best sports nutrition is often the simplest.) Drawing on scientific expertise as well as her own athletic experiences, Gretchen Reynolds will help you find the right workout for your body, age, fitness and goals. Whether your desire is to be fit for the rest of your life, to look great in a smaller dress size or to run your third marathon in Boston, The First 20 Minutes will make your workouts work for you.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

Gretchen Reynolds writes the Phys Ed column in the New York Times, and her book is an informative and entertaining review of current science about exercise and fitness, with good, commonsense recommendations that cut through confusing, often conflicting research on the subject. The author pulls no punches—with good humor she zeroes in and proves that almost everything we think we know about exercise is wrong. A very rational and readable volume, it is first and foremost a user’s manual that also explains that much of what we have been advised to do is inappropriate and possibly dangerous, especially since we must exercise to achieve a healthy, lifestyle disease–beating, aging-retarding regimen. Dispelling myths and deconstructing commonly held but inaccurate beliefs on almost every page, Reynolds reveals, for example, why stretching is bad, but warming up before working out is good; why it’s better to drink (only water) before and after exercise, not during; that a normal, healthy diet, not “training” food is all we need; why it’s harder for women than men to lose weight and keep it off; and why ibuprofen actually blunts exercise. Armed with the information in this book, readers will be inspired and motivated to reassess their habitual exercise programs and make positive changes. (June)

From the Publisher

"[This book] delivers answers to many perennial training questions [and] does a great job of myth-busting some well-established beliefs. It's a great guide for the mindful athlete who wants to gain all the benefits of physical training while minimizing downtime from injury or overtraining."—Danny Dreyer, founder of Chi Running

"There has never been a better time in history to grow stronger, faster and smarter; there has never been a more helpful book than Gretchen Reynolds's The First 20 Minutes. Smart, clear, and beautifully  useful, this is the new fitness bible for the modern age."—Dan Coyle, author of The Talent Code

"The First 20 Minutes is packed with interesting tips and insights. Pickle juice for cramps, who would have ever thought! Gretchen Reynolds once again delivers a winner."—Dean Karnazes, New York Times bestselling author of UltraMarathon Man

"An informative and entertaining review of current science about exercise and fitness, with good, commonsense recommendations that cut through confusing, often conflicting research on the subject... Armed with the information in this book, readers will be inspired and motivated to reassess their habitual exercise programs and make positive changes."—Publishers Weekly

Dean Karnazes

"The First 20 Minutes is packed with interesting tips and insights. Pickle juice for cramps, who would have ever thought! Gretchen Reynolds once again delivers a winner."

Dan Coyle

"There has never been a better time in history to grow stronger, faster and smarter; there has never been a more helpful book than Gretchen Reynolds's The First 20 Minutes. Smart, clear, and beautifully useful, this is the new fitness bible for the modern age."

Danny Dreyer

"[This book] delivers answers to many perennial training questions [and] does a great job of myth-busting some well-established beliefs. It's a great guide for the mindful athlete who wants to gain all the benefits of physical training while minimizing downtime from injury or overtraining."

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170318391
Publisher:	Ascent Audio
Publication date:	05/22/2012
Edition description:	Unabridged

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