Fit And Well, Brief: Core Concepts and Labs in Physical Fitness and Wellness

Topics covered here include:
- basic methods to studying and eliminating unhealthy habits
- stress sources and management
- strength exercises, including photos and descriptions of many common ones: good for an exercise novice who'd like to avoid the embarrassment of looking totally confused at the gym (though there's no substitute to a trainer who knows what he's doing)
- healthy eating habits, and detailed analysis of carbs, fats, and other things food is made up of
- coverage of diseases, including STDs and other chronic illnesses

This book is great for independent study, which was the method I used it. Augmenting it with help from a teacher could highlight other areas the book doesn't go quite as in-depth into; in my class's studies, many web sites had to be visited, which added some good knowledge outside the book's scope. Also, each chapter seems to be a little long; splitting some chapters up into shorter sections would have made me feel like I was moving through the book quicker.

However, this is a quality-written book from McGraw Hill. It could be good for anyone, young or old, who doesn't know much but wants to learn how to live a healthy life. If you're looking to get into shape for the summer, but have never paid attention to your health habits before, this book can actually be quite a good starting point: it can help point out how certain foods will affect your body, and give you a quick overview of many common, effective, good exercises. Very recommended for either class or independent study.


Great Book   June 21, 2007
Kaamila Jackson (New York, NY)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I'm a Sports Science major with a concentration in Physical Therapy and this book was used for a undergrad Lifetime physical fitness class. Man, a lot of books lack key information needed in this field but this book is right on. The chapters are well put together in a great order. No skipping around chapters. It's a great beginners good. two thumbs up!


Textbook Purchase   September 4, 2008
SMR (MO, USA)
The service was prompt, the merchandise was as advertised, and this purchase saved me time & money!

Thanks!


Great textbook   October 16, 2008
Robert J. Haynes
I purchased this book for my Kinesiology class.
It's a great textbook, easy to read. Has good visualizations that help make someone understand what they're reading.


Great book   October 30, 2008
Miguel A. Rodriguez (North Bay Village, Florida United States)
This is one of those books that eventually turns into a classic. It is certainly a book that is easy to read and understand, a quick reference when in doubt, a good source of nutritional facts, definitely a keeper. I purchased a second copy of this book recently as an upgrade to my previous old damaged book. I originally was introduced to this book while I was taking a nutrition course in college. Then I recommended it to some friends who, were following diets based on marketing propaganda rather than solid scientific facts and figures. So my old book went from one home to another, until it started to loose its cover and pages. I highly recommend this book, specially if you are confused about dieting and you find yourself desperately asking for nutritional recommendations at your local GNC store. The book covers many subjects on fitness however, I believe its strong content is on nutrition. Once you read this book, you will never go back to any GNC or similar stores, instead you will find yourself at your local Whole Foods Market or natural healthy store. Knowledge is Power!