Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights?: Fitness Myths, Training Truths, and Other Surprising Discoveries from the Science of Exercise

by Alex Hutchinson Narrated by Roger Wayne

Overview

In Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights?, physicist and award-winning journalist Alex Hutchinson tackles dozens of commonly held beliefs and looks at just what research science has-and has not-proven to be true:



¿ Should I exercise when I'm sick?



¿ Do I get the same workout from the elliptical machine that I get from running?



¿ What role does my brain play in fatigue?



¿ Will running ruin my knees?



¿ To lose weight, is it better to eat less or exercise more?



This myth-busting book covers the full spectrum of exercise science and offers the latest in research from around the globe, as well as plenty of practical tips on using proven science to improve fitness, reach weight loss goals, and achieve better competition results.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

This wide-ranging book covers far more than its title promises. Beyond the cardio/weight debate, Hutchinson covers fitness gear, physiology, flexibility, aging, injury, weight management, and the mental aspects of exercise in this question-and-answer-style offering. Hutchinson, editor at Popular Mechanics and Canadian Running and columnist for the Toronto Globe and Mail, is certainly a subject matter expert and a thorough researcher, clearly explaining scientific concepts for the average reader. He doesn't promote snake-oil paths to fitness, but rather promises and provides up-to-date, research-based health and fitness news. He touches on trends like barefoot running and Wii workouts and includes fitness oddities like the risk of water intoxication. End-of-chapter cheat sheets and helpful boxes, charts, and graphics will be more immediately salient to most readers than literature-review-centric body text, which sometimes feels prohibitively citation-laden. This book will work best when occasionally dipped into or when referenced in answering a specific question; a cover-to-cover read feels dense and overlong. Still, it will also be enjoyed by cerebral athletes who want the why behind the workouts. (June)

From the Publisher

Authoritative and easy to use. . . . This book answers all the big questions.” — Amby Burfoot, Runner’s World

“Factual, informative and empowering....a refreshing perspective on fitness and well-being.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Once in a while in the crowded fitness & health genre a book comes out that stands out from rest...[I]f there’s only one fitness book you ever buy this should be the one.” — BC Living

BC Living

Once in a while in the crowded fitness & health genre a book comes out that stands out from rest...[I]f there’s only one fitness book you ever buy this should be the one.

Amby Burfoot

Authoritative and easy to use. . . . This book answers all the big questions.

Kirkus Reviews

A comprehensive "evidence based" guide on exercise, health and performance for aspiring athletes and pros alike.

Hutchinson, a journalist and physicist, offers a refreshing perspective on fitness and well-being. Instead of adding to the list of manifestos on the perfect fitness regimen, the author sets aside conventional wisdom for scientific exploration and invites readers to form their own opinions. From the outset, Hutchinson clearly states his intentions: "This is an important point: there's no single 'best' exercise program or technique that applies to everyone. You'll have to take into account your background, current level of fitness and goals in designing an appropriate workout regimen—not to mention more subtle considerations like the types of activity you enjoy. After all, the most effective program is the one you can stick with!" With that in mind, the author leads readers on a path that methodically disentangles myth from fact regarding exercise, performance and healthy living. But Hutchinson isn't only concerned with what works and what doesn't; he's interested in the why as well. The author's scientific training serves him well in referencing hundreds of peer-reviewed journal articles and more than 100 interviews with researchers worldwide. However, he carefully balances the scientific data with a blend of tips and helpful diagrams. For example, readers may enjoy learning the mind-body connection and how listening to music or watching TV can affect a workout. Each chapter closes with a "cheat sheet," a clearly defined list of the key points.

Factual, informative and empowering.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940176401479
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	05/12/2020
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	938,870

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