The Natural Way - the Holistic Guide to Total Mind-Body Health & Fitness, by Beth Horn - Book Review

My library of fitness books is vastly growing and I have enjoyed many while I believe others are a waste of precious paper. It's not that I don't enjoy the information but unless the book is based on a specific subject I feel it's the same information that's in other books but painted differently. My new book addition "The Natural Way - The Holistic Guide to Total Mind-Body Health & Fitness" is by Beth Horn, a well know certified personal trainer, author and NBC's American Gladiator Venom. This is what I thought of the book.

The Style

"The Natural Way - The Holistic Guide to Total Mind-Body Health & Fitness" is in an easy to read format for both new-comers and advanced exercisers. Although Horn was an IFBB Pro Fitness athlete this book is meant for the mainstream audience. There are many illustrations used for exercises with several photos of Horn providing examples.

Nutrition

Horn covers nutrition in a realistic approach and recommends readers to do the same. She recommends all changes in your nutrition program should be done slowly. Add meals, eat smaller portions and substitute healthy snacks for empty calories and you'll see changes.

Of her nutrition advice I find her beliefs in cheat meals invaluable. As a competitor I believe cheat meals are important to break the monotony, keep sane and to boost your metabolism. Horn solidifies this belief by relaying the message that it's okay to have up to two cheat meals a week to maintain health nutrition program. Although I compete I liked the fact that Horn uses this concept for everyone. It allows anyone, including off-season competitors, to understand that you can give yourself a break.

Horn points out that creating a better you is based on healthy foods but she keeps it realistic. She explains why eating clean and in moderation with good fats, proteins and carbohydrates are healthier than diets that exclude whole food groups.

Competition Diet

I thought it very interesting to find a copy of Horn's fitness competition diet in her book "The Natural Way: The Holistic Guide to Total Mind-Body and Fitness." Horn gives an honest depiction of a contest prep diet and also informs readers that there are several ways to lose weight quickly but her examples are not drastic or harmful.

Exercise Routines

Horn's book includes several sections of workout routines suitable for all age ranges. Each section offers illustrations and specific workout exercises in case you are new to working out. The Ultimate Partner Workout chapter is unique in comparison to the other chapters since there are several illustrations of exercises that only use the body weight of your workout partner.

Graphs, Charts and Diagrams

"The Natural Way - The HolisticGuide to Total Mind-Body Health & Fitness" offers more than a dozen workout routines which include reps, sets and weights for week long programs. Examples of split workout programs are given, as well as, an explanation of the movements. The Glycemic Index is also listed for those who are learning about nutrition and trying to exclude or minimize simple carbohydrates.

My Opinion

Horn has twenty years experience in the fitness industry and what I found impressive was her honesty about training and nutrition. She is explicit in the fact that life, food and fitness should be balanced. I found the book easy to read and understand and is a good book for beginners and intermediates. Though I say this, I believe that advanced exercisers can take several good points away from the book as well.

Cost
"The Natural Way - The Holistic Guide to Total Mind-Body Health & Fitness" is available for for $20 or under.