Woman's Book of Strength 6-copy - Softcover

Karen Andes is a teacher-trainer, a producer of award-winning videos, a public speaker, a Five Star presenter with IDEA and a former co-owner of Gold's Gym in Marin, CA. The author of A Woman's Book of Strength, she also appeared as Cher's physical trainer in the bestselling video Body Confidence. Ms. Andes lives with her husband in San Rafael, CA.

Strength is as much an emotional and psychological quality as it is physical. This meld of mind and body is the foundation upon which this intelligent guide to sensible bodybuilding and overall fitness for women is built. Andes' qualifications for writing this book are sound on two fronts. Not only is she co-owner of Gold's Gym in Marin County, California, and Cher's personal trainer, she has also studied writing with the likes of John Irving and John Gardner. Andes spends ample time on such factors as nutrition, overcoming fear, and achieving a balance between hard-core workouts and relaxation techniques. She cautions readers to be careful about posture and to pay attention to their breathe, two keys to safe and effective workouts. Bodybuilding equipment is described and explained, gym "etiquette" discussed, and issues such as obsession and discouragement are analyzed with a trainer's understanding of the pitfalls women encounter in the early phases of training. The exercises are presented in detail with good visual support, and suggestions for sequences and sets are clearly explained. The "exercise anatomy chart" will help readers identify aching muscles, while Andes' pep talks about self-esteem establish a positive mind-set. Donna Seaman