Avid runner, Robert J. Davis teams up with personal trainer, Brad Kolowich Jr., to create a scientifically backed, no-fad, time-tested method for finally getting fit and staying fit.

Davis begins by sharing with readers his own personal story of how he had an aversion to gym class and anything that might resemble exercise while in grade school. To him, the required gym activities seemed pointless. It wasn't until he was older, that Davis discovered running, which helped to construct a fundamental truth that physical fitness comes in many forms and it need not be torturous. The keys to good fitness are to keep it simple (KISS) and to choose an activity that is enjoyable.

The authors continue by sharing some basic, no-frills advice about exercise equipment, clothing, and proper footwear. For example, each type of athletic shoe is constructed to augment a particular activity. Running shoes are designed to have more cushioning, more flexibility in the arch, and have a wider toe than walking shoes. Athletic shoes should also be replaced every 6 to 12 months, or 300 to 500 miles.

Other than practical wisdom, I was very keen on Davis' ability to sift through long-standing "facts" about exercise and weight loss. I do not believe that "calories in" verses "calories out" will yield weight loss or weight gain. There are too many variables that come in to play when considering the math behind health and weight loss. The author seems to give rise to the notion that the amount of calories that a person can reasonably expend during exercise to elicit meaningful and sustainable weight loss is unreasonable and unsustainable for most people. He reasonably cites that exercise may prompt you to eat more as well as the trouble most people face with a slowing metabolism. Instead, he suggests forgoing muffins and other nonessential foods for an easier path to weight loss.

To round out the book, the authors include a Fitter Faster daily workout. The routines are simple, time-efficient, and varied. Other than having a set or two of dumbbells at your disposal, the exercises require nothing more than the power of the human body.

Overall, the book is an easy read and useful in turning people toward the idea that you don't need a gym to get into shape, nor do you have to kill yourself to do it. Begin today and build upon your daily successes.

Amazon.com: Fitter Faster: The Smart Way to Get in Shape in Just Minutes a Day

Amazon.co.uk: Fitter Faster: The Smart Way to Get in Shape in Just Minutes a Day

About the Author:
Robert J. Davis, Ph.D., is the author of Fitter Faster: The Smart Way to Get in Shape in Just Minutes a Day (AMACOM) with Brad Kolowich, Jr. He is an award-winning health journalist whose work has appeared on CNN, PBS, WebMD, and in The Wall Street Journal. The president of Everwell, he hosts its popular myth-busting “Healthy Skeptic” videos and is the author of two other consumer health books, Coffee Is Good for You and The Healthy Skeptic. A graduate of Princeton University, he holds a master’s degree in public health from Emory and a PhD in health policy from Brandeis University, where he was a Pew Foundation Fellow. Having grown up hating exercise, he today enjoys running, hiking, and working out. For more information, please visit www.fitterfasterplan.com.

Disclaimers: I was provided a free proof of Fitter Faster: The Smart Way to Get in Shape in Just Minutes a Day, in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions, herein, are my own and not influenced by the opinions of the author or affiliates in any way.

In the spirit of full disclosure, this article contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you decide to purchase this book through Amazon. I only recommend products, books, and systems that I use and love myself. You are always in good hands.

I am not a doctor and the articles I write are intended to increase your knowledge about the subject. It’s always a good idea to check with your personal doctor before changing your diet or starting an exercise program.