Weight-bearing Workouts for Women: Exercises for Sculpting, Strengthening, and Toning    by Yolande Green Order:  USA  Can Ulysses Press, 2004 (2004) Softcover     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson This book is aimed at both beginners to weight training, and at anyone looking for 'exercise to add variety, increase intensity or overcome a frustrating plateau'. It opens with a short 'physical activity readiness questionnaire' to determine whether a doctor should be consulted before beginning (this is elaborated on later in a section on 'Injuries'), and recommends the incorporation of regular aerobic exercise, in addition to the strength and flexibility training covered here. A discussion of 'Why weights?' is followed by 'Know your muscles' (and why it's good to push a muscle just beyond its limits). There's a discussion on how to maintain good 'Posture and alignment' during exercise. Equipment is introduced - free weights (body bar and dumbbells), dynabands, fitness steps etc. - though a minimum of equipment is required and alternatives are suggested. Three training days a week are recommended, preceded by general and flexibility warm-up. Exercises are presented with clear instructions, 'Key Points' on which to focus, different levels of difficulty, and black and white photos that show step-by-step movements. Each set is preceded by a picture and explanation of the muscle group affected. The book closes on discussions of women's health issues, exercise during pregnancy and in later life, and nutrition. Weight-bearing Workouts for Women is a straightforward, informative introduction to strength training, ideal for anyone who wants to work out on their own or with friends. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews