8 Minutes in the Morning to Lean Hips and Thighs    by Jorge Cruise Order:  USA  Can Rodale, 2004 (2004) Softcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson The title makes it clear that the 8 Minutes in the Morning fitness programs are aimed at busy lifestyles. Jorge Cruise speaks of 'a revolution going on in the field of weight loss', involving building lean muscle through resistance training. This particular exercise program (that takes eight minutes per day) is customized to target the hips and thighs. The author advises four weeks at each of three levels of exercise difficulty. Three days a week are spent working on hips and thighs, with one day on upper body, one on lower body, one stretching day, and one rest day. Cruise explains the difference between nutritional and emotional eating (sample meals, snacks, and food lists are included), and there are many motivational suggestions and quotes throughout the book - I especially like Mark Twain's 'If you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right.' No special equipment is required (many of the exercises are isometric, done sitting at a table, while others use a pillow). Each session involves 4 moves (one minute each) performed twice, preceded by a minute of warmup jogging, and finished with cooldown stretches. Instructions are simple and clear, with photographs to demonstrate stances and moves. Forms can be used to track progress. This 8 Minutes in the Morning program is a good choice for the time challenged, who are looking for inspiration and a clear, detailed plan to achieve weight loss specifically in the hips and thighs. 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