Walk Away the Pounds    by Leslie Sansone Order:  USA  Can Warner, 2005 (2005) Hardcover, CD      Reviewed by Melissa Parcel Many people are familiar with Leslie Sansone, who has had a popular video/DVD series for almost twenty-five years, based on in-home walking. Walk Away the Pounds is an excellent companion, starting point, or extra bit of encouragement for both beginning exercisers or those who have been working out for years. An added bonus is the one-mile walk DVD, included with the book. Part I tells the story about how Sansone got into doing 'Walk Aerobics'. Many questions are answered, such as 'Why walking?', 'Why six weeks?', and 'What if I don't have the videos?' She discusses the benefits of exercise for health, equipment needed to get started, and combats myths about exercise. Part II describes the exercises in simple terms. These aren't complicated aerobic moves. They are very easy and I'd venture to guess that nearly everyone can do them. Each move is detailed with photographs. Part III talks about the details of 'The Walk Diet'. This is not an eating plan, it's an exercise plan. There are pages on which to write goals, learning, and feelings for each of the 42 days of the program. Interspersed throughout are essays about water, multivitamins, self-acceptance, reader testimonials, and tons of tips. My only complaint about this section is that it starts on a Monday, and the days are set up in that way. After completing the six weeks, there are details about what to do next, and how to increase intensity ('PowerWalking') for more advanced walkers. There are even sections covering pregnancy, older walkers, and changing eating habits. Part IV is entitled 'Making Life Work'. It's about stress and its effects on the body. I have been using Leslie Sansone's 'Walk Away the Pounds' DVDs for a few months and have really enjoyed them. I've seen a huge difference in my fitness level and my weight. Though I consider myself very uncoordinated, I have never had a problem keeping up and figuring out the steps. The 'Walk Diet' is simple to follow, yet long enough to create new habits and promote weight loss and fitness. Anyone looking to get in shape in the New Year would benefit from this helpful and informative book. 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