Learn More About ‘Age-Defying Fitness’

“Age-Defying Fitness” by Marilyn Moffat and Carole B. Lewis, 2006, Peachtree Publishers, $19.95, softbound, 296 pages: Written by two physical therapists, this book includes an offer for a free elastic Thera-band, which is used by physical therapists to aid in conditioning, rehabilitation and strength building. However, the Thera-band is not necessary to do all the exercises in this book.
Chapter One helps the reader assess his or her body. Age-related physical changes are covered, as are the five domains of fitness: posture, strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. There are then tests for determining your level in each of the five domains.
Each domain is then afforded a chapter. The domain for that chapter is further discussed, instructing the reader on why that domain is important and what parts of the body it affects. For example, proper posture gives appropriate positioning for inner organs, and it affects breathing, arm and neck movements and how your jaw works. Anatomical and health information is provided in each chapter. These sections include facts on such things as types of joints, the function of cartilage and connective tissue, and conditions which may affect these areas of the body, like arthritis. Following the definitions of each condition, the authors explain what types of exercise may be beneficial as treatment. 
More in-depth tests appear in each chapter, along with score charts and recommended exercises for improving and maintaining each domain. The balance tests require assistance in case support is required. The tests range from very simple (sitting in a chair and turning your head to assess blood flow is one such) to much more difficult (such as the plank position, which is the static holding of a push-up).
Each chapter is then rounded off with daily tips and energizing ideas. These consist of simple tasks, modifications of everyday activities and suggestions for enhancing and reinforcing your exercise program.
For instance, the chapter on strength proposes getting items for yourself if others usually do it for you, and tightening your abdomen and tucking in your chin while dressing, shaving or sitting.
The final chapter puts it all together, aiding the reader both in making a commitment to exercise and in dealing with soreness. The personal exercise experiences of four different people are related as morale boosters.
Lee’s take: Intelligently written, but not above the heads of laymen.
J.J.’s take: Contains just about everything you might want to know about staying fit for life.

LEE AND J.J. MACFADDEN are twins and voracious readers living in Bristol Tennessee. E-mail them at .