Hitting the workout books

As New Year’s Day approaches and the notion of a New Year’s

resolution looms large, remember that the Newport Beach Public

Library can help.

The resolution has to come from you first, but you can turn to the

library for help with keeping that resolution throughout 2004.

Resolutions can cover any kind of topic, but if getting and staying

physically fit is on your list, then the library is the perfect place

to go.

You’ll find some outstanding new books and video recordings that

can keep you on your determined course of action. “One-on-One with

Tony Little: A Complete 28-Day Body Sculpting and Weight Loss” is a

total body-sculpting and weight-loss plan designed to get you fit in

28 days. Men’s Health magazine has published a Home Workout Bible

that features more than 400 at-home exercises for all levels of

expertise and stamina.

If you are feeling really energized and motivated, then there’s

“Pilates for Every Body: Strengthen, Lengthen, and Tone with this

Complete 3-Week Body Makeover.” Author Denise Austin takes you

through a range of progressive workouts for a total conditioning

program.

If Pilates is a bit too grueling, then try “Power of 10: The

Once-a-Week Slow Motion Fitness Revolution,” by Adam Zickerman. This

book recommends a regime of resistance exercises, diet and rest for

those of us who are not fitness buffs.

“Slow Burn Fitness Revolution,” written by personal fitness

trainer Fredrick Hahn and a pair of physicians, is a short, tough

program of weight training designed to be well balanced and safe.

“Real Men Do Yoga: 21 Star Athletes Reveal their Secrets for

Strength, Flexibility and Peak Performance,” is an easy and fun

introduction to a less strenuous plan by John Capouya. Making the

book even more fun and motivational are the illustrations featuring

such “real men” as running back Eddie George, pitcher Barry Zito,

hoopster Kevin Garnett, golfer David Duval, goalie Sean Burke and

retired quarterback Dan Marino.

If digging into the pages of a book is going to make sticking to

your plan harder, then you can always rely on the video format to

demonstrate and motivate you to stay on track. The number of choices

covers a wide range of skill, ability, and drive. You’ll find that

the DVD set, “10 Best Workouts,” lets you choose from a varied set of

workouts.

For something less strenuous and more fun, check out “1- 2 -3 Mile

Super Fat Burner.” Walk aerobics guru Leslie Sansone leads you on a

hike right in front of your television. If you find this even a

little too daunting, then you can turn to the Total Yoga series of

“Earth, Fire, and Water” to gain physical fitness and a sense of well

being.

So, no more excuses. Start planning those resolutions now, and

remember that you don’t have to go it alone. The Newport Beach Public

Library has the resources to make this New Year a healthier, fitter,

and happier one.

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public

Library. This week’s column is by Sara Barnicle. All titles may be

reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at

https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the

Central Library or any of the branch locations, please contact the

Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.