Description:

A cutting-edge prescription for exercise by the New York Times “Phys Ed” columnist

At one point or another, nearly every person who works out wonders: Am I doing this right? Which class is best? Do I work out enough? Answering those questions and more, The First 20 Minutes helps both weekend warriors dedicated to their performance and readers who simply want to get and stay fit gain the most from any workout.

With the latest findings about the mental and physical benefits of exercise, personal stories from scientists and laypeople alike, as well as researched-based prescriptions for readers, Gretchen Reynolds shows what kind of exercise—and how much—is necessary to stay healthy, get fit, and attain a smaller jeans size. Inspired by Reynolds's wildly popular “Phys Ed” column for The New York Times, this book explains how exercise affects the body in distinct ways and provides the tools readers need to achieve their fitness goals, whether that's a faster 5K or staying trim.

Review

"Solid advice with motivational oomph to get you up and running." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Armed with the information in this book, readers will be inspired and motivated to reassess their habitual exercise programs and make positive changes." -- Publisher's Weekly

From the Back Cover

"[A] great guide for the mindful athlete who wants to gain all the benefits of physical training while minimizing downtime from injury or overtraining"-- Danny Dreyer, founder of Chi Running

"There has never been a better time in history to grow stronger, faster, and smarter; there has never been a more helpful book than Gretchen Reynolds's The First 20 Minutes. Smart, clear, and beautifully useful, this is the new fitness bible for the modern age." -- Dan Coyle author of The Talent Code and* Lance Armstrong's War

"The First 20 Minutes is packed with interesting tips and insights. Pickle juice for cramps, who would have ever thought! Gretchen Reynolds once again delivers a winner." -- Dean Karnazes, uberathlete and New York Times bestselling author of Ultramarathon Man*