Walk Yourself Thin

Rating:
Summary: A simple and direct read.
Review: In _Walk Yourself Thin_, Rives presents his main thesis--walk, walk, and walk some more--in, well, the vernacular. But this isn't necessarily a bad thing; quite the contrary, it succeeds in providing the reader some straight-talk about personal fitness, of which there is always too little. As I read this book, I also was struck with how prescient Rives' presentation is. Recent medical studies have inquired as to which of the following, if only ONE was acheived, would provide the most benefit: getting more exercise, losing weight, improving diet, or quitting smoking. Exercise was the (perhaps surprising) conclusion of the study, and Rives stresses this point clearly. Start, and keep, walking and work out the other details in time.

The only reason I give the work 4 stars is that there is no mention of walking technique. This may not seem like a great oversight, but for those who are significantly overweight, a short bit about techniques to help prevent injury would be welcome. All in all, however, a great read and definitely worth the money.

As a personal note, although it's too early to notice any significant results on the program (I've only been on it for a few weeks.), my energy level has noticeably risen, and I've been feeling great. I should also note that this is the only fitness program I've ever been on in which I LOOK FORWARD to exercising. Who can beat that? Just keep on walking...

Rating:
Summary: Easy to read and motivational!!!
Review: It took me only 2 hours to read through this whole book! Mr. Rives is so right about exercise and diet working together to have a LASTING result. Our bodies crave exercise and walking is the most practical way to get it consistently. This book is a motivator that if you keep it up, you'll look great and be healthy too, no matter how you look when you start out! Now I crave my daily walk more than food!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Treatment of a Fitness Program Everyone Can Use.
Review: Looking thinner is a subject that can invoke many thoughts and reactions. The overwhelming amount of information on diets, exercise programs etc. can serve to so compound the problem, so that inaction is the only solution. David Rives in his book "Walk Yourself Thin" cuts through the flack and outlines a program that can be used by anyone, everywhere and without any costs. We were so impressed, my wife immediately started a Thinwalkers Club in our neighborhood, and I drove 100 miles to meet Mr. Rives and secure his permission to add his book to the Rexall Body Synergy Weight Loss Program which addresses the Reward Cascade of the brain, and reduces cravings. One cavet, if you don't like straight talk, you'll probably not enjoy this book, and obviously won't want to "Walk Yourself Thin".

Rating:
Summary: It's plain and simple...
Review: READ THIS BOOK IF YOU WANT YOUR OLD BODY BACK OR IF YOU WANT THE BODY YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED WITHOUT CHANGING THE WAY YOU EAT.....I gained alot of weight when I got married, and more when I got pregnant. And I couldn't understand that because I hadn't changed the way I was eating (I have always ate "good" if you know what I mean) and I was gaining weight. And this has always been bad on my self esteem, because honestly, I had a nice figure before and men have always "favored" my nice "rear" and thighs (and my build altogether) I used to be pretty darn happy with the way I looked...not anymore. I have been wantin the old body back for over 3 years now. Well, the answer has always been right in front of my face, and I knew what it was: When I was single I was rippin' and runnin' all the time and was getting exercise all the time to keep me thin...but since I got married and settled down my activities dramatically slowed. So it MAKES 100% GOOD SENSE that walking like David says alone and not having to change your eating habits, can keep you thin. The book just kind of "Hammers" this obvious point in your head (which is good for us lazy folks) and gets you MOTIVATED and gets you out there..... and he makes the book very enjoyable to read with some humor. And walking DOES make you feel GREAT...I walked last summer and lost 12lbs, and now that I have read his book, I am gettin back out there TO STAY!........IF YOU WANT TO FINALLY DO SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR WEIGHT AND SAY GOODBYE TO DIETING (that HAS NEVER worked, and is HORRBILE to go through)...BUY THIS BOOK>>>NOW NOW NOW!!!!! And by the way...THANK YOU DAVID RIVES!!!!!! I will love you for it in the end!! :) I will be back to give another review and brag about how many sizes I have dropped!! :)
Update 3-20-02
I told you I'd be back! The Good news: I lost 15 more lbs just walking (no diet change) every day, using the "Walk Yourself Thin" idea. And it's SO true what the book says about how you will pick up your distance cause your body get used to it...I was up to 2 miles a day. That's alot for someone that never exercised. The bad news: I can't stick to anything very long, and quit walking after hot weather came...but I plan to get back out there since the weather is nice again for walking. I have about 15-20lbs to lose this year, and I hope I can get it all gone forever, cause I haven't gained back anything I lost. So, I will be back to update you again. BUY THIS BOOK! It's SO true!

Rating:
Summary: I read this book twice
Review: The author has alot of good hints. (like doing something 3 days in a row will soon make it a habit) This is very true and has worked for me. I found myself annoyed at some of the banter talk between reader and writer, but did find myself chuckling at some things. i am inspired to continue with my walking and to increase the time I do it. I'll save this book for future inspiration when I find myself getting lazy.

Rating:
Summary: good plain advice
Review: The book really says it all in one sentence--lose your excess weight by walking as far as you comfortably can as fast as you comfortably can daily. This according to the book might be up to a distance of 5 mph. He also has some dietary advice (eat wisely in moderation but don't "diet"). I found myself wishing I could ask the author a few questions--like "what if I can walk ten miles"? What's the upper limit he recommends? Most of us have to work for a living. But in a fleeting mention in an early chapter I think he's recommending an hour a day on a track or loop that you know the distance of. He also claims you may not lose actual weight, but just fat. At one point he suggests that he was 60 or 70 lbs overweight but has now walked himself thin. He DOESN'T say if his weight is still the same. That I'd like to know. He claims you'll lose clothing sizes. Other fitness gurus claim you should include resistance training and eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Mr. Rive says, don't sweat it, just walk. For the fat people who were outraged by his seeming insensitivity--first, the author himself was fat and speaks from firsthand experience. We can't let PC concerns keep us from speaking plainly. Second, as a fat person myself who's lost 15 lbs so far walking, I agree completely with his assessment of "plus-size" people--most of us are extremely unhappy with our bodies and want to be fitter and thinner. Before quitting smoking I was height-weight proportionate. I've been thin, and I've been fat, and thin is better.

Rating:
Summary: good plain advice
Review: The book really says it all in one sentence--lose your excess weight by walking as far as you comfortably can as fast as you comfortably can daily. This according to the book might be up to a distance of 5 mph. He also has some dietary advice (eat wisely in moderation but don't "diet"). I found myself wishing I could ask the author a few questions--like "what if I can walk ten miles"? What's the upper limit he recommends? Most of us have to work for a living. But in a fleeting mention in an early chapter I think he's recommending an hour a day on a track or loop that you know the distance of. He also claims you may not lose actual weight, but just fat. At one point he suggests that he was 60 or 70 lbs overweight but has now walked himself thin. He DOESN'T say if his weight is still the same. That I'd like to know. He claims you'll lose clothing sizes. Other fitness gurus claim you should include resistance training and eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Mr. Rive says, don't sweat it, just walk. For the fat people who were outraged by his seeming insensitivity--first, the author himself was fat and speaks from firsthand experience. We can't let PC concerns keep us from speaking plainly. Second, as a fat person myself who's lost 15 lbs so far walking, I agree completely with his assessment of "plus-size" people--most of us are extremely unhappy with our bodies and want to be fitter and thinner. Before quitting smoking I was height-weight proportionate. I've been thin, and I've been fat, and thin is better.

Rating:
Summary: If you can't stand the truth
Review: then don't read this book. I have the older edition, and it is hardly offensive in its language. You want offensive, go to fat squad at boot camp.

As far as whether or not one should eat breakfast (or anything at any certain time), if you are hungry, eat, if not, DON'T. Too many people eat because they are consciously or unconsciously "tanking up" for some imagined famine--"Oh no, I won't be able to eat until breaktime!"--or because they are semi-conscious in front of the TV.

I only gave it 4 stars because the writing style is somewhat annoying--it reads like an infomercial, with a lot of yakking. That said, it is still a good book on walking and worth the money.

Rating:
Summary: "Tough Love" Motivation...
Review: This book addresses just about every excuse, issue, and psychological hang-up as to why any well-meaning but inactive person isn't out there hoofing it. The author is very straightforward, honest, and motivational. He gives the "tough love" kind of talk I wish I could get from a live person. Most people around an obese person like me just remain polite, you know? Anyway, the motivational talk is what will keep this book within my easy reach in case I don't feel motivated to move.

The plan itself to "walk yourself thin" is so very easy-you simply can't do it wrong! No timekeeping, no need to bust out the car to figure out the mileage of your walking path. So simple is this approach to walking you'll think you should've thought of it first.

It's a keeper, indeed, this book!

Rating:
Summary: One of a Kind
Review: This book is an honest, refreshing guide on how to get started on the road to a new you. Well written and humorous with just the right dose of tough love when needed. I read it often for a quick "pick me up" and for ongoing inspiration. HIGHLY recommended.