Vinnie Tortorich

This is less a fitness book and more of a fitness memoir. That being said, there is a lot of good information towards the beginning about fitness and what kinds of changes you should make. The majority of the rest of the book was Vinnie's health journey, which can be inspirational and educational in a way that other so-called fitness and diet books aren't. He tells stories in a way that everyone understands and breaks down the science to a point that anyone can understand it. Even though this was not really the book that I was expecting, it was still a great read. There were definitely points in the book that I was completely drawn in to what Vinnie was saying.

I personally don't really understand how to live a no sugar no grains lifestyle. Does this mean absolutely no sugar? Because fruit has natural sugar. So I shouldn't eat fruit? Or is it more of a "eat as little sugar as possible" rule? And if so, is there a recommended amount that you shouldn't go over? I needed more of this information in the book rather than Vinnie's health story and his addiction to cycling.

All in all, this is less science and more life story. If you want some inspiration to get you started on your fitness journey or need some extra motivation, this book will do that. Although I didn't get from this exactly what I wanted, it was still a great read.… (altro)

Due to the fact that my mojo is all over the place recently I have started a few books, only to put them down back on the shelf after 30 or so pages. I decided to not try and force it, and wait for the next book to come me. I bought this on my kindle after seeing it as one of those "people also bought" promotions when I bought Eat & Run by Scott Jurek.

I had no idea who Vinnie Tortorich was and how justified he was in calling himself "America's Angriest Trainer" but the reviews were generally positive so I decided to give it a shot. I think the most important thing to say about the book is don't buy it if you are expecting step by step advice about how to lose fat and get fit. This isn't like your standard exercise book, its more of a memoir with some fitness advice thrown in along the way. Although I wasn't expecting this it turned out to be just what I needed to read.

Many times during the book I found myself laughing at some of his comments as they are witty but accurate. He has a very negative view on the whole 'health' industry, a view which I happen to share to some extent. He explains why all these fitness gadgets that are on sale are a waste of time and money and how buying a gym membership is fraught with traps. I know first hand that the gym sales pitch is spot on as I have experienced it first hand, this is one of the reasons I don't use a gym.

His advice on eating healthily is very simple, avoid sugar and avoid grains. A year ago I would have laughed at this and dismissed it but I happened to give this a go back in March and I have lost 35lbs. I had always thought that bread, pasta and rice must be good for you but it was one of the reasons why I struggled to lose weight every time I tried despite exercising a lot. I also know that the basic weight lifting exercises he lists are the most effective for those wanting to get fit.

The remainder of the book is about his fight with Leukemia and his attempts at riding a 509.5 mile bike endurance race. None of this is self promoting and it just comes across as a great story really well told. It made me want to get out on my bike a ride further than I have ridden before and I probably would have given it a shot had it not being pouring it down outside. :D

I really enjoyed this book and I'm glad that I found it.… (altro)