Available at Amazon.com

When I entered the blogosphere back in July, my friend Paula Rizzo, The List Producer, gave me some good advice about how to select my topics. One tip was to write about the things that have helped me in my own fitness journey: a book, an exercise DVD or even a favorite group exercise class. So, today I want to tell you about the book that belongs on everyone’s shelf, regardless of your fitness level: Fitness or Fiction: The Truth About Diet and Exercise by Brent Brookbush, MS, PES, CES, CSCS, ACSM-H/FS.

Brent spent more than six years investigating the facts to shatter more than 60 myths surrounding diet and exercise including:

Myth #2: Carbohydrates are your enemy. What You Should Know: Excess calories are your enemy, not carbs!

Myth #24:  Products that target my inner thighs, abs, and back of my arms are an important part of my exercise routine. What You Should Know:  Don’t waste your time.

Myth #58: Sweating is good indicator of intensity, and is a great way to lose weight. What You Should Know:  Sweat is not a reliable indicator of intensity.
or fat loss.

Each myth is debunked through extensive research – more than 600 references are cited in the book –  and the facts are presented in plain English. (There are also great photographs that illustrate proper form for a wide variety of exercises.) There are no gimmicks, no fads and no empty promises. Whether you are a fitness novice or industry professional, Fitness or Fiction gives you the tools you need to build a program that will produce the results you want.

Brent Brookbush

Since 1998, Brent has educated thousands of personal trainers, written and consulted for various fitness magazines, and has been a revered personal trainer. He is also president of B2C Fitness, where he continues to develop cutting-edge training and development systems and educational publications for fitness professionals. Currently, he is an Instructor for PowerPlate, NASM, and B2C Fitness. In fact, he was my Instructor (along with Rick Richey) at the NASM Personal Fitness Workshop I took in March to help prepare for my CPT exam.

As a lifetime fitness enthusiast, novice blogger and recently NASM certified personal trainer, I know this book will become a primary reference when looking for ways to challenge myself or help others in their fitness journey. Adding Fitness or Fiction to your book collection is a surefire way to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!