Fitness for Geeks (O’Reilly Media, ISBN 978-1449399894) is a comprehensive guide packed with over 300 pages of information for both nutrition and exercise. The author, Bruce W. Perry is a self-professed “fitness geek” who has authored technical books for O’Reilly as well as frequent participant of multiple sports. The author’s own work is augmented with sidebars written by experts ranging from a marathoner to a former Israeli soldier.
Each of the eleven chapters can be read separately, with topics ranging from diet to outdoor fitness to weightlifting. There’s a lot to like in the book and the author includes footnotes and web links if you would like to go deeper on a particular topic. I’d probably feel better about some of the recommendations if the book was co-authored with a nutritionist or physician rather than a very well versed fitness geek. I’m only a geek— and not particularly of the “fitness” variety— so having more authoritative information would be beneficial.
The book was published in April 2012 and I’m amazed at how the market for fitness trackers and software has only continued to expand from the choices examined in the book. Perhaps there are presently too many choices. Thankfully my two-year-old Fitbit continues to track my steps. It will be interesting to see if a fitness device shakeout is coming in 2014, which would pave the way for Mr. Perry to work on a second edition.
If you’re looking to improve your overall wellness and physical conditioning, this book may not be the last one you purchase on the subject, but it’s definitely a good first fitness book for office-bound computer professionals.
- Purchase Fitness for Geeks (paperback) on Amazon.com
- Purchase Fitness for Geeks (Kindle edition) on Amazon.com
- Follow Bruce W. Perry’s blog or technical writing web site
- Follow Bruce W. Perry on Twitter
Image credit: O’Reilly and Associates
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
