Bob Greene is no stranger to the billion dollar fitness industry. In fact, he may be one of the most sought after gurus in the business, thanks to Oprah Winfrey. Greene knows his stuff, no doubt. In his latest book, he collaborates with some medical pioneers to deliver a more balanced and comprehensive guide to better health. In 20 Years Younger, he assumes the role of an exercise physiologist with near surgical mapping of the body with all its complexities and functions. After years of experience as a personal trainer and researcher, Greene is convinced that exercise, diet, and skin care are the essential tools to combating aging. From the get-go, the author argues that a well structured and personalised regimen can retard genetic proclivity to illnesses, if not a premature demise. Cellular and muscular degeneration caused by free radicals, oxidative stress, and inflammation caused by a host of factors, such as obesity and lack of proper sleep can be reversed, according to Greene. And true to his background, he touts exercise as the elixir, the very antidote to aging. He is compelling as it gets. He lifts research studies from Kings College in London which states that telomere-the tail ends of chromosomes and the structures that carry genes vary in length depending on the level of activity. The longer the telomere, the more active and healthier the individual. It is a revealing discovery that shatters the "good genes-bad genes" theory.
What then constitutes fitness? Greene identifies cardiovascular and muscular strength, agility, coordination, and balance. He offers a series of weightlifting, and aerobic exercises. He introduces a Perceived Exertion Scale so that readers can better gauge the level at which they are capable of performing – using their breathing as a guide. He later counsels: "No one can tell you what numbers to punch into the treadmill control panel to get the best workout. Listening to your body will tell you if you are working hard enough." Greene is equally comfortable and insightful when it comes to food. He advocates the Okinawa or Mediterranean diets-for good reason. He cites studies showing that the Japanese-particularly those living on the island of Okinawa are less likely than their Western counterpart to suffer with heart disease. They are also less likely to fall to breast and prostate cancer. Interestingly, Okinawa boasts the largest concentration of centenarians. Many attribute this phenomenon to their high intake of vegetables and fish, and a negligible amount, or no consumption of dairy or meat. A low daily caloric intake is another contributory factor. Greene goes on to list fruits and starchy vegetables that will prevent arterial blockages, lower LDL (bad cholesterol), lower blood pressure (the silent killer), and prevent prostate cancer. Spices too are examined, with Turmeric, the main compound in curry, hailed for preventing cancer and Alzheimer's disease. And for those who are not getting a ready supply of what Greene calls "super foods," there is a chapter -courtesy of Dr Diane McKay on the effective use of supplements.
Dr McKay is measured, never overstating the value of supplements in a dietary regimen. She advocates balance and even clearance from one's doctor. The rule of thumb is simple: If there is deficiency in the amount and quality of food intake, supplements should be considered. However, there are accompanying caveats in regards to Vitamin E and beta carotene. Conversely, she presents strong arguments for an adequate supply of Vitamin B12 and D. The fitness scroll continues to unfold with a contribution from Dr Harold Lancer whose work in the field of dermatology is renowned, although hardly revolutionary. His method: polishing, cleansing, and nourishing-presented in a different order-depending on the time of the day, is, as he repeats throughout-instrumental to sound circulation, and engenders more oxygen and reparative nutrients "to banish dullness and dryness." His work targets the stratum corneum-the outer part of the epidermis and promotes coenzyme as one of the essential ingredients for skin restoration. Greene and company end their undertaking with a chapter on sleep which proves highly elucidative and immediately applicable. Accompanying counsel on aging gracefully and meal plans are also equally inviting. This book will no doubt continue its run as the most thorough fitness manual to date. However, like many in its genre, it may soon begin to lose lustre-its assertions questioned-a victim of the dynamism and fluidity of its own making.
Dr Ashby is a New York based author and journalist.
20 Years Younger: Look Younger. Feel Younger. Be Younger!
Bob Greene with Harold A. Lancer, MD, Ronald Kotler, MD, and Diane McKay, PhD
Little Brown and Company, New York, 2012
ISBN 978-316-13379-1
Available: Amazon.com
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Recommended
