Ultimate Fitness - Tapa dura

Kolata, science reporter for The New York Times , examines the fads, myths, and actual innovations that have developed in the world of physical fitness, basing her study on numerous interviews, research, and her own experiences as a fitness enthusiast. Discussion of interesting characters, from Bernarr Macfadden and his controversial early-20th-century quest for the "best and most perfectly formed woman" to Johnny G., the contemporary champion of Spinning, provide insight into the inner workings of a multi-million dollar business-and the human motivations behind exercise. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Gina Kolata is a science reporter for The New York Times and is the author of, most recently, Flu. She lives in Princeton, New Jersey.