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27 of 28 found the following review helpful:
 Ok book for beginners, raises lots of unanswered questions Sep 09, 2004
By Michael
This book is ideal for beginners. If only she had put the word beginner in the title I would have known and chosen another book. The book is very basic, and more than half of it consists of experiences of her friends. She goes into too many details about them, and the quotes sound made-up.
I'm a beginner to heart rate training but not a beginner to exercise. I ended up with lots of questions that her book doesn't answer. She says many things that I'm questioning. Maybe they're true for beginners who are out of shape but for me? According to her book, I'm running anaerobically (86% of HR max) yet I'm not even out of breath. Later she says that the threshold is different for everyone. so these percentages she gives (60%, 70%, 80%, etc.) are not accurate.
Overall I got some good ideas from this book, like the importance of cross-training and keeping a log of what I do. But at the same time I think at least half of it wasn't helpful. If you haven't exercises in a while and are out of shape, and are willing to buy a heart rate monitor (I suggest Polar) then this book is for you. If you already exercise I would search for a more advanced book or website.
19 of 20 found the following review helpful:
 Informative and Inspirational! Oct 01, 2003
By David R. Bess
I have exercised regularly for years, and am well-acquainted with the benefits of aerobic conditioning. Although I have been aware of the importance of proper heart rate, I've always just guessed at it. On my last visit to my physician, he suggested that I exercise using a heart rate monitor. Sally Edwards' book was the one I chose to inform me on heart rate training.This book presents the basics of heart zone training, which are exactly what I need as a beginner. A more experienced heart rate trainer might find the volume too simplistic, but for a novice it is ideal. Edwards' work is easy-to-read, and the training stories of friends and acquaintances personalize the presentation. I'd recommend this book to anyone who is considering a heart rate training program. It's basic, it's believable, and it's built upon solid medical and athletic experience. Once you've read this title, you'll want to buy a heart rate monitor immediately. Take your time, learn about features and prices, and then purchase accordingly. The appendix at the back of the book gives some good advice on how to select a monitor that is right for you.
10 of 10 found the following review helpful:
Better for beginners May 03, 2003
Sally Edwards book is ideally suited for the novice non-runner. I found the information in this book to be very basic and with the primary emphasis to be targeted at individuals beginning a fitness program. The book is writen in a very friendly manner and definately not "textbookish". I recommend this book for those people interested in beginning a fitness program.
13 of 15 found the following review helpful:
Great way to start heart zone training Jul 27, 2002
By Tezza
"Tezza"
I'd researched "state of the art" training methods on the web and two themes emerged: heart zone training and Sally Edwards as an expert on the topic. I'd bought a Polar heart rate monitor and wanted to increase its effectiveness in my training. Sally Edward's Heart Zone Training fit the bill. Sally covers basic principles of heart zone training, then helped me to create my own heart rate training program.
By following the 10 steps outlined in Chapter 8, I had a step by step guide to set up my first heart rate training Points Log, which is essentially a spreadsheet that documents the frequency, intensity, and time spent on various sport activities that comprised my weekly workout. Each of these activities contribute "points" towards a weekly "points total" by activity, intensity, and total for the week. I found the Points Log excellent for both planning and recording actual performance. I kept detailed notes each week to continuously provide feedback and improve the quality of my workouts. Needless to say, in the first 6 weeks, I lost a couple of pounds, increased my weekly workload (points) by 35 percent, and reduced my resting pulse rate from 64 to 62. I now feel much better and more relaxed. Even my clothes don't seem to fit as I'm now appearing a little more angular in the bathroom mirror. All in all, Sally Edwards offers a comprehensive guide to help you to get the most out of heart zone training.
10 of 11 found the following review helpful:
 Good for getting started Feb 18, 2002
By Tom Dedrick
I purchased this book at the same time I purchased a Heart Rate Monitor, which was 2 weeks after starting an exercise program. I have found the information in this book very helpful. It explains how to use the heart rate monitor effectively to a novice and offers direction on how to start and maintain a workout schedule along with examples and exercises. This is not a deep book, but a great starter book. A heart rate monitor is not required, but recommeneded to get the most out of this book and your exercises.
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