Whether you"re attracted to Matt Roberts Fitness for Life Manual by the celebrity association or you"re just looking for fitness advice, you"ve picked what is probably the best fitness book on the market. Matt"s previous bestseller--the 90-Day Fitness Plan scored a hit for its contemporary style, authoritative tone and comprehensive exercise programmes. The new book expands on that considerably, opening with an impressive and scientific exploration of how the body functions and a discussion of different diets and nutrition. It also includes thought-provoking questionnaires that analyse what stage of fitness and health you are starting from. The bulk of the book is then devoted to 20 individualised programmes based on both the sport you practise and the aspect of your body you"d like to change. So here find tennis, ski, marathon, fat loss, even pre and antenatal programmes. Also included are specific exercises to hit those trouble spots: abs, upper body, legs and perhaps most compelling--a guide to developing the perfect bottom! It should be made clear that though alternatives are given, most exercises will rely on access to a gym and the end of the book includes a run-down on what classes are able to help you achieve your aims. Matt"s book succeeds where others have failed because it"s absolutely comprehensive, it"s intelligently written and above all, it makes fitness appear quite achieveable. This extends to the models used to illustrate the exercises, who have fabulous but realistic bodies (there"s no suntanned muscle-men in the Bill Phillips mould here). The brilliant case studies reinforce this--from the men who want to build bulk or lose the beer belly, to women who want to improve definition and reduce body fat--all are visibly successful and highly inspiring. Whatever your level of fitness it"s hard to imagine anyone failing to find something new and exciting here. Highly motivating and visually exciting, Matt Roberts Fitness for Life Manual really does contain all the information you need to change your body for the better. --Rachel O"Connor