In this continued conversation with L.A. trainer and author Christopher Drozd on his recent book, Fitness, Straight-up, we talk about general fitness and individual exercise and wellness issues, and how he manages to address both levels in the course of his narrative.
Suite101: Are there any particular groups or special interests within the wider fitness community that you found yourself addressing in this book - if so, why?
Christopher Drozd: While a non-exerciser can find motivation and direction in the pages of Fitness, Straight-up, I presume most who read this book will be exercising in some way already. These people just want to find out how they can make what they're already doing actually work, and work better. That is, how someone can become a better athlete, or at least look like one!
I occasionally reference triathletes, but any exerciser can use what I describe. In exercise studios, restaurants, and in grocery stores I often hear people chatting about exercise, diet, and health, asking each other questions and relating their experiences, more often of ongoing challenges than specific successes, and I find myself thinking, "Oh, that's answered on page 55; the solution to that is on page 89; you can just turn to page 233 to figure that one out." It really is a book for everyone, because it was written by Everyman.
Further, this book is as much philosophy as fitness, meaning instead of being a rigid rote routine, it's a guideline, and a mindset. It's general enough to be pretty universal in application, but offers plenty of specifics, too. For instance, we need adequate sleep, right? Straight-up describes why the right amount of sleep is healthful and restorative; how to get it; and even how to manage when you don't. Ambien, by the way, is not part of the solution. Also, while my Bachelor's diet serves the needs of serious athletes, it applies just as well to the recreational crowd. But it's not a diet, per se, it's just a strategy that balances energy with activity, and promotes recovery following exercise. My Bachelor's diet is enjoyed by women, as well!
I also believe my readers (and most individuals, for that matter) are smart, and when necessary can apply my general ideas to their specific situations, or expand a specific recommendation to suit their general conditioning.
My clients have spanned incredible diversity, from the filthy rich to the disenfranchised, from the genetically gifted to the barely capable, from the enthusiastic to the reluctant but again they all— we all— share common threads. I've woven these into Fitness, Straight-up.
Suite101: What kind of feedback have you received so far from readers about how your book has enhanced or expanded their awareness or approach to exercise?
Christopher Drozd: Lemme give you a few recent quotes —
"I recently started reading your book. You are a seriously good writer! I was expecting lots of practical tips and photos, and of course it has all that. But it was a treat to find that it is also so erudite and entertaining. Well done, sir!" - from G.H., an attorney.
"I can tell you this is the best book I have read on fitness. What sets it apart from other books I have read is the honesty and straight forwardness. He tells it how it is and he talks about how you can take control of your health and fitness in such a positive approach. 'Diets don't fail...people do.' Need I say more?" - from J.R., retail store owner.
"Best fitness book by far I have ever put in my hands! Whether you are a top athlete in your field or a stay-at-home Mom, this will help you become more fit. [Since] following the suggestions and applying them to my daily life, making the sports drinks and doing the exercises featured in the book, people keep telling me how much different I am. I can't stop telling people how much difference it has made. The best part is I own my own business, stay real busy, [and] have no time for working out, but after reading the suggestions in Fitness, Straight-up, I have made the choice to incorporate some of the exercises in to my daily work schedule at lunch…[and] taking short breaks. [I] learned that I really do have some time if I choose to have the time. Everything is laid out in the book for you to apply, at your convenience. If you start you will find yourself living a healthier, happier, and definitely a more comfortable lifestyle." - from K.D., automotive fabricator.
"I'm enjoying the book very much. You have a knack of answering the questions (excuses) that have been circulating in my cranium for many months/years." - from P.B., exercise studio owner.
"Writing is superb. It's as much a life coaching manual as it is a fitness book. Tony Robbins in bare feet." - from G.D., advertising agency owner.
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Christopher Drozd is a fitness coach, hypnotherapist, and freelance fitness / travel writer living in Southern California. He began his professional fitness career back when New Wave music was, well, new. Except for some gray hair and facial weathering he looks the same, physically, now, as he did then-- he must be doing something right.
Hal W. Peat - Hal Peat is an independent journalist on fitness, exercise, health and sports personalities. He has contributed for over 12 years to a ...
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