by Martina Navratilova
2006

Martina Navratilova has had one of the longest and most highly esteemed careers in tennis (or in any sport, actually). She's an elite athlete who has every right to look down at us regular folks from her high level of fitness and chuckle heartily. But instead of creating a book filled with rules that are impossible for us average Joes and Janes to follow, Navratilova sounds like she's talking to a good friend and handing out sensible advice on how to get and stay fit. Shape Your Self is loaded with warmth, good humor — and a 6-step plan to help you get in great shape.

With her friendly, personable demeanor, Navratilova reveals the real secret behind fitness success, whether you're a top performing athlete or just trying to drop a few pounds. It's not in how you eat or how much exercise you do — it's in your mental attitude. The reality is that if you don't feel good about yourself, and if you don't know how to create a support system, the best fitness plan in the world is doomed. The best advice in this book is contained in Steps 1 and 2. Step 1 invites you to "Develop the Mentality of an Athlete," which involves a series of simple but powerful instructions such as visualizing, setting measurable goals, focusing on the moment and bouncing back from your defeats. Step 2 is about building a support team. Navratilova reminds you to seek out people who are good for you and offers suggestions on dealing with those who try to sabotage your efforts at living a healthier lifestyle. Both these chapters offer lots of tips and good direction.

Of course, Navratilova also has steps regarding nutrition and exercise, and these are also excellent. She is a self-admitted foodie who hasn't always been fond of hitting the gym to lift weights, so in spite of her professional status, she's really not all that different from many of us. As a result, she has come up with ways to make exercise enjoyable, and has created some really yummy healthy recipes. Navratilova is a big fan of organic foods and juicing, which is probably a big key to her good health, and she emphasizes functional fitness and fun, at-home workout routines to make exercise easy and enjoyable. She also realizes the value of recharging and energizing, through both diet and proper rest.

We may never reach Navratilova's athletic achievements, but we all have the ability to live up to our own Personal Best. Shape Your Self is meant to help you do just that. The steps in this book are flexible enough to work for you, whether you're a fitness pro or a couch potato who yearns for a healthier, more active life. And even better, Navratilova's suggestions will help you enjoy getting there.

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