Are Fitness Books dead??
Hi guys 🙂 HAPPY FRIDAY!!! Hope you have something fun going on this weekend 🙂
Last night, the girls and I went to McAlister’s and to see Remember Me.
McAlister’s was the standard (veggie chili, minus the usual millet bread from my purse)
R-Patz was standard –acted and dressed like Edward, which was ok with us- and Pierce Brosnan is like a fine wine.
He just gets better and better with age 😉
(Source)
I know, right?
The thing is, the movie was kind of slow. The girls and I ended up cracking jokes and talking for a lot of it – there were only 4 other girls in the theatre and they were doing the same thing. I liked it, but I didn’t really know what to think when it was over. I say wait until you can rent it.
When I came home to the pilot, we had an interesting discussion about a lot of things, and ended up talking about fitness books and whether they’re still in high demand or dying a slow death.
I get scarily excited when a new fitness book comes out.
When this one came out, I could hardly contain myself:
(Source)
I’m always on the lookout for new ideas, but with many of this information readily available on the internet, I could see how fitness books could be dying off.
I’m the same way with cookbooks though, and will always buy a new fun cookbook (preferably vegetarian or vegan) when it come out. I could see how these types of books could have more staying power, since many published recipes aren’t available on the web (unless some joker illegally puts it out there).
So I’m wondering what ya’ll think. Are fitness books dead?? Are you more likely to buy a cookbook or a fitness book?
I’m off to work but I’ll see ya this afternoon with foam rolling tips and the physical therapy exercises I’m using to strengthen my knee.
xoxo,
Gina
107 Comments
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I really just LOVE books in general. There is nothing like walking into a bookstore for me – I could stay for hours. So no, they are not dead to me. But I love having something tangible, something in my hands to look at and read. I’m sure for most, and unfortunately the younger generations, that they eventually will be dead.
Could you ever see yourself getting a kindle so you would still have something tangible?
Kind of off topic, sorry, but I think in 5-10 years everyone will have something like that, which I think is cool and sad at the same time. Although not necessarily with cookbooks, I LOVE books in general and it seems so crazy that I think they will eventually be gone.
I think blogs are changing how books are viewed- honestly, I’d rather read a blog that has a personal touch! (shh, I’m a journo major, don’t tell anyone;)
i think there is so replacement for books. I love to have cookbooks and exercise books as resources. All of my exercise physilogy books from college I have and keep and refer to quiet often. Since I am a trainer, I love to have books like that with exercise and use them as my ‘go to’ for new ideas!
I really like fitness books, but mostly information, research based ones. What I mean is like your book of exercises posted looks cool, but I wouldn’t buy it because I feel like I could get the majority of that information on the internet. Same with cookbooks. The internet is the most amazing thing when you are looking for something to cook! With blogs, recipe websites and foodnetwork.com, there are unending amount of recipes that couldn’t fit into a book.
When I just posted this is linked to all my old info, so I just wanted to reply with my updated stuff!
I don’t think they’re entirely dead because they have information that is not available online. Many GREAT recipes are only in books. I think some people just like to have a hard copy in their hot little hands. I’m more likely to get a cookbook than a fitness book. I don’t have to mix things up for anyone but myself in the gym. If I were a trainer, I would definitely get that book above to keep things interesting for my clients.
I am a cookbook fan, though, as I am about to prove, you can get a lot of great recipes online. When I read about your disappointing Indian food experience, I had to share one of my favorite recipes. There’s a dearth of good Indian restaurants in my town, and this recipe, along with some palak paneer, has satisfied many a craving. Also, it’s vegan, and very easy to get all organic ingredients. Enjoy!
Curried Cauliflower with Tomatoes and Chickpeas
Swirl of Olive Oil (at least a tbs or two)
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons good quality curry powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and julienned
2 vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped
1 head cauliflower (about 1 pound), cut into florets
3 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Salt
Cilantro leaves, for garnish
Heat the oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium flame. Add the onion, curry powder, cayenne, and ginger; cook and stir for a few minutes to soften the onion. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring, until the tomatoes break down and soften, about 6 minutes. Mix in the cauliflower, chickpeas, tomato paste, and 1 cup of water; stir everything together. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the cauliflower is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Uncover, and continue cooking until the excess moisture has evaporated and the cauliflower and chickpeas are coated with a thick gravy. Season with salt, to taste, and garnish with cilantro before serving.
Adapted from Tyler Florence, found on the Food Network site.
Enjoy!
that sounds AMAZING. thank you!
It has never really occurred to me to buy a fitness book — though I do love cookbooks. I am a sucker for fitness magazines, because they always offer new and different (and lots of times, unnecessarily complicated!) ways to work various muscle groups, mix up your cardio, etc…and, not gonna lie, pretty pictures. I always find myself reading them a few times and then bringing them to the gym and leaving them for others to read.
This is such perfect timing! I just got a foam roller and it hurts soooo much when I do so I’d love to see new ideas and I’m also taking a break from running because of an old injury to my knee. Thank you!!!
and also I only buy cookbooks I like ones that are more then just recipes though like Pioneer Woman that’s my favorite cookbook to read. Fitness stuff I read online or in magazines
Hmm… I tend to buy more cookbooks and diet books (i know) over fitness books. I think its because I’m a visual learner and need to SEE the moves done rather than just pictures or descriptions.
I was totally thinking of you while i was cooking last night, btw 🙂
i’m totally with you- i like reading diet books 😉
wish i could have been there for your indian feast!
Love Pierce! I agree that there aren’t that many fitness books out. I like cookbooks too. Love going to bookstores.
I don’t think they are dead, just going through a rough period. People are going to have to be more inventive with the information they put out there to keep up with the internet!
That being said, I bought the Women’s Health Big Book of Exercises a few weeks ago, and LOVE IT.
I do still buy the occassional cookbook, but most often these days I am making my own. Finding good recipes online, printing them, putting them in a plastic pocket in my big binder, and making a personalised version. This comes from a former cookbook junkie though, who still has over 100 cookbooks to her name… I stopped buying as, realistically, I just don’t want the “stuff”. So, I’m buying less and less and getting rid of a lot of the ones I already have. In this sense, I think a lot of books are dying a death because people are coming to value their space a lot more (especially in small city apartments). I will always have my favourites though and if I really love something I get a taste of online, I’ll probably buy the real thing in due course. I’m just a lot less flippant these days 🙂
I completely agree with you! I live in a small city apartment and have divested myself of a lot of “stuff”. Because space is at a premium in my place, whatever I bring home has to be WORTH IT, books or otherwise. And if I can get things for free on the Web, why not do it?
I’ve only bought one fitness book (Jillian Michael’s 30 day shred) but have bought a ton of cookbooks. I agree that most info can be found on the internet, but I would definitely buy a fitness book if I heard that it brought something new and creative to the table.
I love books in general. While I do look a lot of stuff up online, there is no replacing the physical book in hand.
I think with the amoutn of information available on the internet its definitely killing the fitness book industry. I love health magazines to read during my commute, but I wouldn’t carry a big bulky book with me. I probably would prefer a cookbook over a fitness book because I can look stuff up online and in my mags!
Sad to say, for me at least, fitness books and cookbooks are dead. I’m sure there are delightful and informative versions of both out there, and unless the book is hotly innovative or by a particular author I love, I won’t buy either.
Cookbooks – There are thousands upon thousands upon thousands of recipes available for free out there and I have only tried a small fraction of one percent of them. My countertop has room for my laptop and I use that instead of a cookbook.
Fitness books – Between magazine websites, things my trainer friends come up with, running, CrossFit, and Pilates (and all the online resources for each of those types of exercises)I feel like I have a ton of resources I can call upon to keep things fresh. No need to spend money.
i watched remember this past weekend, and i hated the way it ended…it bothered me to a huge extent…i can’t even begin to describe how i felt when i realized what was happening…
i’d rather buy books regarding health, and cooking healthy recipes…and current political issues regarding health, food and ethics…i’m not really into buying books regarding fitness because i feel i need more hands on help…i can’t figure out how to exercises by reading a book, i guess i am not THAT clever!
I bought that book the first time I saw it – it’s fantastic! It’s a great reference tool to have on hand. There is soooo much info available online, but sometimes there’s just no substitution for a book you can actually leaf through!
I think it’s sad to think of ANY kind of book dying off. With internet, iphones and kindles I can see how it may actually be a possibility.
I for one LOVE buying books. My BF and i often spend date nights with a coffee hanging out at big bookstores. I would say that I more often buy new or old cookbooks then fitness books, but I enjoy buying those as well.
Gotta say cookbook! I would buy a health book over a fitness book though too. I am trying to become healthier on the inside as well as the outside so anything really that catches my eye, I read. Knowledge is power.
It’s a lot harder for me to use a book or a website than a video! But I do love books and believe in it! I love the monthly exercises in Shape Magazine.
Gina, what exercises do you do for your knee? I know not all injuries are created equal, but I have patellofemoral knee pain syndrome in both knees and any strength would help!
i’m going to post them this afternoon 🙂
I don’t buy many fitness books, but I go CRAZY for cookbooks– despite the fact that (like you said) I have all the recipes I could ever want and more on the internet. There’s just something about HAVING the book that I love…maybe the fact that I’m an English teacher has something to do with it 🙂
I’m more likely to buy a cookbook than a fitness book b/c it’s a lot easier to take a cookbook to the kitchen than a fitness book to the gym. 🙂
The fitness books we have actually belong to my fiance- I gave him the Navy Seal workout book one year for his birthday and another year his friend gave him the Arnold Schwarzenegger weight lifting book.
I’m definitely more of a cookbook fan. I feel like most of the fitness info I need is on the internet for free!
I love that WH Big Book of Exercises! I’m currently doing the “Hard Body” workout- I love how it makes me feel! I am definitely more apt to buy cookbooks, and probably wouldn’t have gotten the Big Book of Exercises if it wasn’t published by Women’s Health.
Good luck with the knee! I have ITB issues and can relate. I’ve been rehabing it since last May, and finally am able to run! 🙂
Am I the only girl or woman on earth who thinks Robert Patterson isn’t good looking. (And needs a bath?) As for books, I’m a big fan of paper pages and a physical book I can put on my bookshelf. As much as I learn online, I won’t ever stop buying books. Though I can say I’m more likely to get nonfiction info online than fiction. When it comes to novels, I have no desire to read them online or on a Kindle or iPad.
yes, you are the only one, haha 😉
I’ve never bought fitness books, but was really tempted by that Women’s Health one that I saw at Barnes. I do love cookbooks though (especially Ina’s and Martha’s)! That said, I always buy fitness magazines so the print medium is not exactly dead?
hmmm i love books and reading but in terms of both cooking and fitness exercises i’d rather read it in a magazine. for me books = compelling plots and mysteries etc. hope the knee feels better!
Pierce Brosnan with a Starbucks cup? Can’t get any sexier in my opinion 🙂
I don’t buy a lot of books, I wish I bought more. I love the look for a bookshelf full of fun books!
I’ve never bought a fitness book, I do love cookbooks though.
i wouldn’t say fitness books are dead, but i would definitely buy a cookbook over a fitness book…mainly because that’s just where my interests lie. if i needed help fitness-wise i would just consult you my friend 😉
Interesting post. I was thinking about the lack of fitness books the other day. I think I would definitely buy a new fitness book if it were innovative and data-based.
What would be even more wondeful would be a book that combined fitness and nutrition….sort of like a book of your blog entries! I like those type of healthy lifestyle books, kind of like the “Skinny B****” series – although if you read any of them, there’s so much to be desired (they lack scientific backing and they are very condescending!).
or they sound like textbooks and aren’t fun to read
I am much more likely to buy a new cookbook. Probably because I buy them when I’m waiting in line and starving at Whole Foods…;) haha
My brother (an excercise psysiologizt) introduced me to the book “Core Performance for Women”…It’s a GREAT book. Have you heard about/read it??? http://www.amazon.com/Core-Performance-Women-Build-Muscle/dp/1583333622
Have a FAB weekend,
Lauren
yes, i’ve heard of it- i’ll have to check it out!
haha, clearly I can spell too!
Yes, I do think books in general are dying out. We are moving into a digital world, maybe not in our generation, but I certainly see my children’s generation using more internet based sources instead of book based sources. Case in point, my oldest daughter recently had to do a research project on the first female pharaoh. She was told by her teacher to only use internet sources, no books allowed. Even libraries are moving into the digital media outlet more and more.
I am working on my master’s in library & information science, so I feel compelled to reply to this. When you mean “internet sources”, was it possible that it was an instruction exercise in evaluating internet sources or learning how to find quality information via academic databases?
I’m a Communication major 🙂 And no, it was not to evaluate internet sources or teach the students about academic databases or research. Her exact words when my daughter asked, “May we use books?” was, “No, you will not find any information in books.” My thought was, she was writing about something in history, not a current event that probably hasn’t made it on the shelves yet. I told her teacher she is welcomed to seek out internet databases for research, however, she will also be going to the local library, using the search database and locating at least two books to use on the topic. Students obviously need to learn the importance of their local libraries!
I like having things in hard copy, so I’ll buy a new cookbook and fitness book occasionally.
i like hard copies as well
Nowadays, the information that is found in cookbooks and fitness books is a lot easier to access with the internet, if you want a workout or a specific recipe it can all be found in the Web. However I like it the “old school” way, having the books is just so much better, you get all the information you want all neatly organized without having to search for it. I am a huge sucker for both cookbooks and fitness books, I can’t pick one over the other!!
I have NEVER EVER bought a fitness book 🙂 I mean, I’ve only really just gotten into “fitness” as a thing normal people do – I was lazy and unathletic so it seemed too far-fetched for me – but if I were to buy a fitness book I would love to buy something on Pilates. I am more likely to buy a cookbook, in almost any given situation. I really really do hope these comments claiming books are “dying out” are false – because there’s nothing better than a good book.
I actually just bought that WH’s book!! It is really great, and I’m not even someone who would normally buy fitness books b/c I’m already pretty well trained/advanced @ the gym. 🙂
I am very unlikely to ever buy cookbooks for a few reasons:
1. like you said, so much content is available for free online via blogs etc.
2. most of my meals are my own “creations” that sometimes aren’t really cooked but just put together, if that makes any sense
3. I just cook for myself so most recipes are a pain to adjust or just not appealing to make for myself alone
That said, I would be more likely to buy a cookbook if it had additional elements to it, like chapters on technique, nutrition, tools, ingredients, etc. Or… if it were from someone that I really wanted to support! (hint hint)
thank you 😉
Well, my name says it all, right? I love cookbooks. A big weakness of mine.
I don’t particularly care for fitness books as far as working out from them. I did that a long time — and eventually found I need someone to push me a little harder, even if it’s only person on a tv — I just do better exercising from a DVD. It pushes me more.
So bottom line is that while I enjoy books on health (especially diet & nutrition), not so much fitness books. Give me a DVD any day. I’m a big sucker for exercise DVDs!
i love exercise dvds too 🙂
I love when a new health book comes out – my most recent purchase was Jillian Michaels Rev your Metabolism.
I agree though, that it is so much easier to find info out online. It’s similar to what has happened to the music industry since downloading became so much easier!
i thought about getting that WH book when i saw it online, i have a few of their Abs guides, but also realized that i have basically my own fitness book already — i print out exercises from sites like WH and put them in folder/binder thing categorized by body part. I love books though too, but since all this info is out there, for cheap or free its hard to justify buying books with the same info!
Although i can not bring my binder to the gym – i think i would look really crazy, i just read and study the exercises i am going to do before i go. If i had this book i wouldn’t feel that weird to bring it with me.
So which are you planning to write? 😉
Or is the the poll to help you decide…
I love cookbooks the best. I’ll use them forever. Fitness books I tend to look at, use for awhile and then look for new ideas. Good luck!
thank you! <3
I don’t think I would ever buy a fitness book, because there is SO much information on the internet…just like you said. But I always buy a new cookbook. I probably have more than I should!
I am more likely to look up exercises online because usually you can find a video to ensure you’re doing it right instead of just a picture. Someone (maybe you 😉 ) should write a fitness book that gives pictures but also has a website set up where people can go to see a video of the exercise. I would definitely buy something like that!
I enjoy cookbooks, but when it comes to exercises. I prefer to be able to see the full instruction, and like dvds better, that way I can make sure I have correct form, and they are much more motivating.
Evey
Also, I used your recipe for Eggplant Lasagna 2 nights ago. It was heaven, thanks!
I love both fitness and cook book. A lot of the time I’d much rather spend some time curled up on the couch a new book than on the computer. I spend all day on the computer at work plus on my blog/other blogs it’s nice to change it up sometimes. Right now i’m reading core performance endurance and loving it!
I know you can get a lot of that on the Internet but I just love having a book to browse. Thanks for the tip on the wlmens health book of exercises – must get one!
I didn’t know Mcalister’s had veg chili. Sweet!
I love having real books, but I can be pretty cheap (I’m a library girl) so sometimes I go to the internet before I’ll buy a new book.
I honestly don’t buy many fitness or cook books because info is so readily available on the internet. That makes me feel bad for the writers but I just can’t justify spending the money on a book when there are SO many more things I need to spend money on…
I finished a masters in Info Resources and Library Science last year (at UofA). I’d say the internet has given us easy access to the free info out there, but the stuff you have to pay for is often the best info available at the time, or in the case of diet and fitness, it’s ‘the next NEW thing’ which people will gladly pay for. So books aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, fitness or otherwise.
I don’t find Robert Pattinson sexy, either, so that’s two of us! He looks like Christopher Walken to me.
GO CATS!!! wahoo!
i totally agree 🙂
i do not agree about the walken resemblance though, haha