cover image Reach for Fitness: A Special Book of Exercises for the Physically Challenged

Reach for Fitness: A Special Book of Exercises for the Physically Challenged

Richard Simmons. Warner Books, $17.95 (316pp) ISBN 978-0-446-51302-9

This comprehensive and creative fitness program for the disabled is by the author of the Never-Say-Diet Book and founder of the Reach Foundation, which establishes fitness centers for the disabled nationwide. The book comprises simple exercise and nutrition programs for adults and children, and an appendix of medical conditions and physical challenges that individualizes the regimen for each reader. The book's deficiencies in style, depth and sophistication are glaring (""Life is a gift; every day is like a Broadway show. When the curtain goes up and you step out there on that stage, you don't know if you're gonna be hit by a Sara Lee truck or what''). Yet, the author's empathy and respect for the disabled and his cheerleaderlike enthusiasm for fitness are clearly communicated and will go a long way toward boosting wilting egos and bodies. Photos not seen by PW. 35,000 first printing; $35,000 ad/promo; author tour. (April 25)