After I read Dave Draper's newest book, "Your Body Revival, Weight Loss Straight Talk," I thought to myself what a great and appropriate title by a guy who really cares about the plight of the overweight. You see, this is not a "Lose 20 pounds in 2 weeks" fad-diet kind of book. You know the ones where you starve yourself for 2 weeks - lose fat and muscle - then gain back all the weight in a month (only the fat will come back - you'll lose the muscle).

This is a book where Dave tries to cajole us in every way possible to make fitness and health an everyday lifestyle for the long haul. He says, "My purpose is to stimulate, motivate, encourage, harass, pressure, caution and compel you to take the right steps in the right direction."

The reason Dave wrote this book is because he is truly concerned and distressed that society in general is engaged in what appears to be unsuspecting self-destruction in the form of junk food consumption and lack of exercise. He is troubled that the American diet is largely comprised of sugar, grease, fat and weird sounding chemicals. He is saddened over the ignorance and seriousness of being unconditioned and carrying excessive body weight in the form of fat. It is not just that you don't look good but obesity carries with it many health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and a host of other maladies.

As the title suggests, Dave truly wants us to have a revival not only in body, but also in mind and spirit. A newly revived you, that looks forward to exercise and proper eating as a way of life, not just something to dabble in for a few weeks then drop like a hot potato.

The second half of the title declares "Weight Loss Straight Talk." It's true that Dave lays it on the line and tells it like it is, however, he says these are not condemnations but instructive urgings to set the inactive into motion. He goes on to say they are not intended to ridicule the overweight, but rather, to stir the dozing. I noted when reading this book that there was a different feel or underlying tone as compared to Dave's previous book, "Brother Iron, Sister Steel" (see my review on this book), which was aimed at the bodybuilding crowd. Although his writing style is still poetic, entertaining, and humorous, I felt a sincere sense of urgency and concern about the many problems facing the overweight. Dave Draper is your friend and he is here to help with over 45 years of training and diet experience (For background information on Dave, read my "Brother Iron, Sister Steel" review).

Until recently, Dave and his wife Laree were owners of two World Gyms in Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley, California. During the past 15 years of gym ownership, Dave has been helping people of all sizes and shapes achieve their fitness and bodyweight goals. His hands-on knowledge and lifetime experience are imparted to you in this straight forward, no nonsense book.

The main theme of "Your Body Revival" that is pointed out several times, is that there's only one way to lose weight permanently and it's no secret: Exercise and eat right consistently. This is the one-two punch that will set you free. Dave also states there is no fast way to build muscle, get strong and lose fat. Only hard work, good food and a lot of time will do the trick.

As far as aerobics go Dave feels they are important and have their place, but they should not cut into your weight training energy, focus, and time. One of the problems of the overweight is that they exercise to burn calories only and they don't exercise to build muscle. Dave feels that aerobics should be applied with logic and intelligence while resistance training should make up the core of your training program.

A nice feature throughout the book is where Dave highlights real people (usually gym members) and tells us of their personal successes. This helps to inspire and motivate us to put all of this knowledge and advice into action for ourselves. Dave says that the race is never lost as long as you continue to take another step forward. Determination, persistence and patience must be learned while the often repeated mantra of regular exercise and correct eating are the real keys to success. You'll find simple but effective nutritional advice plus exercise routines tailored to all levels.

In summation, I would heartily advise you to put down that bag of donuts and pick up "Your Body Revival, Weight Loss Straight Talk." Read it from cover to cover, take action and put the principles to work for you. The results are in the doing. If you really want to have some fun, read Dave's previous book, "Brother Iron, Sister Steel" also. Plenty of good reading and good advice. Order from his website www.DaveDraper.com and Dave will autograph the books for you.