Shaped up

I have been reading Shape magazine for many years and love
what it has to offer. I do believe if I was a major fitness
buff, Shape would not be a good magazine to help me achieve
my goals. But since I enjoy light exercise and keeping
healthy, Shape is a quality publication that gives me
everything I need. It has drastically improved over the
years and I now read each issue cover to cover.

I am a subscriber and paid only $12 for a year of magazines.
It is the only fitness magazine I subscribe to and the
only one I really like and can relate to. Along with
fitness articles, Shape is filled with healthy ideas,
ways to improve your self image, and many other topics
that all have a positive spin.

If you are looking to either lose weight, shape up, or
just get healthy, this magazine will help you in all of
those areas. Helpful articles include: 'How 25 women got
over their bad body images' or 'Special: new ways to
stop stress eating'. There are no relationship articles
and very few on sex related issues. This is purely a
magazine to pump you up and get you motivated.

The features in the magazine include Get Fit, Eat Right,
Think Healthy, Look Great, and Go Places. The photographs
are excellent the pages are not too busy. It is easy
to read and understand the concepts Shape is trying
to convey.

My favorite section in Shape is where they show examples
and give detailed instructions on how to do certain exercises
and fitness moves. The step by step moves are explained in
a way that is safe and fun. Each article includes the
move, the payoff, expert advice, and a detailed diagram
of which muscles are being worked and the names. Another
plus is that these moves are demonstrated by reader models..
people like you and me.

I don't like a lot of advertisements in a magazine but
Shape has quality ads. They mostly relate to health
and fitness.

They have good analysis on items, such as sport bras
or fitness snack bars. They rate and test each brand
and give details so you can make a quality choice
when shopping. This month they rated low fat ice
creams and I can't wait to try them all! (not all at once)

Another section that is motivating is the success stories.
They have a page dedicated to a woman who has lost weight
and gained healthy choices for her life. It is motivating
to me to see this and know anyone can improve their life
if they are determined and focused.

You can't overlook the great sections on style and beauty.
They have great reviews on the latest products and fashions.
They also emphasize products that are healthy and good for
you.

Overall, Shape magazine is a terrific way to spend an hour
and get motivated to be healthy and fit.