No Excuses Fitness

March 2, 2015
Green, personal trainer to Dr. Oz, presents a three-pronged approach (exercise, nutrition, and mental discipline) in this inspiring fitness guide/memoir. Years ago, serendipity brought together Green—a Jamaican raised in the South Bronx—and Oz’s wife, Lisa (who wrote the preface), at a dojo in New Jersey. He soon became a regular on the physician’s popular show. Green describes his progression from youth as a “fat boy” in a rough neighborhood to his eventual interest in fitness and health. His plan suits all fitness levels, incorporating weight lifting, yoga, Pilates, and mixed martial arts. He also coaches readers on how to put together an at-home gym for less than $100. Fitness, Green claims, “starts in the mind.” To this end, he devotes an invigorating chapter to building resilience and positivity. Subsequent chapters address food, nutrition, and the “No Excuses Program.” The book also includes over 50 recipes, many Caribbean-inspired. Green fans will no doubt be thrilled with such a user-friendly guide, and the charismatic trainer is likely to pick up new followers with his disciplined but amiable “no excuses” 30-day fitness journey.