Motivating People to Be Physically Active, 2nd Edition
By Bess H. Marcus and  LeighAnn H. Forsyth
Published by Human Kinetics, 2009

In my opinion Motivating People to Be Physically Active (second edition) is the best book of 2009 on how to apply theory to practice.  It is the only one I have liked well enough to write a recommendation.

The book starts with four chapters that provide a thorough review of physical activity and behavior change theory, with special emphasis on motivational readiness to change.  This review was one of the best I have read in terms of being well grounded scientifically but also very practical. The next chapter describes how to apply these concepts to assess physical activity patterns.  The final four chapters describe how to develop programs for individual counseling, group counseling, work settings and community settings.  The book includes forms that can be used to track physical activity and counsel clients, and the appendix is full of questionnaires that can be used to measure many of the concepts described in the book.

The book is well organized, clearly written, thoroughly documented and easy to read.  I recommend it highly to anyone who is involved in designing or managing fitness programs, coaching or personal fitness training, or is teaching or studying these issues.

Reviewed by Michael P. O’Donnell, MBA, MPH, PhD,Editor in Chief, American Journal of Health Promotion