Petrzela’s book continued to haunt me after I put it down. I was embarrassed by the number of fitness brands that I recognized in it, and I winced at how much money I’ve forked out for them. But I wish I’d come out with a better understanding of how the United States compares with other countries in this regard. Petrzela makes several observations about America that could have benefited from more context..

Petrzela’s cultural history combines an academic approach with an activist’s urgency.

Ms. Petrzela’s account moves at a quick-lap pace: She scans the market from top to bottom, from the Equinox gym to the Zumba class in a local church hall.

A pensive survey of the evolution of exercise in America and a pessimistic view of our nation’s current fitness..

A compassionate yet critical look at the history of America’s obsession with fitness.

Comprehensive.