Book excerpt: Written for women who want more out of their workout routine than polite, early-evening sessions of Pilates or Zumba or yoga, this go-to manual is filled with a wealth of information on high intensity training (HIT) that will help readers meet quality, high-end fitness objectives. The book begins with profiles of a diverse range of women who have blazed a trail in extreme sporting activities. It then addresses some of the usual concerns women have about becoming overly muscled, offering facts and real-life stories that prove that femininity doesn’t have to be sacrificed for fitness. The guide also discusses the importance and value of HIT, describing what it is, what is realistically achievable, and how approaches differ for men and women. Hundreds of illustrations of core exercises are also provided, from the basic building blocks to the most challenging exercises, and the exercises themselves are organized into a variety of conditioning programs that match different fitness levels and needs. Women looking to test the limits of their fitness and endurance need look no farther than this book.