Survival of the Fittest

Mike Stroud, it would seem to most, is a very remarkable man. A qualified doctor, his fascination and involvement in the study of human performance and endurance fitness have obsessed him rather more than the average fitness fanatic. From crossing Antarctica unaided with Sir Ranulph Fiennes, to participating in countless marathons and triathlons traversing deserts and glaciers, Stroud has become his own human guinea pig, testing the limits of human strength and survival in some of the most extreme and inhospitable environments of our planet.

Yet far from simply the journal of one man's extraordinary fitness, Stroud sets out in Survival of the Fittest to tell us that we are all capable of the physical achievements usually left to realm of world class athletes. We are all able to attain such performance levels, Stroud assures us, because we are evolutionary designed to do just this.

At the heart of the book, Stroud claims that human beings have not altered genetically in the last 10,000 years, so physiologically we are identical to our ancestors. The problem is that we now have a markedly different lifestyle to the hunter-gathering times of our Cro-Magnon forefathers--a lifestyle that simply does not match our evolutionary heritage. This, Stroud believes, is the reason why we are seeing an emergence of modern diseases such as heart disease, obesity and cancer.

Illustrating each chapter with adrenline-inducing accounts of his own expeditions and Adventures--falling through Antarctica ice into minus 40 degree water is just one that springs to mind--Stroud examines the physiological capacities of our bodies to perform and adapt to extreme situations, all the time reminding us that these capabilities are a fundamental part of our evolutionary inheritance.

This is a captivating book, not only a serious comment on the dangers of our modern "civilised" lifestyle, but also a source of remarkable facts on our human design, sure to liven up conversations and office chit-chat (this book certainly gets you talking). Although unlikely to spur you on to organise the next Polar expedition, it will give you the confidence--and quite possibly the inspiration--to become more active and to take up the challenges our genes intend us to do. --Abi Frisby

About the author…
Mike Stroud qualified as a doctor in 1979. He was the doctor on the "In the Footsteps of Scott" expedition in 1985-6, and in 1992 he teamed up with Sir Ranulph Fiennes to cross Antarctica on foot, breaking two world records for the longest unsupported walk in history. His book, Shadows on the Wasteland, is the account of that expedition. In 1993 he was awarded the OBE for Outstanding Achievements and Charity. Mike Stroud continues to practice medicine and to study metabolism and nutrition.

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I feel young after reading this! - Rated
What appears on first glance to be a technical medical/physiologically-orientated book is actually a riveting collection of adventure experiences. The chapters on physiology/evolution which alternate with chapters on adventures are also highly interesting and accessible. If you think that age or lack of present fitness are a barrier to physical achievement then prepare to have preconceptions blown away! Some useful opinions & insight expressed which are of practical use to current/aspiring endurance athletes. Highly recommended read. I have re-read it several times now and have been inspired to push my boundaries further!

Fantastic and informative read from an expert in his field - Rated
A superb read for anyone wishing to get motivated and gain knowledge into how the body is crying out for regular exercise and the fundamental effects of not regularly exercising.

In particular there is startling facts about the simple reality of even the smallest regular over intake of calories can over a period of time result in an individual becoming over-weight and progressing to obesity if not addressed.

The book does not provide specific information on exercise ideas, programs or workouts (for more information and ideas try a book by his colleague on many expeditions, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, 'Fit for Life': http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ranulph-Fiennes-Fit-Life-Sir/dp/0316852635/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199967094&sr=8-3)

Combine this book with 'Fit for Life' and you will have a superb basis for re-evaluating the need for regular exercise (the results of not doing so) and how to complete a regular exercise program and be 'Fit for Life'.

The Ultimate Formula for Longevity! - Rated
This book has changed my view on life, well, its opened my eyes to where I could be going wrong anyway. Linked by a lovingly crafted narrative of Mike's own exploits in the outdoors; crossing Antarctica, numerous adventure races, the famous Marathon de Sables and of course the London Marathon - Mike tells us how the body works, why, and how to optimise its capabilities. I would say this books target audience was the general public and sports enthusiasts as oppose to a physiologist's PhD research, its purpose is to teach us how to keep our hearts ticking for longer, faster and more efficient and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone.

A fascinating read - Rated
This book is well written and full of interesting information. The authors background (medical doctor and anthropology) means that this is a book that is grounded on solid medical reasoning and is miles away from some of the mumbo-jumbo, be-at-one-with-the-earth rubbish thats currently circulating.

A great read and an inspiring book.

Inspirational! - Rated
This is a truly excellent book! Not only does Mike Stroud provide accounts of some of his astonishing feats of endurance but he also intersperses them with fascinating scientific details of human performance.

He describes his own endeavours with great openness and explains that evolution has equipped everyone with greater physical performance than most people realise.

This book will inspire you to be more active! And it will probably remove excuses for avoiding exercise. It's also a terrific read and hard to put down. It impressed me so much that I bought two more copies to send to relatives - and I also tracked down a copy of 'Shadows on the Wasteland'. Well done Mike Stroud - and thanks!