Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Teaches Enlightenment In Your Own Beauty
I've always been a very physically active person.. I like to run and I like to work out.. but fitness magazines for women tend to be one way or the other: "Don't bother with weight loss, find inner peace with Yoga!" or "How Many Pieces of Lettuce You Can Eat A Day To Look Like Janet Jackson." Sure, it's mildly entertaining to look into varieties on either side now and then, but what about those of us who want some recipes, PRACTICAL training tips and quick workout guides? Shape magazine stresses the points that I think are most important in a women's fitness magazine. It offers inspiring weightloss stories, quick (and edible) meals, and fun workouts to boost your regular ones along. And while some of the workout tips CAN get repetitive, just remember.. there are only so many different ways to do a sit-up. Readers of any and ALL fitness magazines know that they usually have the same exercise tips to offer over and over. Shape encourages and enlightens. It shows a way to incorporate exercise into any lifestyle and gives you the encouragement to continue an exercise regimen-- no matter how sedentary you are.
Rating:  - Not bad but leaves me wanting more variety
I've been a subscriber for two years, but I'm not going to renew this time. There are some great things about this magazine. There's always information about eating healthy, and many of the recipes are wonderful. Another feature is the Diary portion, where the magazine profiles individuals who have turned to fitness and healthy eating in order to lose weight. It's the most inspiring part of the magazine, and it's great that the magazine focuses on real women, not just how to tell those in perfect shape to stay in shape.I do wish that the magazine would have a bit more variety. I feel like I keep seeing many of the same exercises repeated over and over. I also wish the magazine would realize that not all of us are in to New Age spirituality. If you do choose to subscribe, don't be surprised to see the latest issue at the newsstand before it arrives in your mailbox.
Rating: - do it for a year
I'm a past subscriber of Shape magazine. I enjoyed the Success Stories the most - I'd like to see one of these as a main feature, with more exercise/diet details.
I did enjoy it for a couple of years, then I got a feeling of deja vu - the articles started getting a bit samey, like they're running out of ideas and recycling the same old stuff. I might buy the odd Shape issue on the newstand if a cover feature catches my eye, but now I'm trying out some other fitness magazines for variety.
I agree with another reviewer that too many of the exercises use machines - I'd much rather see handweights. Maybe when they recycle the same ol 'moves again, they could use free weights.And the clothes profiled are too expensive, not to the mention the emphasis on vacationing at health spas (why do these always smell of staff junkets...) My advice is to subscribe for a year or two, then reread the same issues again...
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