I could never properly thank all of the people who have contributed in some way to The Women's Health Big Book of Exercises. But I'm particularly grateful to Steve Murphy and the Rodale family, to whom I extend my deepest appreciation for this great opportunity.
David Zinczenko: Thank you for your guidance, encouragement, and support. But most of all, thank you for the idea itself.
Michele Promaulayko and the Women's Health staff: I'm honored to contribute to such a great brand.
The talented and tireless George Karabotsos, who instantly shared my vision and enthusiasm for what this book should look like.
Stephen Perrine and the entire Women's Health Books team, with a special nod to designers John Seeger Gilman, Laura White, Elizabeth Neal, Holland Utley, and Mark Michaelson. Your efforts were heroic.
Joe Heroun: The cover is outstanding.
Karen Rinaldi, Chris Krogermeier, Marilyn Hauptly, Brooke Myers, and Jennifer Giandomenico, along with everyone else in Rodale Books who worked so hard to make this project happen.
Beth Bischoff, Michael Tedesco, and Danelle Manthey. The photography is terrific, from front to back.
Mark Haddad and Debbie McHugh: You went above and beyond.
Peter Moore, Bill Phillips, Matt Marion, Bill Stieg, Matt Goulding, Jeff Csatari, Lou Schuler, and Tom McGrath: You have influenced and inspired me beyond measure.
Bill Hartman: Your knowledge of training and anatomy is unsurpassed. I can't thank you enough for lending me your expertise.
Rachel Cosgrove: Thanks for all the coaching on exercise technique. This book is far better because of you.
Alwyn Cosgrove: I become smarter every time I talk to you. Here's hoping you never stop taking my calls.
To everyone on the Men's Health editorial team: I'm lucky to work with such a talented and hard-working group of people.
My friends and mentors: Craig Ballantyne, Michael Mejia, Robert dos Remedios, Joe Dowdell, Valerie Waters, Mike Boyle, Galya Talkington, Mike Wunsch, Craig Rasmussen, Alan Aragon, Stuart McGill, Ph.D., and Jeff Volek, Ph.D. Thanks for all the advice—I'm indebted to each of you.
Special thanks to Jen Ator, Adam Bornstein, Maria Masters, Kyle Western, Carolyn Kylstra, Allison Falkenberry, Charlene Lutz, Mary Rinfret, Alice Mudge, Roy Levenson, and Jaclyn Colletti. There wouldn't be a book without your behind-the-scenes work.
And, of course, to my wife, Jess: You are still my favorite.
—A.C.