The Boxer's Workout: Fitness for the Civilized Man

Although Joyce Carol Oates's fascination with boxing has given the sport its latest round of literary prominence, the ""sweet science'' of pugilism played a minor role in the fitness revolution until its recent discovery by white-collar males seeking a more exciting alternative to running, aerobics, Nautilus and the like. First came articles on exercises using boxing techniques in the men's slick fitness magazines and in such yuppie bibles as Esquire and GQ. Now DePasquale carries that momentum vigorously forward in this stunningly illustrated combination of personal reminiscence and training guide that may do for boxing what Arnold Schwarzenegger's popular bodybuilding manuals did for the pumping-iron game. The completeness and style of presentation, however, are vastly superior to the bodybuilding genre of fitness writing. ``The boxer,'' claims the 27-year-old New York advertising executive, ``needs it all: power, speed, endurance, reaction, flexibility, and balance,'' requirements also for getting ahead in the male-dominated business world. Moreover, he perceives the sport's intense physicality as ideal for releasing aggression and building cardiovascular health. Beginners training at home or in a gym will find this workout's core exercises demanding yet thorough. And its creator's refreshingly sane understanding of self-motivation will keep them hooked as they progress from the medicine ball to roadwork. The total effect is a knockout. (April)