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 I've been subscribing to Shape for two years now and I have decided not to renew my subscription this year. When I first began reading Shape, it was almost solely dedicated to fitness and health. Now it's about 50% beauty and fashion (and a lot is articles that are simply trying to push products). I disagree with the writer who said that she wished they would stop showing moves with gym machines; this is one of the few sections of SHAPE I enjoy reading, as it does give great instructions on how to use the machines (definitely cheaper than hiring a personal trainer). But I do agree with the previous comments that the stories are starting to all sound the same from month to month - especially the success stories. If you're just starting to exercise, this magazine will be helpful for you. But if you're a long-time exerciser, skip this one.
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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Although some of the Shape articles are about self-esteem and feeling good about oneself, they have these articles with photos of models who are all extremely thin. I know this is most pleasing to the eye and probably makes the magazine sell, but for some folks, this isn't a great idea. Also, some of the exercise suggestions are very very general, so it's kind of boring sometimes. I have a degree in nutritional sciences and I'm certified by the American College of Sports Medicine, so I am kind of critical with magazines like this. The exercises segments are usually pretty decent, especially when the writers discuss interval training & interesting ways to do cardio workouts to prevent boredom. However, some of the strength or yoga moves are a bit hard to follow. Additionally, the recipes are flavorful and unique. I am not so fond of the fashion segment of this magazine, since I usually purchase Shape to read about new exercise trends or get new ideas for exercises.
I have been subscribing to Shape for the past three years and thoroughly enjoy the magazine. I have sampled other fitness magazines but none of them have bee nearly as good as Shape. The articles in Shape are always interesting and span a wide variety of topics important to overall health. I highly reccommend this magazine.
