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The RBG Workout: How She Stays Strong . . . and You Can Too!
A fun, fully illustrated exercise book that details Ruth Bader Ginsburg's workout, written by her trainer.
Have you ever wondered what keeps Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, one of the Supreme Court’s favorite octogenarians, so sprightly? She owes it in part to the twice-weekly workouts she does with her personal trainer, Bryant Johnson, a man she's called “the most important person� in her life.
Nowyou too can work out with Justice Ginsburg’s trainer in the comfort of your home with The RBG Workout. From planks to squats to (full) push-ups, this simple butchallengingworkout—illustrated with four-color illustrations of the justice in workout gear—will have you getting fit in no time.
With tips from the bench, and sidebars with Bryant’s folksywisdom on getting fit and staying healthy, this delightful book is a perfect gift for anyone lookingtoemulate one of America’s most admired women.
Have you ever wondered what keeps Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, one of the Supreme Court’s favorite octogenarians, so sprightly? She owes it in part to the twice-weekly workouts she does with her personal trainer, Bryant Johnson, a man she's called “the most important person� in her life.
Nowyou too can work out with Justice Ginsburg’s trainer in the comfort of your home with The RBG Workout. From planks to squats to (full) push-ups, this simple butchallengingworkout—illustrated with four-color illustrations of the justice in workout gear—will have you getting fit in no time.
With tips from the bench, and sidebars with Bryant’s folksywisdom on getting fit and staying healthy, this delightful book is a perfect gift for anyone lookingtoemulate one of America’s most admired women.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published October 17, 2017
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January 30, 2018This book is very short, and also full of drawings (of RBG working out in her Super Diva sweatshirt), but I gave myself permission to count it toward my 2018 Challenge if I both read it � and did the workout�.
February 27, 2021
RBG a role model for senior women. I like the individual exercise variations for home and gym strength or stamina. Thank you Bryant Johnson. Congratulations to all the women in your family as well. 👍🏼
Foreward by RBG: In 1999 ( 66 years old) I had a long bout with colorectal cancer. When surgery, chemo and radiation were done ... my spouse insisted � You look like an Auschwitz survivor. You must get a personal trainer to regain strength and well-being.�
Ten years later, in 2009, another challenge confronted me:pancreatic cancer. (76 years old).
RBG died in 2020 at age 87. Eleven years after pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Bryant Johnson did Three full push ups in front her casket in the White House.
Next edition: Bryant make suggestion for daily or weekly workout times. One hour, twice a week with trainer and 1 hour sessions three other days a week?
Introduction by Bryant Johnson: page 8 Justice Ginsburg receives bone density scans every other year. After some years of twice-weekly workouts, her bone density began to increase. The result of this test became my report card for whether the exercises we did were effective or not. My efforts were confirmed by a majority decision when her doctor delivered his verdict: “I’m not sure what you’re doing, but keep doing it. It’s working�
For the consumer public, advertised wisdom says bone density doesn’t increase after menopause.
So how did RBG increase bone density?
🙄 Duh. Bone density increases with stress over time. How did RBG increase bone stress?
1. Walking with and without weight. Carrying backpack, carrying basket on head, walking, dancing, jogging in place.....
2. Muscles 💪🏼 are connected to bones. Muscles pulling on bones 🦴 creates light to medium stress. Over time, building muscle mass with strength exercises, bicep curls etc increases bone density.
Find a plugged-in physical therapist, find a plugged-in trainer. You get what you pay for. Shop around.
Your life, your body.....
Foreward by RBG: In 1999 ( 66 years old) I had a long bout with colorectal cancer. When surgery, chemo and radiation were done ... my spouse insisted � You look like an Auschwitz survivor. You must get a personal trainer to regain strength and well-being.�
Ten years later, in 2009, another challenge confronted me:pancreatic cancer. (76 years old).
RBG died in 2020 at age 87. Eleven years after pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Bryant Johnson did Three full push ups in front her casket in the White House.
Next edition: Bryant make suggestion for daily or weekly workout times. One hour, twice a week with trainer and 1 hour sessions three other days a week?
Introduction by Bryant Johnson: page 8 Justice Ginsburg receives bone density scans every other year. After some years of twice-weekly workouts, her bone density began to increase. The result of this test became my report card for whether the exercises we did were effective or not. My efforts were confirmed by a majority decision when her doctor delivered his verdict: “I’m not sure what you’re doing, but keep doing it. It’s working�
For the consumer public, advertised wisdom says bone density doesn’t increase after menopause.
So how did RBG increase bone density?
🙄 Duh. Bone density increases with stress over time. How did RBG increase bone stress?
1. Walking with and without weight. Carrying backpack, carrying basket on head, walking, dancing, jogging in place.....
2. Muscles 💪🏼 are connected to bones. Muscles pulling on bones 🦴 creates light to medium stress. Over time, building muscle mass with strength exercises, bicep curls etc increases bone density.
Find a plugged-in physical therapist, find a plugged-in trainer. You get what you pay for. Shop around.
Your life, your body.....
February 19, 2018
Love, love, love this little book! I bought it as a gift for a friend and then promptly got the Kindle edition for me so I could have it on my phone when I work out.
Except for one exercise, this is a perfect routine for someone with osteoporosis/osteopenia. The illustrations rock and I especially like that the trainer gives a gym machine and home version so that you can do either or both variations. You might need to buy some equipment for home use (I added a couple of things to my fairly extensive home exercise room) but the only expensive item is a BOSU. If you are older, the BOSU can be a useful thing for balance work.
I’ve begun to add in some of these exercises to my routine and highly recommend this as a great workout for anyone, but an especially inspiring one for older women. Now whenever I complain that I’m too tired to exercise, I think about Justice Ginsberg and push myself to slog on.
Great for yourself. A fantastic gift too for that friend you want to inspire to get strong, flexible and balanced.
Except for one exercise, this is a perfect routine for someone with osteoporosis/osteopenia. The illustrations rock and I especially like that the trainer gives a gym machine and home version so that you can do either or both variations. You might need to buy some equipment for home use (I added a couple of things to my fairly extensive home exercise room) but the only expensive item is a BOSU. If you are older, the BOSU can be a useful thing for balance work.
I’ve begun to add in some of these exercises to my routine and highly recommend this as a great workout for anyone, but an especially inspiring one for older women. Now whenever I complain that I’m too tired to exercise, I think about Justice Ginsberg and push myself to slog on.
Great for yourself. A fantastic gift too for that friend you want to inspire to get strong, flexible and balanced.
February 25, 2018
I had previously heard about RBG's workout - in particular, the exercise that helps her avoid the need for a nursing attendant 24/7 - so was happy to discover that her personal trainer wrote this fun, little book. This simple, but not necessarily easy workout helped RBG regain her strength after dealing with cancer (twice!), and hopefully will inspire others to exercise. As Johnson says,
You may have a lifetime appointment to the most powerful job in the world, but your body will still have veto power over you. And you're the only one with jurisdiction over your body, so if you don't use it, you will lose it.The exercises are described well and nicely supplemented by drawings of RBG, sometimes sporting a "Super Diva!" sweatshirt. I liked the inclusion of at-home variations using inexpensive equipment, but wish Johnson also included his Aunt Idabell's recipe for pound cake.
November 4, 2017
Because I have been exercising for most of my life and incorporating resistance training for about 15 years, most of the exercises detailed in the book are not new to me. On the other hand, since I'm in the early 7th decade of my life, I feel reassured, affirmed, and further motivated to continue my commitment to being fit because of the content of the book.
I have been following RBG for quite some time, but to learn that she only started this exercise program at 65 and is so much stronger at 83, makes her my idol. I must admit that I cannot do military push-ups. However, you can believe that I will be working towards that as of today. My goal is not to live longer but to have the highest quality of life for as long as I can. Exercise is good for the brain as well!
I have been following RBG for quite some time, but to learn that she only started this exercise program at 65 and is so much stronger at 83, makes her my idol. I must admit that I cannot do military push-ups. However, you can believe that I will be working towards that as of today. My goal is not to live longer but to have the highest quality of life for as long as I can. Exercise is good for the brain as well!
August 3, 2018
This book of strength training exercises has the cachet that they have been designed for Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg by her personal trainer, Bryant Johnson. She has been following his twice weekly workout regimen for about twenty years and her consistency in doing them has helped her come back from two occurrences of cancer. Most of the exercises are not hard to do individually, but cumulatively they left me feeling that I had had a workout. The illustrations by Patrick Welsh are clear and fun as they use RBG herself as the model. At home alternatives are given for those who don't have access to fitness center machines. Recommended for anyone looking to get started with a fitness program. NB: cardio training and diet considerations are not in scope here.
May 25, 2018
[4 stars] As my mobility has shifted, changes in blood pressure have impacted how long I can stand, and chronic illness has kept me more homebound than before, I've been looking for easy, low-impact, modifiable exercises to replace my previous barbell squat and elliptical routines. The exercises are clearly explained with at-home modifications. Most are seated or could be easily changed. If you're an RBG fan (I'm admittedly pretty RBG neutral) you'll probably enjoy the Super Diva clad pictures and funny facts from her trainer too.
January 5, 2018
Cute little book with explanations of various exercises. Would be great if you belong to a Snap Fitness-type place. The best part of the book, though, is the picture of RBG with her trainer (and the fact that she can do this entire workout in her 80's). She's so awesome.
October 15, 2020
These exercises are like my class at the senior citizens center. (Closed due to Covid)
I also bought the book and down loaded it to my I pad. It helps with my neck pain and hopefully will help with my leg and arm muscles.
I also bought the book and down loaded it to my I pad. It helps with my neck pain and hopefully will help with my leg and arm muscles.
January 21, 2019
It is a good stay-at-home alternative for a workout. I used it this morning when my group decided not to meet. Thinking about her is also a good motivator
April 30, 2020
I like the book and the workout a lot, but I couldn't use my little kindle or phone: I will need the physical book.
Library copy
Library copy
June 1, 2018
For Me a 5 Star
The exercise routine was created for Seniors, couch potatoes and those who lost strength due to illness. Fortunately that demographic is large and hard to find a gift they'll actually use. The exercises are illustrated being done with gym equipment or with a few simple purchases at home. A truly weakened person could begin without the weights, balls, and bands and add them when ready. It's wise to test out senior joints with very light resistance first. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a wonderful choice to inspire people with the possibility that a simple routine can have a big payoff at 85.
The exercise routine was created for Seniors, couch potatoes and those who lost strength due to illness. Fortunately that demographic is large and hard to find a gift they'll actually use. The exercises are illustrated being done with gym equipment or with a few simple purchases at home. A truly weakened person could begin without the weights, balls, and bands and add them when ready. It's wise to test out senior joints with very light resistance first. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a wonderful choice to inspire people with the possibility that a simple routine can have a big payoff at 85.
March 31, 2018
guys, guys, guys RBG can do 20 full real push-ups!!! she's the hero we all deserve. perfection. perfection.
May 9, 2019
This is a fun little compendium of exercise routines. I don't love exercising out of a book, but this one gives helpful information regarding the movements generally and appropriate modifications which is key. The best parts of this book are really the illustrations. Who doesn't love a good animated Ruth Bader Ginsburg doing her planks? Overall a fun little read, but don't get too excited.
March 29, 2021
A fun little book you can fit in your gym bag! The illustrations are wonderful. There are few things more delightful than a cartoon RBG doing a plank. But seriously, these exercises are no joke and the stretching section is immensely helpful.
April 12, 2018
What a bad ass!
May 6, 2018
Cute and inspiring
Ok workout but the point is to prove that exercise is important for everyone. Book covers only strength training. No cardio or nutrition advice and little on the way of flexibility. A good skim.
Ok workout but the point is to prove that exercise is important for everyone. Book covers only strength training. No cardio or nutrition advice and little on the way of flexibility. A good skim.
October 9, 2019
This is a supremely good exercise program and I would like to be more like RBG, so will likely be asking for this book for myself.
April 13, 2024
A work-out routine woven with antidotes about RBG and cartoon photos of her doing the workouts! Easy to read and understand. He provides at home alternatives to working out in a gym as well as other tips.
March 4, 2019
My only "complaints" are there's no variation, you'd do the same things over and over, and I wish there'd been some sort of comprehensive list, but the latter is completely fixable.
BUT I absolutely love that there is a gym version and an at home version for every exercise. 100% will do.
BUT I absolutely love that there is a gym version and an at home version for every exercise. 100% will do.
July 23, 2018
Adorable illustrations.
Easy to follow instructions.
Gym/machine *and* at-home variations.
Easy to follow instructions.
[Adorable] illustrations of RBG doing moves are a. helpful and b. inspiring reminders that there's no such thing as "too old."
I should add: short, sweet, and to the point. Nothing in here is new. There isn't a lot of fluff. You've seen and done all of these. I'm going to use this as inspiration to actually get fit (yeah, right) (no, really). Great small size of hardcover is great too in case I need a to-the-gym/ mid-workout reminder that RBG can do it so so can I. I'm glad this book exists.
Easy to follow instructions.
Gym/machine *and* at-home variations.
Easy to follow instructions.
[Adorable] illustrations of RBG doing moves are a. helpful and b. inspiring reminders that there's no such thing as "too old."
I should add: short, sweet, and to the point. Nothing in here is new. There isn't a lot of fluff. You've seen and done all of these. I'm going to use this as inspiration to actually get fit (yeah, right) (no, really). Great small size of hardcover is great too in case I need a to-the-gym/ mid-workout reminder that RBG can do it so so can I. I'm glad this book exists.
December 4, 2017
This is a cross between a useful workout routine and a blatant exploitation of Ginsburg's diva status. She blessed her workout teacher with permission to use her to sell this book. I hope that she gets a small cut of the royalties. The routine requires a lot of equipment if you don't belong to a fancy gym. My favorite part of the book is the illustrations. As an older person whose body is weakening every day, this book motivates me to keep going even if I am not central to the Supreme Court at the present time.
April 15, 2018
Eighty-five year old Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, is "girl power" personified! This amazing woman keeps herself in shape with the help of a trainer. "The RGB Workout: A Supremely Good Exercise Program" is a practical, easy-to-follow manual just right for those of us of a certain age (or any age. As a matter of fact, these are exercises my physical therapist suggested after rotator cuff and knee replacement surgery. Each suggested exercise includes both a textual description and a visual illustration.
Highly recommended for any age!
Highly recommended for any age!
April 29, 2018
Awesome rehab program or workout for older adult
This is a great strength workout to help you rehab after a surgery or injury or as a regular workout for the older adult! I plan to gift my mom a copy of this book with hope that with practice and work she will be able to do these exercises. This is a great workout to work every muscle group in the body. This would be a great mothers day gift for your elderly mother or grandmother. This could help grandpa too! As a public health professional, I highly recommend this!!!
This is a great strength workout to help you rehab after a surgery or injury or as a regular workout for the older adult! I plan to gift my mom a copy of this book with hope that with practice and work she will be able to do these exercises. This is a great workout to work every muscle group in the body. This would be a great mothers day gift for your elderly mother or grandmother. This could help grandpa too! As a public health professional, I highly recommend this!!!
September 15, 2018
I got this book at the library, but it's so good I decided to purchase my own copy and incorporate it into my exercise routine. Because the workout is scale-able, you can work out harder or take it easier than the Supreme Court Justice does. The illustrations are fun, and the exercise descriptions are both simple and detailed.
Be warned, RBG can do 20 military-style push-ups, and she's an octogenarian!
Be warned, RBG can do 20 military-style push-ups, and she's an octogenarian!
February 1, 2019
I admit that I don't a lot about exercise science, but is this ONE workout?! There are 13 warm-up exercises and 32 strength exercises (1 - 3 sets each) and then a cool-down. If I did this, I would be in the gym all day long! Are we supposed to pick a few exercises? Are we supposed to buckle down and do all of them? I don't really understand and the book is not clear. The exercises are clearly described, but the implementation is confusing.
November 29, 2017
Of course, the whole RBG connection is charming, but beyond that Johnson offers a great basic workout- complete with options for doing it at home. The only thing missing that I would appreciate is a brief note about which muscle group is being worked. Sometimes it's obvious for a number of these exercises it's not quite clear.
April 13, 2021
Now you can exercise with the Notorious RBG!
In 1999, following her release from the hospital following her first bout of colorectal cancer, Ginsberg’s husband, Marty, told her that she looked like an "Auschwitz survivor". Determined to recover her good health, RBG turned to personal trainer, Bryant Johnson. Johnson, a certified personal trainer, worked with Ginsberg to regain her strength and her stamina. He developed a program that she would do during their twice weekly meetings. RBG says “I am often consumed by the heavy lifting that Supreme Court judging entails� however, she will happily leave that behind when it was time for her session with Johnson. For her he created a program that Ginsberg could follow - with him or own her own. Now he shares that program with us.
This 127 page book shares the program that Johnson developed for RBG - from stretches to strength training to cool down. Every page is illustrated with fun drawings of RBG demonstrating how the to do the movement properly. All machine exercises are modified as “at-home alternative� exercises for those of us who don’t have time or don’t wish to go to the gym.
An inspirating book to get us moving. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For more book reviews and recommendations follow me at #emptynestreader #instagram #facebook #ŷ #TheRBGWorkout #howshestaysstrongandyoucantoo #BryantJohnson #nonfiction #selfhelp #fitness #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #AprilReads #readalittlelearnalittlelivealittle #ebooks #librarybooks
In 1999, following her release from the hospital following her first bout of colorectal cancer, Ginsberg’s husband, Marty, told her that she looked like an "Auschwitz survivor". Determined to recover her good health, RBG turned to personal trainer, Bryant Johnson. Johnson, a certified personal trainer, worked with Ginsberg to regain her strength and her stamina. He developed a program that she would do during their twice weekly meetings. RBG says “I am often consumed by the heavy lifting that Supreme Court judging entails� however, she will happily leave that behind when it was time for her session with Johnson. For her he created a program that Ginsberg could follow - with him or own her own. Now he shares that program with us.
This 127 page book shares the program that Johnson developed for RBG - from stretches to strength training to cool down. Every page is illustrated with fun drawings of RBG demonstrating how the to do the movement properly. All machine exercises are modified as “at-home alternative� exercises for those of us who don’t have time or don’t wish to go to the gym.
An inspirating book to get us moving. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For more book reviews and recommendations follow me at #emptynestreader #instagram #facebook #ŷ #TheRBGWorkout #howshestaysstrongandyoucantoo #BryantJohnson #nonfiction #selfhelp #fitness #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #AprilReads #readalittlelearnalittlelivealittle #ebooks #librarybooks
November 8, 2022
The RBG Workout is a cute yet comprehensive illustrated guide to the late supreme court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s workout routine, written by her longtime trainer Bryant Johnson. Make no mistake: Although this book depicts exercises that the Honorable Justice Ginsburg routinely did in her nineties, the activities are great for all ages and levels of experience. The structure of the guide also grants the reader the flexibility (no pun intended) to build a routine around what they are comfortable doing as well as the equipment or at-home alternatives available to them. As a bonus, see the documentary for footage of Ruth’s sessions with the author!
February 24, 2025
A Simple Start to Fitness
I gave The RBG Workout: How She Stays Strong� and You Can Too! by Bryant Johnson three stars because I found it too simple. However, if you are looking for a way to start exercising at home, this book could be a good option. It also includes some gym machine exercises, but if you plan to work out at a gym, I highly recommend using an app that provides more detailed guidance.
What I liked most about the book is the quality of the illustrations—they are very well done. The content could also serve as a great beginner’s routine for those just getting started with fitness.
I gave The RBG Workout: How She Stays Strong� and You Can Too! by Bryant Johnson three stars because I found it too simple. However, if you are looking for a way to start exercising at home, this book could be a good option. It also includes some gym machine exercises, but if you plan to work out at a gym, I highly recommend using an app that provides more detailed guidance.
What I liked most about the book is the quality of the illustrations—they are very well done. The content could also serve as a great beginner’s routine for those just getting started with fitness.
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