Book Review: Unbreakable by Dr. Vonda Wright

This month’s book, Unbreakable by Dr. Vonda Wright, was a recommendation from Nicky Hogg.  Thank you Nicky! This is a book that I needed to read, I just wish it was written 15 years ago, but that will not stop me from recommitting to many of the ideas in the book. I say “recommitting” because if you are a member of Forward Fitness and have been listening to Mike, Suzanne, Cati and Joe and the advice that they give us, then most of the information in this book will not be new to you. 

Dr. Wright, an orthopedic surgeon and internationally recognized expert on active aging, delivers a compelling message: growing older does not have to mean becoming weaker, frailer, or less capable. In fact, many of the declines we associate with aging are not inevitable at all.

The central theme of Unbreakable is that mobility is the key to longevity. Dr. Wright argues that our ability to move well—to walk, lift, balance, and remain physically independent—is one of the strongest predictors of health and quality of life as we age. Throughout the book, she combines scientific research with practical recommendations, making a strong case for strength training, cardiovascular fitness, proper nutrition, sleep, and stress management.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its optimistic perspective. Rather than presenting aging as a battle against time, Dr. Wright encourages readers to see it as an opportunity to invest in themselves. She challenges many common assumptions about what is “normal” in later life and provides evidence that our bodies are often far more adaptable than we realize.

I particularly appreciated the emphasis on muscle health. Dr. Wright repeatedly returns to the importance of preserving and building strength, especially for women. Her explanations of how muscle supports metabolism, balance, bone health, and overall resilience were both informative and motivating. The message is clear: strength is not just about appearance or athletic performance—it is a critical component of healthy aging.

I do think that this book is geared toward women as much of the book focuses on ways to manage the stages of menopause. That being said, the overall theme of the book is about maintaining your strength and health throughout your life, so there are benefits to reading the book for males as well. The book also gets quite technical in places, while the science is presented in an accessible manner, there are moments when the abundance of information can feel overwhelming, particularly for readers who are just beginning their health and wellness journey.

That said, the practical value of Unbreakable outweighs these minor shortcomings. Dr. Wright offers actionable strategies that readers can implement immediately, regardless of their age or fitness level. Now that I have finished the entire book, including the appendices, be sure not to skip those, I am going to go back and reread the “action” sections of the book so that I can focus on and record some specific health and fitness goals.  She recommends starting a health journal. I decided the universe was speaking to me when last week as Rob was unpacking his goodie bag from a golf tournament, there was a blank journal in it.  I know an odd thing for a golf goodie bag, but just what I was looking for.  Even though I found myself wishing I had been able to read this book in my 40’s, Dr. Wright  consistently reminds readers that it is never too late to improve their health trajectory. So time for me to do some fine tuning.

Overall, Unbreakable is an inspiring and informative guide for anyone interested in maintaining strength, mobility, and independence throughout life. Dr. Vonda Wright’s expertise shines through every chapter, and her message is both hopeful and evidence-based. While the book occasionally covers familiar ground, its emphasis on taking ownership of our health and challenging outdated beliefs about aging makes it a worthwhile read.

A valuable resource for anyone who wants to age not just gracefully, but powerfully.