Programmers -- and anyone else who sits for long periods of time -- need to learn how to maintain their own bodies and minds. In "The Healthy Programmer" (US$36, Pragrmatic Bookshelf), author Joe Kutner teaches readers how to change work habits and master exercises that make working at a desk or computer more comfortable, and develop a plan to keep fit, healthy, and sharp.

The book offers a daily plan of action that's incremental and iterative. Every tip, trick, and best practice is backed up by the advice of doctors, scientists, therapists, nutritionists, and numerous fitness experts. Kutner reviews the latest scientific research to understand how being healthy is good for your body and mind. You'll start by adding a small amount of simple activity to your day -- no trips to the gym needed. You'll learn how to mitigate back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, and many other common sources of pain.

You'll learn how to refactor your diet to properly fuel your body without gaining weight or feeling hungry. Then, you'll turn the exercises and activities into a pragmatic workout methodology that doesn't interfere with the demands of your job and may actually improve your cognitive skills.

You'll also learn the secrets of prominent figures in the software community who turned their health around by making diet and exercise changes. Throughout, you'll track your progress with a companion iPhone app. Finally, you'll learn how to make your healthy lifestyle pragmatic, attainable, and fun. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/m8blnde .