Answer: The tone of the passage is motivational and encouraging, but also direct and somewhat admonishing. The author is trying to inspire the reader to take action towards improving their fitness, but they also make it clear that reading alone will not bring about change. The author uses strong language and rhetorical questions to emphasize the importance of taking action.
Some phrases in the passage that show this tone are:
"it's about time" - implies that the reader should have started thinking about fitness earlier
"useless without actually changing the food you eat and getting off your couch" - emphasizes the need for action, rather than just reading
"so don't think that just by reading it you'll suddenly lose weight and feel better" - bluntly reminds the reader that reading alone will not lead to change
"You have to put in the time and the effort" - emphasizes the need for hard work and dedication
"if you do, you'll feel like a whole new person" - provides a positive outcome to motivate the reader
"put down those chips" - direct and admonishing, emphasizing the need to make changes to diet and lifestyle.
Step-by-step explanation: