Training Books

This is a "Must Read" book for all trainers - both beginners and experts. You get drawn into the book through the insights about learning partnerships and by discovering your readiness for training from the heart. Then in each Chapter, the authors share personal experiences that help you learn along with them.

After reading the book, you will discover that it is like a "spacious meadow" that you can turn to for inspiration when you need it. I keep returning to the Chapter on "Creating a Service Motto". Maybe you will want to return to the Chapter "Become Intimate with the Client".

I found the book to be very helpful in managing my attitude toward training in a non-supportive environment. I have taken the time to create a motto that has taken me places and opened the doors for new discovery. I was pleased to find that meeting Cyndi and Barry in person at a CCASTD meeting was just as enlightening as the reading. Thanks to you both for opening my eyes a little wider and taking the chance to grow.

You would expect by the title that this would be described as both warm and thoughtful, but the bonus for this 160 page book is that it is also highly pragmatic and useful. Barry and Cyndi's approach is rooted in research and experience but much of the wealth comes from their myriad of anecdotes that supplement each and every topic. As trainers, we know that participants learn from our stories and tales, this is evidentally true for the written word as well. The authors share their years of experience with us but without the usual "ivory tower" approach that many authors take. A few weeks ago I read Barry and Cyndi's words about generative learning and used the concept in a recent train-the-trainer. The true worth of a book comes from its application in the real world: this book's worth far exceeds whatever its cost.

Having worked with(and admired) both Cyndi and Barry, I was delighted to see how well this wonderful book brought me back to the learnings I had gleaned from watching and listening to these master trainers. The real value of this book is that the tools for self-development and skill improvement are here along with a generous dose of the passion that comes from making a commitment to learners and following through. Master level training not just about knowing your subject, it is understanding how to help your audience grasp their own learning from the experiences, content sharing and practice opportunities they begin in your classroom. Read and enjoy, then use it.

This is one of the few books that I have read on the subject in the last several years that I not only kept in my library, but continue to read and recommend to others. The information covered is broad enough to be relevant to just about anyone in the training field, whether you train internal staff or are a trainer/speaker in the outside world. Getting 2 authors' experiences and perspectives is an added bonus. This book is an easy read that you will probably find yourself going back to again and again, which is rare to find in our information overload society!

I think that this book is the finest book (to date) on coaching the female athlete at the highest levels. In my time as a NCAA Div. II women's soccer coach, a girls high school coach, and premier level girls soccer coach, I have found Dorance's theories and models to be highly useful. This is NOT a book for the recreational coach. The focus of the book is the philosophy and foundation of creating soccer champions.

Anson's insight into the mind of the female athlete is not only clear and concise but, it is uncanny as well. I have found the ideas in his book have led me to a better understanding of my own players. This understanding has helped me form a consistant winning program where ever I have coached.

I would highly recommend this book to any individual who is looking for more theory and philosophy to coaching. This book is not a daily practice guide with drills and games, rather it is an excellent source for building a successful women's soccer program.

I am not a soccer coach. This book was recommended to me by a volleyball coaching mentor. He recommended it and said it was the best coaching book he had ever read.... I agree.

There is not doubt why Anson Dorrance is one of the best soccer coaches in the world. His insights into success with female athletes is extremely helpful and I recommend this book to anyone who wants to be a better coach, period.

I haven't read the book, but Anson was my coach in the first year of Chapel Hill's youth soccer league (I think it was the Carolina Blues team of the Rainbow league) way back in the 70's. I remember very well how intelligent and focused he was. He didn't yell much, but what he did say was always on point. (Moreover he learned to pitch his voice to a timbre that you could ALWAYS hear through all the screaming!) When people talk about Anson, they always quote zillions of his amazing stats, his w/l records, undefeated games, etc, and sometimes I wonder if people think winning is the proof of good coaching, or even of good playing. Sure, it's fun to win, but I've played and coached a fair amount of soccer since then, and probably lost more than I've won, but as I heard Anson said once, 'Never say die', and that's the truth. Of all the games I've played and coached, the ones I remember with the most joy were the ones we lost against hopelessly stronger opponents - yet we played the games of our lives, we never gave up, and in one memorable instance our first-year team of little guys held the mighty perpetual champions of our region to a single lucky goal scored in the final minutes. I've always tried to practice the style that I attribute to him - remembering that soccer is supposed to be fun, that it can be beautiful, and that you only truly lose when you give up. Or maybe that was Kip Ward who said that?! Anyway, you should buy this book. I might even buy it myself.

This book is an excellent guide for ways to develop your soccer team and take them to a new level. This is more for advanced coaches, but I think beginning coaches can utilize these techniques also. Covers great program building techniques for youth boys and women of all levels. Great resource for all soccer coaches.

I've only coached men's college teams, but I'm convinced Anson's principles represent a foundation for the future of coaching -- for athletes of either sex. Competition is fun and practices need to be fun. The days of drill sergeant as coaching model are over.

Kids from most countries now have hundreds of choices in terms of different sports and entertainment. Every minute of practice needs to be fun or they'll do something else. And it's only going to get worse.

Obviously the "competitive caldron" can create women's US college soccer champions (UNC won the title again in 2000), but it may also be our best chance to lure the upcoming Sega generation into team sports.

This book is excellent, I can't tell you how many times I've referred back to it. Contains tips for training horse and rider in all three phases, and common problems that most riders will certainly face sometime in their career. Lots of great photographs to show you the right (and sometimes not so right) way to do things. Advice on conditioning (which I've found to be very helpful) and gymnastics at the back of the book. If you event, get this book.

I have had the incredible opporunity to work with this man in person. He is THE most informative, patient, helpful trainer I have ever worked with. Both of his books, "Training the Three-Day Event Horse and Rider" and "Gymnastics", are must-reads for any equestrian. I can only hope he writes more!!

I am just a beginner, but this book inspired me to try hard to event. I loved the gymnastics in the back!

In 1984 I began riding in Jimmy's clinics and have accumulated numerous hours riding, watching and listening. During this time I took copious notes on his comments; measurements of his gymnastics; watched other riders and listened to Jimmy's critiques. "Training-the-Three-Day Event Horse" IS Jimmy Wofford. His concise, straitforward teaching comes through in his book just as though you are there listening to him. If I could only have one book, it would be this one. I recommend it to my students, I give it as gifts and I wouldn't leave home without it.

I was SO happy to finally read a book involving cross country with so much emphasis on good basics and snaffle bits. I am so sick of hearing trainers advocating bigger bits to control your horse. Mr. Wofford advocates better TRAINING to control your horse - what a concept. This book covers quite a range of topics; from choosing an event horse, dressage, how the horse sees jumps vs. how we see jumps, cross country, jumping, conditioning, cross country position and more. I think this is a great book!

I ordered this book and integrated two of the exercises into existing training courses the day I received it. It is easy to use these techniques to emphasize points and enhance discussion.

I highly recommend this book for people interested in incorporating improv in their training, whatever the topic. The book is clear, to the point, very creative and also very practical. Ms Koppett has collected some tried-and-true improv exercises that are easy to use and really work. Even if you have never done any theatre or improv, you can use this book. Just imagine, a training session in which your participants are inspired, creative, collaborative, funny, cohesive.....

In theatre there are many skills an actor has that out in the workplace, many managers could find very helpful. These are good performance skills, presentation skills, and the flexibility to sense a group's needs and respond to them in the moment. And when one aims for creativity and communication other skills such as teamwork, coaching, leadership, and idea generation become very important. Improv activities have been used in training on topics as varied as product training, new-hire orientations, technical training, and diversity workshops. To summarize, improve can be used to develop personal skills of trainers, to enhance the creativity and communication skills of managers and individual contributors.

This book is divided into two parts. The first part of the book provides us with six powerful improv principles and their potential applications to management and training. The second part of the book provides tightly structured directions for using 50 specific activities -along with a clear explanation of how the basic principles are incorporated in each activity. Also included in the text are explanations of major improvisational theatre concepts and techniques, links to training and management skills, and a series of exercises suitable for use in professional training environments. This book was meant mainly for managers who could adapt the techniques to their environment thereby infusing the workplace with creativity, teamwork, and effective communication.

I enjoyed this book for two main reasons. First, it offers an engaging treatment of improvisation techniques that's certain to inform (and inspire) even those without background in the area. Second, it's an excellent compendium of training activities written in detailed prose perfect for people like me who do a lot of training, but who don't have the formal schooling in training methodology and techniques. In short, this is a worthwhile read and an excellent addition to one's library of training resources.

Over the last couple of years, I have become interested in adapting techniques from improv theatre to organizational training settings. Koppett's book helped me solidly solidify my thinking on the matter. She divides her book into two sections, Principles and Activities. The Principles section is broken into seven chapters that address trust, listening and awareness, non-verbal communications...all the kinds of things for which organizations seek training. The Activities sections has instructions for 50 activities, including an overview, the relevant principles, instructions and variations, and even questions that facilitate discussions after the activity is complete. For added value, the appendices break each activity down into improv principles (trust, spontaneity, etc.) or training application (team-building, creativity, problem-solving, etc.) I've used this resource dozens of times already. In fact, I've had trouble getting it back from several colleagues, and don't lend it out anymore!

The doctor looking for a job must solve five main problems:
1) Define practice matching criteria - avoid regretting a wrong choice;
2) Define a good practice - avoid joining a second-tier practice;
3) Plan the interview process - make sure you ask the key questions;
4) Understand necessary legalese - what must be covered in your contract and what should be skipped;
5) Negotiate your compensation and benefits.

Keep this book next to you during your job search - it helps solving all of your job search problems.

Yuval Lirov, Practicing Profitability - Billing Network Effect for Revenue Cycle Control in Healthcare Clinics and Chiropractic Offices: Collections, Audit Risk, SOAP Notes, Scheduling, Care Plans, and Coding

Very well written, concise and to the point. Gives an excellent idea of what to expect when you start looking for a job after residency. Explains the common scenarios and pitfalls to look out for. Definitely helped me ask better questions during interviews and assess the job opportunities in a much more objective manner; rather than going in wide eyed, the big hike in salary clouding your judgement.

The last section on physician recruitment agreement was particularly helpful for me as I didn't know they existed. Nobody talks about these things during residency training.Thanks partly to this book, I probably will be starting my own practice, based on a physician recruiting agreement.

The surprisingly good "The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Right Job after Residency" written by Koushik Shaw was published in late 2005. It is probably the most useful book for the physician job search that I have come across so far. It is short, concise, to the point (sometimes a bit too short), but it covers absolutely everything that is relevant from getting to know your personal preferences in your work life to determining where exactly you want to live and work, how to find a job, how to interview, and - kudos for this section - how to analyze a practice you are looking at, what questions to ask a potential employer to uncover risks and possible mismatches early. The author goes into details of analyzing benefits offered by an employer and negotiating a contract. He even goes into the basics of opening your own practice.

Overall very well written, in good style, very easy and quick to read and extremely informative. One smart book everybody should read at least once and at least one year before graduation.

This book is an absolute must have for any graduating resident. The author has put an enormous amount of research into a concise and organized fashion, allowing even the time restricted resident to conquer this book in a few short sittings. I have discussed this book with several junior attendings and private physicians, and they are all amazed at how much accurate and insightful information is hidden in this short concise book. It will save you weeks or even months of research and grant you an amazing head start into identifying and obtaining the right career. I truly believe this book will substantially increase your chances of a successful and happy career choice plus teach you to avoid many of the common pitfalls.

This is the only book of its kind that I was able to find. I am an anesthesiologist leaving the Army and joining the ranks of the civilian world. This book assisted me in understanding the Pros and Cons of different practice set-ups, and made me a more informed candidate during my job search.

Even though I disagree totally with the title, "Ultimate Guide," I do have to admit that the contents of this book are right on the money and very specific to the sport of boxing. Although all of the exercises and stretches demonstrated in this book can be found in pretty much any good book on weight training and/or stretching, it is the specific focus of this book that makes it so unique. In other words, it is not the individual exercises in this book that make it such a great resource, but the way the material is presented to the reader whose primary focus is on improving their own boxing skills.

Although I didn't necessarily agree with absolutely everything the author presented in this book, I would have to say that I found at minimum at least 90% of the material in this book to be valid.

The majority of workout routines suggested in this book should be considered as just that, suggestions. Use them as guide to go by and create your own training routine based upon your physical abilities and personal goals.

I have already started incorporating several things that I picked up from this book into my own training regiment and have found that I have already made some improvements in just the first couple of weeks. This book was definitely worth the price I paid for it.

Shawn Kovacich
Martial Artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.

This is the best book I have seen for boxing training! No matter what level you compete at, this book is for you. I have really improved my agility in the ring after reading this book. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in being a better, more athletic boxer!

If Rocky could do it so can you -- and this book is the secret how. The book (aka "the boxing bible") won't only put you on a plan to increase strength and stamina, but it will also boost your quickness and agility. After reading this book you'll be able to knockout Mike Tyson.

This book is perfect! A workout plan geared specifically toward boxing that really works! Appropriate for any level of boxing! I highly recommend this book!

This book made great suggestions for improving some of the most critical parts of being a successful boxer--endurance, power, agility, and speed. This book takes a healthy approach to boxing--it succinctly and clearly outlines how, depending on your experience and level of competitiveness, you should proceed on improving your ability as a fighter. I recommend this book without any hesitation.

Hard bound book, easy to read and to the point of how to train your horse. Nice big photos, applicable diagrams, spelled out how to compete and be successful.
I wish it had been the FIRST book I read!
This is a book I will NEVER loan out.....ever.
Time to go practice what I read~!

This is the singular most effective tool that I have ever used in working with both young and old horses. As an equine professional, I have applied many of the techniques and methods to my own herd. Doug is truly the pleasure master. I believe that many people outside of the industry would enjoy this beautifully photographed and well written journal about pleasure horses.

This is a good book for people who want to train for show and for those who want to have a well trained horse. It explains in terms that novice horse people can understand and appreciate and still covers the finer points of training. The book keeps your interest and is easy reading.

Covers everything from basic bloodlines to breeding, buying, and then training and showing. This is the definitive reference book on Western Pleasure.

This book covers everything from breeding a pleasure prospect to working out the kinks in an older seasoned show horse. This will certainly help my new 3 year old filly and I make it in the AQHA show ring. I recommend it for anyone who wants to win!

Steve Ilg is an interesting character and an incredibly fit man. I have been working out for 15 years, but when I tried some of the programs in this book--they tested my will! Its a terrific book to give an athlete new training ideas. The concept of changing your training routine it really useful. How many of us fall into the routine of doing the same thing over and over again? Of course, Ilg's merging of the spiritual, intellectual and physical is also awesome.

I never dreamed that working out could be such a spiritual journey.This work is TRULY innovative.There is NOTHING like it in the world. I have studied this work for over 7 yrs.It has taken me taken me on a journey that to this day continues to inspire me.We are blessed to have this book!

this book is one of the best bargains about outdoor sport on the market today. it's 450+ pages are jam packed with tips on equipment and technique, other books to read, phone numbers . .on and on and on.

nearly one third of the book is devoted to sport specific training programs-complete with illustrations-distilled from a lifetime devoted to outdoor sport both competitive and non competitive.

besides nordic and alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice climbing and mountaineering, the winter athlete covers a lot of ground that's not snow covered as well. there are chapters on cycling (road & mtb), skating, rock climbing, trail running, kayaking . .

there is something in this book for everyone. everytime i pick it up i learn something new.

along with sport specific training advice, ilg also covers general strength and endurance training, nutrition, flexibility and mental preparation.

ilg's training philosophy is not without it's critics. he believes that everything an athlete does can be considered training. how you live your life is how you perform your sport. ilg is apt to tell a weight lifter to free his mind and his body will follow or a runner to "run with the earth not upon it." ilg's writing style is informative and fun. he loves the natural world and it shows.

you can accept his philosophy or not. for the humble sum of twenty bucks you get a stunning buffet of information that you can partake of or leave alone.

what more can i say. winter athlete rocks.

This book is a must read for all people who venture outdoors in pursuit of sport. While the emphasis is on the winter sports, the lessons transfer easily to all seasons. What is refreshing & unique about Steve's approach is his refusal to compartmentalize sport and exercise into another item to be checked off a to do list. His approach teaches that the lessons of effort and grace and persistence learned on the slopes & trails & tracks can and should transfer to the daily activities of life. A more unique book you will not find. Buy this to increase your enjoyment & skill of your chosen winter sport and you will get that benefit & much more.

"The books arrived today. I have informed Messr. Albert Camus that, despite his having won a Nobel prize in literature, he would have to share my mind, bedstand, and reading focus with The Winter Athlete." - George Watson, Boulder, CO

Listen. This book is it. Drop any program you are on and follow this book. It involves everything from weight training to proper conditioning and even adds plyometrics for the complete combination of power, strenght, speed, agility, and stamina. I've never gained more mass and strength in one year in my entire life. This tells you exactly what to do and when to do it. This is so intense I recommend finding a mentor or a lifting partner to follow this with you to keep motivated. If football is your life like it is mine, buy this and you will become a better athlete. Period.

This book provides a great training plan for players aged 16 to 45. Very comprehensive, easy to use and well illustrated. Noticed results within 6 weeks. Includes not only weight and conditioning training, but also drills to improve agility, foot speed and balance. This reference can serve as the basis for designing a team or individual training program for any level of play.

I have only been doing this program for a little while, and it is as great as everyone says it is. Someone earlier said it is great for 16-45 year olds, but Im about to turn 15 and it works great for me. It would also work great for someone over 45, as their are at leat 10 different exercises for each body part to choose from. I suggest you stop whatever program you may be doing right now and try this one, I have looked into numerous other programs and attended camps and this is by far the best program I've found do far.

I'm a woman in training for the IWFL (yes, there is women's football; check out californiaquakefootball.com.) This book has helped my training immensely. It covers just about everything. All lifts are expressed as a percentage of your maximum single-repetition weight (e.g., 8 x 60%)--which means I can use it as easily as the big boys. Bring a calculator to the gym, or else sit down and figure out the numbers beforehand, unless you are one of those people that can instantly calculate 60% of 130 to the nearest 5... well, you get the idea...

Buy this book & be bigger, stronger, faster. What else do you want?

Man, I can tell you, if you what a complete workout plan, this one's all that and more. Especially the first two weeks of the off-season, resistance training workouts, if you go maximally through those workouts like Ben Cook describes, you are going to be left at the end having to have some one else take your shirt off. I mean you are all messed up, but in a good way. This book was exactly what I needed. I'm on week 7 right now, (I started at the end of my high school football season) and I already feel bigger and stronger. Mr. Cook says that consistency is the key, and so far I havn't missed a workout. It seems to really be paying off I think. It'll pay off for you too I'll bet. GET THIS BOOK!

I read this book after reading Thomas Ricks' "Making the Corps" so compared to that book, I was a bit disappointed.
The book had some useful information, but didn't tell you that much about boot camp. In addition, there are billions of sections. Almost every two paragraphs is sectioned under a new heading, which annoyed me.
Though it didn't give me quite what I wanted, I did learn some useful information about preparing for boot camp, and the appendix is wonderful! With the phonetic military alphabet, army ranks, workouts, PFT info, useful charts, and much more!

Pretty useful for someone who wants to learn about preparing, but I recommend "Making the Corps"... read about it at: http://www.aaronsinfo.com/makingcorpsreview.html and there's product link to it's amazon page to look at reviews or purchase it.

As someone who aspires to join the military one day and has read many BCT survival guides, I can proudly say there is no better book on the market than 63 Days and a Wake-up!!! It is intuitive, astounding, and to the point. Specialist Herbert did a remarkable job writing this must have book. It's as if you're already at BCT and know what to expect. Like Don says, he won't give you a 300 page book that contains 40 pages of substance. Every page is of helpful material to get you ready for RECBN/BCT or so you can just have a better understanding of what it's like. Starting with the recruitment process and ending with life at BCT, every single aspect is covered and explained. What I look for in an Army BCT survival guide and have not found in the many I have read are the helpful hints and tips found in this book for while you are in training or in the preparation process. It's easy to see that the Specialist wrote much of this while at BCT. Even if you're not interested in joining the Army, I would recommend this to anyone to better understand the "Army Strong Process" and for anyone seriously considering it, YOU HAVE TO HAVE THIS BOOK!!!

After reading this book, I immediately e-mailed Specialist Herbert and complimented on it. I also asked him if it would be okay if I could talk to him sometime with questions about the Army I had. He responded the very next day and gave me his phone number. I called him with the questions I had and not only did he answer all of them but he couldn't have been any nicer and insightful with the information he gave me. He is a truly outstanding guy and the best warrior America has to offer. I can't wait and look forward to the sequel to this book coming out soon!!!

I am SO glad I found this book before I left for BCT this Winter! It had the perfect combination of brevity, subject knowledge, and personal experience. The book contains exactly what you need to know and why you need to know it. He starts out with Recruitment, moves through the entire enlistment process, and then breaks down the current Army BCT experience. I enjoyed reading it, but was only able to truly appreciate the knowledge when I was going through the training. I felt like I had already experienced much of it through the book, and felt much more confident in my ability to handle the change from civilian to soldier.

Since my MOS is the same as his, I sent him an email when I was at AIT. Not only did he respond, but we talked several times over the phone about the combat medic training, and he was able to refer me to some more excellent reference material that made the training much more understandable. He also talked to my younger brother over the phone about BCT (he leaves in June), and reiterated some of the things he talked about in his book. It's nice to have someone put their money where their mouth is.

This book isn't just nice to have; it's a necessity!

I wasn't disappointed at all. I was going on what the other reviewers wrote - which has bitten me in the a__ before, but not this time. I liked the fact that I could read it in one evening, over just a few hours. I have the attention span on a flea, and it kept my attention all the way through. Now I've got the upper hand when I deal with my recruiter. Don't talk to a recruiter, or sign your contract without reading this book!!!

As an Army Recruiter I cannot stress enough the importance of being ready, not only prior to training - but before you make the decision to serve. I am going to recommend this book to every potential soldier who walks through my door. It is the best source of information on the "New Army" BCT out there (it's even better than the Army literature). I have shown it to 2 of my Soldiers who just returned from training and they both said the book was right-on. The best way to describe the book is "the kind of information you can't appreciate until you go without it". With just a few pages assigned to each different, but important phase of enlistment (Recruitment, MEPS, Travel, Personal Business, etc..) Herbert does a better job of describing the processes than the Army ever has done - and we own the business!!!
I have been using the book as a tool to help future Soldiers understand what they can expect. I loaned it out to one of my warriors who wanted to know more about BCT before they committed to sign, and he brought it back the next day and was ready to sign-up. The book answered his questions and made him more comfortable in the decision - which is very important!
You should be comfortable with your decision to join the military, and this book will help you make the decision - one way or the other - with confidence.