Athletics Books

Articulate story of the great 40s and 50s Czech distance runner Emil Zatopek that astounded the world with his three gold medals in the 52 Olympics that included a thrilling 5000 final with Zatopek, with ungainly arms flailing, pulls away with a desperate surge in the final straight from three runners in hot pursuit with a one crashing dramatically against the curb. The author captures the career of the man who broke all the Finnish distance running records from 5000 meters up to 20,000 and the one hour run. Zatopek was known for spending long periods on the track doing long sets of intervals, as many as 40x 400 meters. The author notes fantastically, and perhaps naively, that Emil even ran 80 quarters in a single workout but as Emil was qouted elsewhere, they didn't mention his pace, which may have been relatively modest for the longer sessions. But aside from his records, Zatopek was known for his dominance in the Olympics and his warm and ever friendly heart that extended even to competitors. Phillips, a track statistician as you will recognized from his series of lists and knowledge of the top times of the world past, current and present, writes a compact book that covers the essentials of Zatopek's career with particular focus on his development, record breaking races and Olympic performances. Amazingly, Zatopek wins a gold medal and a silver in his first Olympics just missing the gold in the 5,000 in the 48 Olympics and of course his incredible triple in the 52 Olympics wining the 5,000, 10,000 and the marathon. Quite a story about Emil running his first marathon in the Olympics after winning the 5K and 10K races. In the late stages of the marathon, the author states that Emil troted up to the leader and favorite, Peters from England, and asks if the pace is fast enough! He later takes the lead, crushing all his competitors including the unfortunate Peters. Emil's training revolutionized distance running and his performances inspired a whole league of young world class runners like Valdimer Kuts, Gordon Pirie, Chris Chataway, and Alan Mimoun all who eventually chipped away at his records. The book is written in somewhat abbreviated format but I do wish there was more personal information about Zatopek particularly how he was able train and compete in German occupied Czechoslovakia and more detail about his family, career in the military but there are references to his punishment for supporting the anti-communist movement in 1968. The book also has short bio on his gold medalist wife Dana who had a remarkable career as a world ranked javelin thrower and multiple Olympic medalist. The racing pictures are also fantastic that even include the fantastic and shocking finish of the 1952 Olympic 5000 meter final. But besides his athletic accomplishments, Emil will always be remembered for his good sportsmanship and kindness to people such as his pacing a young Australian to a national record to his secretly giving his 1952 10,000 meter gold medal to the great multiple world record holder and hard luck Ron Clarke (bronze 10,000 in 64). Clarke said it best about Emil Zapotek after receiving this highly personable gift, "I do know no-one cherishes any gift more than I do, my only Olympic gold medal, and not because of what it is, but because of the man whose spirit it represents".

This book is a must read for all distance running fans. The exciting story of Emil Zatopek life, training and racing is well written by Bob Phillips.He is a great wtiter of track books. Zatopek was an inspiration to many people for he was a universal man. This book belongs in your library. You should also buy the book "3:59.4" by Phillips.

The Rocket

I got two good nuggets out of this: what bars to eat when running long distances, and running a half lap in 68 seconds is what a nine-minute mile feels like.

I'll admit that the book has you believing you can pull this off, and I'm not sure that you can't. Obviously, many have.

But at the end of the day, all you're really buying is a training plan.

Ten dollars seems like a lot to pay. If you must have it, buy it used, or read it at your local library for free and THEN decide if it's a must-have.

I enjoyed this book very much. It is a wealth of knowledge, especially for the beginner runner that I am. I'm sure that all of the hard work will pay off in the end.

I'm not a die hard runner by any means, but desired to run a sub-4 hour marathon for my first marathon. This book helped me with confidence and a concrete plan for training. It isn't so complex that you need to incorporate blood testing, heart rate monitors, etc. (which are probably important as you advance). This is a basic plan that tells you the workouts you need, food to eat, and how to prepare. If the training is too hard then you probably need to establish a better base or revise your goals.

I didn't do all the training because after I got about 10 weeks into the plan I had two 'back to back' sciatica attacks (the second had me on the floor for 60 hours in pain). I was in fear that I wouldn't finish let alone run sub-4. I believe the basic endurance gained from the plan allowed me to achieve my time. I was worried the training wasn't tough enough, but followed it to the letter (when I could due to my back).

I previously researched other plans online (Higdon's and others) but they only showed mileage to run and didn't tell me about pacing which is extremely important!

Summary: this book keeps it simple and to the point. If the title is your goal you would be foolish not to get it. Good luck regardless.

P.S. I ran the Grandma's in Duluth June 2008. A fast course, beautiful views of the lake, awesome support, and a great local crowd. Highly recommended race!!!

I love this book. I am a new runner and this book has given me soooo much helpful information from certain leg pains I was feeling and suggestions on how to remedy it; to how to increase my speed in my jog/run effectively. You can't go wrong getting this book. If you are excited to start training your body and mind to run a marathon I would totally recommend this book. - "Good Luck!"

I have successfully trained for 2 marathons with this book and I recommend it to friends aspiring to do the same all the time. Not only does it give reality based tips, the training schedules in the back are reasonable and easy to understand. I picked my first marathon, the Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon, out of the back of the book where it recommends flat, fast courses . My husband and I followed every bit of advice and the schedule and hit our 4 hour goal at the finish line, finishing well into the middle of the pack of racers.
The only additional advice I would add to what the book tells you is to get fitted for running shoes at the on-set of your training by someone certified in Gait Analysis- this will save your knees, feet, and lower back tremendously.

This is without question, the best sports and business book ever written. This book also teaches and reminds all us how to be decent, thoughtful, caring, and responsible human beings. Being a good and decent person really works, and will get you somewhere. Take responsibility for yourself, get the job done. Never let: "It's not my job," enter your mind. Get it done and stop whining. Team work, in sports, business, family and life makes all the difference in the world. When you think of the super credible people in this world, 'Coach K,' is, 'one' of those unique great ones at the top of the list. Coach K is a very humble and decent human being, and his 'actions,' positively speak for themselves. Are there Spanish versions of Coach K's books available? The book has a great flow and is a never a dull moment read. Mixing business with sports, makes for a fun academic read. Great, great book - Fantastico y Increible - Vamos a leer!

Who thought that one man could do so much in life, have so much success, and still be grounded to where he was brought up. This is a truly inspiring book because it is rare to find a man of this profession who cares so much about character. He is one of the few coaches in college basketball who values a kid's personality more than their talent. Reading this book really showed me how great a guy Coach K really is, and how lucky those kids are to play for a coach like him.

This book is easy to connect with for anyone and everyone. For me in particular, coming from a military background, I found it very interesting to learn about Coach K's time at West Point Academy and the experiences he took from there. Also, as I prepare for my freshman year of college, where I will be playing basketball, Coach K values character traits such as trust, loyalty, honesty, determination, and respect, all of which I will take with me into next year. The real situations that Coach K portrays are an incredible look inside the life of one inspiring and motivational man. The stories about basketball, players, friends, coaches, West Point, Korea, Chicago, Duke, and of course family, are really unforgettable.

I had a great time reading this book because you have the opportunity to see what really goes on at Duke University and their highly acclaimed basketball program. Coach K discusses game day routines, pre-game speeches, coaching drills, player development, film work, and coaching, all with open arms. He doesn't feel the need to hide any of his business and welcomes basketball fans around the world to be a part of his story. Through the uses of metaphor and flashbacks Coach K is able to show the importance of character and trust, and not allowing his program to turn into a business like many others. He and his teams have fought through adversity, and despite much criticism, Coach K is definitely one of the best coaches ever. I recommend this book 100% to any businessman, basketball fan, military person, or anyone simply looking to better understand the important things in life, and what should really matter, like friends, family, and religion.

Some books I have read stand the test of time. Since its initial publication, this book by Coach K stands that test, with stories and chapters that both inspire and encourage. It gives valuable strategies for succeeding no matter what your aim is. It made me much more than a Duke fan, but made me a Coach K fan as well. Well done and it is no wonder the Duke program is so successful.

A must read for coaches and business people alike. Very informative look on how Coach K built Duke into a basketball powerhouse. I am not a Duke fan but enjoyed this book.

I read coach K's book when it first came out and recently re-read it. I often refer to it when I need to put things in the correct perspective. This inspirational book makes it easy to "take responsibility for yourself, and never let "it's not my job," enter into your mind. Coach "K" exemplifies "getting the job done/taking charge." Many a time I'm wondering what to do in tough situations, both in sports and business. I truly ask myself a lot: "What would a guy like coach Krzyzewski do?" I can't think of any coach who exemplifies more decency, integrity, honesty, perseverence, dedication, fairness, family values...you get the point. It appears there are many who admire him and, some will envy him. I say learn from him because he's proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, what leading with integrity and values is all about. Many, many, parent's say they want their kids to go to Duke. Why? These parents are specific to say that they hope their children can be part of the positive and integral influnce that "coach Krzyzewski brings to Duke." Major companies have used coach "K"s book to help executives get on the right track. You won't read a better book on motivation for anything in life. Amazing book, about an amazing person. Worth it!!!

I ordered two weeks before classes started and I received my book the following week! Thank you for your prompt, professional and perfect care of my needs! And you didn't even know my time schedule!

This book was recommended to me by a professional massage therapist. I'm 65 and on statins, which have the side effect of muscle stiffness and soreness. This book provides an easy to understand and follow guideline for stretching, which although focused on athletes, works well for the average Joe or Jane. The underlying premise, that gentle, progressive stretches lasting no more than a few seconds don't activate muscle resistance, is spun out in detail for each muscle group. There are useful illustrations and clear descriptions. What's best, though, is that it works!

I am a certified fitness trainer and although there is an ongoing debate about the usefulness of stretching pre-workout, I am here to tell all of you who read this that Active Isolated Stretching is the answer to warm-up stretching and the Whartons Book is very easy to read, follow, and understand. I recomend this book to anyone who has a habit of over stretching causing muscle soreness and tightness.

I was so excited to receive this book, hoping for a layman's guide to the Mattes stretching technique. Mattes' book (Active Isolated Stretching: The Mattes Method) is great, with lots of big photos and thorough discussion of each stretch, but I was having trouble digesting the information into a usable routine. Now, the Whartons definitely provide routines, but much of the book is cluttered with self-serving anecdotes and terribly shallow write-ups of the method's applicability to different activities.

That's nothing compared to the book's real problem: the illustrations. They are atrocious. I can only assume that one just said to the other, "hey, can you draw people?" The truthful answer would have been "no." Not only do the little caricatures stare into your soul, but it's difficult to tell what on earth is supposed to be going on. Please, for your own sake, do a "search inside this book" and hit "surprise me!" until you see some examples of what I'm talking about. The illustrations nearly render this book useless.

What's good about this book: these two clearly have experience with relieving pain. Their stretching model, nearly identical (and credited to) Mattes, gets good results. It feels better than traditional stretching methods, and it is reasonably well-explained. Some of their specific stretches are a bit worrisome (there are far better psoas and external hip rotator stretches), but overall they're pretty good.

I bought this book after injuring my shoulder. My arm had locked to the point I could barely move it. Any attempt to move the arm resulted in extreme pain. I did the exercizes every day, and after a few weeks, the scar tissue began to break, motion returned and the pain eventually ceased. Other reviews say 20 minutes a day is "too much" time. Are they kidding? Twenty minutes out of 24 hours? Years later my bicycle was hit by a careless truck driver. My left shoulder, elbow, hip and hand/wrist were injured. The hand needed surgery to remove a bone. The wrist and hand developed arthritis. Because I keep doing the exercises, and have incorporated the strengthening exercises, I am not crippled. I still ride my bicycle, work in the yard, and do what I did before. If this book isn't "scientific" then why do physical therapists and doctors recommend it?

Although this is an informative book, I was a little disappointed that 99.99% of the exercises referred to here were the female upper body only.

The reason that I purchase the book was because I had seen the mens version, but when I was got to the check out screen, Amazon offered me the female version of the same book. So, understandably since i'm a female, I ordered that one instead.

Sad but true, the mens version shows exercises literally from head to toe as where this (female version) book only shows/discusses from the waist up. I'm guessing that's where most men (author included) concentrate on on the female anatomy...:-(

This book is the women's version of the book "Strength Training Anatomy". Please read my review under that book.

This is an important book for any woman who is starting or continuing strength training. I bought it after I saw the BodyWorks exhibit last year. Anatomy books before this one usually included the male physique. As women's muscles are different, it is helpful to have these illustrations and explanations. It is also an excellent teaching tool for trainers. I recommend it highly to girls and women of all ages. Very useful in getting to know your body.

I just reviewed the Strength Training Anatomy book and how I had to buy two because my husband ran off with the other copy to take to work so I decided to review this one as well. This is the same premise, great visuals of the muscles used during each exercise and detailed written description of how to do the exercise. I've been looking for books like these for a while. The female one only covers legs, butt, abs and back. The back is extremely limited but the others give some wonderful exercises. If you are a female looking for a book that tells you which muscles are used with each exercise then I suggest BOTH of Frederic Delavier Strength Training Anatomy books. I've developed a workout routine off these books. I highly recommend them both.

I LOVE this book!! Hiss Boo Sucks to all those who whine about it not including the woman's upper body. When I discovered this, after having already been totally impressed by the quality and thoroughness of the medical knowledge, anatomical detail, terminology and artwork in this book, I immediately ordered Delavier's STRENGTH TRAINING ANATOMY, the original volume, which does include both men and women, and which gives a full description of the arms, neck, shoulders and chest. The first volume of course also deals with the back, legs, buttocks and abs (as the Women's volume does), but the Women's Strength Training Anatomy covers these areas in much more detail.
Reason: because women have such different physical characteristics from men, particularly in their lower skeleton. This requires a somewhat different approach to weight training, as the muscles are attached at different angles in women than in men. I can only applaud M. Delavier for pointing this out, and for filling the gap by writing this EXTRA volume particularly for the use of women.
I was so impressed that I happily paid 3 times the price for each volume, here in Australia, as you pay in America. I bought both volumes - and then purchased more for my son and his wife.
I'm a radiographer by profession, so I see through people on a daily basis - unfortunately only the bones, however. The realistic anatomical illustrations in this volume are exactly what is required to depict the muscles used in each exercise, and to pinpoint the optimum exercises to build up whichever body part requires work. Thanks to the use of these books for just 6 weeks, I can now see and feel hard, shapely muscle developing all over my 52-year-old body. When I see an area that needs building up, I can flip right to the appropriate pages for the most effective exercises for that part. I work out my whole body every 3 or 4 days, and can feel a marked difference in muscle strength and shape by the time each training session comes due.
I have a barbell, selection of plates, adjustable dumbbells, a fit ball, and a very inexpensive weight bench with quad extension attachment. I pack this up and take it in the car with me on my mobile job assignments. I can do almost every exercise in these books with this simple equipment, and could not be happier with this book.
Women's Strength Training Anatomy is not the whole deal in itself - it is the companion book to Strength Training Anatomy; an EXTRA volume with much more detailed info written especially for women. I'm always delighted to buy 2 excellent books instead of just one!
As for the complaints that the illustrations are "sexual" and should include more clothes - well, to the pure, all things are pure. I don't see anything remotely sexy in the human body being drawn, pared down to layers of skin, fascia, muscle, tendon and bone. But it is very helpful for educational purposes.

A wonderful book about Fall River as well as Durfee basketball. Wonderful and bittersweet. It made me want to know what happened to all the people in it afterwards.

As a Fall Riverite, I am ashamed to have taken so long to read this book. This book is so accurate that it is scary. While the actual writing does lack some luster, it is certainly accurate weaving the city's history with key people, with the history of Durfee High School, and the politics that are still as evident in 2007 as they were in 1993. Chris Herren's basketball career at Durfee is chronicled with foresight as to what eventually did happen, evident to me that the author really did get to know the characters he wrote about because we all know what eventually happened to Chris, the dream that never really came to fruition, almost as if Fall River is cursed and has cursed its residents. Jeff Caron, the kid who was overlooked, according to the author in the book, is currently the coach of Durfee and its AD, taking the place of the everfamous Skippy Karam. Again, after reading the book, Caron's role in Fall River now seems exactly scripted the way Reynolds depicted Fall Riverites, destined to never leave, yearning always for the past. It's a good sports book, it's a good history book, it's a good story. There are some editing issues--spelling errors and misnamed places, but it's mostly annoying if you know that Columbus Park is not "Columbia Park," etc. If you are from the area, you must read! But even if you are not, if you know anything about Chris Herren, you will forever feel for him and his plight. I wish Chris would actually do an autobiography, it could be a lesson for all kids that nothing is a given.

I'm clearly not alone in having read "Fall River Dreams" after reading "Friday Night Lights." Several other reviewers have mentioned as much in their own reviews. Clearly, I had some expectations that it would be a basketball version of FNL, which it was, but it just didn't have the bite that FNL was able to dish out. Not that this was a bad book at all, but I think I was doomed from the start to always have that hanging over my head.

From a book standpoint, it was an enjoyable read, with a good amount of real life ups and downs mixed into it. I hate reading fairy tale non-fiction books, and fortunately this doesn't turn into one. Having read this over a decade after its first printing, I wish there was a new version with author commentary as there was with FNL. My interest in the players, especially Chris Herren, took me to the internet where I found quite a large amount of depressing post Fall River information. In some ways, it made the book more vivid. Reynolds might do well by refocusing on a few players with a re-release.

Overall a 3/5, mainly the 3 coming from a lot of repetitive commentary throughout. This book could have used a better editor.

i thought this was a pretty good book. as a sports fan, i did get bored at times with all the descriptions of the city and it seemed repetitive after awhile. but overall, i did find myself not wanting to put the book down in order to find out what the outcome was going to be for durfee and chris herron.

This was one of the best sports books I've read in a while. I really enjoyed Friday Night Lights, and think that this book is it's equal. Thought I am slightly biased, growing up in the Fall River area, and personally watching several Durfee games. But no one can deny the honest and genuine nature of the emotionally charged characters in this story. The relationship between Skippy Karam and Chris Herren is one of a kind. Skip being the living legend trying to go out on top one last time, and Chris trying to live up to all the expectations put on him by the media, colleges, and his family, even though he cleary isn't ready to grow up. The interaction between these two is usually confrontational, but often hilarious as Chris continues to push Skippy to his limit.
Another great character that seems to almost get lost in the mix is Jeff Caron. Jeff is the second best player on the team, but would be a stand out at any other high school in the area. He seems a little jealous at times, but always remains a team player. He is a sort of an outsider among his teammates and the book does a fine job of telling his story.

this new concept in exercise should sweep the nation - if we are smart enough to accept it. it will make you a better athlete and help your body to remain young as long as you do it regularly.

I have been utilizing the information in this book, and doing a number of the exercises, for about one month now. I did not want to review the book until I had some time in the trenches under my belt. I have found this book to be a superb addition to my workout programs. The exercises on the physioball are much harder than they appear. Especially when you start adding respectable amounts of weight. I was no slouch 30 days ago, but since I started elements of this program (as well as elements of Core Performance by Mark Verstegen), I find that I physically feel much healthier than before. ProBodX had added some great variety to my regimen. In my humble opinion you simply cannot go wrong including elements of the ProBodX system into your conditioning program. It is well worth the price.

It took me awhile to learn to do the exercises properly.
At first I was flopping all over and a bit nauseous when doing the "on your back" routines. I also was doubtful that I, at age 46, would ever be able to do the more advanced moves.
After doing the program twice to three times a week for the past month I am now free of chronic neck pain which has bothered me since I broke my collarbone at age 22. I can do the "on your back" exercises with no problems - it seems to be a neurological thing.
Best of all, I can balance on the disks and do all of the basic + routine, including the inverted V (bottoms up) with my toes on the top of the ball!
My coordination is better, I can feel my back muscles - those along the spine - at work, and I've gone from a 24% body fat to a 22% body fat.
The program DOES take work, and it takes a long time in the beginning while you are learning the workout, but it's well worth the effort.
It would be great if the authors would do a DVD, but in the meantime the book explains the exercises as thoroughly as possible. You don't feel the same "burn" as you do with weight training or aerobics, but you feel it the next day !
The equipment consists of a Swiss Ball, two balance disks (which we made for $10 a set), and a set of hand weights with handles. Not expensive or hard to come by at all, even here in the middle of the South Pacific.

I have actually read ProBodX and done the exercises (unlike the two "one star" reviewers below) and this is by far the best program I've ever done. The results are fast, the program is challenging, and the time needed is moderate (though it does take longer at first when you're learning how to do the exercises). My biggest complaint is the name "ProBodX" - it does nothing for me. The program is more of a "total" or "complete" or "comprehensive" body workout.

About those "one star" reviews. Normally I would let it slide but these two are so full of it I need to respond.

"Never read the book. Never did the exercises? Easy?" Need I say more. No, but I will. First, the authors have numerous examples of professional athletes who use ProBodX exclusively and get great, tangle results (without lifting more that 35 lbs.!) The authors beef with traditional weight training is simple: why only exercise 10-20 major muscles (out of 640 skeletal muscles) when we need all of them to operate optimally. And the reviewer claims that ProBodX is another "easy" program?! This is by far the most challenging program I've ever done or seen. You do all of the exercise on a unstable or uneven surface; you use your muscles on multiple planes (not just up and down or side to side); you reverse the exercise; and you use muscles that you didn't even know you had! Easy? Not unless you're just perusing.

1) Yes, the Forward is by Barry Sears, who uses the "Z" word four times - not 75% of the time. He mentions his "Z" diet because it`s part of the ProBodX program - taking up over 80 pages in the book!

2) "The bashing? The attacking?" The authors compare over 30 types of exercises/sports to ProBodX, including a very extensive comparative chart, like the ones used in Consumer Reports. The authors remind readers to continue their own exercise program if they want to - just understand that there may be some limitations not previously known.

3) "Merchandising?" There is ONE reference to purchasing ProBodX equipment in the book. Let's see, they've designed a new exercise program that requires an unusual set of equipment. How dare they tell us where we can buy it! I went online and found only one other company that sells all of the equipment needed to do ProBodX (Sissel-online.com). Personally, I shopped at both.

4) "The writing style? The attitude?" Just about everything they claim is backed by examples from real life professional and college athletes. Performance improves across the board. That's attitude?

Suggestion to reviewers like these two - please spare the rest of us your distorted opinions and half-truths - save that for talk radio.

I'm a professor, certified specialist in sports conditioning, and top level skier/alpine snowboarder. The progressive programs that Marinovich and Heus explain in this volume are basic yet sophisticated, energizing yet effective. I've done several exercise programs for general health and ski/snowboard fitness over the years: circuit training, yoga, pilates, anaerobic lifting, interval training and Tae-Bo. All of these, especially when combined into a yearly schedule with reasonable goals, are effective. Yet, the proprioceptive facilitation, core fitness and holistic body coordination that Marinovich and Heus present here are the best single program you could adopt. They give you several different programs, from beginners to elite athletes, that help your aerobic capacity, anaerobic strength, coordination, balance and agility - sometimes all within a single exercise! At the same time, they explain how this program avoids the burnout and overuse injuries that yoga, heavy power lifting and too much aerobic work can cause.

This book breaks down the concept of periodization which means periodic changes in training routines. If you're serious about bodybuilding this is a must read. Very useful if you are thinking about competing.

This book is focused on bodybuilding and powerlifting.

The author has different books about periodization for many other sports. He is one of the leading authors in the field of periodization. Check him out. Great info for athletes, coaches, trainer, teachers, etc. !!!

This book is not a typical bodybuilder book since it is packed with (simplified) scientific expanations on how the body works and explanation of why the author's training method works the way it does. He goes into discussions of both diet and exercise using a method he developed called periodization - typically used to peak athletic performance and strength for contests, it can also be used to avoid overtraining and plateaus when applied to body building, power lifting, weight lifting as well as sports training. Successfully used by East Europeans in the 70's and 80's (though the record is besmirched by steriods) - the method should work when used by so-called 'natural bodybuilders.' To that end the author also goes into a discussion of legal supplements (creatine and so on) and attempts to suggest things that work and things that do not.

This book is lousy if you expect to be spoon fed an exercise routine, diet and supplement regime similar to many other books. But the book *isn't* lousy. It is an excellent resource to draw upon when creating an exercise program to utilize periodization and the sorts of diets you need to follow depending upon your goals.

This book is information packed, as well as having a typical large section on exercises and how to do them.

If you are going to reap the benefits of this book, you *will* have to read it, possibly several times, before trying to employ their methods. In that it is probably one of the more substantial books out there and useful if you think that understanding the theory behind your routine is important in your trianing regime.

Also the author mentions what he calls "recreational bodybuilders" which is 90% of those that train in the book - not in detail, but it has a mention and a few suggestions.

I had been lifting weights and working extremely hard with little to no results. I was getting extremely frustrated and discouraged. A gentleman that works out at the same gym I do told me about Periodization Training and this book. He let me borrow his old copy for a week to review and see what I had thought about it. Let's say I purchased my own copy the next day. I like the information content of this book. It made it easy for me to change my workout and become more effective. Others at the gym were so impressed with how I was doing with my "new" workout they have been asking and asking about this book. I have since bought two more copies to give to friends to try. It was the best $14 I have EVER spent!!!

Even though this book wasn't expensive, it wasn't all I thought it was. It is mostly about hypertrophy and is totally geared to bodybuilding. The periodization part is usefull though.

This book is like reading a Flex magazine with more graphs and scientific data. You will be hard pressed to find any pages without a picture of a juiced up pro bodybuilder, and a caption with Bomap commenting on how great they look. And Bompa seems to neglect the idea that steriods play a role one sucsess. Good thing I only wasted $12.00.

I used this book to run my first marathon at the age of 50 in 2006 and successfully completed the marathon injury free. I bought two more copies for my daughters and we are going to run the Yakima, WA marathon together, this being a first time for them. I highly reccommend this book for anyone considerning a marathon. Success will be yours if you follow the training guides in the book.

I am an author myself and first i must say that this is a well written and thorough book. I am training for my first marathon and absolutely love Jeff's training plan and the Run/Walk strategy. It keeps me fit, motivated, healthy, and looking forward to my marathon. Thanks Jeff. Highly recommended for anyone interested in running.

I began running using another of Galloway's books. Then I thought anyone who did a marathon was insane. Now that I've done ultramarathons (farthest was 57.12 miles), well, guilty as charged.

This is a great book for anyone who thinks they can't complete a marathon, or who isn't too sure. He has great advice, and I use the Galloway method during ultras, and it helps immensely. He covers almost everything imaginable, including a temperature gauge to tell you how to dress for whatever condition you're in. There are plentiful training calendars depending on your goal (finish a marathon, best your time, qualify for Boston, etc.).

I started running when I weighed about 240 pounds. In 3 months I went from couch potato to finishing my 1st marathon (which is much sooner than what he suggests, so don't panic). Without this book, I doubt I would've even tried much less succeeded.

I was a non-athletic (translation: couch potato) half marathon trainee with a lot of doubt. Jeff's straight-forward information, hints, suggestions, and warnings were extremely instrumental in my ability to complete my first half marathon at the age of 50. The book is very readable, well organized and to the point. Jeff accomplishes what he sets out to do: give everyone a good plan for training for a marathon. I highly recommend his work.

I first heard about this book when I began training earlier this spring for the Chicago Marathon (2006). The national AIDS Marathon Training Program, the group I am training with, uses Galloway's program, and I wanted to cover all my bases during training. This book provides a great deal of mental support for the beginning marathoner, and I believe would be most beneficial to those who have never run regularly before. My only complaint is that it could use even more nutritional advice. All in all, though, it's a strong reference book to have around during training.

It's not a bad book as such - but it's very basic. Pictures are good - but it needs a bit more content to make it worth the money.

MUST MUST read instruction for beginners... I recommend it to all amateurs in my trainer course!

The author packs an awful lot of information into the text; there's hardly any gratuitous fluff. She covers basic boxing equipment, how to wrap the hands (three different ways shown), basic stance & footwork, basic punches & combos, very basic defense, different styles & ring strategy, and physical training. That last part is given the most space in the book. That's what makes the book a little confusing; it's hard to tell if the author is trying to produce another "boxercise" book (as advertising indicates: "The Ultimate Workout!") or is trying to give an introduction to fight training. If it's the former, there's a lot of unneccessary sections on strategy & equipment that someone just doing a routine for excercise wouldn't need; if it's the latter, there's really not much info on the psychology of a fighter, on having the discipline to train for a fight, on finding the right gym & living the fighter's life. While the author highlights some very important points and corrects common mistakes that begginers make as she goes along, I just get the sense that in trying to cater to both the "I don't want to be hit" gym rat and the "where's the ring, lemme fight" potential boxer, she ends up taking away a little from both. Speaking as a martial artist and someone who trains for fights, I'd still recomend this book to anyone who wanted to learn the basics of boxing for fighting (and learn them WELL), or someone who wants to add a little recreational boxing into their workout routine. It could easily be a textbook for the physical aspects of boxing training, though I'd prefer Mark Hatmaker's "Boxing Mastery" for a concentration on the fight game and Ned Beaumont's "Championship Streetfighting" for the use of boxing in self-defense.

In my opinion, the best bang for the buck when it comes to boxing and martial art information is written by Ross Enamait. His products can be viewed at www.rossboxing.com. The forum there is also great. Check it out before you purchase anything else. I think you will be very impressed. I know for a fact that I was, and I own and have read countless boxing and martial arts "how to" books.

Todd Reinhard
ISSA--CFT

I picked this book up in the city library because I've boxed as an amateur for a few years. Understanding that this book only covered the basics, I was still disappointed. The outline of different training exercises was practical, but the notion that anyone could learn anything about stance; positioning and correct form from a book is simply stupid.

This book seemed superficial and had that cash-in-rush-it-on-the-market feel. Not only that, but you can find ALL of the information contained in this book, on the net. Put down the book and pick up the gloves folks and step into a gym, it's the only way to learn.

No one should write more than 50 pages about boxing technique unless they've boxed more than 50 rounds. Case closed.