Athletics Books

This is a great non-fiction book. I am in high school so i am searching for a college. i aslo play football wnd would wish to do so for a D-1A college program. this book was very helpful and showed me that D-1 football is not all fun and games. It was very interesting and i could not put it down. it was also very informative and tells may fun and exciting stories about life in the big time college football scene.

This was a fairly interesting book that provides some insight into the inner workings of a major college football program, but I didn't think it was very well written, and I had a hard time getting into it. It tried to tell so many different stories that it just seemed too jumpy to me. I thought "A Civil War" about the Army/Navy rivalry was a much better read and did a better job of making all the various characters interesting and bringing them to life. "For the Glory" was okay, but hardly stellar.

Denlinger just tried to do too much here. He follows an incoming class of a couple dozen football players over their five years of eligibility. Unfortunately, that's such a huge subject material it's hard to have any meaningful depth to the individual players' stories. He'll be talking about player A for a couple of pages, but that will be it, since there's so many other players to follow. Then, you often won't hear about that player for "another year." One reviewer made reference to Friday Night Lights, and one strength of that book is that the author only focused on about 5 players over 1 year. I felt I knew those Permian Panthers at the end of the book; you're still struggling to figure out which Nittany Lion is which at the end of this one.

JoePa is the person you learn most about ... but even there it's just about his interactions with the players, as opposed to a macroscopic overlook of how Paterno oversees the whole football program. Paterno comes off well, and it's a credit to him that with a sports reporter lurking around his program steadily for five straight years, Denlinger (admittedly, a PSU alum) found very little negative to say about the football team's administration.

As an alum myself, it was disappointing that not much was written about what makes the Penn State campus experience unique. The book comes off as being set in Any State University, as opposed to State College vs Columbus, Ann Arbor, etc....

Overall, I suppose I sound negative. Really, it's not a bad read .... I just found it somewhat shallow and vanilla. IMHO, there's more to write about college footbook than this book found.

For The Glory calls itself "a player's book", therefore anybody looking for an in-depth study of legendary Penn State University coach Joe Paterno will be disappointed. Neither does the book concentrate on any major scandals usually associated with big-time college football. Denlinger instead details the dedication, frustration, disillusionment, and for a fortunate few, the fulfillment experienced by twenty-eight young men between 1988 and 1993, as they cope with the mental and physical pressures of playing football for perennial college powerhouse Penn State. Denlinger focuses on the fluctuating fortunes of the players as they struggle both to maintain an acceptable academic performance and also earn a starting place in the team. In so doing, he shows how for some players, the entire college experience is an attritional process of disappointment and discontent. In addition, his accounts of endless practice sessions, and moreover the disturbing frequency of serious injuries to players, raise challenging questions, not only about the intense competitiveness of college football, but about the nature of the game generally. Keeping track of twenty-eight players over five years is no mean feat, and one feels occasionally that Denlinger spreads his focus too widely. It is sometimes difficult to recall the details of each player, and consequently one cannot understand and relate to them on a personal level. Overall, however, For The Glory provides a soberly honest portrayal of the student athlete experience that allows one to appreciate the achievement of those who play football on a collegiate level.

The book did enlighten me yet it was boring to read. There are better books about college football(I have most of them). If you want to cuddle up by the fireplace with a good sports book leave this one alone and read Friday Night Lights.

I was disappointed with the Donald Chu book Jumping into Plyometrics. High Powered Plyometrics by Radcliffe and Farentinos is the real deal as far as I'm concerned. More complete. More detailed.

If you are interested in improving your performance in almost any sport, plyometrics is sure to help you. This book is a gold mine of specific information and training programs that will supercharge your workouts.

This book is worth the price ($14) alone just for the plyometric routines in the back of the book. The description and science behind plyometrics are excellent and easy to read. My only complaint about the book is that some of the exercises are hard to grasp from the given instructions.

I knew of several lower body plyometric moves, but the amount of upper body ones in the book are impressive. You will need a medicine ball for most of the upper body ones, as well as plyo boxes for some of the lower body ones, but in the book they show you how to make them. This is a definite plus. I also like the suggested readings in the back, which will help if I ever need to go more indepth into a certain aspect of plyometrics.

Overall, this book is worth the money, and will help you in any sport, to become more explosive. Just make sure to study the instructions on the moves carefully, to make sure you are doing them right.

I purchased this book because I am familiar with plyometrics, having done them years ago in high school athletics. But, I am an adult now, and wanted to reacquaint myself with some plyometric exercises to give me an edge in my running.

I found this book was a bit too inaccessible for me, and ended up returning it. It's very technical and scientific, even to me-- and, I consider myself pretty knowlegeable in terms of exercise, running and fitness.

If you already use plyometrics and are looking for some new ideas, this is probably for you. It relies on several props that may not be avaialble for someone who is a fitness enthusiast, but is not a full time athlete. If you are just taking up an interest in plyometrics, I would not buy this book as my first. (For the novice, I would recommend Chu's "Jumping Into Plyometrics," instead.) The book boasts "77 Advanced Exercises" on the cover, and the key word here is indeed, "advanced."

In short, this book is for professional athletes and coaches, not for someone just getting his/her feet wet in this very beneficial form of training.

High-Powered Plyometrics is an excellent book for those striving to achieve maximum power from their fitness program of choice. This book gives plenty of information about the human physiology, necessary to understand how the body reacts to physical conditioning. It then smoothly incorporates a detailed outline of the how's and why's that make plyometrics work. The authors of the book share their accumulation of research with the reader to grant him the ability of self-evaluation. This book is amazing, it even gives you outlines for building your own jump boxes from scratch, should you be inclined to do so.

You can learn a lot from this book, since there is a wealth of research thrown into this book. Though, I'd also recommend getting Jumping into Plyometrics, by Dr. Donald Chu, in addition to this book. Chu's book, in my opinion, is no better or worse than High-Powered Plyometrics. Both books have their advantages over the other. The main advantages: High-Powered Plyometrics has a lot more routines already outlined for specific sports; Jumping into Plyometrics has outlined routines involving complex training (basically, Plyometrics + Weight Lifting).

Good luck in your quest for power.

Although Joan won an Olympic medal and I've only run two 5k races, I found this book to be very useful and informative. Some of the training drills are new to me, most actually, and I plan on using them. She also has a training schedule for everything from your first 10k to your first marathon. The book even touches on 5k races and the mile. I don't know that I'll ever want to train for a marathon, but the book was interesting and inspiring, with Joan's personal experiences mixed in with experts's advice on everything from stretching to buying the right bra.

I've found this book to be an excellent basic resource for female runners. I often give it as a gift to runners that I coach, since Samuelson's advice is wonderfully balanced about running and life. While others find it a problem that training advice is mixed with autobiographical info, I found it neither too dry nor too anecdotal. There aren't many good books about women's running--this is one of the best!

I enjoyed the inspirational aspect of Joan's successes and overcoming injury to achieve those successes. This book also motivated me to train harder and use Joan's advice and training programs. She shows us how to balance training with life and be successful in all of it! I highly recommend it to inspire you and take your training to higher levels.

Unfortunately, Samuelson's writing skills are far less inspiring that her gold medal win of the first women's Olympic marathon. Her co-writer does little to add clarity and excitment to the work and, instead, just muddies the waters further (the two of them continually alternate writing, switching from the first to third person with no clear segues). Even the information it delivers is old news (advice such as: ibuprofen relieves menstrul cramps). There are so many better instructional books about running.

After having read other books on women's running, I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately my hopes were quickly diminished. This book seemed to be all about Joan and what she did to become an olympic champion. This may be good autobiographical material but as a guide to starting a running program this book flounders. Not many people starting out are capable of having knee surgery and running a race shortly thereafter. What little useful information was provided seemed impractical and laden with disclaimers such as, just because Joan did this doesn't mean that everyone can, etc. I wanted to read a book that would give me pointers in starting and maintaining a running program, not Joan's life story.

A good read about some of the great runners of the world and insight into how they became leaders in the field.

While it is a little thin on training details, this book does give you some insight into the mindset of these great athletes. As a 40+ runner who idolized some of these greats I was entertained.

I'm a recreational marathoner (7 and counting) but take my running very seriously, regardless. I bought a used, marked up copy of this on amazon and was happily surprised at how much enjoyment and useful information I have gotten from it.

So many profiles of great runners...all presented (no surprise, since it's from RUNNERS WORLD magazine) in abbreviated, interesting biographies that highlight their personal and professional accomplishments on and off the race track. Lots of pearls of wisdom, sage advice and things to think about for runners of all levels, regardless of skill or dedication.

There's something for every runner in this thick, wonderful book which I find myself picking up again and again...especially the night before a race or long run!

I must agree with the first reviewer, I too purchased this book with much anticipation and was sorely disappointed with it's lack of hard training fact. There is decent info from a few athletes but much of the training info of the more secretive elites are nothing but short biographies and anecdotal evidence akin to the dry packaged responses you get in most running mags.

I would agree with the other reviewers that this is by no means a training manual (ala Daniels or Coe). However, that doesn't change the fact that it is a very enjoyable book to read, covering legends of the past as well as more recent champions. If you are interested in marathoning, this book is particularly good, as most of the runners covered are marathoners.

Whilst the training plans will be of little use, I find this book a great motivator, and that's what every runner needs!

After reading through this book, it is clear that it is just what I needed. While running, I usually begin to experience fatigue in my muscles as opposed to my lungs. This book has very good strategies and tips on how to improve muscular endurance- which is exactly what runners need. My leg muscles as well as my upper body muscles have become more durable and I'm able to last much longer without getting tired. The programs in the front of the book provide a tremendous starting point for my weight training. This is a guide, that I recommend to all runners.

My husband has motivation to workout everyday and requested a book for Christmas that would help him get faster running and do the right kind of weights before a race and when he is not in the race mode and this book was an answer to his prayers because it has all the right formulas for what he was looking for. EXCELLENT BOOK!!!

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3JAJG1ZUMF524

I'm a multi sport athlete who trains all year round regardless of what sport I play. I bought a few of these Ultimate Guide to Weight Training books, and they definitely helped me train specifically for the different sports that I play. Then about a year later I received an email from amazon that there was a new edition out. These upgraded editions are even better than the originals, with more articles and a lot more sport-specific information. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who plays a lot of sports or wants to specifically focus on training for one sport in particular.

After i finished reading this book, i put it in the front of my collection of running books. This is the most functional and practical book i have ever seen on strength training for runners. the tips on how to weight train for muscular endurance are priceless as i'm beginning to see with my longer distances and lower times. this book has earned my recommendation.

I remember Bobby Knight when he played (or more accurately warmed the bench) for the great Buckeye teams of the 60-61. The early part of his life was interesting, but after that I found myself skipping much of the book. If your a huge BkB or IU fan and have read no other books on Bobby, you may enjoy the book. I only read the book because I saw it available through a library. Most interesting part of the book was the statement by a neighbor of his when he grew up saying that his 1st wife and he were the most mismatched couple she ever meet after they announced their engagement. Their marriage lasted 22 yrs. That may say a lot about their personalities.

Like the BOOKLIST REVIEW says this is a book that is hard to put down. I read the intro at the bookstore, bought the book and was almost through it by the next day. The writing style is crisp and gives you a fly on the wall perspective as you tour Bob Knight's career to date. It comes across objective, not trying to sugarcoat the persona of Knight nor deride him. The authors tell the story and let you make up your own mind. I laughed out loud a few times and thoroghly enjoyed the book. It is worth the price of a hard cover and could make a nice gift for the college bball fan.

I got an early copy of the book and absolutely loved it. I've read almost all of the other bios, and this one is really different because it really looks at his entire careeer. The whole thing, good, bad and ugly. It seems like the authors really went out of their way to find new sources too, because there is some new info I had not heard before.

A great read all around. Fantastic.

Mr. Delsohn does a great job of telling the story of Bob Knight which undoubtedly was not an easy story to tell. Given the strong feelings either for or against Mr. Knight, the author does a superb job at being balanced yet not pandering to sentationalism. Often when one sees the words Unauthorized Biography, you search to see if it is an anagram for hatchet job.

In this book, the author presents a detailed history of Mr. Knight's well known actions and often his boorish behavior. While ample attention is paid to Mr. Knight's positive attributes his many examples of bad behavior are explored in-depth and no ink is spared to let the bad actions tell their own story. After reading this work it is truely scary that Mr. Knight was able to act in such a foul, crass manner for so long only because he was able to win a few championships. Kudo's to Mr Delsohn for making it clear that Coach Knight's actions do have implications and the fact he's won a few games does not allow him carte blance to act in such a foul and often obscene manner. This is really a good work of investigative journalism and took great courge to write. I hope this work serves as an example that bad behavior is not something to be tolerated as it was in this case.

Whether you are a Bob Knight fan (like me) or a Bob Knight detractor, you will be disappointed with this book. If you're looking for any new revelations about Bob Knight, you will not find them here. Instead, "Bob Knight: The Unauthorized Biography" presents the same old same old: the good (winning national championships and the Olympics, not cheating, raising millions for charity, helping Landon Turner), the bad (throwing chairs, screaming at players and writers, benching Steve Alford in that Illinois game, feuding with Mike Krzyzewski, players transferring out) and the ugly (the whole Neil Reed incident and the Myles Brand firing). There are no new insights into his background, personality, or coaching style. If you have read John Feinstein's "Season on the Brink," the Joan Mellen biography, Alford's memoir or Knight's own (very dull) book, you already know everything in this biography.

This book is very poorly edited, with some revealing mistakes. The award for the top high school basketball player in Indiana is "Mr. Basketball," but this book repeatedly refers to it as "Mr. Indiana." Todd Leary is called "Tim Leary" at one point; former Indiana state officials Bob Orr and John Mutz are called "Jim Orr" and "John McMutz." This book fouls out with me, and I don't recommend it.

You've heard the saying: "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me." Shame on me, then, because after writing a lukewarm review for Boot Camp Workout, also by Five Star, I have the same to say about this one. While the workouts presented are credible, the book is very poorly done. Explanations of the exercises are imprecise, and the accompanying photographs sometimes contradict the text. Some exercises in the workout plan are not explained; for example, the workouts often call for you to perform a "Dirty Dog", yet nowhere in the book will you find an explanation of what a dirty dog is.

The workouts are VERY intense. I'm 36 and in pretty good shape. But after 1 week of following this plan, I was too sore to move. If you are not already in excellent condition, then I can't even recommend this book for its workouts.

This book is probably the worst of all of the Five Star Workout Books. It had (in my opinion) too much history of the Academy (not necessary for a Workout book) and it didn't cover anything I couldn't learn from the "Navy SEAL Workout Book" (also by Andrew Flach). Buy that one for the same price! It has far more information and Workout routines and exercises. The only good thing about this book was the 6-week Naval Academy P.E.P. (but I must admit it isn't that good either!). So buy the SEAL Book or just download the "BUD/S Warning Order" for free form any SEAL site and get a GREAT 15-week workout routine that is challenging!

This book has me in shape for the first time in years. Thank you for the detailed approaches to each workout!

The previous reviewer wrote that terms like "dirty dog" weren't explained. If he had read the descriptions under the exercises he would have found the exercise referred to as "dirty dog" and even the "donkey kick."

I like the workout, it's a plan I can actually follow. The exercises are simple and tough. Getting in shape doesn't require complicated machines and workouts. Simplicity and form are what you need for any effective workout.

If you have any other books in this series, you don't need this one. I don't, so it works for me. All military workouts will have a similarity. A previous reviewer mentioned the similarity of this and the Navy SEAL workout in this series. There should be since Navy SEALs are the ones who design and implement the physical education program (P.E.P.)at the Naval Academy. There may be better books in the series, but I think this one will fulfill any of your needs. Ask yourself what you want to look like and find the program that will take you there. This one will get you fit (which is all most people want to be).

Get the book if you want a good workout. The nutrition information is lacking, but that's okay.

I disagree with the previous reviewer who said the workout is too tough for beginners. Any one can use it. You may not be able to all the reps in the 6-week plan, go at your own pace. Take a look at the exercises and think of how many reps you can do. Do as many as you think you be comfortable with. After you're done with a full set of these exercises go back if you think you haven't done enough. Know your limits.

I thought it was a excellent book and it really helped me to get in shape when I go to join the Naval Academy. I am very commited to getting in the Naval Academy and making it as a Marine Pilot. I loved this book! I would recommend this book to anyone who plans on going to the Naval Academy or just wants tips on how to get in better shape. It is an excellent resource and especially if your planning on going to the Naval Academy. If you are plannning to go to the Naval academy I would also recommend "The Naval Academy Canadiate Book How to prepare, How to get in, How to survive" also an excelent resource.

Disclaimer: Don't let the cons of this book discourage you.

On a positive note this book is an easy read and very engaging. On the negative side. I think the book needs pics of exercises for the newbie. Another thing is the food supplementation section of the book was researched by Bill Reynolds intern. Due to the neccessity to have the most accurate infomation dealing with vitamins and minerals I'd like to know where her sources came from, being as there is no appendix. Thirdly, I don't know if I would say that the vegatarian section for bodybuilders is totally accurate. Bodybuilders who eat meat on occasion doesn't qualify as a vegatarian.

Conclusion: Great read with more research and books needed. My suggestion is read this from the library to decide if it's for you before purchase.

Good Luck..

This book, was undoubtly my worst investment. My friend and I read this book and it helped us only in the way of supercuting our time and our pocketbook. From an obviously poorly written book, comes content that is just hard to comprehende. Trust me, save your money, because this book is horrible.

I PURCHASED THIS BOOK BECAUSE I WAS LOOKING FOR A COOKBOOK TO USE WHEN PREPARING MY MEALS. THIS BOOK GIVES YOU PLENTY OF INFORMATION ON HOW TO PREPARE MEALS FOR BODYBUILDERS. EACH RECIPE GIVES YOU A LISTING OF NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION AS WELL AS SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS TO FOLLOW. IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO SPICE UP YOUR DIET BUT STILL WANT HEALTHY FOOD, I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

I just purchased this book after searching for a cookbook appropriate to bodybuilders. The information included in the beginning chapters focus on training splits, sample exercises for every bodypart, and how nutrition impacts a bodybuilders' physique. Although there is some focus on weight-gain, most of it can be tailored to fit someone looking for strength and tone without bulk. The recipes that follow are simple yet tasty, and they don't use a lot of complicated ingredients, which is great for those on the run. A fitting addition to any fitness enthusiasts' collection.

This book is really a Fitness Cookbook for Bodybuilders. It contains more than 200 recipes. This handy reference for the ultimate nutrition is filled with:
- Diets for fat loss, muscle gain, and cycle training.
- Nutrition secrets for successful bodybuilding.
- Meals plans.
- Supplements, vitamins and minerals information and advice.

Supercut is highlighted with nutrition secrets and tips from the greats of bodybuilding: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Dr. Franco Columbo, Samir Bannout, and a host of other male and female bodybuilders.

The book includes recipes for healthful dinning, including vegetable dishes, salads, poultry and dairy products meals, fish dishes, meat, rice-potato-pasta-grain dishes, and also desserts. Each recipe is accompanied with its calorie counter.

Whether you are a multi-sport enthusiast or not, this book is for you. Everyday so many people do "multi-sport" activities in their daily lives. If you juggle work and kids, if you juggle being a stay at home mom with kids, if you juggle career and volunteer activities, or if you are an amateur or elite triathlete, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!
Dan Madsen has a way of making you look at yourself through his trials and tribulations of becoming an Ironman and laugh out loud because whether you're racing in your car to pick up the kids or racing in a triathlon, we all think the same basic things. "How dumb do I look right now?", "How do I know if this headache isn't a disease?" "People just don't understand why I do the things I do." "I am my own entertainment for others laughing greed!" Regardless, you won't be able to put this book down. I read it on a business trip while flying up the east coast. I was trying so hard to contain my laughter that I actually snorted out loud!! The guy sitting next to me begged me to share what I was reading. By the end of the flight we were laughing so hard the flight attendant (jokingly) threatened to take my book (probably for her own entertainment).
If someone read this book and didn't laugh then he is either dead, illiterate, or a total drip that needs to buy a sense of humor and go make some friends.
Outside of owning a home and a car (2 very important needs), you need this book (your 3rd need). Then your life will be complete.
Get ready to laugh out loud.

Funny!! I don't believe that I turned a single page prior to burst-out-loud cacklings.

This book MUST UNSHACKLE ITSELF from the confines of only those interested in the sport of triathlon. In fact, I highly doubt that any one-dimensional triathlete would find it all that funny. But for the husbands and fathers of the world, this should be required reading - even if you have no interest in this sport whatsoever.

Yes, the predominant theme is the sport, but creatively woven throughout are hilarious portraits of family, marriage, parenthood, and friendship. This guys natural knack for good, clean storytelling is evident, and just about perfectly skewed.

For those who would never consider doing something so "silly" as swimming 2.5 miles, biking 112 miles, and finishing the day by running a marathon; don't be tempted to believe this book is not for you. If you already struggle with too many commitments and not enough time, then you'll find common ground with this author.... Where you might not find common ground is that he augmented his life's schedules with that little bitty goal of finishing one of the most grueling endurance races that this world has ever known - and this makes for the comical magic of this read.

Great Job, Dan.

I think the other reviewers must be related to the author. I bought this book on a whim and haven't so much as chuckled once. Save your money - or better yet, write your own book based on your personal triathlon experiences... that's all this is.

If you are looking for what runs in the soul of an Ironman to be...you have the right book. I read this book on my way back from finishing the San Diego 1/2 marathon and could immediately feel the training pains of the author. The training, explaining to my wife the increasing cost of harware I "must have," and the time invested to support my next phase of the triathlon building block - the duathlon hit home. I am where Dave was on "do I swim or drown thoughts". Turning the switch to become a Triathlete let alone a Ironman is a mighty switch to pull. Dave-good for you! Keep it up and one day you may see me - probably at the second transition when you are finishing. Just smile and urge me on; I know it was from the heart.
PS: I hope my laughing did not keep the other passengers awake!

Looking at the title I expected amusing anecdotes and maybe even a tri joke or two. I was disappointed and not amused. I barely broke a smile throughout the entire book.

This was an inferior version of "Becoming an Ironman : First Encounters with the Ultimate Endurance Event", which is an excellent read.

I was expecting something that allows you to go through practical exercises from infants to toddlers to do but there was what seems like endless articles on safety (which is not a bad thing), psychology etc but it just wasn't what I was expecting, the other book by Austswim was much better..

I am a swim instructor and I think this book does a great job covering everything that should be taught to infants and preschoolers. It also is the best priced swim instruction book that I have come accross for the intended age group. I recomend it to any parents that want to start teaching their kids the basics of swimming.

This book is a very thorough introduction to teaching swimming to young children and is great for new swimming instructors. It covers the basics how a child's developmental stage intersects with the kinds of swimming skills and water safety children are ready to take on. However, I found it does not provide teachers with concrete ways to actually operationalize these skills through water play and songs. A few pages at the end of the book list out sample lesson plans, but if you aren't familiar with the songs listed you are out of luck (many of them appear to be australian children's songs). To be ready to teach a class you would also need to find a book of water songs and games for kids of different developmental stages.

Informative and logical. Every Swim Instructor and baby aquatics teacher should have one on hand for quick reference. I recommend strongly for all parents of babies attending aquatics programs.

I bought this book hoping to find some specific exercises I could practice with my child in our pool. It was not very useful for that purpose. The book seems more of a way for existing swimming teachers to learn about this organization's philosophies on child development as it pertains to aquatics. It was nice to read a detailed accounting of why a 1-year-old resists back-floating but I wanted more of an idea of how to teach my child to blow bubbles and other beginning skills. It really doesn't go into actually showing you how to teach skills. This is a pitfall of buying a book based only on the title. Were I able to flip through it first, I would've realized this was probably not the book I was looking for.