Athletics Books


Books-Under-Review-->Reference-->Education-->Colleges and Universities-->North America-->United States-->Montana-->University of Montana-->Missoula-->Athletics-->4
Related Subjects:
More Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250
Athletics Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Athletics
Red Card: A Zeke Armstrong Mystery (The Zeke Armstrong Mysteries, 1) (The Zeke Armstrong Mysteries, 1)
Published in Paperback by Top (2003-10-01)
Author: Daniel J. Hale; Matthew Labrot
List price: $7.95
New price: $7.90
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

Good Old-Fashioned Mystery--that Just Happens to be for Kids!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-02
Nice, solid mystery for kids, with lots of action, and a couple of great nod-nod-wink-wink bits that readers will love!

Cool mystery novel
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-03
I read this book after Mr. Hale spoke at our library last year. Even if you don't like soccer, you'll still love Red Card. It has action and adventure, and it's a really good mystery. I didn't figure it out until the end...

Apple Computer gave us an heir to the Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-22
My wife and I always check out the books we give our boys (ages 8 and 10). We grew up on the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, and we loved the pleasure those books brought us. Until recently, we'd been unable to find anything new on the market in the way of great mystery/adventure fiction. You know what I mean - pure, unadulterated, fast-paced fun. There are a lot of books out there about kids with "issues", which is fine - they're certainly needed. But if alot of the kids today are anything like my wife and I were when we were young, then there's a need for a modern Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew.

We'd all but given up on finding anything like that, until I noticed a teaser on an uncle/nephew mystery writing team in last week's Apple eNews email from Apple Computer. I checked out the full story on Daniel J. Hale and Matthew LaBrot on Apple.com's Pro site. I was intrigued. I ordered both books in the Zeke Armstrong series. I read both Red Card and Green Streak in a single day (when I should have been making sales calls). They blew me away. They took me back to my youth. I gave the books to my wife. She stayed up until 3 AM reading them. They blew her away. They took her back to her youth. We gave them to our boys. They devoured them. For the past two days, all they've been able to talk about is Zeke and Pow Wow, Zeke and Pow Wow, Zeke and Pow Wow. My wife and I have never seen them so excited about books.

At last! In Zeke Armstrong, we have a worthy successor to the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. Thanks to Apple Computer for bringing him to our attention.

Agatha Award winner !
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2004-03-26
Okay, I got into the Zeke Armstrong Mystery series backward. I read Green Streak first. I loved it. My ten year old son loved it. I ordered Red Card and received it yesterday morning. Like with Green Streak, once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I had it finished by the time my son came home from school. He picked it up and kept reading until HE finished it. We both understand why this book won the Agatha Award, and we expect Green Streak to win even more awards. Daniel J. Hale and Matthew LaBrot have definitely got something going with the Zeke Armstrong Mystery series.

Wonderful, a great find!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-16
Mr. Hale came to our school to tell us about this book. I reccomend it to anybody who likes mysteries. I don't really like soccer, but I still give this book two thumbs up

Athletics
Training for Speed, Agility, and Quickness
Published in Paperback by Human Kinetics Publishers (2000-09)
Author:
List price: $19.95
New price: $13.85
Used price: $1.65

Average review score:

A most if you're a trainer, coach, etc.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-01
What if you can find a book that gives you the basics and the better moves for training your athletes in speed, agility, quickness, and more (balance and reaction time)...? Well here you are! Even better, it's ordered by every ability, numbered, b/w pictures or diagrams (and a DVD that gives very detailed info on the exercises), very well explained and the most important: scientific! Meaning: proved results! Two very distinguish authors and also very known for their knowledge in the area.

Good book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-25
This book has lots of drills to improve athletic performance. Although I haven't had a chance to try them out yet (I'm currently injured and unable to train), they seem like they would definitely improve your athletic performance.

Loved it
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-26
This is a great book, it covers a wide range of training. I coach little league and have been able to take parts of this book and incorporate them into our conditioning and training at all levels. Have not used the DVD all that much but the book alone is worth it

Great Drill Book
Helpful Votes: 136 out of 137 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-29
If you're looking for drills to improve you or your athletes speed, agility, or quickness- look no further.

The book starts out with a short chapter on preparing for the drills followed by another short chapter on "needs analysis" (which shows you how to evaluate the need for a speed, agility, and quickness program).

The rest of the book from there is the "meat" of the book: three sections of drills, one for speed, one for agility, and one for quickness. Each of these sections is loaded with great pictures of the drills along with the purpose of the drill and an explanation of how to do it.

The book ends with a 6th Chapter on sport-specific programs. Here the reader is given routines for all the different sports such as volleyball, karate, baseball, etc.

All-in-all I found this to be a very nice resource for drills- drills for really just about any sport. To boot, the size of the book is such that you can toss it in a gym bag and take it with you. Other sports resources I liked include The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution if you suffer from plantar fasciitis. Happy training!

The only Plyometrics instruction I need in my fitness library!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-21
This is a great book and DVD set for plyometrics. Both the book and the DVD start with an "Athlete Fitness Assessment" so you can understand the athlete's performance at the beginning of training. This is lacking in many of the other plyometrics books and DVDs, which begin with instruction right away, without emphasis on assessing the athlete's ability prior to training. The materials are nicely organized into sections for Speed, Agility, Balance, Quickness, and Reaction Time. A "Purpose" is clearly defined for each set of drills, so readers at any level can understand the results which the exercises are intended to achieve. I am using this book to see where I am in my performance, and where I need to go. My only complaint is that the DVD plays the drills one at a time. It would be nice to have a "Play All" option in each section, so that I'm not using my remote every 30 seconds or so. The DVD is easy on the eyes and ears, though. Buy this set first, and save your time and money returning the other books and DVDs! Enjoy!

Athletics
Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman
Published in Paperback by Voyager Books (2000-02-01)
Author: Kathleen Krull
List price: $7.00
New price: $2.75
Used price: $1.13
Collectible price: $10.00

Average review score:

A homeschoolers review
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-17
This is a true and exciting story that will make you never want to give up on your dreams. I really liked this book and recommend that you read it.

Great Book for Elementary Kids
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-19
My granddaughter needed books on Wilma Rudolph for a 5th grade school project. This ended up being her favorite. The text was just right for her understanding and she really liked the illustrations. As she was reading it she clutched it to her chest and exclaimed to me, "Grandma, I love this book!" It prompted a conversation about overcoming doubts, believing in yourself and what things inspire us... a conversation I don't think we would have had otherwise.

such a fantastic book!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-15
i am a reading specialist in Washington, DC and chose this book b/c i love David Diaz and because, like wilma, my children have many obstacles in their lives. i simply can not finish this book without nearly crying in front of my class. i've read it so many times, but the suspenseful writing and triumphant ending never get tiring. it is a truly wonderful story and wonderfully told and illustrated by this duo.

Running just as fast as she can
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-07-06
Inspirational stories fill hundreds of picture books every year. Most are simply awful. They either tell tales that are loose plots barely supported by facts or they paste together a slapdash concoction of truth and fiction with as little thought as possible. The truly beautiful bio-picture books out there are as rare as hummingbirds in autumn. So it was with great joy that I located "Wilma Unlimited" and found it to be not only inspirational but also a darned good read. Written by Kathleen Krull (the woman who could make long dead musicians fascinating in "Lives of the Musicians" and bring Cesar Chavez to life in the recent "Harvesting Hope") and illustrated by David Diaz the book is the best possible way to introduce kids to one of the world's greatest athletes.

Born in 1940 to a family of twenty-one people (nineteen siblings, no less), Wilma Rudolph was initially a sickly child. Though she was energetic enough, she often caught every disease imaginable. At the age of five, Wilma's left leg twisted inward and it was clear that she'd come down with polio. Still, Wilma was a determined child and she consistently exercised her unruly leg to get stronger. After continual practice, she was finally able to walk free of the leg brace that had weighed her down. At twelve the brace was put away for good and Wilma started participating in sports. She led her high school basketball team to the finals, catching the eye of a college coach. Before you knew it, Wilma was recruited into the Tennessee State University's track-and-field team on a full ride scholarship. In 1960 she competed in the Olympic Games in Rome. The book sets this part up beautifully. Wilma arrived with a twisted ankle into a place filled with television cameras (the first time they ever filmed the Olympics), the place "shimmering heat", and her competition consisting of runners who had run faster races than she ever had. Then Wilma proceeds to win one... two... three gold medals! The last medal is especially dramatic, hinging on the moment when Wilma drops her baton and STILL beats the other runners in the 400-meter relay. The last double page spread in this book shows Wilma standing, "tall and still, like a queen", earning the last of her three medals. It's a truly proud moment for all who have the privilege to experience it once again in picture book form.

Krull has a way with words. I'm not saying that Wilma Rudolph's life is dull. Far from it. But in the hands of a lesser author this story could easily have been bogged down in all the wrong moments. This author knows which moments should be given full glory. The moment when Wilma removes her brace and walks proudly into church will banish from your mind that similar pseudo-inspirational moment in "Forrest Gump". Wilma's struggle at the Olympics through pain and skepticism puts the reader through the same strains. You yearn for this woman to beat them and beat 'em she does. Then, best of all, come the illustrations of David Diaz. This is my first Diaz experience, though I suspect that I'll read many more of his books as the days go on. Diaz has accompanied his illustrations in this tale with sepia toned photographs. The book's endpapers display the outlines of footprints in the dirt. The title page is an evocative view of ivy climbing a raw wooden fence. Behind his colorful illustrations, each background photograph refers to the corresponding scene obliquely. When Wilma and her mother take the bus to the hospital, the photograph is a close-up of a wheel. When she packs away her leg brace, it's shredded packing paper. A great relief it is indeed that the colored illustrations are worthy of their sepia compatriots. Though these pictures may appear blunt at first, they are filled with the most delicate of designs. I loved watching the character of Wilma as she aged. As she grows in confidence, her posture improves and back stiffens until, by the last shot, she is standing taller than all the women around her. Than all the women in the world.

"Wilma Unlimited" should be known to everyone living in American today. This is inspirational without being either annoying or faux-patriotic. It's an actual honest-to-goodness amazing story. The book is beautiful and its story is worthy of its packaging. I challenge you to read it and not shake your head at least once in amazement. It's just that good.

Classroom Book
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2005-02-09
I have used Wilman Unlimited in my classroom for the past few years. It is a fantastic book to use any time during the year, but good for Black History Month also. I use it with fourth graders to teach sequencing and analyzing character. I highly recommend this book.

Athletics
Staying the Course: A Runner's Toughest Race
Published in Hardcover by University of Minnesota Press (2002-01)
Authors: Dick Beardsley and Maureen Anderson
List price: $22.95
New price: $15.42
Used price: $3.97
Collectible price: $22.95

Average review score:

5 Stars as a running/marathon book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-12
Yessiree, I give it 5 stars as a running book. I was finding I was docking some books and CDs; because I approached it like, is it perfect enough to get the highest rating like a Shakespeare play or a symphony?

I go with the genre it belongs too; and too, I'd say those who have had substance abuse/alcohol problems would find it inspiring too; cause Dick became addicted to pain killers; and did some things; that were indeed wrong.

It's a good book for athletes, cause Dick's body did start to break down some; even away from his being prone to some bad accidents. It makes me ponder, we hear about so many athletes who later end up being not in the best shape because of their sports career, say like Larry Bird. It makes you think, it's great to run that great Boston Marathon in '82; but is it worth it in the long run.

I agree, the book may have minor blemishes, might be choppy in parts in the latter half of the book, but it shouldn't keep anyone from reading it, indeed, some of this could have been expanded on.

It's a good book, kind of for your couples too; I mean, I admire his wife, Maureen, for staying with Dick; for her care, love and also standing up to him some.

I definitely, would like to read "Duel in the Sun" to continue reading on Mr. Beardsley, really, along with his rival at the Boston Marathon, Alberto Salazar and along with "Pre" Prefontaine himself; there certainly is more to read on these famous track runners from America.

As Dean Karnazes' book UltraMarathon Man is getting to be compulsory reading for Greeks (but not only them of course), I think Minnesotans and those from the surrounding areas should read this one, especially if they are interested in the sport.

Beardsley reminds me a bit of the great American cyclist from the turn of the century (meaning near 1900) Major Taylor, in that his glory descended into lows.

After going through this book, I am still contemplating parts of it and how we and history will see Dick, but I definitely would wish him and his family the best. Some parts of it, really are astonishing; and it is astonishing as a whole. He certainly has given a lot to the Marathon.

Motivational
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-24
I have heard Dick Beardsley speak and he is awesome. I purchased his book to give for gifts at Christmas time. He has persevered through the toughest of obstacles and is still standing with his wife by his side!

Dick Beardsley's book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-10
My husband is a marathon runner & enjoys reading. We have met Dick Bearsley when we ran the Detroit Lakes Half marathon. My husband really enjoyed this book. He learned alot about Dick Beardsley & his marathons.

Dick Beardsley Fans
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-06
Very well written book! It shows the high and low of Dick Beardsley's running career and life. It is a very quick read, with no slow sections. It might be the best book about running that I have read.

Run Tall and Stay Strong
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2004-03-30
This book is about the life of a runner named Dick Beardsley. It talks about his life goals in running and how he got into a bad habbit of using pain killers. The book takes place in the mainland, and not in a certain place because he traveled a lot to race. See i am a runner so i like the book because it gave me the motivation to go on when the going gets tough. If i compare this book to other book i would say it is not the best running book i have read but, it is better than the other types of books i have read. I think if you are a runner you will really like the book cause it teaches you to be tough in a race and some pointers on how to run marathons. If you do not run i dont think you will have a strong liking with this book. It can get kind of boring a some parts, but the parts that tell about his races really made me want to read on, so if you are a runner i think this book is better for you than if you are not a runner. So be a runner!

Athletics
Little League Confidential: One Coach's Completely Unauthorized Tale of Survival
Published in Hardcover by Macmillan Pub Co (1992-05)
Author: Bill Geist
List price: $17.00
New price: $0.01
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $17.00

Average review score:

Accurate in 2007!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-16
I've been coaching Little League for five years now, and loved reading this account of Little League from about 20 years ago. The stereotypical depictions of coaches that Geist uses are still dead-on accurate, as are his descriptions of how bad the catching equipment is, and how to hide a bad ballplayer that you have to play in the infield. This is a priceless look at Little League ball that anyone who has ever coached should enjoy.

There are lots of laughs to be had, and you'll find yourself sharing parts with other coaches you know.

Little Leauge Confidential: One Coach's Compleletly Unauthorized Tale of Survival
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-27
I am sure the book is great-the book was purchased for a gift.

Favorite book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-06
I do a ton of reading and just went back and re-read this book. This is probably my favorite all-time book. This book has to be the funniest one I've ever read. Geist is not only a gifted writer, he tweaks all the right people and no irony goes unnoticed.

could this be true?
Helpful Votes: 22 out of 22 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-04
The humorist columnist Bill Geist had many years of experience coaching his son's little league baseball and kids basketball and his daughter's softball team. He relates his experiences with his usual wit, sarcasm and humor. The book focuses on a particular season of little league baseball where he was able to work with his son Willie's team and actually win the league championship by upsetting Knavery's team in the final game of the season. The tale tells how he bends the rules (though not as much as some other) in a way that still allows the weak players to have fun and yet stay competitive. There is a large degree of truth to the various caricatures of players, coaches and parents that he presents in this tale. But some of the stories are so incredible and it seems like fiction is mixed with reality but clearly it is based on real experience. I relate to many of the issues he brings out. ...
In the epologue Geist confesses that he want his son Willie to be a star player but was satisfied that he made the high school varisty teams. In the end no matter how good or bad they are in little league they all eventually stop playing to do other things that interest them more or they find to have more success and rewards.

To illustrate the humor in the final game losing 12-4 Geist gives the kids sugar treats to pick up their energy. A rally starts but thinking ahead with the worst hitter Monique likely to come up with two outs, Geist gets a 40 ounce drink and gets her to leave on a bathroom break. ... This book has short easy to read chapters and integrates Geist's softball and basketball experiences in the theme of the little league season whereas Dunow had long chapters going back and forth from little league with his son to his childhood experiences with his father. Both books are good in their own way. But this one is much easier to read and more light hearted.

I am Mean Gene Huffman
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-31
At least, I'm half of Mean Gene Huffman. Gene Ret and I were conglomerated into one large, gawky intimidating Little Leaguer. Who was the more large, gawky, and intimidating is one of the great debates of our time.

Great story. I never knew my drunken high school antics were witnessed by Bill Geist until I got to the end of the book. Geist saw me crash through his bushes and play some sloppy basketball with his son and friends for a few minutes while reminiscing about the old Little League days. And, he parlayed my mishap into a convenient parable on lost youth to wrap up his story.

Well, he's just lucky they were playing basketball that night and I wasn't trying to unload my ferocious fastball or swing a bat. Stay young, eat flax, and long live the glory days of Little League.

Athletics
Basketball: Multiple Offense and Defense (Ph438)
Published in Hardcover by Athletic Inst (1986-06)
Author: Dean Smith
List price: $17.95

Average review score:

Must read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-11
This is an awesome book. A lot of useful information for students, professionals and athletes.

Great book for higher level coaches
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-10
I love this book and have bought it for several of my coaching friends. Full of great info from one of the best. Good diagrams and great instruction on how to implement multiple offenses and defenses. One of my favorite coaching books (and I have a ton). A great higher-level resource.

Must have for coaches!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-08
This book is page after page of super basketball information. It goes into great detail offenses and defenses from simple to complex. But best of all, it is written with an emphasis on the fundamentals, which will make any team better. I really recommend this book for any coach, beginner to seasoned veteran, there is a wealth of valuable information from cover to cover.

a great book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-27
I have read this book over and over again. It has been a useful tool is my basketball coaching.

The Holy Grail
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-08
I coached a camp this past summer in which a few coaches were discussing this book and referred to it as "The Holy Grail" of basketball books. To any coach looking for new perspectives and strategies, I would strongly recommend this book. You may not be able to use everything, and some of the information is a bit dated, but it prompted a million ideas of my own, and helped me plan out some fresh drills, plays, and defenses for my team.

Athletics
Endurance Sports Nutrition
Published in Paperback by Human Kinetics Publishers (2000-05)
Author: Suzanne Girard Eberle
List price: $18.95
New price: $9.94
Used price: $0.46
Collectible price: $19.00

Average review score:

Good Stuff
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-22
I haven't had a chance to read the whole book however what I have read has been helpful and informative. The book itself was shipped in excellent condition and, like many of the books I've bought through Amazon, I think I purchased it used and it looks new. And, I don't plan on just using it to balance out my washing machine ;-).

Secret Weapon
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-18
I am in my mid-40s and have toyed with the idea of doing a triathlon for quite some time. Somehow, when I would begin to really get the training ramped up, I would run in to a problem. I believe that I was probably bringing on the problems with less than ideal nutrition. So, though I harbor no aspirations of being a serious athlete, I have found that nutrition is an important--and often overlooked--aspect for even recreational athletes like me. Using the information in this book is allowing me to push my training farther than I ever have before and will get me across the finish line for my first triathlon sometime this summer.

Great Resource
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-11
I've been running since I was in high school and continued during and after graduationg college. It wasn't until recently that I decided to run my first half marathon. I have read lots of material on training and nutrition, but none have been as complete and informative. The first eight chapters are devoted to all endurance athletes. The last few chapters are each devoted to a particular endurance sport. This book has taught me how to fully prepare and train to successfully reach my goal. I would suggest this book for anyone interested in endurance sports.

Right on the money
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-18
Suzanne knows her stuff. I've been an ultrarunner and endurance athlete for nearly 25 years and I find Suzanne's wisdom and advice both on target and incredibly helpful. In fact, as I get older, which I am, her advice is seemingly even more relevant. Following her advice on everything from hydration to nutrition to stretching has been vital to me being able to keep doing what I love to do. The bottom line is that proper nutrition is key to optimal performance and the information in this book can ensure you're geting both.

Excellent Sports Nutrition Resource
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-07
This is a serious sports nutrition book for serious athletes. It is packed with information for the endurance athlete or those coaching endurance/elite athletes. In addition to providing a complete nutritional overview for the elite athlete, Endurance Sports touches on other related subjects such as hydration, the effectiveness of supplements, food intolerances, eating disorders and even optimal eating for the vegetarian athlete. As a nutrition writer, this book is an integral part of my reference library.

Athletics
Get Tough!: The U.S. Special Forces Physical Conditioning Program
Published in Paperback by St Martins Pr (1985-11)
Author: Tom Fitzgerald
List price: $10.95
New price: $13.50
Used price: $6.17

Average review score:

Old School Workout Program
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-16
I looked for this book for many years. I originally ordered GET TOUGH :The U S Special Forces Physical Conditioning Program from a book club. I never received my order because it went out of print. GET TOUGH is a 1985 publication written by Tom Fitzgerald. The program is 3 parts: stretching, total body strength building using your own body weight, and running. The format is actually based on the U S Navy SEALS workout and is not necessarily U S Army Special Forces based. Regardless, this program is a 12 week (5 days a week) workout that requires nothing more of the use of a pull-up/chin-up bar. It is a very challenging workout that involves working muscle groups on a daily basis. A guide chart is included, as well as targeted performance levels from beginning to end. The dietary guide in the introduction is dated and better information is now available. This book is an older version of the newer U S Navy SEALS workout books by Mark De Lisle, but not as intense as the latter. Overall a very solid workout program and well worth the wait. 163 pp hardback

You'll enjoy it as a perfect compliment to a harder workout
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-10-05
I know why they call this a program you will love, because it is not hard. I enjoy the exercises and will continue to perform them, but I am not making this my primary workout. Instead I will adapt it for use three days a week on my easy days, as this is a perfect complimentary workout. I consider myself in good shape, but not great, and I was easily able to jump in and do the 12th week workouts precisely how Fitzgerald specified, boots and all. There were only several out of the 46 total exercises that I could not perform easily. The only way someone could say that it is deceptively hard is that a few exercises are nearly impossible. I found those are strictly for the abs though however and not any other part of my body feels a workout. I am not sore or exhausted, and the cals are the only valuable part to me as the running in week 12 was not that advanced- anyone can tell you to run for two 20 odd minute intervals with 5 minute walking breaks. The ab work is good, but other than that it is not challenging for someone who has some flexibility and performs cals regularly as I had. I have no doubt that these are valuable exercises, but this is far from the billing that I was reading on everyone else's review about what a workout you'll get from it. If you want a challenging workout buy something from Stew Smith and adapt this workout to include all the exercises for the off, or easy, days. It deserves four stars because this is probably good for most people who don't stretch enough and/or want to ease into a workout. All the supporters of this book must forgive me for making it sound so bad, it is a quality purchase, this just doesn't seem like the ultimate workout.

The Original! (And Best?)
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-08-17
The workout programme described in this book is deceptively difficult! Having read many of the recent titles which detail Navy SEAL workout regimens, I have found this one to be the most practical and time efficient. Some of the exercises would be considered obsolete by many, but once you get down to the nitty gritty this is a hardcore training programme (As one would expect from a former Navy frogman!). The instructions are very clear and presented with wry humour. The weekly and daily schedules are particularly effective as you can monitor your progress daily which is very motivating. It is also interesting to note that this book was first published in 1985! If you can find a copy, Buy it!

A taste of Navy SEALs?
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-28
This is the most amazing exercise book I've EVER read. It's literally a crime they don't publish it anymore. Fitzgerald's exercise regimen is guaranteed to give you unbelievably "cut" muscles in a short time. His regimen will also force you to dig deep inside yourself for stamina, willpower, and endurance. Sound familiar? It should: Fitzgerald is ex-UDT.

For lower body conditioning, nothing I've seen compares to Fitzgerald's book. However, readers should add the upper-body and cross-training exercises found in the recent publications by Caracci, Helvenston, DeLisle, Smith, and other Navy SEALs.

When the going gets tough...
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2004-07-13
This book is designed to put the reader through two workout programmes simultaneously. There is a Calisthenics programme, and a Running programme. This is a 12-week cycle; as Fitzgerald says, special forces are always changing and adapting, so there is no 'official' cycle that remains constant forever. Thus, this is flexible here, too. This book is all the reader needs except his own muscles and desire to succeed. No special equipment to buy or anything else. The back cover says this is not for the timid or the lazy. This is like being in the military. No excuses - just do it!

The author is a former Navy frogman named Tom Fitzgerald. He continues his fitness goals by running in the Boston Marathon and other such events. Fitzgerald promises better self-esteem, better motivation, and better accomplishment for those who will complete this programme.

The conditioning programme targets five different body parts with 46 different exercises. The running involves running and rapid walking with some intervals of sprinting. There is also a good deal of stretching involved. If you cannot give this one or two hours a day every day for 12 weeks then maybe this is not the book for you. But one could still get it and look at the exercises that have good descriptions and are useful, even if not following the programme.

Stretching
There is stretching prior to each session. This helps prevent muscle injury and makes one limber. Stretching after also helps healing faster, too.

Diet
This book does not go too much into diet since there are other books ready for that, but it gives some general rules. Vitamins and supplements are discussed and basic common sense like not drinking alcohol or too much sugar or caffeine before a workout. Their advice is humourous: 'If you're looking around for a mate, consider marrying a nutritionist.'

Other general instructions
This section deals with sore muscles, shoe and foot care (very important for the heavy running schedule). Keeping count and keeping at it is important too! At the end of the book is a record for keeping track of progress.

The Stretching Programme
There are 14 stretches in this, and each of them are done both before and after the calisthenics and running programmes. An important note is that this stretching routine was developed at a university training programme and not by the Navy. The chart at the end of the section shows what you should do, including how much time this should take. The opening stretches should take 5 minutes, and the final stretches should take 2 minutes.

The Calisthenics Programme
There are 46 exercises that are done over the course of the week that will exercise ever muscle in your body. There are five main categories.

General Warm-up
There are 10 exercises in the general warm up, and these exercises work to prepare the whole body for work.

Abdominal Exercises
There are 11 exercises in the abdominal section, and they work to strengthen and stretch the abs and your lower back.

The Side and Obliques
There aren't too many exercises in this part -- only 5, but they are important. These are really tough exercises beyond the usual stuff for sides and obliques.

Leg and Groin Exercises
There are 12 exercises in this section and legs are one of the major muscle groups in the body and often get overlooked. People think of abs and arms for fitness, but the legs carry the body weight all day long.

Arm Chest and Shoulder Exercises
There are 8 exercises in this final section for the upper body. The book said no special equipment is needed, but once will need a place to do pull-ups.

At the end of this section is the 12-week chart for how many exercises need to be done. Out of the 46 exercises you will do about half of them each day. Some things like leg stretchers are done almost every day. Some things like the one-legged push-up are done less often.

SEAL training calls running programmes 'conditioning hikes'. These involve running, walking double-time, and sprints in a programme on varying terrain, mostly on sand, which goes from being soft to hard-packed to ridged to in the water, often done in boots. The book makes recommendations for running in boots, and running with ankle weights or other kinds of terrain variations.

The first week involves running two miles in 15 minutes and makes progress up to eight miles at a maximum for the rest of the programme.

The exercises are described in good form each with pictures of each step. All exercises can be done by males or females. The pictures are basic black-and-white and sometimes a little grainy.

One drawback is that this is a tough workout programme from the very beginnin, and some people not be able to tolerate the stress and muscle effort from the outset. A Week Zero or prep conditioning programme would probably be a good idea to add if the book is ever reprinted.

The last part of this book involves setting out the schedule in a good format. There are also pages are for recording a personal record of progress and that can be motivating.

Athletics
Marathon Woman: Running the Race to Revolutionize Women's Sports
Published in Hardcover by Da Capo Press (2007-03-29)
Author: Kathrine Switzer
List price: $26.95
New price: $2.00
Used price: $1.05

Average review score:

pleasure to read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-01
Wow, I loved this book. I remember reading an excerpt from it somewhere online several months ago and I was so engrossed in it that I finally had to buy the book recently. And I was not disappointed - the entire book was incredibly easy and engaging to read. The only minor exception was that the last third of the book kind of got away from what made the book so interesting the first 2/3, but overall I would still give the book five stars without a thought. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed reading a book as much as I did this one.

fantastic read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-30
the only few words i can use to describe this book is that it was a truly....inspirational and fantastic read. great book, i was so engrossed in it that i finished it in two days. runners and non runners alike can enjoy it. running for women has come a long way. i have read it once and will read it again. go ahead people buy it....you will never regret having this book in your collection.

Child of the `80s - totally unaware of history
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-03
As a woman born in 1980, I really had never grasped the concept of what the generation before my birth had done. I never really understood what the world believed about the abilities of women. Katherine Switzer's story is powerful and amazing. I'm so glad I could grow up believing that I could do anything. The book is well written and powerful.

Fantastic read
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-02
This was hands down one of the most inspiring running books I've ever read. Kathrine's foresight into the sport of running amazes me - we can thank her not only for bringing the women's marathon to the 1984 Olympic games but also for today's modern marathon "comforts" that didn't exist when she first hit the streets of Boston.
I read this while training for a marathon and her story kept me going during those long and painful runs. This book is a must-read for any runner, male or female.

Wonderful work by Wonder Woman
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-26
If ever there was a real-life Wonder Woman, it's Kathrine Switzer...whose brave pursuit and promotion of running events have benefitted countless millions who want to similarly express their joy for the sport. This fun-to-read, fascinating autobiography beautifully communicates the voice of its author: enthusiastic, funny, passionate. It's a must-read for marathoners and entertaining for anyone else who's ever shared in the excitement of witnessing and/or participating in a sporting event.

Athletics
Train To Win: 11 Principles of Athletic Success
Published in Paperback by Martin Rooney (2002-08-04)
Author: Martin Rooney
List price: $24.99
New price: $24.99
Used price: $23.18

Average review score:

Another Home Run for Martin Rooney!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-08
This is a no frills approach to success in not just athletics but life in my humble opinion. This is a great learning tool to have for any coach, athlete or someone wanting to just better themselves overall. Many thanks to Mr. Rooney for sharing his knowledge with us.

Good information
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-06
Ok, this are 11 principles that are important for being succesfull, but there are some more I think. Do the things the author says and you will improve your performance. After implementing all these principles, please search for further improvement. Don't stop exploring.

Greetings
Tom

a great read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-21
Train To Win is a great book and I recommend it to any athlete. I read the book in one sitting. It is enjoyable to read, and it seems like you are constantly learning lessons. It touches on so many different aspects, all of which are crucial to your training.

I am playing professionally in France and I still pull the book out for guidance at times. The book is useful to me at 24, but it would also be useful for a 14 year old athlete or a 55 year old one as well.

Sometimes training can seem like a big task. where do i begin? what is most important for me? how do I organize? what is my biggest priority? Rooneys 11 principles really breaks it down for you, and makes things clearer. Another great book and oppurtunity to Learn from Martin Rooney.

Tons of info, very inspiring ...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-10
This is an excellent book with tons of information on how to create your own training program.

The principles in the book are 100% and it is from these principles that you can design your own regime based on your own strengths/weaknesses and demands of your sport.

The book covers nutrition, workout length, periodisation, variety, economy, amongst other things but one of the real assets of the book is the plethora of inspiring quotes and anecdotes that will you to take and use these principles to create a program to put yourself a class above the rest. Train smart, buy this book, train to win!

As a sidenote, I purchased this book along with Training for Warriors: the Team Renzo Gracie Workout.
Both books are top notch, whether you train martial arts or not, the Warriors book is a great way to see the principles in action and the workouts entailed can be tailored to any sport or training regime. As a combo, these book are unbeatable value.

Sshould be at the center of any athletes training program.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-12
This is a book who's principals can be used for any athlete. From the pro to casual and from basketball to Mixed Martial Arts and beyond. To many athletes buy a couple body-building magazines and take the workouts from those magazines and implement them into their training for their sport. With no real knowledge why they are doing these workouts other than some pro athlete listed it as what they do. Without knowing what you are trying to accomplish and how to do it you're certain to fail. This book is a great step in the right direction.


Books-Under-Review-->Reference-->Education-->Colleges and Universities-->North America-->United States-->Montana-->University of Montana-->Missoula-->Athletics-->4
Related Subjects:
More Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250