Athletics Books

Buck Willis has written an excellent text on orthopedics, one which should occupy the library of every general practitioner and pediatrician. Do yourself a favor and make space for this tremendously useful textbook."

Reading this book was very refreshing because Mr. Willis has also woven his empathetic experience into the book. It is nice to see a person write both from his experience and from his academic learning. I appreciated his dedication page too, and I think that this book would benefit most orthopedic patients.

Most MD's won't take the time, or they don't comprehend how to explain what Willis does, as to why certain exercises or cardiovascular training programs are so good for Preventing and Healing people's injuries!

Willis' writing style made it an interesting, enjoyable read and because of that, this book is a winner!

This method of providing information, clearly reflects the knowledge gained from injuries (Dr Willis) has personally sustained and helps the reader identify, recognize and make decisions about how to recover from a variety of joint traumas. The specific nature of these injuries is presented clearly and briefly.

*** 'Effective Orthopedic Rehab' is a solid introduction for the layperson, a young professional working with injured athletes or a freshman undergraduate at college studying athletic training or kinesiology.

When I learned of this book, I was skeptical and thought it might just be an ordinary "home-grown" rehab book, but IT WAS MUCH MORE! This book and the author's references promote the same components that I learned in my Master's program in Physical Therapy.

This book grew from the author's experience and his doctoral education, and THIS BOOK has SOLID ROOTS in clinically proven rehabilitative protocols. I'll recommend that many of my patients read this book which will help them understand that recovery is not a switch that they can quickly turn on. GOOD BOOK!

The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because I thought it contained full stories (like the ones in the Chicken Soup series)and not simply quotes, which by the way are sometimes moving. I liked to read how famous people remembered their teachers, we don't usually get to know that information.

A former student of mine sent me this book with an inscription that made my day -- make that, my year! After reading the personalized inscription a dozen times, I started reading Mr. Shribman's book. What a delight. The book made me remember why I became a teacher.

I picked up I REMEMBER MY TEACHER because I liked the cover. I bought two copies because once I started reading it, I had to send copies to the college professor and the high school coach who inspired me. This book was the perfect opportunity to thank them after more than 15 years for the support and advice that still means so much to me.

Perfect book to make teachers feel good--and to make students remember why they loved their best teachers. There is something here for everyone--from the A student to the less successful, from college mentors to grade school inspirers. The famous and the more common former students share their reminisces with humor, with pride, but mostly with thanks. A great gift and a great read.

Part anecdote, part declaration, "I Remember My Teacher: 365 Reminiscences of the Teachers Who Changed Our Lives" will bring back the memory of your own teachers: what they said, what they did and who they are.

It caused me to remember back to my own fifth grade teacher, who, upon completing the year, wrote me a quick note which encourages me to this day. You, too, will think about your kindergarten teachers and learning your letters, or the guy who taught you the software used in your job.

Shribman uses examples from celebs galore, but the important part is learning about the teachers who helped mold the leaders of today. Tomorrow's leaders are sitting in a third grade classroom across the world, and a great teacher is guiding him or her.

Teachers can read this and be encouraged and excited that what they do does matters. Students will read this and see that their teacher's unorthodox ways and persistence in teaching makes a difference.

I fully recommend "I Remember My Teacher: 365 Reminiscences of the Teachers Who Changed Our Lives" by David M. Shribman.

Anthony Trendl

This was one of the most life changing books I have ever read.
Highly recommend it.

Dan Millman pulls valuable concepts from a variety of disciplines. This book does not delve into specific training methods, but rather expounds a philosophy of training. The author integrates concepts from sports psychology, physiology, and the martial arts. The Inner Athlete contains several enlightening perspectives on different aspects of athletic training. I have been following his suggested modifications for stretching exercises for about two weeks, with excellent results. This book will be valuable for any athlete, regardless of level of attainment.

What a great book...I am interested in all kinds of sports and have always believed that sport should be more than just physical training and with this book I found someone who shares my thoughts....

From the book: Dedicate your training to your life and not your life to your training...

When you read this book you will realize that the truth has always been in you, you just did not see it. Learn to see and let your heart lead the way. I love this book.

I finished the book and instantly wanted to start reading it again. Dan has helped me with my own nemisis by reminding me that being stuck on a skill is a result of not having developed the requisite skills and strengths. But the concept that I love the most and has been that of building strength by relaxing the opposing muscles so you spend less time fighting yourself. As we all learn about life through sport (well, many of us anyway) I have discovered that it is not just in athletics that I tense all the wrong muscles. I have begun seeing how in my life I fight myself and by just relaxing the right areas of my life I have been able to handle much greater degrees of stress with a peace and equanimity this book helped me to realize.

This is one of those books I'll read over and over again and gain something new from each and every time. And my poor friends are all sick to death of having me quote it to them as they come to me with their struggles.

This book is an easy read, as are all of Dan Millman's books. I read the first edition of The Inner Athlete 6 years ago at the age of 20. It inspired me to enrol in a beginner's gymnastics class for adults, probably because I wanted to be just like Dan. It proved to be a life-changing decision. I had retained some of Dan's advice, such as the Law of Accommodation - how our body more readily produces results when we don't place demands or set goals. I stuck to practicing the fundamentals, and was satisfied with doing handstands and simple drills that I understood were the foundations of talent. Those who had started the class at the same time as I had began practicing handsprings after only a few weeks.

After a year, my classmates were still struggling with their handsprings. It didn't look like much fun, as they were sprawling on their butts half the time. Those who felt discouraged moved on to working on back-flips. In the meantime, I was getting better at handstands and my muscles were growing more supple. I would watch my classmates intently during practice. I paid close attention to the instructors who tried to help them, but I stayed on the sidelines and flirted with girls. When I wasn't doing that I stuck to my drills, stretching, and handstands, which I also incorporated into my morning exercise routine at home.

Then one day a guest instructor from Russia who was impressed with my ability to do handstands insisted that I do a handspring. I declined at first, but he insisted. Not wanting to be rude, I went through the motions for about 10 minutes with him. Finally, he sent me flying in a handspring that had me airborne for what seemed like an eternity. I was astonished and after a few tries I managed to do it without help. Within a week I was turning handsprings as well as the instructors. I was utterly amazed. My classmates were less enthused. Two of them quit shortly afterward. I bumped into one of them a few months later. She said she was "too busy" to come to practice. She had worked really hard, and I felt bad because I think my sudden improvement had discouraged her. Little did she know that my new-found ability was a natural result to having applied Dan's advice on Developing Talent.

I think anyone who applies the wisdom in Dan's book will develop wonderful results over time. Some people attribute such success to patience and persistence. That may be true, but that is to oversimplify. You need knowledge of how the process of skill-learning works and you need a good teacher. The Inner Athlete provides you with helpful keys that you can apply to almost any endeavour that involves skill training.

Thanks to the simple logic in this book, I have unlocked a world that had been closed to me for so long. I cherish the memories of the times when I moved like a total spaz. If only you had seen me at my first piano-lesson, my introduction to jazz-ballet or on my first day at swim school. I now enjoy a high level of skill in these areas, and to me the process seemed effortless.

With a back injury I incurred in an accident 2 years ago I am now confined to swimming, but that is no obstacle. The Inner Athlete deals beautifully with how to cope with setbacks. I work on the areas that I can, and have recently become a valued member of a swim team. So far, no medals, but the coach doesn't have to drag me out of the pool anymore.

I'm a drummer and have always had some glitches in my performances when I thought the pressure was on. I've read this book once thru and am already thinking differently on the stage. I've read tons of music books on the subject of letting go of the chatter in your head, but this blows them all away with concrete exercises and evaluations to gauge your mental toughness.

if you've decided to open up that can of worms that is sports psych, then you really should read this gem. it is vastly superior to all his other books.

This book was given to me a few years ago by one of my coaches. This book is possibly the most helpful book that I have ever read. I am a goalie in ice hockey (15 years old) and have always been regarded as the hardest worker that people have ever seen. But when it came to big games, I clearly wasn't always my sharpest. Many coaches say that sports is 90% mental, but how can you improve your mental skills? Improving mental skills is not very physically demanding, but it does take commitment. Read this book and take this seriously! It could turn around your sports journey, or journey through life. It has for me and it is less than 200 pages! I highly recommend this book for any serious athletes of any age.

suggested to me by a world cup winning athlete who owns and old out of print copy covered in tape to hold it together, this book is brilliant. my career as an elite athlete jumped a number of levels whilst reading it. his more recent book is nothing compared to this. go to your library and photocopy it, no one will sell it to you. it is the best.

James Loehr's book deserves 10 stars!

After reading many books on sports psychology and not getting anywhere, Mental Toughness Training for Sports guided me down the road to sporting success.

James Loehr explains what happens mentally to athletes during both great and terrible performances. You are then guided along analysing your own performances and gradually you gain more and more control over your mental and ultimately your physical performances.

This book is for the serious athelete, who has the patience to take the necessary steps required for success.

If you feel you are not producing your best in play due to mental obstacles, then this is the book for. It will change your life and give you control you thought only your opponents possessed.

I've been running for a few years to keep the fat off my hips and was pleased to stumble across this great running guide. I must say that i had been doing quite a bit wrong. Now that i've read this book, I've lost even more weight and am just lucky that the writer didn't charge by the pound.

I've been running for only a year, but have really improved since adopting the advice contained in this book. It is also reasonably priced. I recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their running experience.

This book was my first running book. For $10 it is a great buy. It is full of information, especially training tips for a marathon. It doesn't have much on injuries or nutrition but it is only a small book. I recommend it...

This book helped me train for my first marathon in 1997... and several after. It provides three suggested-training schedules, depending on goals and training level, for 10K & marathons. Easy to follow, easy to read. Excellent starting point for new runners. Have read other books by "more famous" authors, but none of their suggested training schedules gave me the confidence I obtained by using this book. (Qualified for Boston every time!!) Future editions could be improved by adding a chapter on recovery following the marathon.

I picked up this book on a whim, and have found it to be the most helpful, inspirational book on running ever. I am 3 months pregnant and the information for pregnant women was unparalleled. I highly recommend this book for anyone though. The information is useful, the book is concise and the tone is enjoyable. Two thumbs up!

I agree with all above that this is a fine book. I wish there were more such insightful forays into other sports. My one quibble with Pumping Iron is that whistles past the graveyard of the great dark evil, steroids. One reading this book would get the impression that all of the bodybuilders within had sculpted their physiques with weightlifting, diet, dedication, and genetics. The truth is, all the stars of that era relied heavily on steroids, as subsequent admissions by such as Arnold Schwarzenegger have revealed. That, and the near-death disaster to Steve Michalik from steroid overdose (the book attributes his great "sea change" gain of muscle mass to heavy weight training and eating a lot of chicken and tuna fish) are crucial facts for the reader to know. To ignore the dirty little secret of big-time bodybuilding is dishonest, and presents a disservice to the readership. I would enthusiastically welcome another edition of Pumping Iron, as suggested above- it's a fine book- but I would repect Messrs. Gaines and Butler the more if they would address the steroid issue.

I book this book back in 1973 and then lost it in a flood but was able to get a copy at a used book store.These were the real champions and pioneers of bodybuilding; Arnold, Nubret, Columbu, Zane, Corney, Waller, Katz etc.You rarely see training photo's like this and heretofore, never saw bodybuilders depicted as real people as Gaines and Butler did with this work and the movie that followed.Pumping Iron and a Mega-Superstar German with a hard to prononunce last name literally took bodybuilding into the mainstream and turned the stars of our sport into household names.While I was lucky to find a copy of this book at a used book store, I really feel that Gaines and Butler should have a reprint for people who would like a new, first class copy; perhaps even a revised version showing where those champions are today.Great book Mr. Gaines and Mr. Butler.

It is no overstatement to attribute to the publication of this book much of the fitness revolution that first began in the 1970s. It lionized the then relatively obscure sport of bodybuilding, and in particular made much notice of the then only marginally known figure of a relatively young Austrian muscle freak with the unlikely name of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The book proved such a trenchant and penetrating look into the shadowy subculture of fitness freaks and muscle-heads that it created a boom in the gym business, which previously existed only in a few locations where the numbers of bodybuilders reached enough of a critical mass to allow such a commercial venture. In fact, as Gaines points out in the narrative, most of the gyms were owned by guys like Joe Gold, who weren't in the gym business to make a profit, and who merely managed to eke out a living, and who rarely made much of a return on their original investment.

Of course, this affectionate and knowing look at the life and lifestyles of several serious competitive bodybuilders was so successful that it encouraged the photographer, George Butler, to try to find backing for a film version of the book. And it was a difficult sell, for the movie mavens had little appreciation for the degree of public interest in muscles and muscle men then. Indeed, the movie was never released for wide commercial viewing, but was rather relegated to showings at art cinemas and other venues. Yet the book was a resounding success, and was on the best-selling trade books for months and months.

The book can still be found in used bookstores, and is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in the history of bodybuilding or the lifestyles of the most famous musclemen of the late 1960s and 1970s. I have several copies, although I lost one in a fire last year. It is a shame it is now out of print, for the book (and the subsequent movie) capture the essence of the exotic little world of competitive bodybuilding as it existed in the days when the sport was marginalized, before it became big business, and before eager young men who want fame and riches got involved for that reason rather than because they just wanted to be bodybuilders. Ah, the good old days! Enjoy!

This engrossing documentary/commentary of bodybuilding is the Bible of what bodybuilding IS. It does not drown you with technical detail, nor attempt to teach you HOW to bodybuild. What it does is bring you inside the gyms, (where the competitors work out) the arenas (where they compete) and inside their minds, where the peculiar and fascinating drive for the physical ideal finds its germination, growth and finally fruit on the posing platform. Why they do what they do, and just a smattering of detail of the equipment they use to accomplish their ends, rounds out this book. It is centered around a not-then-well-known Arnold Schwarzeneggar in his quest for the ultimate bodybuilding title, the Mr. Olympia. A few other competitors are also featured along with their quest for physical perfection and recognition of that by the bodybuilding contest judges. The well-placed and very informative pictures of the athletes at work in the gym, at play and in competition were a constant source of fascination to me as a teenaged boy, and I spent uncounted hours slowly flipping through the pages and examining every detail of what I thought a physique SHOULD look like. If you have ever been mildly curious of what essence makes men into bodybuilders, or have wondered WHY they do this, this book is for you. I recommend it very highly, and would probably be flipping through it right now if I had it, so inexhaustible is its supply of interesting information!

Before this book, bodybuilding was an obscure sport that nobody cared about or was interested in. Pumping Iron changed all that with it's realistic look at the sport with many pictures of the champions of the 70's & early 80's at work and play. Shattered many of the myths that people believed about bodybuilders and presented them as ordinary people with an intense drive and competitive will.

This is a great book, i read it for a class, Gender and Sport, in college. Very helpful to anyone or to parents in particular.

The Equal Rights Amendment was passed in 1972. It was called Title IX. Title IX was originally intended to deal with equal pay for female university professors. It was really about a historic change involving the way we view girls and sports. It lead to an explosion in girls' and womens' sports. And in so doing, it did something for girls and women that no set of constitutional statutes could ever provide: " empowerment. " This is a thoroughly written and exciting book that examines and documents the tremendous impact that sports has had on girls' lives. The various aspects of this impact are explained with true and entertaining stories of girls and the sports they play....the effect on their self-esteem, schoolwork, family lives, careers and sex/love lives. While the overall effect of sports is highly positive for girls who participate, there are hazards, traps and pitfalls that parents, educators and coaches need to be aware of. And as far as girls' sports has come, they still endure resistance and ridicule from men who can only relate to girls as sexual objects. All of this is discussed. This book will be highly useful for parents who want to introduce or encourage their daughters to participate. Many of the issues that are discussed are problems I have to deal with in my coaching or are issues that are constantly being brought up by parents of the girls I work with. I am convinced that the best way to keep a girl away from dangerous people and questionable activities is to get her involved in sports. Her grades will go up and you are likely to see an increasingly happy daughter. This great book will give support to parents who wish to encourage their daughters and also instruct the concerned parent or educator about how to go about making sports a positive experience that will change her life for the better.

In 1972, the Equal Rights Amendment was passed. It was called Title IX. Originally inspired to insure equal pay for female university professors, the real impact of Title IX was an explosion in girls' and womens' sports because the law required equal funding for all federally funded educational institutions. While only 20% of all institutions are in full compliance, we have seen an explosion in girls'/womens' sports plus one positive consequence for girls that no set of constitutional statutes can provide: " empowerment. " This book documents the overwhelmingly positive effects that playing sports has on self-esteem, schoolwork, career success and interpersonal/love relationships. Thoroughly written with entertaining true stories, the authors show how and why sports are so important to girls' lives. But they do not shy away from the hazards, pitfalls and confusion that girls face from the clash of mixed societal messages let alone the boys/men who can only see girls as sexual objects. Suggestions are made for sustaining the positive and preventing the negative. I am a girls' high school basketball coach. I also teach and coach young girls in basketball. Teaching and encouraging successful participation in girls' sports has become an important part of my life's work. Many of the issues that are brought up in the book are things I have had to deal with or are concerns that parents bring up with me. Any parent who sincerely wants their daughter to have a successful and rewarding experience with sports will benefit from this book because it lends support and offers advice based on experience. Like me, it is obvious that the authors love to work with girls and are very dedicated to promoting participation while erasing discrimination and inequality. It inspired me to continue my work and taught me a few things also. It was also a fun read. I didn't want the book to end. If, like me, you love working with girls, this is a must read.

There doesn't seem to be very much information about girls in sports - especially parenting information. This book is wonderful. It provides hope, saddness and grit of what is really happening!

Being the parent of a very athletic 14 year old girl - who is sometimes thought of as "different" because of her drive, goals and commitment - this book helps me understand her - and provides me with ways to help her achieve her goals!!

As a 50 year old grandmother who did not have the benefit of Title IX, this book lays out all the reasons why we should raise our daughters differently than society currently dictates. An athletic girl learns early about how to deal with prejudice and competition; it is a skill that does not come always easily to the non athlete. This book shows clearly and concisely how important it is to prepare our daughters for the world; there is a staggering set of statistics to show why girls everywhere should be encouraged to participate in sports. In this day and age when we are trying earnestly to figure out why so many teenage girls get pregnant or involve themselves in self destructive behaviors, this book gives a pretty clear roadmap of how to protect your own daughter.

That the mathematics book is considered really a distinguished reference to all kinds of the sport.
By the pieces of information and the explanatory drawings to all of the tactics and the sportS movements.
And more than 120 sport prioritize by a plentiful interesting and wonderful style by the pieces of information and the clear drawings to each sport.
And concentrates on the rules and Alastratgiat to each sport with an useful historic summary.
And he by a right considers an easy mathematical encyclopedia by a printing with high quality.

Sports: Complete Visual Reference provides a survey of the history, rules, strategies and equipment for over a hundred sports played around the world, covering classic Olympic events, individual and team sports, mechanized and equestrian events and others. Color illustrations and clear explanations discuss the origins and rules of each sport and its evolution over time.

This book is a great visual reference for many types of sports, even ones I knew very little about. It is also great for kids to give an insight into many different areas to discover something that interests them. I highly recommend it!

A terrific book describing thousands of sports. You will find sports such as softball, gymnastics, swimming, bowling, diving, and martial art sports. And that's less then a quarter of what the sports in here are! (You name a sport, it's in there!) The book features a history for each sport, the rules, the equipment, and has full color graphics showing basic moves and positions. A must-have for everyone interested in sports.

This book provides in-depth information on all known sports, even some I did not know about! The illustrations are great. It is perfect to know what a sport is all about. Start reading it and you won't stop. Reference at its best. I strongly recommend this work of art.

Bravo!

A well-written, organized triathlon program designed for beginner or advanced athletes of any age, which highlights health benefits, safe training methods and assessments. The flexibility and strength assessments are detailed and illustrated to perform the exercises correctly! TriPower pieces together all the integral components to train for a triathlon. This will help me tremendously as I prepare for my next triathlon, and as I train clients for their 1st triathlon!!

most of the current triathlon books don't seem to put much emphasis on strength and flexibility training. this book fills that gap.

TRI POWER: THE ULTIMATE PROGRAM FOR TRIATHLON SUCCESS is a key component of any weight training or conditioning exercise program, offering up four phases of conditioning and showing athletes how to get the most from a triathlon experience. The authors are certified teachers and experts: their instruction will appeal to any triathlon trainer and to any collection strong in sports representation.

This book is RICH with information and covers quite a spectrum. I don't usually leave comments but this book is worth the time.. I was able to meet the authors too and they are no joke.
(no wonder this is on a best-seller list. wow)

I am new this year to the Triathlon world and this book has helped me in my training more than anything besides hiring a personal coach. The programs are easy to follow and take approx 30 minutes to complete each day. You can choose whatever exercise you want to tailor it to your needs. I was never into stretching until I started this "guide". Now I understand why stretching and core strength are important in a Triathlete as well as in life. I give it 4 stars only due to the fact that it took me a while to figure out which exercise was what. Other than that if your looking to prepare for a Triathlon or even just want to get fit in approx 30 min a day, then this book will help you.

Professional and amateur triathletes alike will benefit from these tips to help you become a better runner. Find the right training plan for you.

Excellent resource for serious traithletes and amateur atheletes alike. I purchased this book for my triathlete husband and one of his daughters who is a runner. Although he majored in physical education and has been an active athlete, teacher, and trainer himself all his life, this book has still helped him to improve his running ability. He now also owns a Seiko metronome and making good use of it with his indoor training on our treadmill. My husband is now 69 and still a winning triathlete!

Mierke is an expert in Evolution style running and presents the knowledge necessary to improve one's running skills. The author also discusses approaches to racing and ideas for training plans for various triathlon distances. A great reference!

As a triathlete going on my 15th season, I have seen most of the stuff out there. This book is great in that it starts by teaching running technique, which most people ignore. Sure we all know technique is crucial in swimming, but it is in running as well. The author also has a video on his "Evolution" run technique which I have on order.

He claims to have achieved significant efficiency and hence speed improvements in even long-time elite runners, and I believe it. Look at it it this way - you can spend $1000 on race wheels and gain 30secs, or spend a few dollars on this book and/or video and gain more time through efficiency increases.

He also points out that most running injuries are caused by poor technique, and I agree completely. If you have a nagging injury, fix your technique. I have seen this work myself on many runners - try it.

A wonderful bonus is that this book contains one of the best summaries of eating to get and stay lean that I have seen. An entire chpater is devoted to this, and makes the book well worth it if you are just trying to figure out how to lose weight.

This is a worthy and high return on investment book for any triathlete.

Sometimes you're glad when you're asked by Amazon to review a book - in some cases due to the fact that they stink, in others because you've purchased something that you really feel that you can recommend to others. This book belongs in the second category.

The Triathlete's Guide to Run Training is simply the most comprehensive and well structured, easy-to-read, hands-on book about running that I've ever seen (and believe me, as a triathlete I've gone through everything from Posetech to ChiRunning in my quest for reduced run times).

The book will take you through Technique (the actual physics of running, i.e., where does all that energy go that you spend on the track?, how to reduce energy waste and maximize forward propulsion, etc.), Training (planning, bricks, etc.), Preparations, and finally, Racing. The way it's done makes you understand just how good Mierke must be as a coach: everything is short, crisp and to the point.

If you're training by yourself, there are plenty of drills in the book that will take you a long way towards better running efficiency. If you're a coach, there's a lot of stuff from basic to advanced that you can use in your coaching. If you're training with a coach, give him the book and ask him to use it when coaching you - I did and the result has been remarkable: not only do I run faster, I run almost effortlessly after hard biking, and - moreover - I enjoy my running even during races. The only thing that has made that much of a difference for my racing is Total Immersion Swimming (which, by the way, also focuses on efficiency rather than raw power).

In short: highly recommendable book for anyone who's interested in running faster and more efficient (is there anyone who doesn't?). Extra plus for the integration of running into biking specifically and triathlon in general.