5 comments about Mind Gym : An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence.

1. This book includes many of the basic mental concepts discussed in sports: staying positive, etc. Although there were some helpful tips, it was a task to sort through the excessive name dropping. As an athlete, I don't need to know the names of everyone the author has ever helped. I assume, since I am buying and reading the book, that I will at least somewhat trust what is being said and that I will be willing to try it myself. If you need the 150/224 pages of professional athlete anecdotes, then this book is for you. If, like most athletes, you don't have time to sit and read fluff, find another book.



2. I am an 1,90 and 120kg marathon runner. When I announced that I intend to run a marathon the reactions varied from amusement to worry that I will not survive. That might have been the case if I wouldn't have had THIS book. It made all the difference in the world. Maybe half of the training time was "mind gym".
   The result? Not only I have finished alive but I made quite a good time (3h44). This performance changed not my weight (I am still 120kg) but my self-image. I know now that the only limits are in my head. I changed. A lot. From the introvertit obese to the cocky, confident obese :) I fired my boss. Actually, the company fired him for mobbing. I got a fat settlement. I switched careers. I took one sabbatical year and focused on learning trading. Here, again, the "Mind gym" made a huge difference. I become profitable and then ... very profitable. I don't own a Porsche but I am free (of worries, schedules, bosses)
   
   If you intend to buy only one book for the next year: BUY THIS ONE !!



3. Pretty good book if you need some general motivation... The author knows the topic and gives some good examples, but doesn't really get into specific actions to help resolve issues. Also, alot of baseball and golf examples, I found it hard to relate it to the sports I am involved in. Tons of great quotes, etc to get you amped.



4. This book is tough to review because people have different expectations with sport psychology books. If you are looking for a neatly organized system of beliefs, principles, and exercises to begin applying to your game tomorrow this might not be the book for you. Maybe you should check out With Winning In Mind or 10-Minute Mental Toughness? With that said, I loved this book. Once you start it you might not be able to put it down. Its a motivational book that weaves sports psychology principles into stories to illustrate the importance of each principle. This book inspired me to write down an effective system of beliefs and checklists I can go through before a game. The important part is the system and beliefs are mine.



5. This book was recommended to me get over issues I had playing racquetball. I kept making mental mistakes and things got worse as the match progressed. This book has taught me how to stay focus and keep moving forward. My game has improved quite a bit and I have beaten players that I have never beaten before. When things go wrong I use the techniques in this book. I highly recommend this book for anyone who needs to take the next step. This is one of those books that you will read more than once and make notes of certain chapters.

5 comments about Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes.

1. Nice base information, i always find somthing new every time i get a chance to stop and read.



2. As a relative newcomer to endurance racing this has become my de-facto reference text. I've read the book cover to cover and highly recommend that you do so as well. Unlike the hundreds of training or nutrition fad books out there, Monique Ryan focuses on the fundamentals of nutrition, hydration, and the physiology of your body. For the first time, I can finally connect the dots between the nutrition discoveries I've made along the way while experimenting with my own diet, and even more importantly, I now understand why they worked. Likewise for hydration, supplements and recovery.
   
   A must read if you are serious about any endurance sport, and best of all, it is a very well written book that you can read from start to finish without any prior knowledge on the subject. Highly recommended.



3. I'm a distance a runner and I care about my nutrition, but what I don't care about is the inner science behind it. What I wanted was a reference guide to tell me what foods I should eat with maybe a BRIEF explanation why I should care to eat it. I don't want chapters and chapters of food sciences! Just tell me, eat X, Y, and Z, which will help you with A, B, and C with regards to distance running or any endurance sport. I don't want to know about lipids, amino acids, blah blah blah. If I was a food science expert, it would make sense to me but since I'm not, I feel like I'm reading through my college textbook.
   
   I did enjoy the tables in most of the chapters where certain foods were listed in order of how much of a particular ingredient they had (e.g. Omega-3, protein, carbs, etc). If the entire book was just a bunch of those tables along with one or two paragraphs of why those are good for you, I would've enjoyed reading this book much more. Instead, I had to put it down after about 1/3 of the way.



4. it was in great conditions and was quickly delivered. all I expect when buying a book. thanks!



5. Overall, a fairly useful book that a novice in the area like myself was able to learn from.

5 comments about Co-Active Coaching, 2nd Edition: New Skills for Coaching People Toward Success in Work and, Life.

1. I am a Life Coach and I find Co-Active Coaching a very useful training manual. It clearly lays out the Co-Active model for coaching so readers understand the assumptions, the style and the emphases of this model. Perhaps another name for Co-Active Coaching would be Collaborative Coaching. Many clients come to life coaching with the misconception that the Life Coach is like a sports coach who trains and directs. The writer clearly points out that the relationship, not the Coach, is what empowers the client.
   The book comes with a CD loaded with many tools for coaches. This book is a bargain for the value.



2. The second addition of Co-Active Coaching is a must for any coach. It is great to see how far the field has come since the release of the first addition and how much the co-active method is being used outside the field of coaching. The new addition has an added bonus of providing a CD with audio and documents coaches can use in their own practice.
   
   This book provides tools, questions, and explanation regarding all the basics of the co-active model. Whether you are a seasoned coach or one just getting started, this book is a must. At [...] you can see that I used the same principles covered in this book, and that is because this book does an excellent job covering all the essentials needed for co-active coaching.
   
   I highly recomend this book.
   
   -Radley Watkins
   [...]



3. As someone who has coached CEOs, company owners, and members of senior management teams this book was a revelation.
   
   It's never about you...it is always about them.
   
   The clients are "naturally creative, resourceful, and whole and capable of finding the answers they need." The magic is in asking the questions, listening, managing process, and, in a term that truly captures the book, "dancing in the moment."
   
   The book also includes a CD that includes audio coaching sessions as well as a number of PDF files that reproduce The Coach's Toolkit. An unexpected bonus.



4. I have tried several books written for coaches offering guidance, resources, tools, business strategies for coaches. However, sometimes I have been disappointed. This book does work for me and other colleagues in coaching because for over 1 1/2 years, I have used and continue to use this book extensively as: 1)it was required text for graduate-level Organizational Development degree course; 2) required text for my current coach certification training program (MentorCoach LLC); and 3) it is a helpful desktop reference with forms and a CD--good for both established and new coaches. My copy is well-worn and I intend to keep this book in my coaching toolkit.



5. To their credit, the authors of this text do address the larger issues of the values that are behind the client's agenda, and they attempt to justify their approach by seeking those as the larger goal underneath the particular task(s) for which they may be engaged. Despite their efforts, this book reflects all of the philosophical objections one can raise when value neutral counseling or coaching is promoted.
   
   No one can offer an unbiased worldview when approaching the issues, choices, and problems of life (my own preconceptions are admittedly Christian). The coach will inevitably bring his own presuppositions to the process of coaching. The authors are no exception. Beginning with their discussion of Balance in Chapter 1, they attempt to justify human wisdom about what is important in life, defining it as what is truly important to the client. They make their own value judgment that balance is, of itself, a worthy goal, without questioning exactly what is weighed. It is my view that if Christian values are not the basis of coaching, then the blind are leading the blind to rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic (to combine metaphors).
   
   This is aptly illustrated by the ostensibly unbiased view the coach is to take about the client's methods in achieving his goals (see "Spaciousness" p.17). The coach is completely detached from any judgments about means or ends "so long as the client continues to move toward the results the client wants. This `end justifies the means' argument is bad enough, but apparently not even the end is open to question. Where conscience might operate, the authors position might be construed as labeling it a "gremlin".
   
   The importance of good listening skills led to a discussion of something presented as "Level 3 Listening". There are several problems with this technique as presented. It seems to be a synthesis of the coach and client's mental process - a rather mystical concept - that is not very well defined. It seems to offer rather fertile ground for the injection of the coach's bias. It is later presented under the category of direct observation, which raises the question of who is really being observed, the coach or the client?
   
   Values are directly addressed in Chapter 8 "Client Fulfillment". Space does not permit a complete dissection of the authors' views here, but several points are worthy of note. Statements like "values are not morals.... are not principles" (p.119) are at the heart of the problem with their approach. Their view that "what is to be admired is not the value itself, but your client's ability to live that value fully in his life" is, quite simply, shocking. By that logic the client's fulfillment of his value of personal power would lead to a sense of "rightness" when he betrays his co-worker.
   
   I'll end my response to this book by noting that the description of Process Coaching (pp.143-156) strongly resembles gestalt psychotherapy. This is a particularly new age approach that was probably to be expected in this book. As the authors pronounced "it's the process that counts", I was hearing in my mind "Life is a journey, Grasshopper!"
   
   While there was valuable content to be found in this book, I found it to be morally and spiritually blind.

5 comments about Stretching Anatomy.

1. Stretching Anatomy has lovely color illustrations of men and women performing the different stretches. The chapters are uncomplicated and it is easy to quickly reference all of the muscles and their actions. I really like the chapters on Arms, wrists and hands and also knees and thighs. Every illustrated stretch has a box beneath with a detailed color picture of the anatomy, all muscles are labeled clearly. You can quickly sort out any confusion you may have between similar sounding muscles. I get my Teres Major and minor muscles mixed up for example or my Flexor carpi radialis brevis and longus. A quick look in this book will set you straight in a short space of time.
   
   Generally 2 pages are dedicated to each stretch, one page has the illustrations the other page has three short paragraphs, no more than several lines in each paragraph though. "Technique", "Muscles stretched" (most stretched and least stretched), and "Commentary" which gives you modifications, variations and various tips on deepening the stretch. The information is very brief. If you need more detail on muscles involved, or origins and insertions, this is not the book for you, explanations are limited to muscle action and pictures.
   
   This is a very nice, simple and uncomplicated book, if you want a little more detail I would suggest spending around $5 more and getting "The anatomy of stretching" by Brad Walker (very similar titles)or at least review both books before buying to see which suits you best.
   
   At the end of each chapter of "Stretching Anatomy" all muscles are listed down the left side of the page and the actions across the top of the page. Ticks symbols show the action of each muscle. This book is a useful tool for anyone reviewing muscles for their anatomy exams, massage therapists, fitness instructors, physiotherapists who are just starting out etc. The stretches shown for arms and wrists are my favorite. Whether you are a yoga instructor looking for a few new ways to warm up your students before their Asana practice (a good deal of the stretches shown remind me of yoga poses such as Janu Sirsasana, Baddah konasana, paschimottanasana, or you are a massage therapist educating your clients on self care, or an athlete looking for information on increasing flexibility this 143 page book is very handy as a reference book or as a guide to design your own stretching sequences.



2. I have been trying to stretch correctly for years, but wasn't always targeting the right muscles. This book helps me target the right areas.



3. This book has the best illustrations and stretches out there. This book is a great value.



4. The illustrations identify muscles and muscle groups very well, the text is informative without being too technical, the instructions are clear. Best of all, the actual stretches work wonders. I like knowing what I am supposed to be doing with each stretch, and here it all is!



5. Shows which muscles are meant to be stretched by which exercise so you know where you should be feeling the stretch.
   
   Diagrams are superb as are exercise instructions.
   
   Brilliant book.

5 comments about Strength Training Anatomy - 2nd Edition.

1. I have been lifting for years and this book helped me really see what was going on with the muscles in action. It is a good reference to see the correct form and muscles being used in various exercises and the details of the drawings are wonderful. It also has tips for avoiding injuries and working around them if they do happen. All-in-all I am very pleased with this book, if you are into body building or just interested in how the muscles work during motion I would highly recommend this book.



2. I enjoy weight lifting, and this definitely shows in extreme detail every muscle that is worked out. A lot of good pictures and some informative info to go along with the pics.



3. This is a must own for anyone who is dedicated to strengthening, training, improving or maintaining their body. Easy to read, easy to reference, easy to understand. Seriously, it's a must own book for anyone that is active or is just starting. You don't have to be a body builder to benefit from this book either. It's shown in a way that removes weight lifting comparisons and ONLY focuses on the muscles and the body.



4. Clear and very-detailed color illustrations of muscles involved in each exercise. Shows relationship between muscle and bone. Variations of exercise technique are given. Explains consequences of improperly executed exercise. Instructs how to breathe through the movement of the exercise.



5. I love love love this book. everything in it is organized and detailed, my only complaint is that i would have liked something a bit more comprehensive. this book mostly deals with basic moves and leaves all the others out. I know its not possible to include every exercise but it would have been nice to get a few more in there. aside from that its a wonderful book, well worth the money i spent on it.

5 comments about Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning - 3rd Edition.

1. If you are studying for the CSCS I would highly recommend this textbook! It's an easy read and is loaded with tons of useful information. The sample quizzes at the end of each chapter really help to make sure you understand what you're reading, and the examples it gives of each topic are very helpful too. One of the few textbooks that I do not regret buying!!



2. This textbook is the required text for my Principles of Human Performance class at Missouri Baptist. The material in this book is very thorough and provides tables and step by step images of the CSCS certification application tests. The book gives you most of the information you need for National Certification for Personal Training and Strength and Conditioning. It's very easy to read and understand, but be aware that this book should be a compliment to the NSCM study material. I would recommend it to anyone thinking of pursuing Personal Training or Strength and Conditioning!



3. The title says it all. This book is the authority on strength training and conditioning. A lot of detailed info in this book that is necessary to pass the CSCS exam. Read chapters at least twice to full understand the concepts and memorize the vocab words. Peace.



4. I really enjoy this book. The product was shipped on time and the condition was excellent. It was better than I though it would be.



5. I recently upgraded to this from the 2nd edition and have been pleasantly surprised. If you are involved in S&C then you need this text purely because of the amount of information inside its covers. The choice of chapter authors is more varied this time around - each offering their own insight into each section.
   
   Some of the content is a little dated still, but this doesn't mean it should be completely discredited. There are certainly better options out there for each specialist topic, but I don't know of another text out there that has so much on such a wide range of sub-fields in one place.
   
   The ratings for this book below depend on the context of the reader:
   
   Coach: 4/5
   Athlete: 3/5
   Sport Scientist/Student: 4/5
   
   More reviews of books like this are on my blog, which is listed in my profile.

5 comments about The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer.

1. My one problem with this book is that the training plan starts off with three miles on the first day. While I'm not completely sedentary, I am the very definition of a "non-runner" and cannot do that right off the bat. But reading the book has been enjoyable and motivating. Since I got the book, I've been running a little bit more each day until I can finally start with week one in the book. I have also given a copy to a friend who has found it very uplifting and motivating to make some goals for her own physical health.



2. This book is good for people that have never run before. This is definitely something anyone could do.



3. I bought this book last year. The book flows like a class with each chapter building on the previous one. This training plan helped me complete the training and then complete the marathon. This book would be great for beginners who wish to COMPLETE the marathon. This, in no way, should be used by people who want to set a time goal and push too hard.
   
   This program is simple. There is a build phase that will prepare you with a multiple week training to get to be able to jog 30 mins straight. After that the remaining weeks build up to the marathon distance. The program only has 4 runs per week with the max run distance of the longest run at 18 miles! No other training program out there claims a shorter long run. For us mortal, (somewhat overweight) runners- this type of program is ideal to get that medal and capture the memory of becoming part of the 1%.



4. I read this book last summer while training for a half marathon. This book was so easy to read and so helpful. I still reference it and have recommended it to running friends.



5. Two weeks ago I ran my first marathon in New Orleans. It was in every way the experience of a lifetime- and I credit that largely to this book. The book covers every aspect of the training from physical to mental, and acts as a personal trainer for any first timers training alone. The program seems light compared with several other running programs (only 4 runs a week, a longest run of 18miles as opposed to the more usual 20miles etc). This worried me so I did a comparison of several other beginner marathon programs including Runner's World and Jeff Galloway. Turned out that the total mileages were almost identical- the difference was the buildup. This program included several long runs at each of the big distances, with slow increases- helpful for a beginner hoping to avoid injury, whilst many other programs ramped up slightly faster for 3 weeks with a fourth 'down' week with a lower mileage. Basically, this is a slow and steady program that will absolutely condition you to successfully run a slow and steady marathon. If that's what you are looking for, this book will get you to the finish line in great shape. One final note- I would agree with other reviewers that a few extra months of comfortable running before you start would be a good idea. I would suggest choosing a marathon at least 6 months away unless you are already in good shape. Have a great marathon!

5 comments about The Time-Crunched Cyclist: Fit, Fast, and Powerful in 6 Hours a Week.

1. I started cycling again a few years ago after having ridden a bunch in high school and college. I had always ridden for transportation and a little fun on the weekends, but I started going on some group rides and found that I was pretty fast. So, I started riding with the "fast" guys. I made a lot of progress (got faster) two seasons ago without any specific training plan, and decided to try my hand at racing. So, I decided I needed to have an actual training plan. I read and tried to follow Joel Friel's Training Bible and made progress last season, but felt that there was something that wasn't quite right. I felt like the prior season had been much more beneficial. I was training smarter, but I wasn't progressing like I thought I should. The training often seemed way too easy. I read this book, and it all started to make some sense. I was rarely able to train more than 8 hrs/wk. When Friel's plan started calling for 10-13 hrs/wk, I just wasn't able to make it happen. I think I just wasn't stressing my body enough last season.
   
   The TCTP (Time Crunched Training Plan) replaces volume with intensity, so you don't have to try to put in 10-12 hrs/wk. Based on my experience of the last two seasons, this should work.
   
   The book is well written. He talks about making it short because he knows the readers are "time-crunched". I felt he could have shortened it a bit more, but it is way better than other books on training that are way too wordy. The three real life examples of CTS clients that have successfully used the TCTP are very motivational and effective as to how to use the plan.
   
   I respectfully disagree with Peter Krogh's review that the book is only for century rider. I think he must have missed some of the book if it came as a surprise that you could be racing during the training plan. pg 5 - "Rutberg put Sterling on the TCTP six weeks before the start of the 2007 spring races in the Carolinas. He rode four times a week, never more than 7 hours total, raced four times in 8 weeks, and finished fourth, eighth, first, and third." pg 17 - "The TCTP is a high-intensity, low-volume training program that produces the fitness and power necessary to push the pace in local group rides and to be competitive in local and regional criteriums, cross-country and short-track mountain bike races, and cyclocross races." pg 17 - "However, there are limits....although the program lets Sterling race for the win, there's a reason he's focusing on the spring and fall series instead of trying to win races throughout the entire season." The book also goes on to detail Taylor Carrington's use of the plan to prepare to race Cyclocross Nationals and describes how he starts racing early in the plan to work on skills even though his fitness isn't very far along. Anyway, I don't get what Mr. Krogh is talking about.
   
   At first read, I didn't understand what you are supposed to do in the 4-6 weeks between sessions. He explains it early in the book and calls it "Maintenance". It is so far in front of the actual plan that I had forgotten about it by the end of the book. When I went back through it, it was plain as day. The maintenance period should probably be briefly touched on again in relationship to the plans.
   
   I'm looking forward to using the TCTP to prepare for the 2010 season. I've set it up to be peaking in April, July, and November. I wanted to write a review now because it is likely that I won't get back to it after I'm done racing next December.
   
   Best of luck to all of you wanting to be "Fit, Fast & Powerful"



2. Simple and straight forward explanation of the concept. Just enough of the science of it all for the target of the book. It was a quick read and worth the time. I will change my training this year because of the book.



3. Very well-argued book. The thinking behind the plan is made very clear and all of Chris's comments are illuminating. I've read several training books and have been training systematically for 3 years. No other coaching book is so clear about its intents. I'll incorporate some of his suggestions into this year's plan.
   
   The chapter on the actual training plans is somewhat confusing, dense and too short. I fthis is your first year training you're going to find it difficult to follow. minus one star.
   
   Chris shills for GU nutrition products at every chance. Seems a bit strange. Go to CTS web page and find that GU are a CTS sponsor. Shameful. minus one star.



4. This book has a lot of great information. I am presently in the third week of the training and know I will be a much stronger and more confident rider in the end. The only recommendation I have is that you take notes while you are reading it. It takes some time to find information after you have finished. I am thinking of re-reading to get everything stronger in my mind and noting where important information is located.



5. The title of my review summarizes my opinion of this book. There is lots of good stuff but, for me, I find it all a bit disorganized and he seems to take too long to get to the point.
   The book looks like it was written by different people from a range of long winded audio notes. The writing style varies widely and in many places is repetitive. Often different places in the book state differing ideas and values (such as workout timing and the period of the training), probably the result of parts being written at widely different times.
   
   If this book was better written it could have been a modern training reference. As it stands it's still a worthwhile addition for anyone who has an interest in cycle training.

5 comments about Runner's World Run Less, Run Faster: Become a Faster, Stronger Runner with the Revolutionary FIRST Training Program (Runners World).

1. I followed the First Marathon training plan included in this book.
   I ran my first Marathon, NYC, in 3:37. program allowed me to cross train, which is important to me as I had an ACL reconstruction surgery 12 months before I started training.
   If you combine this book with a good nutrition guide, you can certainly achieve your goals.



2. I'll admit, the idea that you could successfully prepare for a marathon with only three running days a week seemed unlikely, and doubly so the notion that your times could improve. But after a few years of nagging injuries, it seemed worth a shot.
   
   Does it work? A half marathon personal record and near marathon PR, at age 46 and after 11 previous marathons, convinced me that the answer is a big YES! Here's my take on the pros and cons of the FIRST approach:
   
   Pros
   
   - Extremely clear, specific training plans for distances from 5K to marathon. After reading the book, you'll have everything you need to hit to road well prepared.
   
   - Empirically validated. In addition to being runners, the authors are researchers who have conducted studies demonstrating the efficacy of the approach. So, you can enter the program knowing it's been rigorously tested and proved. Of course, the reviews below say the same thing.
   
   - For me at least, helped avoid the calf/hip injuries that plagued me over the last two years.
   
   - Included more holistic discussions of nutrition, strength training, and stretching which are so important to a running program.
   
   Cons
   
   - Something like a third of the book is runner testimonials. While I personally found them interesting and useful, they may turn some off.
   
   - There wasn't much information on "tapering," the pre-race rest period for marathons. I guess this was built in the schedules, but it would have helped me to have a fuller discussion.
   
   Other observations
   
   - This is NOT an easy program! The "price" of running only three days is harder workouts. I have never run as intense weekly workouts. However, the rest/cross training made them doable.
   
   - If you're a triathlete, the program would be great in that you could still maintain your swimming/cycling training on the off days.
   
   - There is some additional helpful information on their web site. Just Google "Furman FIRST."
   
   Best of luck in your running, and I hope you find the program as helpful as I did!



3. I highly recommend the Run Less, Run Faster book and training program. I ran my first marathon last weekend at the Richmond Marathon in 3:43 time. I am not an avid runner and didn't have much time to put into the training due to job and a new baby in the house, however, a neighbor recommended this book and I followed the key 3 runs per week (track, tempo and long runs) fairly strickly. I only missing 1 long run in the 16 week program. I also didn't have time or energy to complete the cross-training days and ended up achieving my stretch goal time on race day anyways. I felt perfectly prepared by the book's advice that covers everything from nutrition, stretching, flexibility, detailed training programs for 5K, 10K, half and full marathons that fit your level of running, based on your prior shorter runs, training and race tips, pace charts, etc. I just stuck to the book and it delivered a great result for me. Thank you Bill and Scott for a wonderful contribution that allowed even a novice newby achieved a life milestone. The marathon is now checked off my bucket list!



4. This is a pretty good read with alot of testing backup. It really only addresses marathon runners as far as testing goes, not anything for 5k or 10k runners. All the testimonials are in regards to marathons. The advise is diametrically opposite what alot of the running community embraces, which is to run as much as possible. The goal here is high intensity quality runs with recovery in between. Could think of hard/easy with the easy really easy accomplishing about the same thing. What I like is the exact training paces given for your runs. You can actually just get all the information on line if you don't mind having loose papers.



5. The prompt for this review occurred when I purchased my 3rd copy from Amazon. I have my own a copy and gave the other copies to friends. The book is full of wonderful narrative, data, illustrations, and training schedules. The book is an excellent resource, even new runners who are years from their first marathon. I could drone on with details and the success it has brought me, but instead of reading a long review and personal testimony, spend your time reading the book. FIRST works.

5 comments about Racing Weight: How to Get Lean for Peak Performance.

1. This book is a wonderful resource for any endurance athlete trying to be the optimal weight for performance! The advice and suggestions are proven to be successful and have been great for me!



2. This well written book offers valuable insight into discovering and maintaining your ideal racing weight. Informative and easy to read.



3. This long overdue book with advice about reaching your ideal racing weight in various types of sport (running, cross-country skiing, cycling, rowing and swimming) is well-written and very informative. I would recommend it for (almost) everyone who wants to lose weight and lean up for peak performance. As a vegan, I have one very serious problem with the dietary advice though. Good (quality) food types are arbitrarily divided into fruit, lean protein, whole grain, low fat dairy and essential fats. Athletes are supposed to eat at least one and in some cases more than one serving of each of these categories, to maximize their nutrition. Fine and dandy. Problem is, one of the mainstays of vegan nutrition - and in many cases omnivore nutrition as well - is simply ignored. That is of course beans and legumes. You won't find a word of advice about eating healthy, carb- and protein-loaded (not to mention fiber & a host of other nutrients including calcium!) beans of a wide variety, and other legumes such as lentils. That is like writing a book about opera and leaving out Puccini or Verdi! A major error like this makes me question other assumptions and conclusions. Who edited this book? Anybody with at least a working knowledge of nutrition knows that beans and legumes play an invaluable role in a healthy diet.



4. Not an amazing book but I found that i was able to get a handful of good ideas from it. I already did all the calorie counting and so I am beyond that so I sort of skipped over a lot of that detail and just focused on the main messages that were given. It has a section that shows you what the pros eat which was fun. The one chapter has some great recipes too. Bottom line is that there is no magic to becoming lean so there is no magic in this book either. But there are some good solid principles to follow.



5. I purchased this book in my quest to loose weight while training for an upcoming 1/2 marathon. I am not a very skilled athlete in the sport of running but I do enjoy exercising daily and love to run. As many runners know, the key to improving your racing times is to be at your best performance weight. Although we know this, it is often difficult to acheive for many reasons. This book outlines many different sports (cycling, swimming, skiing, running, ect..)and how each sport requires a different body type, strength, and endurance. It talks about how genetics play a role in our body type and how using food to fuel our bodies will help us acheive our optimal performance weight. I am looking forward to putting some of this information to the test in my next training cycle. He offers inexpensive and practical ways to keep track of body fat, weight, and other numbers that any athlete is sure to love. I think this book has something to offer serious endurance athletes as well as recreational athletes looking to improve in their sport by fueling their bodies for their personal best results.