Product Description This new third edition of a classic text explores the scientific principles, concepts and theories of strength training and conditioning as well as their practical applications to athletic performance. Packed with full-colour photographs, it is the most comprehensive reference available for strength and conditioning professionals. Each chapter provides an overview of an important aspect of strength and conditioning and includes chapter objectives, key points, key terms and questions requiring practical application of key concepts. Within this new edition, the editors and contributors offer an improved version of the text that frames the latest and most significant strength training and conditioning developments in a reader-friendly format.The book preserves all of the most popular attributes of the previous two editions, including well-organised chapters, illustrations and tables explaining key concepts and the latest research findings. Significant changes have been made from the previous edition including the streamlining and re-ordering of several chapters.
Evidence-Based Exercise Info at its BestNovember 13, 2008 45 out of 46 found this review helpful
When it comes to telling people how to train, I want to know that the advice I give is based on evidence, not what on other people say, and not on what I "think" is going to work. While you could dig around on various electronic databases, such as Medline to get such information, its nice to have all the latest excercise recommendations based on sound research at your fingertips. And if you're looking for such a book, well, look no further.
Readers who regularly read sports science research will see some familiar names on page vii, which contains the list of people who contributed to the book. To me, knowing that people like Kraemer, Faigenbaum, or Hatfield had a hand in this book puts it on solid ground.
And the book is thorough too. Covering just about every aspect of conditioning and training, from basic exercise physiology to how many sets of an exercise should I do, its just a plain fact that there's not much that has been left out. Of course all the major areas such as strength training, endurance training, and flexibility are there as well. Also notable are the great pictures of stretching and strengthening exercises as well as little numbers (2) to refer the reader to the study the info was taken from. Right on!
My criticisms of this book are picky and few. For example I did notice that on page 299 the book advocates holding a static stretch for 30 seconds to become more flexible. Experts in the field who keep up on the research may not agree with this. While the 30 seconds rule applies to a lot of muscle groups, it does not apply to all- like stretching the calf muscles to increase dorsiflexion (see The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution for a nice updated literature review on ankle stretching). In case you're wondering, 30s won't cut it to increase ankle ROM.
In conclusion, as a researcher and trainer, I was really impressed with the evidence-based information and the thoroughness of the text. I think it would be of most benefit to coaches, athletic trainers, personal trainers, or anyone who wants a good resource to guide their exercise prescriptions.
Best Standards in Atheltic fitness TrainingNovember 1, 2008 The book provides some of the best applicable concepts in fitness training for the athlete and warrior. Training principles provided in the book are applicable to any type of workout (i.e., MMA, Crossfit, Hyperfit, Monkeyfit, Underground training, and traditional workouts.)
New CSCS bookOctober 31, 2008 This book, is long over due. But finally it is here the data is current, and it is presented 10 times better than the past two editions!!
Great itemOctober 6, 2008 Did not take long to recieve on standard shipping, the book came in perfect condition and it is a great resource
good book, latest studiesOctober 1, 2008 it has latest research studies, and colored, easier to understand. it smells weird when i first purchased, but i think it is just a smell of a new book that I don't like.
