Review of Martial Arts After 40 (Paperback)

The hardest I've ever been hit was by a 57 year-old Japanese martial artist who nearly broke my leg with an arm block, a truly amazing feat. If you truly understand the techniques and bio-mechanics, age matters not in the martial arts.

This interesting book covers attributes of fitness, flexibility, power, reflexes, coordination, speed, and endurance with a focus on older martial artists. There is pretty good coverage on the effects of aging and how to train hard without hurting yourself. The sections on injury prevention, self-care, and over training are worth the price of admission. If you've never practiced martial arts before, the sections on progression in the martial arts, sparring, and forms are also very good. They are not particularly useful if you've been doing this a while, however. The introduction and the first few chapters are very basic indeed. The section on weapons forms near the end is a nice bonus though.

All in all the vast majority of material in this tome has been covered better in other books, some written by Kim himself. The target audience is the middle-aged beginner who is interested in pursuing an education in martial arts. If you are over 40, new to martial arts, and only going to purchase one book, this is it.

If you have been training for a while I wouldn't put this too high on the priority list. I'd recommend "Ultimate Flexibility: A Complete Guide to Stretching for Martial Arts" by Sang H. Kim along with "The Fighter's Body: An Owner's Manual: Your Guide to Diet, Nutrition, Exercise and Excellence in the Martial Arts" by Loren W. Christensen instead. Yeah, it's two books rather than one, but I think that combined they have the depth advanced practitioners require.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

Product Description
Martial Arts After 40 is the first book on the market tocater to two growing populations, martial artists and babyboomers. Once a blood and guts sport for tough young men, martial artsis now touted by athletes, aerobics trainers, actors, super models andsoccer moms as the number one way for adults to get fit and stay inshape. This book addresses important questions like:
How old is too old start a marital art?
What type of exercises are best (and which ones are dangerous) forthe over-40 martial artist?
What are the effects of aging and how can martial arts combat them?
How can baby boomers keep up in a martial arts class full ofgen-Xers?
What types of injuries are most prevalent after 40 and how can theybe prevented?
This book takes a positive and enthusiastic approach to taking up orcontinuing a martial art in middle age or later. Readers will beinspired, reassured and educated.

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Review of Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder (Paperback)

The book is an autobiography of Arnold, up through the mid-70s. It is interesting to be inside the mind of a super-athlete such as Schwarzenegger. He conveys how and why he rose to become what many believeto be the greatest bodybuilder of all-time. He writes about many of thedistractions of the early days -- girls, school, parental disaproval, ayear of army duty -- and how he dealt with these and managed to stayfocused on his dream to be the best at the sport.
Within five years hebecame Mr. Universe.He perservered to become more than just a greatbodybuilder.He became a superstar. After he had beat every otherbodybuilder of his time, he decided to do away with competing andaccomplish his next set of goals. He went into acting, and as we all know,became an international moviestar. In addition he went into the promotionside of bodybuilding, running competions such as Mr. Olympia, Mr. Universe,and of course, the Arnold Classic. He also set up many gyms in severalcountries.
The second half of the book is a rough guide on how to begina progressive resistance program, additional motivational advice, nutritionand the like.
Throughout the book he demonstrates the many benifits heobtained from bodybuilding -- optimal health, discipline, mind control,etc. Basically, I found it very inspirational to read. However, I wouldsuggest not to solely rely on the information in the second half forworkout planning. Though it is good information, it is somewhat brief, andit is WHAT WORKED FOR HIM. Everyone varies in their response to weighttraining (i.e. how quickly their muscles grow) due to geneticpredispositions, such as natural metabolism level, andand I would suggestgetting additional, more comprehensive information, such as Gold's Gym MassBuilding Training and Nutrition System, or check your local bookstore anddo some browsing through the selection to see what appeals to yourinterest.

Product Description

Five-time Mr. Universe, seven-time Mr. Olympia, and Mr. World, Arnold Schwarzenegger is the name in bodybuilding.
Here is his classic bestselling autobiography, which explains how the "Austrian Oak" came to the sport of bodybuilding and aspired to be the star he has become.
"I still remember that first visit to the bodybuilding gym. I had never seen anyone lifting weights before. Those guys were huge and brutal....The weight lifters shone with sweat; they were powerful looking, Herculean. And there it was before me -- my life, the answer I'd been seeking. It clicked. It was something I suddenly just seemed to reach out and find, as if I'd been crossing a suspended bridge and finally stepped off onto solid ground."
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold shares his fitness and training secrets -- demonstrating with a comprehensive step-by-step program and dietary hints how to use bodybuilding for better health. His program includes a special four-day regimen of specific exercises to develop individual muscle groups -- each exercise illustrated with photos of Arnold in action.
For fans and would-be bodybuilders, this is Arnold in his own words.

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Review of The Ultimate Ride (Paperback)

I would assume that most people who buy this book do so because they're looking to self-train themselves and need some guidance on how to do so. That, at least, is the reason I looked into it. Unfortunately, the Ultimate Ride is inadequate for such a purpose.
Carmichael emphasizes that periodization is the best way to organize your training year. However, he gives you no advice on how to actually do this. He tells you its important, but doesn't get into the hows and whys of it. He gives examples of training months (4 total), but offers no insights on planning subsequent months, or on linking months together coherently. He tells you that you should gradually increase "workout stimulus" in a stairstep fashion, but doesn't describe how to actually do it.
This is the biggest problem with Carmichael's book- he tends to tell you that things are important, but doesn't bother describing how to put them into practice. As a cyclist you already KNOW that these things- training principles, cycling techniques, skills, etc.- are important- that's why you bought the book to begin with! What you need to know is HOW to improve them. This is where Carmichael fails.
I suspect this failure is intentional. The reviewer below who likened the book to an infomercial was spot-on. Carmichael is trying to sell his training program, CTS. The reason this book is so spotty is that he wants you to go out and join his program to get the answers and the training that this book leaves you hungry for. This is pretty shoddy business, if you ask me.
I give it two stars because there is a smattering of helpful information, such as nutritional concerns and some good workouts. But much of the book consists of stuff you already know, or is filled with "Ra-ra-you-can-do-it-you're-the-champion-110-percent!!!" pop sports psychology that you could get from any junior high gym class. Extremely disappointing, can't even recommend it for absolute novices.



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Review of Your First Triathlon (Paperback)

I did my first triathlon (sprint distance) in September after three months training, and I was lucky enough to have found this book towards the beginning of my training.Needless to say I am hooked and can't wait to do another one!!!The book did an amazing job of preparing me by arming me with the information I needed to train properly, learn new sports (I had never biked or swam seriously before), eat right, and avoid injury, and yet avoided getting too "hard core" (when you do your first triathlon you keep wondering whether or not you're crazy).Joe keeps it manageable.There is a scary overwhelmed feeling you can get when you start reading about some of the crazy training schedules and techniques out there -- and he really clears through all that and gets to the essentials you need to know to make it through your training and cross the finish line.For example, his race day prep chapter really helped me visualize what to expect on the big day.Also, I really liked his approach to gear -- you can really get sucked into buying a bunch of stuff -- and he emphasizes ways to work with stuff you already have (ex: your old mountain bike) until you're more experienced and can better select the right gear to invest in.Overall, I really liked his fun-first emphasis, while providing what is clearly well-researched and high quality information.Two thumbs up!

Product Description
Every year thousands of people decide to take on a sprint triathlon for the first time. Now USA Triathlon and USA Cycling certified coach Joe Friel provides a complete guide to finishing that first triathlon. The same principles and training methodology that the pros and committed triathletes rely on are presented here in language that a beginner can easily understand. Friel maps a course to prepare for a sprint-distance triathlon in 12 weeks, with five hours of training each week, plenty of rest, and the beginnings of a lifestyle marked by a commitment to health and fitness and personal growth. Your First Triathlon provides the training plans, workouts, checklists, and instruction that first-timers need. Joe Friel is known for his thorough approach and with his help, what may have begun as a challenge to complete a sprint triathlon will grow into a love for this demanding yet rewarding sport.

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Review of Complete Conditioning for Swimming (Paperback)

Finally, a good book focused on dryland training for swimmers. I got a copy for my sons, both who are competitive swimmers. It's interesting to note that in recent years even swim greats such as Michael Phelps have added dryland strength workouts to their long hours in the pool. As Phelps re-breaks world records he set in previous years, those results speak for themselves. The vast majority of these exercises can be done on a pool deck with minimal gear--elastic tubing, medicine balls, stability ball. The DVD showing how to execute most of the exercises is a nice bonus.

Product Description
From more powerful strokes to quicker turns, propel yourself to improved times with Complete Conditioning for Swimming.
This multidimensional training program uses fitness assessments to tailor strength, endurance, and flexibility exercises to each swimmer's individual needs.
Dave Salo, coach of Olympic medalists Lenny Krayzelburg, Aaron Peirsol, Amanda Beard, and Jason Lezak, and Scott A. Riewald, performance specialist for the U.S. Olympic Committee, have teamed up to create a comprehensive program that provides you with the following tools to improve your times:

• Exercises and drills for each stroke
• Event-based workouts and programs
• Dryland training
• Tapering for peak performance
• Year-round conditioning plans
• Nutrition before, during, and after swim meets

In addition, the 80-minute DVD takes you to the pool and into the gym to demonstrate the drills and exercises used by the sport's elite. Complete Conditioning for Swimming is simply the best guide to preparing your body for competitive success.

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Review of Bike for Life: How to Ride to 100 (Paperback)

This is one the best book I have read about biking, and I actually still read it almost every day, checking out different aspects related to cycling - health issues, nutrition advises, and especially exercises and stretching before and after every ride. The book answers almost all of my questions, and considering the fact thatI am a women and over 50, but still very ambitious to get better on the road, I find it so very useful - I could say necessary.

The only thing lacking in the book are photos or at least drawings in the chapters on exercises and yoga for cyclers. Maybe it is just me, but only reading the text-descriptions is not enough. Despite that, I would highly recommend the book to all cyclers, regardless of age. I learn enormously from it!

Product Description
Do you want to ride to 100? Bike for Life!
Ride a century when you turn a century. That's the promise offered by nationally-known bicycle journalists Roy M. Wallack and Bill Katovsky in Bike for Life, a blueprint for using cycling to achieve longevity, fitness, and overall well-being. America's largest participatory sport combines physical and mental challenges, relaxation, achievement, adventure, and social interaction as it unifies different generations and demographics in fitness and fun. To get the most our of your riding time, steer clear of the sport's potholes, and enjoy a long lifetime of fitness, Bike for Life's comprehensive plan includes:
- Cutting-edge training strategies for best-ever fitness at any age- An anti-aging strength plan to revive muscularity and reaction time- An exclusive 10-step cycling-specific yoga routine- How to beat common injuries like Cyclist's Knee and Biker's Back- Famous coaches' climbing, cornering, handling and eating tips - A cure for cycling-related sexual problems in men and women- 16 ways to stop the scary cycling-osteoporosis connection- List of must-do hill climbs, mass city rides, and cross-state events - Rx for Relationships: Reconciling cycling and significant others- How to survive mountain lions, bike-jackers, poison ivy, headwinds, & more

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Review of The Complete Book of Road Cycling & Racing (Paperback)

This book is a fantastic read for those just getting their feet wet into the world of cycling. This book covers equipment, maintenance, bike fitting, nutrition, and much more - including group riding etiquette.If you put the skills explained in this book to good use, you will become a better rider. The author uses a very conversational writing style and doesn't put you to sleep with incessant jargon.If you're new to the sport or just need a refresher on a few things, buy this book - you won't be disappointed.

Product Description

Ride faster, fitter, smarter, & farther


Every road rider has goals. Yours may be to begin racing, to become more competitive, or to win a specific tour. Not interested in racing? Perhaps you want to complete your first century ride, improve your overall fitness, or ride father and faster just for the sheer joy of flying on two wheels.


No matter what your goals, The Complete Book of Road Cycling and Racing gives you all the information you need to become a better, more performance-focused cyclist. Written by an accomplished racing coach, cyclist, and exercise physiologist, this book shows you how to:

• Fit the bike to your body for maximum efficiency and comfort
• Ride safely in a group
• Cope with any weather or altitude
• Maintain your bike
• Prepare for races of all types
• Master racing strategies and tactics
• Train efficiently and stay in peak condition year-round
• And much more

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Review of The Cyclist's Training Bible (Paperback)

If your idea of a good season is to just ride, or be pack fill until the hills then don't waste your money.On the otherhand, if you can set goals, want results and need to raise your performance year over year then get this book. You have to read, understand and follow the content of this book closely.If you can, then you will be able to set up a year 'round training program which will provide the results you have been looking for.This book is technical. You will have to focus as with any effective performance program.No, you really don't need the expensive testing stuff. You can get the same test information with a cheap wind trainer or the recommended time trial tests.A bike, a good heart rate monitor, this book and a true desire to get faster (in this order)is all you need.

Product Description

The Cyclist's Training Bible is the bestselling and most comprehensive training book for serious cyclists. New in this fourth edition are updates on all the latest advances in cycling training including training with a power meter, smarter approaches to recovery and fatigue management, a new approach to strength training, and updates to body composition and nutrition. All the charts, tables, and illustrations are now in a two-color format, making The Cyclist's Training Bible even easier to use.




The Cyclist's Training Bible has equipped thousands of cyclists for success in the sport. Using Friel's Training Bible methodology, cyclists create a comprehensive, self-coached training plan that is both scientifically proven and shaped around their personal goals.



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Review of Run Strong (Paperback)

In Run Strong 13 writers, with expertise and experience as coaches, trainers, exercise physiologists, physical therapists and runners (four Olympians among them) contribute 12 chapters covering all the topics essential to achieving success in middle-and long-distance running.

As a runner who has been competing for over 30 years, and as a certified running coach for 17 of those years, I believe that in order to be the best runner you can be, you should incorporate a number of other factors in your training besides running farther and faster.Once you understand the importance of efficient running mechanics, both for injury prevention and enhanced performance (well presented by several of the authors), you are prepared to include the activities that lead to theneuromuscular coordination that good form requires: core-strength; running-specific strength; balance; and dynamic flexibility through the full running range of motion.You are willing to learn as much as you can about fueling your body, allowing it ro recover from training and racing, and maintaining it should injury or illness strike.

Run Strong covers all of these essentials, and does so in manner easily accessible to the non-scientist.It includes a generous supply of photos illustrating key strength and stretch moves, tables summarizing recommendations, and sidebars adding interesting highlights.The editor has done a good job of cross-referencing chapters when the authors mention areas covered in another chapter.And yet the chapters can stand alone, so that the busy runner/reader can pick one topic here, another there, and come away with useful suggestions to be tried in the next workout or program design.

As a long-time coach, I have many how-to running books on my shelves, not to mention all the running fiction, biographies, autobiographies and combinations thereof.Run Strong will definitely find a place on the shelf nearest my workplace.


Product Description
Run faster and longer with less effort than ever before! Putting in the miles is only one part of the training equation. You can become a much stronger overall runner by improving leg turnover, efficiency, body alignment, muscle balance, and running-specific muscle strength, and by finding your most effective range of motion.
Expert coaches and runners show you how to assess what you need and implement these training methods into your current program. And if you're returning from injury, you can bounce back stronger and faster than ever before.
Make your base miles pay off by improving your efficiency and economy. With Run Strong you'll maximize your current fitness level and see results at the very next race!

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Review of Natural Bodybuilding (Paperback)

I use to bodybuild years ago and was discouraged by the drug use that was obviously there.After ten years I'm thinking about doing something I never quite accomplished; enter a show.I have a lot of books on the subject and I've read a lot through the years.I was so happy to see a book that was all about natural bodybuilding but I was still very skeptical.I've heard and read the term, "natural" from a lot of people but few have delivered.This book is clear and to the point and provides useful comparisons on the differences of natural bodybuilders to drug users.It explains how you have different limits than someone that uses enhancers.
I have a few books that I refer to whenever I'm trying to come up with a new program or if I just want to refresh my memory.When I read a book like this I will highlight certain key points.Things that I know will be good to look at when I go through the book again as a reference.This book is now filled with my highlights.
The paper quality is nice, which also makes for a good ref. book.

This book will be my guide for accomplishing my goal of a show.

Great book for any BodyBuilder!


Product Description
Get better and bigger results than you ever thought possible without using illicit or unhealthy drugs. Natural Bodybuilding provides the best training and nutrition prescription available for gaining mass and defining muscles the healthy way.
Detailed programs and workouts, specific techniques for particular lifts, proven dietary guidelines, a weeklong precompetition plan, and true inspirational success stories will help you reach your potential. See what great results you can achieve without incurring the expense and physical toll of a chemically crafted body.
IRONMAN columnist and champion natural bodybuilder John Hansen covers every facet, from the gym to the training table to the competitive stage. Get bigger the right way, with Natural Bodybuilding.

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Review of Championship Bodybuilding: Chris Aceto's Instruction Book For Bodybuilding (Plastic Comb)

Aceto is a smart guy and honestly tries to bring some scientific analysis to bodybuilding. So much of what is published on the topic is hype or unproven. Some bodybuilders may quibble with the fact that Aceto only mentions "known" facts about bodybuilding, but his presentation is better. No hype about building an "awesome physique" or "massive arms" or "ripped this" or "shredded that"...it's more about progressive resistance, good form, solid nutrition, and a very good description of muscle physiology. His key points to bodybuilding may be "known", but Aceto makes the case that they are the way to stimulate muscle growth...and that's the beauty of the book: It's 'Tips to Muscle Growth' vs. 'Awesome Muscle-Blasting Routines of the Pros'. You choose. There are two "cons" about the book that brought it from a 5-Star rating to a 4-Star rating in my estimation: 1) Aceto--as in some of his other books--needs a copy editor. There are some typos and grammatical inconsistencies. Not enough to throw you, but they're there. 2) The book does suffer from a superficiality, of sorts. He states a fact or opinion, gives a reason or two, then moves on. There is no real in-depth, drilling-down except in certain Aceto-mastered areas (e.g., muscle physiology, nutrition, etc.). However, this is not a real show-stopper...the information contained is reliable, and the book is a very good adjunct to other books you may have on the subject.

Product Description
This is a comprehensive, easy to understand, guide for the man or woman who wants to build a great body or for the competition type bodybuilder.The author divides the training section into 3 parts; training for the novice or very beginner, training for the intermediate or more experiencedtrainee and training for the advanced bodybuilder. Within each training section, Aceto covers training schedules, repitition ranges for building muscle strength, size and endurance, set selection, and exercise prescription. Each exercise is described with a 3 dimensional drawing allowing the reader to grasp the range of motion that best fits each exercise. He also covers muscle physiology, the comparison between2b fibers and 2a muscle fibers and the importance of developing specific training methods to maximize your gains.The delicate issue of aerobics is also covered withexact guidelines for the pre-contest bodybuilder as well asthe trainee simply trying to lose some body fat. Specifically, Aceto calls aerobics, "One of the biggest myths in bodyfat control. Getting lean is about building your metabolic rate by building lean body mass and manipulating your nutrition plan. For most, aerobics is a way to short circuit progress, not enhance it." The nutrition section sets down exact formulas to find precise amounts of calories, carbs, protein and fat one needs to build up or lean down-whatever his or her goal. Thelatest supplement are also covered from creatine toglutamine and contest bodybuilders will appreciate the sodium and carbo loading techniques.Championship Bodybuilding is all about instruction. A thorough plan that will help you transform your physique!--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Review of Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes (Paperback)

I'm a front of the pack marathoner.After bonking in Boston two years ago I decided to learn why.I purchased and read several books on nutrition and hydration.Ryan's book has easily become my bible.Its specific enough to allow you to plan your nutrition needs around any number of endurance events.Its laid out in a logical format and providesreasons behind the recommendations.I practiced her pre-race calorie intake suggestions (far more than you'd expect) for my last two marathons and moved the "wall" well into miles 24-25.Great text.Remember, its more than having a race plan.Having a nutrition plan and a hydration plan make a huge difference.

Product Description

Endurance athletes regularly push their bodies to the limits with a strenuous training regimen that demands smart nutrition. In Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes, Ryan offers proven strategies for improved athletic performance with sport-specific guidelines for running, cycling, triathlon, swimming, adventure racing, and rowing. In-depth information is presented in an easy-to-read and accessible style, with individual chapters dedicated to each of these popular endurance sports.


The science of nutrition can be daunting for athletes, but Ryan converts it to practical advice for smarter eating. Athletes will learn how to assess body composition and find healthy ways to lose body fat and build muscle. Ryan gives a comprehensive explanation of the nutritional role of carbohydrates, protein, and fat in an athlete's diet and explains the importance of meal timing for better performance and recovery. Ryan also explains the concepts of nutritional periodization so athletes can properly adjust their mix of foods throughout the training cycle. The book includes a review of popular ergogenic aids, tips on meal planning, typical shopping lists, sample menus, glycemic index tables, facts about vitamins and minerals, and a comparison of sports nutrition products. Within each sport-specific chapter are tips to adjust nutritional intake for races of different lengths.



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