My best Exercise Guides

2009-08-19T17:12:00.001-07:00

2009-08-18T17:24:00.001-07:00

2009-08-17T17:26:00.001-07:00

Exercise Book for Working with Words

2009-08-16T17:09:00.001-07:00

This helpful workbook gives students the opportunity to master the writing and editing skills covered in the main text, including mastering grammar and mechanics guidelines, practicing proper copy-editing symbols, rewriting sentences for clarity and conciseness, learning how to write successful leads, and recognizing distinctions between Associated Press and wire-service style.

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The Great Dumbbell Handbook: The Quick Reference Guide to Dumbbell Exercises

2009-08-15T17:41:00.001-07:00

There are only 64 pages. But the pages are full of great information. In fact, I've read much larger books with far less valuable information.

To begin with, the book uses vivid, well-chosen color and all of the photos are color photos. It starts with a large graphic in color of the human body --- showing all of the muscles and muscle groups. It takes up two pages, one for the front of the body and one for the back.

Then it shows you what you'll need or might need in your dumbbell lifting. For many, this is basic. But it's great to have it nonetheless. Then it shows you how to set up a program. This is one of the hardest part of weightlifting. This book makes it easy and fun. What's more, it goes more in depth than many other books I've read.

The author then takes you into stretching. Lots of wonderful stretches are described in detail and you see pictures of them being done. It tells you exactly how to do each stretch and gives you cautions when necessary.

Finally you get into the dumbbell exercises. They're divided up by muscle groups. This makes it quick and easy when you're in the weight room. It shows you the correct way to do the lift and gives you any cautions that might be necessary.

The one and only thing I didn't find that I would like to have found in the book was that there are no modifications to any exercises shown or discussed. You may not need them but some people do. So you may want to invest in a book that shows modifications.

Warnings are in red. So when you see them, read them! There are not many. But when you see one, you need to use caution.

Each exercise is shown in the beginning, middle and finish stage. It's fully described and instructed. Moreover, up in the upper right corner in a yellow box you'll find the muscles worked! There is a complete exercise on each page.

This little book is just wonderful. I love it and I've been lifting most all of my life --- and that's a few years. If you buy no other book on lifting weights (specifically dumbbells), buy this one. Keep it handy at all times.

It's easy to use and it's about the best written and best illustrated book you can get.

The book I have is dated October 2007.

I recommend it highly and without reservation.

- Susanna K. Hutcheson

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Exercises for the Whole Brain: Neuron-Builders to Stimulate and Entertain Your Visual, Math and Executive-Planning Skills (Brain Waves Books) (Brain Waves Books)

2009-08-14T17:31:00.001-07:00

The "game" format makes this book very user-friendly and not threatening. The Sharper Mind had a similar approach was was more practical in its approach to everyday situations: remembering names, dates, etc.

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Little, Brown Compact Handbook with Exercises (7th Edition) (English MLA Updated Books series)

2009-08-13T18:24:00.001-07:00

This book was nicely put together with tabs already in place. Although there is an online version, details on how to write a correct paper on layout was not covered in the online version. This hand book really helped in getting a written document organize in a legible and uniform way concisely to standard accordinly. It is also printed in a nice glossy paper with letters that are about 10-12 font size with color tabs and frames. It is a handy and small size book that is helpful for college graduate degree plan students. I reference it often for quality control when writing a paper each time.

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DietMinder Personal Food & Fitness Journal (A Food and Exercise Diary)

2009-08-12T18:55:00.001-07:00

I love this book. I lost about 25 pounds in 2 months with this. Solid weight! It is much harder to cheat when you have to look at it on paper and put in the calories. It also got me to start taking vitamins, and when I wanted to miss the gym seeing that empty area in the corner made me go. Only trick is, I though after 2 months and 25 pounds that I had learned enough to stop tracking. Big mistake. It has been almost a year, and I have put back on about 10 of those pounds. My advice is to get the book, and be loyal to it until you reach the END. At that point, eating healthy and exercising daily will be a huge part of your life and you will no longer need the book. I recommend it 100%

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The Write-Brain Workbook: 366 Exercises to Liberate Your Writing

2009-08-11T17:57:00.001-07:00

I have fun first if you are a writer perhaps you'll understand, intriquing
books feel good, and well I like to smell pages, and this one remindes me
of my four year old in our sandbox. She's eaten spoons full and then,
digs in and plays for hours. I "MUST WRITE" EIEIO just never cut it,
as bizzarre as some ideas are in this book... this is where I write
even more bizarre stories. One friend won't read them. It has helped
me because at a place where one would expect some action from an array
of 10, I pick 20. I never did this before, and I am the troubleling
troubleshooter, of my family. I can't however write IN THE BOOK. I
need lines. laurie elliott...pipercub

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Water Exercises for Osteoarthritis: The Effective Way to Reduce Pain and Stiffness, While Increasing Endurance and Strength

2009-08-10T17:59:00.001-07:00

This aquatic exercise book is full of information and easy to use. Many of my questions were answered about the connection between arthritis, other chronic diseases and the quality of my life. This book is a useful tool for designing an individual program that includes exercise (endurance, flexibility, and strength), diet, and alternative remedies. I have taken Ann Rosenstein's advice and developed an individual exercise program that is enjoyable and interesting. I am more flexible and stronger. The quality of my life has improved, and I am enjoying life again!

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A Writer's Reference with Integrated Exercises

2009-08-09T18:47:00.001-07:00

A Writer's Reference is the most widely adopted college handbook ever published. The new edition is available in a classic version that provides more help with academic writing, serves a wider range of multilingual students, and lends more support for college research — all in an easy-to-use quick-reference format. Now for all the ways you teach your course, you can choose the classic version or choose from among 4 additional versions with varied content.

A Writer's Reference with Exercises is tailor-made for classroom use or for additional grammar practice with 86 integrated exercise sets.
A Writer's Reference with Writing in the Disciplines provides help for college writing beyond composition with advice and models in six academic disciplines.
A Writer's Reference with Writing about Literature includes an entire tabbed section on interpreting and writing about works of literature, with two annotated student essays.
A Writer's Reference with Extra Help for ESL Writers includes an entire tabbed section for nonnative speakers of English; it offers targeted advice and strategies for college writing and research.

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Prentice Hall Writing and Grammar: Grammar Exercise Workbook, Grade 9

2009-08-08T18:34:00.001-07:00

I enjoy how easy to navigate, easy to use, and easy to reference this workbook is. I hope to get copies for all my students in the next school year, but it's great for reproducing as well.

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The Mars and Venus Diet and Exercise Solution: Create the Brain Chemistry of Health, Happiness, and Lasting Romance

2009-08-07T18:12:00.001-07:00

The Mars/Venus Diet and Exercise solution is the missing link in my life. For 20 years, I have searched for wholeness, of mind, body and spirit. I work tirelessly to release with the emotional and spiritual pain of my past so that I may grow spiritually. I pray and meditate daily. I exercised regularly and I eat as healthy as one can in West Texas, lots of fruits and vegies, limited fried food and sugar. With all of this, I still felt fatigued, irritable and overwhelmed. After reading Dr. John Gray's book, I began using the recommended products and information in he book. I have been amazed at the results in my life the lives of my family and friends. I have since been privately trained by him as a nutritional cleansing coach so that I may help others. His information about how diet and excercise effect addiction has literly allowed me to help many people who struggle with food and alcohol addiction. The information on brain chemistry is fascinating and brings to light the differences in men and women. My marriage has come alive and my 5 year old said, "Mommy, you and my sister (hormonal 12 year old) are so much nicer now!" This book is a must read for anyone who wants to fill better and who are committed to a life change.
Here's too a healthy life filled with joy, peace and happiness.
Becky Benes, onenessoflife.isagenix.com

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101 Dressage Exercises for Horse & Rider

2009-08-06T18:39:00.001-07:00

Fantastic book! I use this daily when exercising our dressage/western/english horses. All the maneuvers and exercises benefit any manner of riding, not just dressage. Easy to use and understand - diagrams and instructions are clear. Highly recommended!

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Fitness Over Fifty: An Exercise Guide from the National Institute on Aging (With DVD)

2009-08-05T17:18:00.001-07:00

The information and exercises displayed in the book are very practical and easy to follow. They are safe for beginners and the photographs help to motivate the individual. However, a 51 year old person may be put off by the book as most of the people in the pictures look 70 or more years old. There are young 50 years olds out here...the book would be more appealing if a few younger faces were included. Thanks

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy Workbook: Practical DBT Exercises for Learning Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, & Distress Tolerance (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook)

2009-08-04T18:34:00.001-07:00

This is a great book for getting started in your own mindfulness journey towards healing from trauma, borderline personality disorder, and other psychological issues.

It's far easier to understand and more practical to the lay person than Linehan's Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Clinical Practice: Applications across Disorders and Settingsthe big book with the red profile.

If you're having trouble deciding which is more useful, select this one. It has useable, practical exercises that a clinician can immediately use. Thin on theory, but sometimes that's just what the Dr. ordered!

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Business Law: Text and Exercises (with 2008 Online Research Guide) (Thomson Advantage Books)

2009-08-03T17:19:00.001-07:00

Very well written textbook, easy to understand. Good real world examples listed in each chapter.

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Exercise Balls For Dummies (For Dummies (Health & Fitness))

2009-08-02T17:30:00.001-07:00

This is a great book with easy to follow directions for each exercise. This book also has photos that make following the written directions so much easier. EXACTLY what I was looking for!

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A 12-Step Approach to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

2009-08-01T17:22:00.001-07:00

This book was hugely disappointing. After two editions of the _Spiritual Exercises_ sat on my shelf for years, I finally started doing them at the beginning of 2005. I found the Spiritual Exercises to be one of the most effective and "practical" forms of Catholic spirituality I've studied. But the essence of the Exercises is acknowledging the reality of Sin, evil, Hell, etc., realizing the unimaginable Mercy of God, and the fact that every sin deserves eternal damnation.
So, in the hopes of helping a relative, a lapsed Catholic who was attempting addiction recovery and needed both spiritual and psychological help, I purchased this book.
What I found when it arrived was just the opposite of what I'd hoped for he: this jerk waters down the entire Catholic faith to psychology and teaches the lie that Satan is nothing more than a metaphor.

Where he *ought* to be elevating the psychology with religion, he's doing just the opposite.

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ECG Workout: Exercises in Arrhythmia Interpretation (Huff, ECG Workout)

2009-07-31T17:53:00.001-07:00

I am one of those people who sometimes quickly forget what I read if I deem the subject difficult or intimidating. Often I have to get more than one reference, but this is one of the better books on learning basic EKGs. Lots of practice strips, flash cards, and thorough explanations. Once I learned the KEY differences of certain rhythms to simplify recognition then read the WHY OR HOW it happens, it made learnng EKGs so much easier, at least it did for me. I used to have such a mental block with learning EKGs because it looked like a foreign language, and involves a human life; it made me paranoid. I took a couple of home study classes in the past (just to conquer learning it, for my personal enrichment), but this book along with a formal class helped to prepare me for ACLS (for continuing education only). I am proud I finally learned the concepts to put it all together. I do not practice in acute care, but I am proud I understand a lot more thanks to this book. Now, if only I can find a really good book on algebra then I will feel like a genius!! ;-) I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BE THE ONLY BOOK NEEDED TO LEARN EKG INTERPRETATION.

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Exercises in Style

2009-07-30T18:18:00.001-07:00

The idea for this book came to the author after a performance of Bach's "The Art of the Fugue." Queneau thought it would be interesting to attempt, in prose, a similar exploration of variations on a theme. To that end, he began to write a series of stories exploring forms ranging from the sonnet and the alexandrine to the parody and the lampoon. He retold the same story 99 times, in numbers, dialect, dialogue, pig Latin, spoonerisms, metaphor, officialese, and so on.

The tale is simplicity itself: On a crowded bus, a man accuses a fellow passenger of deliberately jostling him. When a seat opens, he grabs it. Later he is observed on the street being told by a friend "to get an extra button put on [his] overcoat." Anything more is dictated not by the facts but by the requirements of the chosen form.

In general, it was Queneau's ambition, unusual in a Frenchman he said with a smile, to write as unpretentiously and intelligibly as possible. He hoped his exercises in style would "act as a kind of rust-remover to literature, help to rid it of some of its scabs." His purposes certainly were serious enough -- to experiment variously with the possibilities of language, to explore the philosophy of language -- but his means are a fireworks display of witty and entertaining alternatives. Translator Barbara Wright offers an amusing and helpful introduction. Not many studies in linguistics will have you laughing out loud.

"Exercises in Style" is a classic that deserves a place on every writer's shelf.

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Sports and Exercise Nutrition

2009-07-29T19:00:00.001-07:00

Not only does this book provide the nutrition knowledge necessary for a sports dietitian, it also gives a review of exercise physiology which is a definite necessity in the sports nutrition world.

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The Leadership Training Activity Book: 50 Exercises for Building Effective Leaders

2009-07-28T17:24:00.001-07:00

I have been working as an intern in the recreation field for the last six months and have felt so frustrated with the relationship(s) between mentor and "protégé" in my profession. My frustrations lead to an interest in researching leadership education and mentor training, and eventually to finding this book.

Like the authors, I am also a firm believer that leadership can be taught, and more importantly that it needs to become a vital part of college and work training curriculum. After reading this book I felt liberated and energized, ready to lead others and to help others lead more responsibly and effectively.

I have recommended this book to many of my colleagues and friends, as a great resource for in-service trainings, staff meetings, and personal growth as a leader. I might also add that with some skepticism that I would ever receive a response, I e-mailed the authors to ask for their feedback and suggestions on my thesis topic. To my surprise they did in fact return my e-mail, and provided me with a lot of great information and references to help me on my journey. For their kind words, encouragement, and for this wonderful book I am very grateful!

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Therapeutic Exercise: Moving Toward Function

2009-07-27T18:11:00.001-07:00

This is an excellent all around manual for the physical therapy student or clinician. It conscisely and effectively covers all of the major areas of orthopedics with a review of neurological and musculoskeletal function and injuries. Hall uses well layed-out diagrams to provide a basis for diagnosis and then treatment with therapeutic exercise. This book is a great reference to add to your book shelf.

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Group Exercises for Enhancing Social Skills and Self-Esteem

2009-07-26T17:46:00.001-07:00

This boook has some great ideas that are working well in an in-patient psychiatric facility for adults. The exercises are easy to put into practice and offer a group leader a helpful toolbox of group activities that focus on various social skills.

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Quick Team-Building Activities for Busy Managers: 50 Exercises That Get Results in Just 15 Minutes

2009-07-25T18:27:00.001-07:00

a) This book delivers what it advertises: Quick team building activities. There's a surprising amount of variety and thought behind the book. It's organized and clear. The goals and methods are obvious.

b) As with everything in life, the success of the activities depends on you. And some luck. And you're going to have to take some chances.

c) The book is arranged by Need (ingenious, really). Say that your team is a bickering crew of backstabbing narcissists that fail to realize the inherent talents of their teammates. Flip to Chapter X and you'll have an activity that helps them understand the value of others. It's like a Jedi mind trick.

d) Stylistically, I can use about 1/3 of the activities in the book today. As teams and groups change, the other 2/3 of the book provides buffer. A few of the activities will never match my style - or yours - but that's Ok; that's the way things work. We don't all like Merlot.

e) Overall, (5) stars for delivering what the title promises (do what you say...), and an equal (5) stars for simple, valuable activities.

f) ps - One that I didn't see in the book is the Truths and a Lie game (maybe because it's everywhere on the net). Here it is: Give everyone (3) index cards. Have them write (2) True Statements and (1) False statement about themselves on the cards. Merge and Shuffle, Read each out loud and try to figure out who said what. It's a fun get-to-know-ya to kick off a project. Most of us don't really know our coworkers, so it works in all situations.

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The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius: Based on Studies in the Language of the Autograph

2009-07-24T18:06:00.001-07:00

Ignatius was a soldier in the 16th century in Spain. He dictated the way that helped him grow closer to God. Given this context one can see why an authentic translation is difficult and necessarily 'ancient' in literature style. Ignatius himself adapted this when helping different people.

I believe Fr. Puhl is the first one who has given number to the text. This system becomes the standard followed by most if not all authors writing about the Spiritual Exercises subsequently. His translation is recommended for the students in the Toronto School of Theology.

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Why Diet and Exercise Fail: How Current Research Contradicts Conventional Wisdom about Weight Loss

2009-07-23T17:20:00.001-07:00

In "Why Diet and Exercise Fail," Daniel Korn addresses some of the thorniest and most controversial theories concerning weight gain. If you look at the diet section in your local book store, you will come away completely befuddled. Which is better, a low-fat or low-carb diet? Is exercise more effective than calorie reduction or is a combination of both essential in order to maintain physical fitness? Why has obesity climbed from approximately ten percent of the American population in the fifties to thirty-four percent today? Why are the French, who eat a diet high in all fats, less obese than their American counterparts, and why are the Inuits, whose caloric intake is seventy-five per cent fat, not obese? Genetics is not the complete answer, because when the Inuits adopt a Western diet, they gain weight and suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Korn maintains that "either we have lost the mechanism which regulates our hunger as adults or something is interfering with its functioning." In order to lose weight and keep it off, we need to adopt a lifestyle that allows us to function without constantly feeling hungry. As the author debunks conventional ideas that have been bandied about for so many years, he offers evidence that stress and sleep deprivation are both proven factors in weight gain. Another clue is that "people who are obese tend to have a decreased ability to use their stored fat." The author comes to a surprising conclusion that may be difficult to believe. Caffeine, he asserts, is poisoning us, and is one of the key factors in the Western diet that leads to sleep deprivation, stress, and weight gain. In addition, foods low in key nutrients and high in destructive additives may also lead to trouble. Rice bran oil and wheat germ oil as well as certain vitamin supplements taken with meals can make us healthier and leaner.

In short, "to stay healthy, you should give up caffeine, get sufficient vitamins and minerals, and eat healthful fats." Is Korn right in his conclusions? Who knows? Right or wrong, this book is worth a look for its lucid and thought-provoking approach to one of the biggest health problems facing us today.

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101 Arena Exercises: A Ringside Guide for Horse & Rider

2009-07-22T18:54:00.001-07:00

This is a great arena book with work plans to help the rider plan lessons etc. easy to understand and well displayed for while you are riding in you arena. hang it up and you can refer to it with ease. Great way of planning you lessons and helpful ideas to extend your riding.

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Exercises (Guitar Reference Guides)

2009-07-21T17:45:00.001-07:00

This book is pushing the limits of my guitar playing, helping me to learn what I've avoided for years. Not only am I learning the fret board, I have memorized four scales across the entire instrument. My dexterity improves steadily with daily practice. Just as promised in the book, I memorized the scales without having to think about it. By teaching my hands through doing these exercises, it is now a natural part of my playing, opening up new horizons. It is a challenging book. Just as I finished learning the the warm-up exercises, the scales and the first two fingering exercises, Charupakom presented a new fingering that my fingers had never attempted - the first two took me a day or two to memorize all the fingerings (each fingering is repeated for each scale), but this one took several days just to master one position of one scale. This is the best investment in my playing I have made yet. Just remember that you need to play these flawlessly, not for speed. Speed comes with self-disciplined effort over time.

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The No Sweat Exercise Plan: Lose Weight, Get Healthy, and Live Longer (Harvard Medical School Guides)

2009-07-20T18:16:00.001-07:00

I thought I knew a lot about exercise, so I bought this book
mainly for the great drawings and instructions on stretching and weight training. But it turns out that what I didn't know about exercise could fill a book--this book, in fact. The most startling fact is that I can exercise for as little as 10 minutes at a time and still slim down, and that I don't have to
join a health club to be healthy. I've already started a "stair strider" group at work--we have a chart over the printer and we'll give a little "top flight" prize out each week. It's all good fun, but I'm convinced it will also be good for us. I'm also looking forward to spending more time reading over the
healthy diet chapter. I think it will also be very useful, but it will take a little more time to get into that side of things.
In my opinion , the book is important and enlightening. If you
don't agree, no sweat.

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101 Ways to Work Out with Weights: Effective Exercises to Sculpt Your Body and Burn Fat!

2009-07-19T17:19:00.001-07:00

101 Ways to Work Out With Weights got me started lifting weights again after several years of neglect. I don't care for gyms and this book has helped me develop a great weight lifting program in the comfort of my own home. And I never get bored because there are so many exercises, combinations and routines I can do, many of which I'd never done before. Excellent descriptions and photos ensure I'm lifting properly.

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Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance

2009-07-18T18:32:00.001-07:00

Written especially for exercise science and physical education students, this text provides a solid foundation in theory illuminated by application and performance models to increase understanding and to help students apply what they've learned in the classroom and beyond.

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Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance

2009-07-17T18:21:00.001-07:00

This book was used in my Exercise Phys course last year, and I must say that it is very thorough and presented in an easy-to-understand format. The text has many illustrations and graphs to show you the dynamics of each concept. I had no Exercise Physiology background prior to this class, and this book made all the difference in being successful with the new material. I have, on numerous occasion, referred back to this text for information after completing the class. I highly recommend purchasing this book at least as a reference go-to for any Exercise Science enthusiast.

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101 Jumping Exercises: For Horse and Rider

2009-07-16T18:01:00.001-07:00

We are using this book during the training of our young event horse. Having little experience in "producing" horses but rather riding them while regularly having a lesson, this book is invaluable for those who would like to understand more about "why", "what to do" and "what to look for". A good and knowledgeable trainer should not be substituted by this book. But here is the trick:

Lessons and clinics are difficult to replicate and the rider can often be too busy during training to remember the trainer's words and timing thereof afterwards. This will inevitably leave him or her with many questions, especially: "How did I achieve the goal of this training, how did I do it?" This book makes you answer for yourself. It is however almost mandatory to have a helper stand alongside, to read and look and comment on how the exercises are performed. This too is a very good learning experience.

Anyone using this book is strongly advised to start at the beginning, however simple it may seem and perform each and every exercise as precisely as possible before transitioning to the next. I feel this is not a book for the beginner rider. But being very thorough and precise will help you to be very critical of your own and your horse's level of training, while getting into a good position to pinpoint flaws. All in all this book is a wonderful addition to your existing training and understanding thereof. Patience, empathy and self criticism are the virtues of horse training anyway, so get the hang of it!

A similarly good book is
101 Dressage Exercises for Horse & Rider
Also very recommended!

Enjoy your training and be grateful for your horses willing response to your combined efforts!

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Richard Hittleman's Yoga: 28 Day Exercise Plan

2009-07-15T17:40:00.001-07:00

I first found this book browsing through my local library when I was 17 years old. I am now 30 and have always implemented yoga into my daily life. I had no clue what yoga was at the time and I don't even know what inspired me to pick this book up at 17. This book completely changed my life. I just bought 3 copies for friends of mine who have heard me tell them how much I love yoga for years now. I just don't know what to tell them when they say they want to get started out with yoga. Most of them are inflexible and overweight so cannot see themselves doing a lot of the advanced poses and are more interested in running on treadmills, and spending money on the diet industry. I know yoga would help them to lose weight but I don't want them to begin practicing yoga for the sole purpose of losing weight. I also got this book for my mother who is almost 60 and gets discouraged when she tries to follow along with my intermediate yoga dvd's.

This book starts at the basics of yoga with very simple poses. I only did the 28-day yoga plan once and then proceeded to study yoga on my own, attend classes, buy dvd's, eat vegetarian, and learn much more. The book teaches a lot about yoga philosophy and taught me at 17 that yoga is non-competitive and about self-acceptance.

I totally believe that this book changed the direction of my life for the better 13 years ago and that I am a stronger willed person because of yoga and because of this book.

Furthermore, after 2 kids, I do not struggle with my weight like 80% of women I know. I don't waste money on exercise equipment, gym memberships, fad diets. I do yoga and that's it.

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Healing through Exercise: Scientifically-Proven Ways to Prevent and Overcome Illness and Lengthen Your Life

2009-07-14T18:35:00.001-07:00

We all know the benefits of exercise, right? Think again...

New scientifically proven research, as presented in HEALING THROUGH EXERCISE by Jorg Blech (the US-based science correspondent for Der Spiegel, Europe's largest weekly news magazine), shows that not only is exercise good for you, it actually cures many medical conditions, among them: heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, obesity, psychiatric disorders, learning disabilities, cognitive impairment, ADHD, chronic fatigue, and much more.

Whereas in the past, physicians urged bed rest for some types of medical conditions such as heart disease, they are now seeing that the opposite prescription (exercise) is the key to overcoming these conditions.

Besides muscular deterioration, bed rest can make it difficult to recover quickly from a condition because bed rest causes all body processes to slow. In order to perform at peak, body processes must remain active. This is one reason why exercise is so important in recovery.

In addition to being the key to health and longevity, exercise has the potential for solving some of the insurance costs associated with health coverage today. In a health care system that is spiraling out of control, I think everyone would agree that we can all live with lower health coverage costs.

Good health depends on the medical knowledge we share and the habits we adopt and instill in our children. For this reason, I believe there is no better investment in the future than to apply what we now know about exercise.

HEALING THROUGH EXERCISE would be a great addition to the library of anyone who is interested in curing a medical condition and/or in maintaining health and longevity. Beyond this, I think it would also be a good addition to the athletic departments of K-12 schools everywhere. After all, exercise and good health are learned, and should become habitual.

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Anatomy of Exercise: A Trainer's Inside Guide to Your Workout

2009-07-13T19:08:00.001-07:00

Up until now, my favorite training book was 'The Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding' by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The book was loaded with meticulous details, and who better to explain them than Arnold?
Now here comes Mr. Manocchia with 'Anatomy of Exercise'.
Pat explains in full detail which exercise/movement impacts which muscle, and includes a picture of exactly which muscle(s) are involved. You really can't get a better book than this. It includes EVERYTHING you'll need to tailor your workouts, and you'll be extremely well informed.

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Unjournaling: Daily Writing Exercises that Are NOT Personal, NOT Introspective, NOT Boring!

2009-07-12T18:31:00.001-07:00

This whole concept is refreshing--I always became bored by assigning cheesy writing prompts for my students like "Describe your favorite day" or "What does a hero mean to you?" Blech. I love the prompts in "Unjournaling" because they invite participation in truly creative thinking, not just regurgitation of what they think I want to hear. Plus, lots of the prompts connect to lessons (alliteration, active/passive voice, etc). I've started using this in my classroom and my students love them!

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Diary of an Exercise Addict

2009-07-11T19:30:00.001-07:00

This is one of the only times that I have seriously questioned whether the other reviews were written by family members, friends or publishing house staffers. I think you would have to be related to this author or paid to write a remotely positive review of this book.

I learned the hard way: do not waste your time or money if you want an in-depth look at someone with exercise bulimia - the author reveals nothing about her daily exercise regimen, her feelings when working out or when she was prevented from doing so. Rather, she spends the bulk of the book trying to impress the reader with her pampered lifestyle ("My flesh has become my battleground: a medium for all my upper-class struggles to manifest through the common rich girl practice of calorie counting") - how "Mommy" and "Daddy" supported her as a 23-year-old college graduate who was too good to work at temp jobs so she would lie around her rent-free cottage eating organic food and picking up men for one-night stands in which she conveniently forgets to use protection. ("Why don't men know how easy I am?"). Trust me, it only gets worse when she discusses her work as a poet. ("I'm dressed like a hooker to hide the fact that I'm a violent poet", "My work is so unconventional, I doubt the Virginia poets really want to claim me as their own"). I was rather horrified to see the review from the father who claims that his daughter has the same body issues - the author has no trouble sunbathing topless in front of her father and she publishes her diary entries in which she writes about her dreams of attacking her father.

I could not find an ounce of empathy for someone who was this self-absorbed. ("All these men are looking at me. They are, they are all looking at me and I know it's because I've gained enough weight that my face looks normal and my body looks skinny, which means I look like a supermodel and that's why they're looking.") Her only claim-to-ED fame was that she apparently lost 40+ pounds in a matter of a few months and then, after a massive binge that merits little discussion, she starts eating again. She does not receive any professional help, except for a dietician that she eventually calls her "life coach." She does not hesitate to tell anyone and everyone that she had an eating disorder and that it can take up to 10 years to recover (Seriously, she is having coffee with someone she barely knows and does not want to befriend: "I tell her anyway that I'm in recovery from an exercise compulsion. I tell her because I'm honest, despite not wanting to be her friend or wanting to sit here at all... I'm explaining that I'm learning how to exercise less, to moderate my workouts, to slowly wean off of exercising." When she does not get the response that she wants, she feels "violated, angry, confused.").

This book does not shed any light on exercise bulimia. Anyone who has a history of any type of ED will not find the exercise that is revealed here to be remotely excessive (running 6 miles a day, 50 minutes on a treadmill or a leisurely bike ride), her calorie restrictions to be too restrictive (at one point, she is limiting herself to 1100 calories per day) or her overall eating behavior too disordered (she binges but only talks about trying to purge once or twice; a description of a binge: "I'm depressed so I'm eating from my fridge, standing in the kitchen... shoveling organic chocolate chips in my mouth in spoonfuls with organic peanut butter, washing it down with organic soy milk, light, and going to bed without brushing my teeth, without masturbating.").

I sincerely hope that there are other books that are more enlightening and more engaging.

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The Calorie King Food & Exercise Journal

2009-07-10T18:28:00.001-07:00

This Journal has some bad information in it. For example, it recommends 1200-1800 calorie intake for men for weight loss. That would possibly be an ok calorie intake for men if they sit at a desk for 8 hours then a couch in front of a tv for 8 hours, and finally their bed for 8 hours. That is an unhealthy calorie intake for even a slightly active male and will only hinder your progress towards weight loss as it will kill your metabolism. Your typical male can lose weight (a safe 1-2lbs a week) with eating 1700-2500 calories depending on exercise and activity levels. There is no reason for a grown male to ever drop under 1600 calories, doing so will only hinder weight loss and initiate muscle loss.

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Ultimate Core Ball Workout: Strengthening and Sculpting Exercises with Over 200 Step-by-Step Photos

2009-07-09T18:25:00.001-07:00

This is a great basic book for beginners and people who need to know the details of core training. I was a little disappointed because it says that it is for all levels, but it doesn't offer much of a challenge for advanced ball users.

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Foundations of Sport And Exercise Psychology

2009-07-08T18:23:00.001-07:00

I really am enjoying this textbook. it covers exactly what i thought it woudl and then some. since having bought it i have found out that it is the gold standard for sports psychology -added incentive. its easy to read adn cpmprehend adn the online study guide is just great, full of activities and review options. it arrived sooner than expected too, and i just had it on normal shipping :)

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Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance (Exercise Physiology ( MC Ardle))

2009-07-07T17:39:00.001-07:00

Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance (Exercise Physiology ( MC Ardle))

When I first considered this book, I thought it was a little pricey. Now that I have it on my shelf, I think it would be cheap at twice the price. Every time I have a question on my personal fitness program, I find the answer in McArdle. Even when I don't have a question, simply reading the book teaches me things that I need to know and hadn't thought about. An excellent value.

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Water Exercise : 78 Safe and Effective Exercises for Fitness and Therapy

2009-07-06T19:27:00.001-07:00

We havet a lap pool in our home and actually wanted DVD to show us a few acqua exercises that would suit our needs (sports and medical injury), but as no DVD exists we searched for a book. There are many to choose from and in "reading through" some of them, decided on the Water Exercise because it covered a multitude of health needs. When it arrived we were pleased as it is extremely easy to follow and the illustrations are very helpful. We made the right decision!

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Physiology of Sport and Exercise, Fourth Edition

2009-07-05T18:35:00.001-07:00

After a lifetime of interest in learning about exercise, I finally got this: the proper textbook on the subject. Recommend this book for everyone interested in learning what science has found about exercise.

This book is the opposite of all those endless magazine and internet exercise tips. The authors have themselves tested and compiled the best experimentally tested findings on the causes and mechanics of exercise and the human body. Why does muscle get stronger? Can you get faster? How? Why?

Book is long and can be a bit technical. It is a textbook on exercise. It is not the end of the topic. But if you want to look at and learn about sports from the perspective of tested results, written by maybe the best teachers and minds in the field: get this book. Maximum recommend.

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30 Reflective Staff Development Exercises for Educators

2009-07-04T19:25:00.001-07:00

This is not a book of ice breakers or social games, but true reflective activities to do with your staff or educational group. Very useful and practical.

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Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises: Complete (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics)

2009-07-03T18:25:00.001-07:00

This is a difficult and complete book of exercises. If you aspire to professional level piano ability but haven't studied much yet, forget this one. It is written for pros. It will take a lot of study to master it. But it's so complete, it's worth the tiny price. Highly recommended.

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Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques (Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations & Techniques)

2009-07-02T18:26:00.001-07:00

I am a PTA (physical therapist assistant) student and also a personal trainer and group exercise instructor. I bought this book because it looked very interesting and helpful for all three. I was thrilled to get it, there is so much information, all research-backed. An added bonus is that it is on my book list for next quarter. I've also recently learned that one of the authors, Carol Kisner, is often quoted for her cutting edge research. So while I haven't read the book cover to cover yet, it looks very good. It is important to know that information on exercise - therapeutic or otherwise is backed by current research - you don't want to pass on ineffective or dangerous techniques to your clients, patients, students or anyone else who puts their trust in you.

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Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain

2009-07-01T17:30:00.001-07:00

Let me save you quite a bit of time and rewrite this entire book in one sentence for you. "Studies show that exercise will cure what ails you!" Read that sentence over and over and over and over again for 300 pages, and you will have gotten everything you will get out of this book.

In any case, the author seriously oversells his case. He sounds like a used car salesman desperate to make a sale at the end of a slow month. He'd be a lot more likely to close the deal if he toned down the superlatives about how great the stereo is and the new paint job and told me how to make the car actually run. I happen to know first-hand that exercise can indeed improve your life, but there's no reason it should take anyone 300 pages to make that point.

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ACSM's Resource Manual for Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription

2009-07-01T14:32:00.001-07:00

Outstanding You: Discover, Design and Achieve Ultimate Fitness

An excellent resource for any Personal Trainer. I carry mine with me every time I see a client. It's absolutely packed with excellent information. As an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, I have found this book one of the best they offer and one of the best resources I've had as a Trainer overall.

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