Devoted: The Story of a Father's Love for His Son


Dick Hoyt - 2010
    Born a spastic quadraplegic, Rick Hoyt was written off by numerous doctors. They advised his parents, Dick and Judy, to put their firstborn son in an institution. But Rick’s parents refused. Determined to give their son every opportunity that “normal” kids had, they made sure to include Rick in everything they did, especially with their other two sons, Rob and Russ. But home was one thing, the world at large, another. Repeatedly rebuffed by school administrators who resisted their attempts to enroll Rick in school, Rick’s mother worked tirelessly to help pass a landmark bill, Chapter 766, the first special-education reform law in the country. As a result, Rick and other physically disabled kids were able to attend public school in Massachusetts. But how would Rick communicate when he couldn’t talk? To overcome this daunting obstacle, Dick and Judy worked with Dr. William Crochetiere, then chairman of the engineering department at Tufts University, and several enterprising graduate students, including Rick Foulds, to create the Tufts Interactive Communication device (TCI). In the Hoyt household, it became known as the “Hope machine,” as it enabled Rick to create sentences by pressing his head against a metal bar. For the first time ever, Rick was able to communicate. Then one day Rick asked his dad to enter a charity race, but there was a twist. Rick wanted to run too. Dick had never run a race before, but more challenging still, he would have to push his son’s wheelchair at the same time. But once again, the Hoyts were determined to overcome whatever obstacle was put in their way. Now, over one thousand races later, including numerous marathons and triathlons, Dick Hoyt continues to push Rick’s wheelchair. Affectionately known worldwide as Team Hoyt, they are as devoted as ever, continuing to inspire millions and embodying their trademark motto of “Yes, you can.”

HIIT - High Intensity Interval Training Explained


James Driver - 2012
     When compared side by side to other forms of cardiovascular training, HIIT repeatedly comes out on top. Not only that, but it does so in a fraction of the time when compared to continuous cardio training or steady state cardio. With HIIT, you will achieve superior gains over other forms of training in all the following areas: - Weight loss - Improving the body’s capacity to burn fat - Increasing the anaerobic threshold, enabling you to work harder before the burn sets in - Improving maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), a popular indicator of fitness - Improving athletic performance - Releasing beta-endorphins, providing a feeling of well-being - Exercise enjoyment - And much more HIIT works by using short duration high intensity sprints together with nice and easy recovery periods such as walks or slow jogs. This makes the sprints extremely tolerable and enjoyable. Yet few people use or even know about HIIT and its incredible power! Find out just how effective interval training is and how it can be used in only a fraction of the time when compared to continuous training such as jogging at the same speed for up to an hour at a time. Discover the different forms of HIIT training such as Tabata, Fartlek, the Little Method and how best to use them. For the first time – Learn a range of high intensity exercises and training modes which are perfect for HIIT - Exercises you can perform either at the gym, in the park or at home. Learn how to craft and make use of your own HIIT training designs and workout routines, specifically to help you achieve your exercise goals in an incredibly quick time. The science is conclusive - HIIT will change your life!

Return of the Kettlebell: Explosive Kettlebell Training for Explosive Muscle Gains


Pavel Tsatsouline - 2010
    Several champions made astonishing, almost mysterious, strength and muscle gains--at least two broke new powerlifting world records—thanks to kettlebell training. Pavel decided to reverse engineer this "What the Hell" effect experienced by the champions—so all others could benefit from their success. Return of the Kettlebell presents the final fruit of Pavel's research—combining the very best of ancient lifting wisdom with modern day scientific breakthroughs. Central to Pavel's new program for explosive muscle gain is the skillful use of double kettlebells. Discover smokers like the Double Clean, classic strength builders like the Double Snatch and Double Press and enjoy the supreme intensity of the Double Clean and Jerk. Like the Breakfast of Champions, consume what's on the Return of the Kettlebell menu and watch yourself grow—and grow! Chapter 1: The Science of Big Heresy, but it works! Maverick superstar Vasily Alexeevev snuck this renegade method past the apparatchiks' noses—and packed serious pounds of beef on his grateful students in record time… Page 2 Why the Russian kettlebell beats all comers as the ideal tool for repetition quick lifts… Page 3 Why "fast eccentrics" are now all the rage among serious hypertrophy experts Understand how to manipulate Z-band streaming for faster muscle growth… Page 4 Shoot from both barrels! How a double whammy of "quick wacks" and "slow squeezes" will leave no muscle untrashed in your quest for explosive growth… Page 5 3 styles of Russian kettlebell training—which one is right for you?… Pages 6–8 Chapter 2: Explode and Grow This "Smokers' Delight" will jack your heart rate through the roof… Page 11 The best starting position for more powerful—and safer—shoulder contractions… Page 13 The ladies' way to trouble-free Double Cleans… Page 17 Yes, this will build monstrous biceps—but you'll be risking a serious injury… Page 19 Bad idea! Why "scooping" can only hurt your future strength development… Page 20 The difference between anatomical and biomechanical breathing—and which to choose for greater strength development… Page 21 The essential prerequisites for a powerful Double Snatch… Page 22 You MUST employ this secret in the Double Snatch—or risk your back and face… Page 24 Could this method be the best ever upper back and shoulder builder?... Page 26 Employ this little-known method for the ultimate in lateral deltoid development… Page 28 How to correctly perform the Viking Push Press—for way more powerful quads and tris… Page30 The 2 biggest problems a beginner faces with the Push Press—and the perfect solution to both. The correct grip for optimal explosiveness in the Snatch… Page 33 The essential prerequisite for maximal force transmission in the arms and legs… Page 34 The correct neck position for a truly effective Push Press—and a great way to save your back… Page 36 The 4 major keys to efficient and painless shock absorption 3 important reasons NEVER to raise your heels when push pressing… Page 40 Why it's best to stay "light" with the Viking Push Press… Page 43 Risk being accused of steroid abuse—when you gain like crazy from this ultimate kettlebell lift… Page 46 How to optimize your Clean and Jerk—for inhuman results 4 superb Russian drills to i

The 24/7 Body: Everyday Diet and Training Advice for Permanent Results


Matt Morsia - 2020
    

The diary of an average runner aged 41 and a half: Never, ever, give up


Mark Cameron - 2015
     "Such and entertaining read, Mark digs deep within himself and shows the true spirit of an ultra-runner. An inspiration to everyone showing it's all about mind over matter" Oh no I hear you sigh, another book promoting from fat to thin, from coach potato to elite athlete, from don't do this to you must do that, that running is awesome ! It’s not meant to be any of that – it’s simply meant to be an inspirational book, detailing a year in my life which happened to involve running. It covers why I took it up, what goals I set myself, what did I experience along the way, and what did I achieve at the end of it. It's not a complex read, it's meant to be short, motivational, inspiring, fun, easy going - just how I like to be seen myself. The end goal of the book isn't to encourage others to run; it's to share my experiences and to show that by setting goals, following the Churchill phrase "never, ever, give up", we can push limits and achieve things we might previously have thought impossible. I want this book to give thanks to all those who have helped me along the way, and to in turn motivate and inspire other people. If you enjoy it please look also try second book "If you want to run far, run together". If you didn't enjoy it please give me a second chance, like my running I keep improving. http://www.amazon.co.uk/want-together... All the best Mark

Going Long: Training for Ironman-Distance Triathlons


Joe Friel - 2003
    Chapters cover the basics of training and fitness; training specifics for swim, bike, and marathon; mental strategies; and more. Sample training plans, photographs, charts, tables and case studies are also included.

The Biggest Loser: The Weight Loss Program to Transform Your Body, Health, and Life--Adapted from Nbc's Hit Show!


Maggie Greenwood-Robinson - 2005
    This unscripted weight-loss drama was based on overweight contestants competing to lose weight and win a quarter of a million dollars with the help of a team of doctors, dietitians, and trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels.On the evening that the first season's finale aired, legions of fans went to the NBC Web site to look for the diet and fitness plan that the contestants used. It wasn't available to the public--until now. With this book, people looking for change can accomplish the same type of radical makeover of their bodies, their health, and their lives that they saw on The Biggest Loser.The book features the food and fitness plans from Maggie Greenwood-Robinson, Cheryl Forberg, Michael Dansinger, and Biggest Loser Experts and Cast Staff, and motivational tips from the contestants themselves. The contestants' compelling stories and reasons for losing weight, dramatic before-and-after photos, and real-life advice provide the inspiration and upbeat attitude that made this show a smash hit.

Yoga for Runners


Christine Felstead - 2013
    You can feel that impact in the muscles, ligaments, and bone structures throughout your body. Thankfully, Yoga for Runners addresses both the physical and mental demands of the sport. Whether you are new to yoga or have practiced for years, Yoga for Runners provides you with the most effective poses--88 poses in all. Each pose is described in detail to ensure correct execution, maximizing the physical benefit and decreasing the risk of injury.You'll learn how simple yoga techniques can be incorporated into your existing running workouts and routines to eliminate chronic aches and pains. Discover how each pose can be sequenced to address a specific need, such as strengthen and lengthen the hamstrings, strengthen and increase mobility of the hip joint, eliminate lower-back and upper-body discomfort, speed the recovery process after a practice run or a race, maintain a strong core, or just restore and rejuvenate to prepare for an upcoming event. These sequences target all troublesome muscle regions. Anatomical illustrations and descriptions explain why these poses and sequences decrease your risk of acute or chronic injury as well as why they are beneficial to your training regimen.After just a few weeks of following Yoga for Runners, you will feel stronger, more balanced, more in tune with your breathing, and more aware of your posture and technique. Your entire running experience--endurance, strength, breathing, and mental sharpness--will be more productive, positive, and enjoyable.

A Roadmap for BJJ: How to Get Good at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as Fast as Humanly Possible


Stephan Kesting - 2015
    Explanations (with photos) of how to use the six most important positions in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to dominate your opponents. How to figure out which techniques you need to learn and practice next. What the highest percentage submissions and escapes are for each position. The background you need to avoid asking stupid questions in class. My best tips to maximize your training time, and to avoid injuries on the mat. And a ton of illustrations, photos, and links to important articles and techniques you must know.

True to Form: How to Use Foundation Training for Sustained Pain Relief and Everyday Fitness


Eric Goodman - 2016
    Eric Goodman’s visionary approach to mindful movement corrects the complacent adaptations that lead to back and joint pain, and teaches us to harness the body’s natural movement patterns into daily activities to make us fit, healthy, and pain free.Our sedentary lifestyle has led to an epidemic of chronic pain. By adapting to posture and movement that have us out of balance—including sitting all day at a keyboard, tilting our heads forward to look at our phones—we consistently compromise our joints, give our organs less room to function, and weaken our muscles. How we hold and live in our bodies is fundamental to our overall health, and the good news is that we all hold the key to a healthier body.Dr. Goodman has spent years studying human physiology and movement. He has trained world-class athletes for better performance, and has healed people of all ages and occupations of lifelong debilitating pain. His theory of self-healing is now available to everyone. His practical program trains the posterior muscle chain—shoulders, back, butt, and legs—shifting the burden of support away from joints and putting it back where it belongs: into large muscle groups.Filled with helpful diagrams and sixty color photographs, True to Form shows readers how to successfully integrate these powerful movements into everyday life—from playing with the kids to washing dishes to long hours in the office—transforming ordinary physical actions into active and mindful movements that help to eliminate pain, up your game, or simply feel more energetic. True to Form shows you how to move better, breathe better, and get back to using your body the way nature intended.

The Plant Based Runner: A Personal Guide to Running, Healthy Eating, and Discovering a New You


Jonathan Cairns - 2019
     He had never exercised and had zero energy but as a way of dealing with the pain and frustration of his separation, he decided to take up running. Or as he talks about in his book The Plant Based Runner: A Personal Guide to Running, Healthy Eating, and Discovering a New You, he started to 'put one foot in front of the other'. This book is raw and real. There is nothing in it that is not tried and tested by Cairns, and it has an authentic ring about it. This is a personal story, about his struggle to see his children in the face of a relentless, anti-father bias in the judicial system. He is running to solve problems, running to find solutions as opposed to running away from trouble. He takes responsibility for everything that is his. Straight-talking and funny, Jonathan takes you by the hand and chapter by chapter helps you to put your excuses aside and find a new appreciation for your body, your health and for the power of confidence. You feel like if you follow his steps you could do a lot more with your life. There are books that you will read that tell you how to live, or how to do something that will improve your life, and if you follow the advice, as you might for a time, it may work, for a while. And there are books that will leave you changed, transported to another place in yourself and in the world you inhabit because of the power of the story that you have read. Even if you are not a runner or a dad deprived of your kids, this is a read that has inspiration and hope.

Running Your First Marathon: The Complete 20-Week Marathon Training Plan


Andrew Kastor - 2017
    Just as Andrew has helped me on my journey, he is sure to help you on yours.”—Ryan Hall, US Olympic Marathoner, holder of the US record in the half marathon, and marathon training expertAs a marathon training coach for world-class runners and Olympic medalists, Andrew Kastor knows what it takes to get to the finish line. Whether you are planning to run a full or half marathon, Coach Kastor’s marathon training program conditions you to set achievable goals, get in shape, and stay motivated. With an easy-to-follow 20-week marathon training schedule for building strength and endurance, plus expert advice from record-holding runners on what to expect, Running Your First Marathon is the only coaching you’ll need to go the distance.Running Your First Marathon lays out a goal-oriented marathon training program with: A 20-Week Marathon Training Program—detailed day-by-day marathon training schedules and space to track your progress Marathon Training 101—advice and tips from world-class marathoners on marathon training, fueling your body, avoiding injury, and race-day preparation Motivational Marathon Training Boosts—from Coach Kastor and other famous runners to help you stay on track during marathon training "Running Your First Marathon will not only inspire you but also help train your mind and body to unlock hidden potential."—Shalane Flanagan, Olympic Silver Medalist, NYC Marathon champion, American record holder, and marathon training pro

Chi Marathon: The Breakthrough Natural Running Program for a Pain-Free Half Marathon and Marathon


Danny Dreyer - 2012
    Most marathon books and training programs focus primarily on building stamina—but they often don’t address how running all those miles may be seriously harming your body. Chi Marathon debunks the myth that marathons require pushing through and beyond pain and presents a technique-based plan for pain-and-injury-free high performance half and full marathons. Chi Marathon also shows you how to improve your performance by developing your own race-specific training plan tailored to your event.In Chi Marathon, author Danny Dreyer, a highly respected running coach and accomplished distance runner, takes a whole-body approach to running—much like Tai Chi—making ease and efficiency of movement the prime goal of one’s training. Danny and Katherine Dreyer launched the Chi Running movement twelve years ago and now have over 200 certified Chi Running Instructors around the world as well as a strong selling line of DVD’s and training programs. The Dreyers also present Chi Running workshops at many of the U.S. marathons and have a 40,000 subscriber newsletter as well as receiving 50,000 hits a month on their website. Chi Marathon is the book that distance runners have been waiting for. With Chi Marathon runners can revolutionize their technique, their approach to distance running…and their lives.

Short Fat Chick to Marathon Runner


Kerre Woodham - 2008
    Fortunately for all of us, and especially those women who like to eat and dress well, she decided to fight back. Leaving kilos of herself and two bra sizes behind 'somewhere in the Waitakeres' she embarked on a fitness and training regime, with a goal to complete the Auckland marathon. to the laugh out loud delight and support of her readers and listeners, she battled her way to fitness and achieved her goal - then decided that she didn't want to stop. With the 2008 New York marathon in her sights, Short Fat Chick documents her life changing decision to get fit and stay fit, eat what she wants and still wear a size 12 dress. With insightful comments and fitness and training tips from her personal trainer, Gaz Brown, Kerre tells it like it is and takes the reader on a journey of self discovery and self discipline we can all admire and emulate.

Fitness Over 50: How I Transformed from a Super Blob to a Super Fit Woman in 120 Days


Kathryn Williams - 2014
    Fifty-somethings just need an extra dose of inspiration to get us going! My book provides a landslide of inspiration to kickstart your very own fitness transformation, as well as my entire step-by-step journey - told with all the humor and down-to-earth honesty of an old gal on a mission! Packed with advice on how to get started, log your calorie intake and schedule your workouts, this book proves that you can accomplish any goal at any age once you have a plan.