Drop Dead Healthy: One Man's Humble Quest for Bodily Perfection


A.J. Jacobs - 2012
    Jacobs tackles his most challenging experiment yet: a yearlong mission to radically improve every element of his body and mind—from his brain to his fingertips to his abs.From the bestselling author of The Year of Living Biblically and The Know-It-All comes the true and truly hilarious story of one person’s quest to become the healthiest man in the world. Hospitalized with a freak case of tropical pneumonia, goaded by his wife telling him, “I don’t want to be a widow at forty-five,” and ashamed of a middle-aged body best described as “a python that swallowed a goat,” A.J. Jacobs felt compelled to change his ways and get healthy. And he didn’t want only to lose weight, or finish a triathlon, or lower his cholesterol. His ambitions were far greater: maximal health from head to toe. The task was epic. He consulted an army of experts— sleep consultants and sex clinicians, nutritionists and dermatologists. He subjected himself to dozens of different workouts—from Strollercize classes to Finger Fitness sessions, from bouldering with cavemen to a treadmill desk. And he took in a cartload of diets: raw foods, veganism, high protein, calorie restriction, extreme chewing, and dozens more. He bought gadgets and helmets, earphones and juicers. He poked and he pinched. He counted and he measured. The story of his transformation is not only brilliantly entertaining, but it just may be the healthiest book ever written. It will make you laugh until your sides split and endorphins flood your bloodstream. It will alter the contours of your brain, imprinting you with better habits of hygiene and diet. It will move you emotionally and get you moving physically in surprising ways. And it will give you occasion to reflect on the body’s many mysteries and the ultimate pursuit of health: a well-lived life.

The F*ck It Diet: Eating Should Be Easy


Caroline Dooner - 2019
    In fact, our bodies are hardwired against it. But each time our diets fail, instead of considering that maybe our ridiculously low-carb diet is the problem, we wonder what’s wrong with us. Why can’t we stick to our simple plan of grapefruit and tuna fish??? Why are we so hungry? What is wrong with us??? We berate ourselves for being lazy and weak, double down on our belief that losing weight is the key to our everlasting happiness, and resolve to do better tomorrow. But it’s time we called a spade a spade: Constantly trying to eat the smallest amount possible is a miserable way to live, and it isn’t even working. So fuck eating like that. In The F*ck It Diet, Caroline Dooner tackles the inherent flaws of dieting and diet culture, and offers readers a counterintuitively simple path to healing their physical, emotional, and mental relationship with food. What’s the secret anti-diet? Eat. Whatever you want. Honor your appetite and listen to your hunger. Trust that your body knows what it is doing. Oh, and don’t forget to rest, breathe, and be kind to yourself while you’re at it.  Once you get yourself out of survival mode, it will become easier and easier to eat what your body really needs—a healthier relationship with food ultimately leads to a healthier you.An ex-yo-yo dieter herself, Dooner knows how terrifying it can be to break free of the vicious cycle, but with her signature sharp humor and compassion, she shows readers that a sustainable, easy relationship with food is possible.Irreverent and empowering, The F*ck It Diet is call to arms for anyone who feels guilt or pain over food, weight, or their body. It’s time to give up the shame and start thriving. Welcome to the F*ck It Diet. Let’s Eat.

Run Faster from the 5K to the Marathon: How to Be Your Own Best Coach


Brad Hudson - 2008
    Hudson is the most innovative running coach to come along in a generation. Until now, only a handful of elite athletes have been able to benefit from his methods. Now Run Faster from the 5K to the Marathon shows all runners how to coach themselves as confidently and effectively as Brad coaches his world-class athletes. Becoming your own best coach is the ticket to running faster at any distance. First you will learn to assess your abilities. Then you’ll learn how to devise a training program specifically geared to you. Filled with easy-to-follow sample training programs for distances ranging from the 5K to the marathon and abilities ranging from novice to advanced, Run Faster is the cutting-edge guide for optimal performance.With Hudson’s guidance, you can train smarter and more effectively—and avoid injury. And you’ll soon be running faster than you ever thought possible!

Slow Jogging: Lose Weight, Stay Healthy, and Have Fun with Science-Based, Natural Running


Hiroaki Tanaka - 2014
    Falling prey to injuries from overtraining, faulty form, poor eating, and improper footwear, many runners eventually, and reluctantly, abandon the sport for a less strenuous pastime. But for the first time in the United States, Hiroaki Tanaka’s Slow Jogging demonstrates that there is an efficient, healthier, and pain-free approach to running for all ages and lifestyles.Tanaka’s method of easy running, or “slow jogging,” is an injury-free approach to running that helps participants burn calories, lose weight, and even reverse the effects of Type-2 diabetes. With easy-to-follow steps and colorful charts, Slow Jogging teaches runners to enjoy injury-free activity by:• Maintaining a smiling, or niko niko in Japanese, pace that is both easy and enjoyable• Landing on mid-foot, instead of on the heel• Choosing shoes with thin, flexible soles and no oversized heel• Aiming for a pace of 180 steps per minute• And trying to find time for activity every dayAccessible to runners of all fitness levels and ages, Slow Jogging will inspire thousands more Americans to take up running and will change the way that avid runners hit the pavement.

Science of Yoga: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice


Ann Swanson - 2019
     Did you know that yoga practice can help lower your blood pressure, decrease inflammation and prevent age-related brain changes? Recent scientific research now backs up what were once anecdotal claims about the benefits of yoga to every system in the body. Science of Yoga reveals the facts, with annotated artworks that show the mechanics, the angles, how your blood flow and respiration are affected, the key muscle and joint actions working below the surface of each pose, safe alignment and much more. With insight into variations on the poses and and a Q&A section that explores the science behind every aspect of yoga, look no further than Science of Yoga to achieve technical excellence in your practice and optimise the benefits of yoga to your body and mind.

Beth Shaw's Yogafit


Beth Shaw - 2000
    The text includes information on using YogaFit as a training tool for sports and creating personalized routines to meet your own needs.Join the millions of people who have already tried YogaFit and proved that it works. You'll get results in a few weeks--and benefits that last a lifetime.

The Ketogenic Diet: A Complete Guide for the Dieter & the Practitioner


Lyle McDonald - 1998
    Unfortunately, altogether too much misinformation exists regarding them.Folks who are pro-low-carbohydrate diets tend to present them as the quick and easy solution to everything including obesity. Easy weight loss without hunger or calorie counting is promised but never seems to pan out as well as we might hope.At the other extreme are the anti-low-carbohydrate folks who tend to present low-carbohydrate diets as nothing short of a nutritional disaster being perpetrated by a bunch of con men.The truth, of course lies somewhere in the middle. While low-carbohydrate diets aren’t for everyone and have their pros and cons, the research is clear: they have major benefits under certain circumstances and can be as healthy (and sometimes healthier) than ‘standard’ carbohydrate based dieting.The Ketogenic Diet is the first and only book to objectively examine in-depth the scientific evidence regarding low-carbohydrate/ketogenic diets. It is meant to be a reference manual for low-carbohydrate diets; it is unlike any other book on low-carbohydrate diets that you have ever read or seen.Covering every topic in extreme detail, The Ketogenic Diet addresses everything from the basic physiology of how the body adapts to a low-carbohydrate intake, the details of human fuel utilization, the impact of low-carbohydrate diets on body composition and many, many more.Of course, none of the above is useful without practical application guidelines. Details on how to optimize low-carbohydrate diets for different goals (such as fat loss, bodybuilding and endurance performance) are discussed along with three distinct types of low-carbohydrate diets. In addition, the book includes a complete discussion of resistance, aerobic and anaerobic exercise physiology along with specific training programs for different goals and different levels of traineeAt 325 pages and containing over 600 scientific references, this will be your complete reference for ketogenic diets.Please note: this book does not include information on the ketogenic diet for adolescent epilepsy (the topic is discussed briefly). I highly suggest The Ketogenic Diet: A Treatment for Epilepsy, 3rd Edition (Paperback) by Freeman, Freeman and Kelly (link will take you to Amazon.com page).Table of contentsSection I: Introduction 1. Introduction to the ketogenic diet 2. History of the ketogenic dietSection II: The physiology of ketosis 3. Fuel utilization 4. Basic ketone body physiology 5. Adaptations to ketosis 6. Changes in body composition 7. Other effects of the ketogenic dietSection III: The diets 8. Setting calorie levels 9. The standard ketogenic diet (SKD) 10. Carbs and the ketogenic diet 11. The targeted ketogenic diet (TKD) 12. The cyclical ketogenic diet (CKD)Section IV: Other topics for the ketogenic diet 13. Breaking fat loss plateaus 14. Ending a ketogenic diet 15. Tools for the ketogenic diet 16. Final considerationsSection V: Exercise physiology17. Muscular physiology and energy production 18. Aerobic exercise 19. Interval training 20. Weight training 21. The effect of exercise on ketosis 22. Exercise and fat lossSection VI: Exercise guidelines 23. General exercise guidelines 24. Aerobic exercise 25. Interval training 26. Weight trainingSection VII: Exercise programs 27. Beginner programs 28. Intermediate programs 29. The advanced CKD workout 30. Fat loss for pre-competition bodybuildersSection VIII: Supplements 31. SupplementsIndex

Disease-Proof: The Remarkable Truth About What Makes Us Well


David L. Katz - 2013
    In Disease-Proof, renowned preventive medicine specialist Dr. David Katz reveals that we can reduce our risk of any chronic disease by an astonishing 80 percent—more than any drug or intervention could ever hope to do. Abundant scientific evidence shows that four simple things—not smoking, eating well, being active, and maintaining a healthy weight—play an enormous role in our health. Drawing upon the latest scientific evidence and decades of clinical experience, Dr. Katz arms us with the skills to make lasting changes in each of these areas. Disease-Proof equips readers with the knowledge to manage weight, improve immune function, reprogram our genes, and prevent and reverse life-altering illnesses. Groundbreaking and timely, this book is for readers of The End of Illness by David Agus and Anticancer by David Servan-Schreiber.

The Run-Walk-Run Method


Jeff Galloway - 2013
    Learn how to transform visions into performance and to be in charge of your performance with the help of Jeff Galloway's RUN-WALK-RUNA' method.

Barefoot Running Step by Step: Barefoot Ken Bob, the Guru of Shoeless Running, Shares His Personal Technique


Roy M. Wallack - 2011
    Long before anyone else was even talking about barefoot running, he was perfecting the art... Now, after twenty years of teaching, experimenting, and 'merry marathoning' (as he calls it), the first and best source of barefoot-running knowledge is bringing his ideas to print. And it's about time."—Christopher McDougall, author of Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Super Athletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen"Ken Bob Saxton, a pioneer of the modern barefoot running movement, has logged more miles in his birthday shoes than just about anyone I know, and he has helped countless people run barefoot. As one would expect, this delightful book, full of wit and wisdom, is an invaluable guide for anyone who wants to run barefoot, avoid injury, and have fun."—Daniel E. Lieberman, professor of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University"This is a wonderful guide from the Godfather of barefoot running!"—Irene Davis, Ph.D., director of Spaulding National Running Center, Harvard Medical SchoolLearn Barefoot Running from the Master!Almost overnight, barefoot running has exploded onto the fitness scene. However, it involves more than simply taking off your shoes. In fact, everything you've learned about barefoot running is probably wrong—unless you've learned it from Barefoot Ken Bob Saxton. The leading instructor and proponent of unshod running, he has completed 76 marathons barefoot, survived an astounding marathon-a-month challenge in 2004, and gone on to top that with 16 marathons in 2006, including four in a 15-day period—all barefoot.Barefoot Running Step by Step separates the facts from the hype, outlines Ken Bob’s personal techniques, and details the latest research on the newest trend in mankind's oldest sport. Whether you barefoot run occasionally, part-time, or full-time, you'll find methods for improving your form, staying injury-free, dramatically improving your speed and performance, and having more fun.The Bent Knee: Here is the hidden secret to perfect running form. Learn how this crucial adjustment will keep you running stronger and injury-free for life.Vibrams and Minimalist Shoes: Barefoot running is not a transition from shoes to minimalist shoes to bare feet. It's the other way around. Discover why you need to run barefoot before you use other footwear.Start From the Head: Proper barefoot form doesn't start at the feet. Discover how to get the correct body biomechanics.Ease Into It: Here are the steps you need to take to make the transition from running in shoes to barefoot running as painless and easy as possible.Improve Speed: Barefoot running's injury reduction benefits are well-touted; however a new landmark study proves that barefooting—even part-time—can make you faster.Barefoot Running Step by Step is filled with series photos and illustrations that show you the "do's" and "don'ts" of barefoot running, the latest research, and Ken Bob Saxton's personal experiences and insights for running barefoot for life.

Runner's World Run to Lose: A Complete Guide to Weight Loss for Runners


Jennifer Van Allen - 2015
    Running is proven to be one of the most effective, cost-efficient, and accessible weight-loss strategies. Weight loss and running are not one-size-fits-all, and Run to Lose provides everything you need to customize a unique diet and running program that works for you. Certified running coach Jennifer Van Allen and sports nutritionist Pamela Nisevich Bede show you how to incorporate running into an individualized nutrition and fitness program that will maximize your weight-loss results while improving your athletic performance.Whether you are a seasoned marathoner looking to shave minutes by shedding a few pounds or a beginning runner lacing up for the very first time, Run to Lose provides you with the tools and information you need to get started and stay on track. This book is full of guidance on tricky topics such as how to balance your weight-loss goals while consuming enough nutrients to power your workouts; how to maximize your calorie burn; the best high-quality/low-calorie carbs to fuel your run; and advice on how to avoid common diet pitfalls. Complete with easy-to-follow training guides and detailed meal plans, Run to Lose will help you shape up, get stronger, and achieve your fitness goals.

Advanced Sports Nutrition


Dan Benardot - 2005
    Now this best-seller returns, updated with the latest research, topics, and innovations in sports nutrition. Far beyond the typical food pyramid formula, Advanced Sports Nutrition offers serious strategies for serious athletes. This comprehensive guide includes the latest nutrition concepts for athletes in any sport. World-renowned sports nutritionist Dr. Dan Benardot breaks down the chemistry of improved performance into winning principles that ensure athletes’ key energy systems are properly stocked at all times: - Meal, energy, and nutrient timing guidelines to maintain that crucial energy balance throughout the day- Optimal ratios and quantities of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for any sport- Guidelines on indentifying and maintaining optimal body composition for maximal power, strength, and athletic performance- The latest research on ergogenic aids, such as quercitin and caffeine- Strategies for avoiding gastrointestinal distress during activity and reducing exercise-induced inflammation - The effects of travel, high altitude, and age on nutrition needs and performance- Strategies for balancing fluid and electrolytes to avoid dehydration and hyperhydration- Sport-specific guidelines for increased power, strength, and endurance The best conditioning programs and technical instruction are beneficial only if your body is properly fueled and ready to operate at peak efficiency. With Advanced Sports Nutrition, Second Edition, you can be assured that when you are ready to push the limits of training and competition, your body is, too.Important Notice: The digital edition of this book is missing some of the images found in the physical edition.

Dynamic Stretching: The Revolutionary New Warm-up Method to Improve Power, Performance and Range of Motion


Mark Kovacs - 2009
    That is why so many top trainers recommend dynamic stretches.Dynamic Stretching teaches how to effectively prepare your body for physical activity while simultaneously improving strength, power, speed, agility and endurance. With more than 50 exercises—fully illustrated with step-by-step photos—this book shows how to take your workouts and abilities to the next level:•Develop full-body range of motion•Enhance full-body motor control•Increase flexibility, balance and muscular endurance•Improve force generation and reaction time•Correct major and minor muscle imbalances

The Happy Runner: Love the Process, Get Faster, Run Longer


David Roche - 2018
    Guided by their personal experiences and coaching expertise, they point out the mental and emotional factors that will help you learn exactly how to become a happy runner and achieve your personal best.Following the "some work, all play" approach, The Happy Runner introduces the three commandments of happy running and teaches you how to balance the effort of running with the simple joy of the activity:- Learn how to run fast, run long, and stay healthy with proven training methods.- Read real stories from professional and recreational athletes who have had personal breakthroughs as they learned to love the process of running.- Understand how to adapt your running based on your personal lifestyle and goals as well as avoid setbacks from injury.- Develop your self-belief and make positivity your default setting so you can reach your goals.Whether you're battling burnout, are returning after an injury, or are new to running and want to enjoy a 5K or an ultramarathon, the science-based training guidance in The Happy Runner will help you get faster, go longer, and live stronger--all with a smile.CE exam available! For certified professionals, a companion continuing education exam can be completed after reading this book. The Happy Runner Online CE Exam may be purchased separately or as part of The Happy Runner With CE Exam, a package that includes both the book and the exam.

Your Body Is Your Barbell: Lose Weight and Get into the Best Shape of Your Life in just 6 Weeks Using Nothing but Your own Bodyweight


B.J. Gaddour - 2014
    No machines. No space. No hassles! With Your Body is Your Barbell, a reader will have no excuse not to get into the best shape of his or her life…simply, easily, and in just 4 weeks in the convenience of his or her own home. How? Using nothing more than what God blessed—a body with unlimited potential.Metabolic training expert BJ Gaddour, CSCS, who Men's Health magazine calls one of the "100 Fittest Men of All Time," has created a remarkably efficient and effective body-transforming diet and workout program based on just a handful of simple moves, the Bodyweight Eight. These no-equipment-required exercises are all one needs to build a strikingly symmetrical, perfectly proportioned, and classically beautiful physique, just like BJ's. (Not long ago, he was a fat guy with bad knees and an addiction to ice cream sundaes.)But it doesn't stop there. Once readers master each legendary fitness feat with perfect form, he will use BJ's "Sweat Spectrum," scalable, step-by-step progressions to go from ground zero to super hero. From these exercise variations, readers can construct hundreds of personalized workouts. Dozens of sample workouts are already demonstrated through big, bold how-to photographs within the book, and organized by goal, duration, intensity, and targeted body zone. This is the only book a man or woman needs to achieve the body he or she has always wanted anywhere…and without gear.