Customer Reviews

The Athlete's Way: Sweat and the Biology of Bliss

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As an amature Ironman competitor and an Exercise Physiologist I was inspired by this book. The unique format and personal approach by Christopher Bergland hooked me from the first page. I especially liked the quotes throughout the book and will incorporate many of those mantras into my own training. Also, the no-nonsense application of training principles will be helpful for every level athlete from a complete novice to a well seasoned veteran. I found so many parallels in my own training and am excited to be able to compare myself with such an accomplished athlete. Christopher's story is one that is amazingly simple and I am sure relates to many people on many levels. I highly reccommend this book for everyone looking to make a connection with their body, mind, and spirit.

There's some intellectual highs in this book, similar to diamonds in the rough... but there are too many insipid and trite passages to make this a good book. More suited for the novice or budding athlete; if this defines you - I recommend this book - it's worth your time. A few gems for the experienced athlete, but you'll spend a lot of time digging through the book to find it. Basic health and fitness information in most parts of the book, as well as basic sport psychology; the introduction was the best part of the book for the experienced athlete; read that and pass on the rest of the book. Unless you're having trouble sticking with an exercise program... read the introduction only.

The Athlete's Way is a fascinating trip into the mind of an ultra-endurance athlete. For me, the book was an inspiration to continue training and pushing myself. I am by no means the super athlete that the author is but found it very easy to relate to. The Athlete's Way provokes a new way of looking at exercise that hopefully will stick with me and keep me motivated.

The author's use of quotations and personal stories makes this book something way beyond a standard exercise manual. I can't say enough good things about it!

This was a gift for my son, an experienced marathon and triatholon participant. He reports that it was an easy and enjoyable read, and could identify with Chris's message thoughout, ie exercise, good food choices, close relationships and a sense of purpose in life. Thanks, Chris.

WoW!!! This book is amazing! Although, Im not a world record holder or ultra endurance athlete, like Christopher Bergland, I can relate to his stories, his science, his quotations and his training programs. It is the first time I have read a book that describes exactly how I feel when I excercise. The way he easily describes the chemicals/hormones in my body when I work out reaffirms why I feel that "runners high". I couldn't put this book down once I started it. I would highly recommend this book to aspiring athletes as well as experienced athletes.

"The Athlete's Way" is a great motivational tool that has helped me improve my running and has encouraged me to keep exercising.

My favorite parts of the book:

* Reshaping your brain so exercise isn't a chore, but a daily reward/ incentive on its own. Once you experience this bliss, you want to keep flooding your brain with its "happiness" chemicals.

* Tonic level of fitness = perfect balance. Christopher explains that there's no need to be a professional athlete to achieve the optimum level of fitness. Regular people can attain this ideal level and find balance and see great changes.

* Quotes are sprinkled throughout the book to provide motivation, and they are fun to read. I recently read another running/exercise book that was so dull, I could barely finish it. The quotes, anecdotes and descriptions of Christopher's athletic highs (and lows) give "The Athlete's Way" a personality.

* A recommendation found in the book which I have implemented is the running log. The first month I found it indispensable as it helped me see patterns that I had never noticed before. I would usually just head outside and run aimlessly. Now I am better able to gauge what helps me exercise longer (good music, not running on a totally empty stomach [yay toast!], avoiding runs in the hot Texas sun !)

* I also like that the book isn't preachy at all. Wanna keep a log? Go for it! If you can't be bothered, that's ok too. There's really no wrong way to embrace the ideas in this book.

The Athlete's Way is an illuminating,informative, entertaining, and superbly written book on how to train, but at a deeper level on how to live. The author not only has an amazing understanding of sports, science, the body, and mind, but also of our common humanity. At the outset, he reveals who he is with a such candor and such an appealing voice letting us know that despite his expertise and accomplishments, he is one of us. Throughout the book,he engages the reader with his honesty and "smarts". Woven in artfully throughout with his straightforward advice on how-to train are quotes from the greats including: Twain,Emerson,and Woody Allen, and Chris's how-I-did-it story, for which he called up discipline, hard work, perseverance, and passion. This book should be required reading for everyone wanting to train; live a richer, fuller life; and follow his or her bliss.
Author! Author! Nancy Kelton

I picked up Christopher Berglund's book and i have not set it down. It is amazingly informative and complete with a program to get and keep you off the couch. I was captivated and envious of all his accomplishments and his world travel in competing in all of his events. His personal story of recovery is compelling and can be a model for our lost sedentary society of today. His attempt to parse what is bliss was easy to follow and he offers most of us the fact that not only do we make heroin like substances (endorphins) but marijuana neurotransmitters that contribute to making us feel good after exercise. Bravo, for another exercising zealot who has written a book that should be read on your elliptical or stationary bike as he suggests, he pushed me to go farther on a sleepy Sunday. Everyone who wants to see the possibility of a devotion to the physicallife can see a model to develop the persistence and pleasure that his Athlete's Way career has brought.

This book is incredible. It really motivates you. I am now getting ready to run a marathon. What great insight the author has on how to get you to enjoy your workout.

The first couple chapters are interesting and informative, and contain some useful thoughts about brain chemistry and exercise. I have lent this book to many people with instructions to not read past the second chapter. Beyond that point, it's just insipid drivel.