Care and Feeding of an Athlete: What You Need to Know to Rise to the Top of Your Game [Paperback]

Toni Branner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2007

Is a Career as an Elite Athlete in your Future? Are you ready to reach the next level in your sport with state-of-the-art training and nutrition? Are you starting a new sport and want to do things right Becoming a top-level athlete takes hard work, practice, commitment and dedication. But of course, you already know all that. But, did you also know that the decisions you re making about your mental and physical well-being right now can directly impact your future? The Care and Feeding of an Athlete is your guide to a successful and healthy future in your favorite sport. Being a leading high school player, collegiate or professional player means becoming physically and mentally prepared to take on the game. From effective stretching to proper diet and healthy sleep patterns, The Care and Feeding of an Athlete shows you smart strategies to put you ahead of the pack ensuring your success on the field. The Care and Feeding of an Athlete includes: Inspirational quotes from athletes and coaches the pros State of the Art training and stretching techniques Essential mental preparation exercises Injury prevention and treatment Smart nutrition for at home, on the road or at a restaurant Time management strategies for home, school and practice No matter what kind of equipment you use or what kind of sport you love, The Care and Feeding of an Athlete is a must-have guide to make it to the top as a serious athlete.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Toni Branner is director of Fitness Concepts, a professional speaking and consulting firm in Charlotte, NC, that provides seminars for professionals and the lay public on topics such as anti-aging, children s wellness, motivation for lifestyle change, whole food nutrition, stress management and safe exercise. Toni received her Master s Degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she also served as director of the UNC Employee Health and Fitness Center and as a faculty member in the Department of Physical Education, Exercise and Sports Science. She is the proud mother of Jenna and Will, and the wife of Bill, who is a physician.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Blue Water Press (September 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0979604613
• ISBN-13: 978-0979604614
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #370,236 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #16 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Health > Fitness
  • #34 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Health > Diet & Nutrition
  • #38 in Books > Teens > Sports & Hobbies > Sports

More About the Author

Toni Branner is a former dancer and captained UNC-Chapel Hill's Tarheel cheerleading squad for four years. She holds undergraduate degrees in Biology and Physical Education.

Toni received her Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she also served as director of the UNC Employee Health and Fitness center and as faculty member in the Department of Physical Education, Exercise, and Sports Science.

Toni is the director of Fitness Concepts, a professional speaking and consulting business in Charlotte, North Carolina that provides seminars for professionals and the lay public on topics such as anti-aging, children's wellness, motivation for lifestyle change, whole food nutrition, stress management, and safe exercise. She is the Fitness Director for Mecklenburg Aquatic Club in Charlotte and is the proud mother of Jenna and Will and the wife of Bill who is a physician.

Her book and DVD for adults, The Safe Exercise Handbook (5th Edition) promote the importance of a regular exercise program as a means of improving your health and quality of life. This book is currently used on Naval aircraft carriers to guide military personnel through their workouts. Wilby's Fitness Book, an innovative story book for young people offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in the health of children. Toni's new books, soon to be released are The Care and Feeding of an Athlete and The Care and Feeding of a Dancer. They address the important issues of oxidative stress, nutrition, muscle care, and stress management specifically for the active population.

Through 22 years of wellness classes for children, adults and seniors, as well as numerous speaking engagements, workshops and academic presentations, Toni has shown thousands of people the way to prevent disease, perform effective, injury-free fitness and achieve optimal health. She is a gifted teacher, passionate about making a difference in the health of families.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fills a much needed void, April 15, 2008

By 

Amy Collins MacGregor "Book Girl 0930" (Troy, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Care and Feeding of an Athlete: What You Need to Know to Rise to the Top of Your Game (Paperback)

Too many kids and parents are pushing themselves to hard on and off the field. Branner teaches kids and parents how to take care of the young athlete and make sure they are around and healthy for those all important college years. Fantastic nutritional advice maximizes health and shows the importance of water, anti-oxidants and proper eating as a vital part of a young athletes road to collegiate or professional sports success.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book covers the exercise, mental, emotional, and nutritional aspects of raising a kid who enjoys sports, July 15, 2008

By 

Craig Matteson (Saline, MI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Care and Feeding of an Athlete: What You Need to Know to Rise to the Top of Your Game (Paperback)

Toni Tickel Branner has three books out on the "Care & Feeding of ...". While there are differences in this book (the quotes and some non-soccer advice) a lot of the language is exactly the same. My first review was of her book for the soccer player. So, I don't think you need all three. Just pick the one that is most focused on what it is you do. Just as she has adapted her text, I have only slightly altered my review.

We all know that exercising our bodies is good for us. We also know that real life is full of competition and there is winning and losing in all that we do. Athletics lets us exercise, have fun, and learn about competition when the stakes seem big, but are usually small. Organized sports consume more and more time in the life of many American children and young adults. As the author notes, "you learn to push yourself to your fullest potential, learn to take criticism as a compliment, and learn to gain confidence from each experience."

The author takes a responsible approach to fitness, nutrition, and competing to enhance your child's life, not consume it. Besides her own experience as an exercise physiologist, she has a board of medical and exercise experts who, I assume, looked over this material.

She also realizes that kids play sports differently and have different skill requirements according to age or grade level. Her advice for playing, learning skills, and warming up take all this in mind. I particularly like her discussion of common injury types and what you can do to prevent them. She also discusses the mental and emotional aspects of the game, including handling stress. Her food advice is quite good; if a bit too vegetarian for my tastes, but nothing here will be anything but good for you. She also deals with body image and distorted eating.

The author also guides you through getting the most from sports camp, how to be good sideline parents, and what to think about to become a successful and happy sports family. She also has a chapter on life lessons that can be learned from sports.

Good stuff.

Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great advice for armchair athletes..., July 29, 2008

By 

Ruth Castleberry "book dragon" (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Care and Feeding of an Athlete: What You Need to Know to Rise to the Top of Your Game (Paperback)

While this book is a great resource for parents of young athletes, or young athletes themselves, I have found the recommendations on nutrition extremely helpful. The information in Branner's book persuaded me to make changes in my eating habits and I have more energy and feel better as a result. It's an easy read and full of good advice for anyone, not just athletes.