Fitness & Health (Paperback)

by Brian J. Sharkey (Author), Steven E. Gaskill (Author)
Key Phrases: second lactate threshold, muscular fitness training, sustainable fitness, Off Brisk, United States, American Heart Association (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
""In this age of trendy diets and looming obesity statistics, this book couldn't be more useful. Fitness researcher, educator, and author Sharkey (health & human performance, emeritus, Univ. of Montana), who first published this renowned guide in 1974, here teams up with Olympic coach Gaskill
(health & human performance, Univ. of Montana) for the sixth edition. Known as the thinking person's fitness book, this work discusses not only how to eat and exercise well but also why one should adopt such a lifestyle. The authors maintain a focus on the emotional as well as physical benefits of exercise and support their recommendations with relevant research studies and statistics. The book's scholarly nature makes it a staple in many college health courses, but in this particular edition, which encourages engaging in the active life rather than just focusing on performance, Sharkey and Gaskill also draw in the average reader by including straightforward sample fitness programs, training tips, activities, and basic injury care. Their relaxed tone and dispersed inspirational quotes from such luminaries as Chinese Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu and science fiction/fantasy author Ursula K.
Le Guin also engage readers. Essential for academic and larger public libraries."
Jennifer Johnston, formerly with San Bernardino P.L., CA
"Library Journal," October 15, 2006

Product Description
Discover how to achieve the maximum benefits of physical activity. This sixth edition of Fitness & Health is your guide to both a deeper understanding of the exercise-health relationship and a map for meeting your individual needs and goals. The book clearly explains how the body responds to physical activity, why physical activity is so beneficial to health, and the way in which physical activity enhances these areas of fitness:

• Aerobic and muscular fitness
• Weight control
• Performance in work and sport
• Energy and vitality

Authors Brian Sharkey, former president of the American College of Sports Medicine and a world-renowned fitness authority, and sport physiologist and Olympic coach Steven Gaskill present a wealth of research-based advice and activities. They provide information on aerobic fitness and prescription, which emphasizes sustained fitness, and incorporate the latest research and nutrition information regarding weight control.

Considered a classic, this revised and updated edition has already helped thousands of readers experience firsthand the benefits of more physical activity. Make Fitness & Health a priority and you, too, will be rewarded.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 429 pages
• Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers; 6 edition (October 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736056149
• ISBN-13: 978-0736056144
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #207,536 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A solid, science-based explanation of fitness and health, June 2, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Fitness and Health (Paperback)

I purchased this book as a reference for the current understanding of why exercise is important and how it is best performed. In the end, I found it to be partway between a standard fitness manual and a textbook...it has lots of explanations of how your body works (touching on many of the subjects I covered in a recent physiology class), plenty of reasons why it's in your best interest to follow a fitness program (as opposed to, say, simply dieting), and sound advice on what types of programs work (i.e. proper intensity, the importance of stretching, when to work out, etc.) The author constantly refers to several scientific studies, letting you know that the contents aren't the latest get-fit-quick scheme. Included in the book are illustrations and photos of numerous exercises that can be done outside of a gym in order to increase flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness.

Sometimes I felt that the author was targeting an age group a few years older than I (I'm 26), and I found several sections to be somewhat repetitive. Overall, however, I found this to be an interesting read and a sound guide during my fledgling steps toward getting fit.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Fitness Book, November 20, 2005

By	J. Gilmer "PetPassion" (US) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Fitness and Health (Paperback)

This book covers every area you need to know about in order to get and stay fit and healthy.

The book evens gives you suggestions on when (how often) you should get certain tests, exams, and immunizations. It describes many tests and what outcomes you should look for in each one. It also includes a Health Risk Analysis for you to take.

It covers all aspects of Aerobic Fitness as well as Muscular Fitness giving you suggestions, tips and photos demonstrating different exercises.

The book is so complete it even covers nutrition and other basic health information. This section includes a long list of foods and their caloric content as well as the caloric expenditure during various activities.

It also covers different diets giving you the good and the bad and telling you which ones you should avoid.

There's so much more in this book than there's time for in this interview. My suggestion is to get this book - even if you are into fitness you will learn something.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bought for a class, keep for life!, October 1, 2005

By	Boo Radley (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fitness and Health (Paperback)

Absolutely one of the best Fitness books I have read. Granted it is written as a textbook, this is a must read for those trying to lose weight or improve their fitness level. I'm using it for a class that I'm currently taking, and as a beginner Fitness and Wellness student, this explained many things clearly.