Elite Forces Manual of Mental and Physical Endurance: How to Reach Your Physical and Mental Peak (Paperback)

by Alexander Stillwell (Author), Matthew Bennett (Author) "The subconscious stores influences that may have been picked up since childhood, and these influences can affect an individual's conscious assessment of their ability to..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States Navy, Special Operations

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A mighty handy volume. Recommended."--Library Journal on Encyclopedia of Survival Techniques

Product Description
The Elite Forces Manual of Mental and Physical Endurance shows how the world+s most advanced soldiers stretch themselves mentally and physically, giving the reader the opportunity to train as they do in easy-to-follow steps. A detailed examination of what it takes to become as fit as a special forces soldier, the book takes a holistic view of the body and mind, showing readers how to build up endurance over a matter of weeks and how their quality of life will improve in the process. The 120 illustrations throughout the book make it perfect for both serious students of physical fitness and martial arts as well as armchair military enthusiasts.Whether competing in unarmed combat sports, running a marathon, or just looking to get ahead, readers should turn to the Elite Forces Manual for helpful and practical advice about attaining the absolute peak of mental and physical fitness.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (February 21, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312348185
• ISBN-13: 978-0312348182
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,858 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Jedi Training Manual, December 19, 2006

By	rick33 (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

I purchased this book in Australia where it's titled, "The SAS and Elite Forces Manual of...".

I was extrememly impressed with the topic coverage and the depth that the author went into. Mr. Stillwell touches all the bases here... detailed pysical and mental preparation, several exercise regimens, nutrition fundamentals, basics on hand-to-hand combat and ending with a nice intro to "advanced techniques".

Mostly, I was impressed with the section on mental preparation, as this is a crucial area that similar books tend to gloss over, or exclude altogeher.
In this book we have interesting and detailed writing on things like goals, positive attitude and thinking, controlling emotions, meditation, self-esteem, and confidence.

The section on physical preparation is also excellent. Containing sample workout schedules, easy-to-understand illustrations, and just plain good information on exercise.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who is endeavoring to join the military or take on any daunting challenge. Or to anybody who is just interested in improving themselves mind, body and spirit.

May the Force be with you.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exercising the proper way, July 5, 2006

By	A A - See all my reviews

This is an excellent reference book for diet, exercise and if you're dedicated a great way to get the ball rolling on your own personal boot camp.
Packed with interesting information it includes different sections of the forces exercise regimes and how to take proper care of your body.
I found this to be a valuable resource for physcial fitness.

22 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A disappointing book, August 31, 2007

By	Henry Nguyen - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Overall I was rather disappointed with this book. It wastes several pages on "inspirational" stories, and although it discusses mental aspects such as confidence and goal setting, there isn't particularly anything that you couldn't figure out for yourself. Same with most of the treatment on physical conditioning. Anyone with some background in sports or fitness and halfway decent intelligence could figure out most of if for themselves. It mentions specific fitness requirements for a few elite units, but you could probably get the same info just by going to a recruiter (who would probably have the most up-to-date information anyway). There are a few useful tips on nutrition and survival techniques, as well as a few hand-to-hand combat techniques, but overall I wouldn't rate this book as being worth buying.