Peak Performance Fitness: Maximizing Your Fitness Potential Without Injury or Strain [Paperback]

Jennifer Rhodes (Author), Jennifer Rhodes M.S.PT (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 2000

Strength isn't the only key to being a better athlete or preventing injuries - endurance and body alignment are equally important. This book demonstrates simple exercises to return to natural alignment; improve overall health; and prevent or heal aches, pains, and injuries. Jennifer Rhodes looks at the body as an integrated system and offers a step-by-step plan for developing cardiovascular capacity, strength, and flexibility. Including anecdotes and stories, examples, and plenty of encouragement, she provides instructions for getting maximum benefit from every workout. "An intelligent, balanced approach to exercise and fitness." - Michael J. Gelb, author of Body Learning

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Physical therapist and personal trainer Rhodes, trained at Columbia University, provides a comprehensive and realistic step-by-step program to getting maximum benefits from exercise. By using postural evaluation and correct body mechanics, along with the simple exercises outlined in the book, one can work out safely and thoroughly without risking or exacerbating bodily injury. Intended for use as a manual, the book provides illustrations and guidelines for sessions designed to strengthen and stabilize different muscle groups, exercises to develop flexibility and natural alignment, and action plans to improve cardiovascular capacity for people at all levels of fitness. An exercise log is included, as are bibliographies, appendixes, and a resource list for further study. This encouraging and intelligently written book belongs in all wellness collections and in public and academic libraries that support health-related or physical education curricula. Anyone who is serious about physical fitness or who works in the field should read this well-conceived book.DDeborah Anne Broocker, Georgia Perimeter Coll. LRC, Dunwoody
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"...is an excellent text for people looking for an accurate, clear, and concise guide to exercising safely and thoroughly" -- Physical Therapy Journal

"...this book, written by a physical therapist, is a refreshing read." -- Journal of the Section on Women's Health

"In an era of 'quick fixes' with no long-term results, Peak Performance Fitness, is a welcome voice." -- Paul M. Juris, Ed.D., Director of Equinox Fitness Training Institute

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Hunter House (October 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089793296X
• ISBN-13: 978-0897932967
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #757,869 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Educational and Empowering, November 12, 2000

By 

"ravisawhney" (Seattle) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Peak Performance Fitness: Maximizing Your Fitness Potential Without Injury or Strain (Paperback)

I am a 32 year old guy. I've been playing soccer, tennis, and golf almost all of my life. Over the past three years though, I've been plagued by recurring injuries to my knees and shoulders. I assumed my body was simply weakening with age, and couldn't take the blows like it used to. Luckily, I found Peak Performance Fitness before I put myself out to pasture! This easy to read book explained how my pain was actually due to years of "microtrauma"- continual irritations caused by poor alignment of my body causing me to torque and stress my muscles and joints in ways they just weren't meant to take. Clear illustrations gave me an understanding of how my body can and should work in harmony, with small changes in my lifestyle and exercise regimen. The book stepped me through the crafting of a workout, custom made to strengthen and realign my trouble spots. Within a few weeks, I could already feel my power and confidence improving. Ms Rhodes's book is an essential read for anyone who wants to keep their body working efficiently and looking and feeling great.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It Is Never Too Late!, November 18, 2000

By 

Pat LaPlante (Manchester, Connecticut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Peak Performance Fitness: Maximizing Your Fitness Potential Without Injury or Strain (Paperback)

As a female approaching 60, I have attempted many fitness programs only to be interrupted by an injury. I was intrigued by Jennifer Rhodes' book, Peak Performane Fitness, because she emphasizes fitness without injury or strain. After reading through Jennifer's book, I now understand why my attempts to improve my health through exercise have failed. I have developed a beginners program using the guidelines in her book. My focus is on improving my overall posture, along with cardiovascular exercise. In partiular, I highly recommend the foam roll referred to in Chapter 4 for spinal alignment. Jennifer has the knowledge and experience to provide good tools for exercise without injury and the suggested exercises with illustrations make it simple for one to follow. I am now looking forward to an ACTIVE retirement.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely outstanding. Learn to prevent pain and injury, May 23, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Peak Performance Fitness: Maximizing Your Fitness Potential Without Injury or Strain (Paperback)

I love this book! Maintaining proper alignment, and therefore helping to prevent injuries, and chronic pain, is so much more important than mere aesthetics. Anyone who has suffered an injury that affects one's mobility can attest to this. This book will show you how to keep your body healthy and well-aligned, for long-term health. She writes in an exceptionally clear fashion as well, and the way she explains how your body is supposed to move is brilliant easy to understand. Fantastic. I hope she writes another book, she's very dynamic.