Peak Performance: Training and Nutritional Strategies for Sport [Paperback]

John Hawley (Author), Dr John Hawley (Author), Louise Burke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1998

This is a text for coaches and athletes who want to improve their sporting performance via the application of scientific training and nutritional principles. It gives detailed, practical information on the principles of physical conditioning, and how these relate to explosive events (such as sprinting), endurance events (such as the Ironman triathlon) and team sports (such as rugby and soccer). A chapter on competition preparation has been included ("Getting it right on the day"), as well as an appraisal of scientific aids for athletes (heart rate monitors, altitude training, warm up and warm down, drafting and pacing, and hill training). The book includes contributions from leading coaches, who reveal the secrets to success in their events, and also look at what the future holds for athletes in the year 2008.

Product Details

• Paperback: 456 pages
• Publisher: Allen & Unwin Academic (August 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1864484691
• ISBN-13: 978-1864484694
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,119,678 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Balanced, reader-friendly. Ideal for coach and athlete., October 3, 1999

By 

J. C. Birchley (Wuerenlingen, AG Switzerland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Peak Performance: Training and Nutritional Strategies for Sport (Paperback)

There are so many good points about this book I hardly know where to start. What impresses me most is that the authors have maintained a balanced and rational view on the many diverse and sometimes conflicting inputs - lab. tests, experience in the sport, folklore, practicalities - all of these impinge on the attitudes of athlete and coach, and can result in a lot of confusion and uncertainty. The book does an excellent job in unravelling these tangled strands of knowledge and half-knowledge to present the a clear and accurate picture to the reader. Uncertain points are made clearer, several myths are debunked (some of my own misconceptions were cleared up). Yet where the truth remains hidden or is unclear this is commented upon. Concerning scientific studies the source material is extensive and up to date.

The layout and language are so clear and reader-friendly, and the material so interesting that I found it hard to put the book down. However, I'd have to advise readers not to try to take in too much at a time.

The few inaccuracies in some of the details didn't detract from the message or the overall quality. There is one slightly surprising omission, namely the absence of any discussion of the Conconi test for aerobic performance. Nevertheless, the sections on training are excellent; the ones on nutrition are even better.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Science not Guesswork, May 15, 2000

By 

John W. Pollard (Brisbane, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Peak Performance: Training and Nutritional Strategies for Sport (Paperback)

Finally a book that actually uses the peer reviewed literature. It was a pleasure to read this book knowing that you were getting factual and scientifically valid information. If you want to know what works in training and nutrition this is the book. Now I dont have to buy all those supplements - and have I saved a heap of $'s.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bridging the gap between sports science and sport, September 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Peak Performance: Training and Nutritional Strategies for Sport (Paperback)

Peak Performance is the perfect companion for the athlete or coach looking for every ounce of accurate practical information available from sports scientists. John Hawley and Louise Burke (world leaders in sport related science) have teamed up to produce the "lay-persons" guide to improved athletic performance. Peak performance introduces us to the founding fathers of modern athletic training. Our authors then explore the facts that have been uncovered by exercise scientists attempting to discover proof of what produces optimal performance. An excellent blend of theory and practice!