The Athlete's Way: Sweat and the Biology of Bliss (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "I have spent the past two decades exploring my own motivation and what motivates other people, and I am excited to share everything I have..." (more)
Key Phrases: volition switch, athletic bliss, athletic process, New York, Roger Bannister, Central Park (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. A Triple Iron Man record-breaker and the son of a neuroscience researcher, Bergland argues that exercise is as much about the mind as it is about the body, making athletes not just healthier, but happier, smarter and more well-adjusted. An overview of Bergland's own story, "The Brain Science of Sport" and positive psychology provide a detailed but easy-to-follow foundation for his 8-week exercise program and the concepts that shape it, such as "flow" (that "in the zone" state) and "cross talk" (the dialogue between the cerebrum and the cerebellum). Bergland shares his workout secrets, illustrates simple exercises and stretches targeting the major muscle groups, but emphasizes that the most significant challenge is in committing to the full 56-day regimen; consistency will cause the brain to become "restructured," literally, giving readers not just a life-long appetite for exercise but a "happier, more agile, sharper, and less stressed out" mind. Bergland's sincerity, enthusiasm and experience are beyond question, though readers might at times question his sanity (as when chronicling his record-breaking, near-fatal 24 hour treadmill run). Fortunately, Bergland has more realistic expectations for the reader, and provides common sense tips on everything from eating to sleeping to gearing up to developing a positive mindset. Friendly, heartfelt writing, uncompromising attention to detail and flagless enthusiasm make this book both a comprehensive plan and an encouraging partner for long-term, life-changing fitness goals.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"The Athlete's Way is amazingly informative and complete with a program to get and keep you off the couch. Bravo, for another exercising zealot who has written a book that should be read on your elliptical or stationary bike. He pushed me to go farther on a sleepy Sunday."

- John J. Ratey, M.D., author of Spark: The Revolutionary New Science in Exercise and the Brain, and co-author of Driven to Distraction

 

 

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Product Details Hardcover: 351 pages Publisher: St. Martin's Press; 1 edition (June 12, 2007) Language: English ISBN-10: 0312355866 ISBN-13: 978-0312355869 Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 1.4 inches Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #509,933 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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First Sentence:
I have spent the past two decades exploring my own motivation and what motivates other people, and I am excited to share everything I have learned here. Read the first page

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
volition switch, athletic bliss, athletic process, bliss molecule, tonic level, athletic mind, fluid performance, mirror cells, mirror neurons, prime motivating force, rejection sensitivity, four reps, anaerobic work

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
New York, Roger Bannister, Central Park, United States, Death Valley, Hawaii Ironman, Lance Armstrong, Tai Chi, Chuck Yeager, Joseph Campbell, Double Iron Man, Serena Williams, Paula Newby-Fraser

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	49% buy the item featured on this page: The Athlete's Way: Sweat and the Biology of Bliss 4.6 out of 5 stars (14) $18.94
	30% buy Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain 4.5 out of 5 stars (75) $15.74
	17% buy The Athlete's Way: Training Your Mind and Body to Experience the Joy of Exercise 5.0 out of 5 stars (1) $10.17
	2% buy Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School 4.5 out of 5 stars (84) $10.20

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Customer Reviews

14 Reviews 5 star:  (12) 4 star:    (0) 3 star:  (1) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:  (1)           Average Customer Review 4.6 out of 5 stars (14 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 9 of 9 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A unique way to look at exercise, August 6, 2007 By  Matthew T. Siedhoff - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    As a habitual exerciser, I find myself frequently refering to this book when conversations come up on the topic. It was refreshing to read an intellectual discussion that argues I'm not crazy for feeling the need to exert myself on a daily basis! Bergland makes an interesting and compelling argument for the addictive nature of exercise, and convincingly advocates for tapping into this potential as a way to establish a habit whose benefits affect mood, sleep, aesthetics, and longevity. The blend of anecdotes, quotes, practical suggestions, and understandable neuroscience makes this a truly unique take on the subject. Reclaiming sweat as pleasure rather than pain--a delightful idea! 6 of 6 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, June 20, 2007 By  David C. Matesanz "David" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    The Athlete's Way is a fascinating trip into the mind of an ultra-endurance athlete. For me, the book was an inspiration to continue training and pushing myself. I am by no means the super athlete that the author is but found it very easy to relate to. The Athlete's Way provokes a new way of looking at exercise that hopefully will stick with me and keep me motivated. The author's use of quotations and personal stories makes this book something way beyond a standard exercise manual. I can't say enough good things about it! 5 of 5 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Sweat is Blissful, July 5, 2007 By  G. M. Ayotte - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    As an amature Ironman competitor and an Exercise Physiologist I was inspired by this book. The unique format and personal approach by Christopher Bergland hooked me from the first page. I especially liked the quotes throughout the book and will incorporate many of those mantras into my own training. Also, the no-nonsense application of training principles will be helpful for every level athlete from a complete novice to a well seasoned veteran. I found so many parallels in my own training and am excited to be able to compare myself with such an accomplished athlete. Christopher's story is one that is amazingly simple and I am sure relates to many people on many levels. I highly reccommend this book for everyone looking to make a connection with their body, mind, and spirit.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars Sweat = Happiness "The Athlete's Way" is a great motivational tool that has helped me improve my running and has encouraged me to keep exercising. Read more Published 20 months ago by Rosa Isela Olivares 5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read to Keep you Exercsing I picked up Christopher Berglund's book and i have not set it down. It is amazingly informative and complete with a program to get and keep you off the couch. Read more Published 20 months ago by John J. Ratey 5.0 out of 5 stars Great piece of work!!!! I really believe this book is very inspiring and has made me a better athelete!! Just by reading about the author (My Story) was amazing and the most inspiring for myself... Read more Published 21 months ago by R. Haag 5.0 out of 5 stars A blissful journey You know how sometimes, when you read a book, you hit a sentence that transports you right into the author's brains and spine and make you feel like, 'yes, I know exactly what you... Read more Published 21 months ago by Sophie Meneut 3.0 out of 5 stars More suited to the budding/beginning athlete. There's some intellectual highs in this book, similar to diamonds in the rough... but there are too many insipid and trite passages to make this a good book. Read more Published on October 29, 2007 by J. Maguire 5.0 out of 5 stars Cheers to The Athlete's Way....... The Athlete's Way is an illuminating,informative, entertaining, and superbly written book on how to train, but at a deeper level on how to live. Read more Published on August 4, 2007 by M. Duelka 5.0 out of 5 stars Spot On! This was a gift for my son, an experienced marathon and triatholon participant. He reports that it was an easy and enjoyable read, and could identify with Chris's message... Read more Published on July 12, 2007 by A. Lafrance 5.0 out of 5 stars Chock full o' BLISS WoW!!! This book is amazing! Although, Im not a world record holder or ultra endurance athlete, like Christopher Bergland, I can relate to his stories, his science, his... Read more Published on July 4, 2007 by tom 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Motivation This book is incredible. It really motivates you. I am now getting ready to run a marathon. What great insight the author has on how to get you to enjoy your workout. Published on July 2, 2007 1.0 out of 5 stars Runner31 This book looked like it could be a really interesting addition to the literature of fitness. However, the author's maddingly pumped-up ego got in the way very quickly. Read more Published on June 28, 2007 by W. Srole Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 351 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press; 1 edition (June 12, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312355866
• ISBN-13: 978-0312355869
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #509,933 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique way to look at exercise, August 6, 2007

By	Matthew T. Siedhoff - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a habitual exerciser, I find myself frequently refering to this book when conversations come up on the topic. It was refreshing to read an intellectual discussion that argues I'm not crazy for feeling the need to exert myself on a daily basis! Bergland makes an interesting and compelling argument for the addictive nature of exercise, and convincingly advocates for tapping into this potential as a way to establish a habit whose benefits affect mood, sleep, aesthetics, and longevity. The blend of anecdotes, quotes, practical suggestions, and understandable neuroscience makes this a truly unique take on the subject. Reclaiming sweat as pleasure rather than pain--a delightful idea!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, June 20, 2007

By	David C. Matesanz "David" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Athlete's Way is a fascinating trip into the mind of an ultra-endurance athlete. For me, the book was an inspiration to continue training and pushing myself. I am by no means the super athlete that the author is but found it very easy to relate to. The Athlete's Way provokes a new way of looking at exercise that hopefully will stick with me and keep me motivated.

The author's use of quotations and personal stories makes this book something way beyond a standard exercise manual. I can't say enough good things about it!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweat is Blissful, July 5, 2007

By	G. M. Ayotte - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As an amature Ironman competitor and an Exercise Physiologist I was inspired by this book. The unique format and personal approach by Christopher Bergland hooked me from the first page. I especially liked the quotes throughout the book and will incorporate many of those mantras into my own training. Also, the no-nonsense application of training principles will be helpful for every level athlete from a complete novice to a well seasoned veteran. I found so many parallels in my own training and am excited to be able to compare myself with such an accomplished athlete. Christopher's story is one that is amazingly simple and I am sure relates to many people on many levels. I highly reccommend this book for everyone looking to make a connection with their body, mind, and spirit.