humane pressure self defence

This is a fantastic book ,Geoage Dillman really knows his art and the human body inside out for annybody out wanting to get a book on self defence which is easy to follow and understand then this is it .

need a running tip? any running tip?

This is the one. Being a naturally cautious boy, I initially bought the Runner's Handbook. This one is a considerable improvement - it repeats much that is in the original; however, unless you're the kind of runner who can't manage more than a run down the end of the road, you should ditch the first book in favour of the Competitive ... It has all the useful information contained in the previous version, and then a lot more that will help you move up a level, whether you're low or mid-intermediate. Any higher than that (ie if you're looking at sub-40 minute 10kms, etc.) and I suspect you already know what you're doing and you're not looking to buy a book like this, although you may find some useful tips. Stretching, injury, different programs for different distances and different types of runners; ideas on how to run on various types of terrain; in different weather conditions. It's all there, and not only are the sub-chapters there to answer any question you might have but, most importantly, it's well written and intelligently done. There is very little filler in this book. There are very few annoying Americanisms and little wasted space - every chapter serves a purpose, is well constructed and leaves you with a bit idea of what you're trying to achieve. A great buy amidst the wealth of running books available.

Excellent

Was recommended this book by someone on runnersworld.co.uk forums. I run my first marathon this Sunday and having read this book a couple of months ago it really helped me understand why I was doing certain training runs. I haven't used one of the schedules but will be doing so for my next marathon. This book really helps you understand the science of running, which, if you're hoping to run sub 3 hrs, is a must. Everything is explained clearly and doesn't require a degree in biology to understand. Top book

Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

All Francoise Freedman's books are excellent and this latest is no exception. What is great about this book is that it is suitable for those who have practiced little or no yoga before and also for experienced yoginis. The book takes you safely through the three trimesters with mini sequences, explaining what muscles you are strengthening and stretching. Common complaints like sciatica and symphysis pubis disorder are also addressed. The beautifully shot photos make everything clear and easy to follow.
The book also takes you through the postpartum period. Unlike most books, this isn't just a small add on at the end of the book. Freedman gives several progressive mini routines to help realign the body and promote strength and vitality.
I can't recommend this book enough!

If you are serious about your yoga, you must have this

As one previous reviewer says, if there is one reason not to buy this book, it's because it may be disheartening for complete beginners to see the more advanced poses performed by BKS Iyengar at the peak of his abilities. <br />This is not a book that was designed to impress the reader, but produced in the true spirit of a guru to guide and encourage yoga students. Yes, the photographs are in black and white, but they are clear. (I particularly like the one with the sofa in the background; it demonstrates that it really is the content and not the style that is important, unlike many more modern yoga books.)<br />I've been studying BKS Iyengar's method of Patanjali's yoga for 11 years and teaching for 4; I always take Light on Yoga to classes and it often comes out of the bag to provide the answer to a question.<br />If you are just beginning your yoga journey, I'd also recommend BKS Iyengar's The Path to Holistic Health but start with Yoga Explained by Mira Mehta. This is a lovely book by one of Mr. Iyengar's most respected students and one of the UK's top teachers. A couple of steps along the path and you'll definitely need Light on Yoga; if you need some inspiration to encourage you, buy it now.

A Modern Classic - essential reading for all levels

TKV Desikachar, a living Yogi, discusses the theory and practice of Yoga as laid down by his father Krishnamacharya, and based upon his own personal practice. It is a Viniyoga manual - yoga adapted to the needs of the individual, and as such will appeal to students and teachers from all branches of yoga. The book is divided into three parts. Part I"The Practice of Yoga" talks about asana and pranayama, and gives some useful sequences. Part II"The understanding of Yoga", deals with right thought and overcoming obstacles. And Part III,"The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali" which offers a translation and commentary of this ancient text. This book also includes some interesting interview / question and answer sections. Which are most useful at gaining a deeper insight into the purpose and proper practice of yoga. Om Shanti

Pilates highly recommended

This book is very easy to read and follow. It not only shows you exercises that I found really helped my back pain, but it also has information on how the body works and why you might be getting back pain. I was using a DVD but found it was going a bit fast for me to follow, with this book you can go at your own pace and you can see all the different exercises that might help your back and do the ones you feel most comfortable with. <br /><br />If you have back problems I would highly recommend Pilates. I had back pain for 2 years and found Pilates gentle and easy to do and really helped. Pilates are stretching exercises that help to strengthen and relax your back.<br /><br />Highly recommended book.

great principles..

what a great insight into the man and some great advise for training backed up well with solid science and logic, Since reading this i have trained according to some of the methods in this book and have made some amazing gains. I have also applied this to my clients and their gains have also gone through the roof. Never again be duped into illogical and irrational training regimen.

Don't know about flat, but you'll be stronger!!!

Reading this book in my 36th week of pregnancy, I can't vouch for these exercises leading to a flatter stomach. However, I have been through physio after both my previous pregnancies for pelvic floor problems as well as a three-finger separation in my abdomen, and so I know that doing exercises like these can make a huge difference in the strength of one's pelvic floor and returning a separation to something like normal width.

However, I hazard that these exercises are *better* than those given my the physio. The additional focus on the transverse stomach muscles makes a lot of sense, and I can see now that some of the crunches and lifts that the physio recommended were actually *undoing* a lot of the good work I had already done.

I also like how Julie Tupler's book focuses on more than just one part of the body, working not only with the stomach but with breathing, flexibility of joints, and all-over strengthening, as well as tips for every day living that include lifting babies and even rolling out of bed.

My only reservation about the book is that the descriptions of some of the exercises are a bit involved at first; however, working through them with the book in hand is necessary only the first two or three times, and then, it's logical and sensical.

Here's hoping that her promises of a flatter stomach are as true as the ones about regaining strength -- I could use a better profile after number 3 comes and goes!!!!

Krav Maga: A complete guide for fitness and self-defence

After borrowing this book from a friend and knowing very little about Krav Maga I was pleasantly suprised at how interesting and captavating the book was. The author keeps your attention throughout and each chapter has enough detail without overloading the reader.<br />This a is great book for a beginner or anyone interested in learning more about Krav Maga. David Kahn is an authority on the subject, an internationally renowned Kravist and thouroughly nice guy.<br />Needless to say I now have my own copy of this book and I am a convert to Krav Maga. (Good job David).

indispensible guide to the mountain

Went up Kili last year, found the book extremely useful before departure and during the trek (Machame route) The section on acute mountain sickness should be compulsory reading for anyone attempting to get to the top.

Consise well informed guide

This is an essential guide for visiting the Peak District. Well priced and"handy" for the pocket. Well impressed.

Knowledge is Power

I had high expectations for this book and it didn't fail to deliver. Penn and Kraus have put a great deal of thought into this book. It is well structured and all the major topics (Stand Up, Clinch & Ground) are well covered. Penn describes his MMA game in this book, and the layout makes it very easy to navigate and find what you are looking for. <br /><br />The striking section in itself was not my favourite as only the basic strikes are covered in this section. But if you look throughout the book as whole then you will see that Penn has covered striking from every position imaginable. The only other thing I would say about the striking is that kicking is not covered in this book at all. But that said, how many times do you see BJ throw a kick in a fight?<br /><br />My favourite section of this book however has to be the ground game one. I would have bought this book solely for that section. It covers BJJ for the MMA game fantastically. What makes it so good is that unlike a lot of other books, the ground section is aimed at MMA specifically. You don't get your sport JJ stuff here but as always the fundamentals can be transferred.<br /><br />Penn and Kraus have set the standard by which all future MMA instuctional books will be measured and truth be told, they have set the bar quite high.

"being present" a philosophy for life

this is a book about running - but running in life's great race as well as the roads, moors and tracks which are the traditional domains of the runner.<br /><br />Stu believes that we are all born to run, and he's written a book that is applicable to everyone - whether exercising, working, socialising the point is the same: do it so you enjoy it, don't treat it as some sort of punishment.<br /><br />It also contains so much detail - what to eat (and how different people need different foods), how you feel, kinesiology, health vs fitness, what to wear; Stu really is the expert

Excellent book that will help clear your mind

To anyone who is interesting in thriving and not just surviving , I strongly recommend this book. I suffered with facial pain for many years and to the bewilderment of many doctors , physicians and maxillo facial surgeons whose magical potions (expensive in some cases) did nothing. Then , I stumbled on the fact that it could be my breathing and Donna's book opened up a whole new avenue and gave me the answer. 'Frozen breathing' as Donna calls it , was my enemy and could be cured for FREE with the aid of controlled , deep diaphrammatic breathing (and it's a lot more enjoyable than some of the medicine I've took). I would personally like to thank and congratulate Donna on an outstanding book !!