For all students of tai chi, the 3rd edition of the best-selling book Tai Chi Theory & Martial Power includes a new and modern easy-to-follow layout. Each technique is presented in large photographs with detailed instructions. Motion arrows are used on the photographs as an important aid in performing the movements correctly. Sections offer a brief history of Tai Chi, the role of qi in tai chi, and detailed instructions on how to generate amazing "natural" physical power.

If you're ready to transform your body and perfect your athletic skills, then this is the book for you. Based on solid exercise science principles and tested with thousands of clients, JC's Total Body Transformation gives you over 110 workouts that can be plugged into any training plan right now to transform your body, improve your athletic performance, build strength and endurance, and produce the results you want. This text also addresses recovery technique and nutritional interventions that will support your transformation journey. Author JC Santana has spent over 30 years working with professional and collegiate athletes, weekend warriors, and serious strength and fitness clients, and he's developed hundreds of workouts that are proven to work. You won't get a lot of fluff here: You'll get an introduction on how to use these workouts, an explanation of why JC's training philosophy works, instructions on how to coach the workouts, and his simple philosophy on assessment and progressions-and then the rest is all workouts. Check out what's packed inside these pages: * More than 110 ready-to-use workouts for body transformation, strength, and endurance * Nutrition tips to help torch fat and build muscle * Suggestions for faster recovery * Bonus workouts from industry giants in athletic performance, bodybuilding, and physique competition * Tips on using multiple pieces of equipment-including barbells, dumbbells, and medicine balls-to target different muscles and add variety * Equipment suggestions and reviews The best part is that you can use these workouts with any current training plans, so you have plenty of options to customize your training. These workouts take into account the unique needs of men and women, and there is even guidance on how to sequence workouts sequentially or successively to create daily, monthly, and yearly programs. Make every exercise count and avoid boredom with the same old routine. JC's Total Body Transformation is your instant guide to transforming your body, optimizing performance, and maximizing function.

Orthopaedic surgeon Ray Long blends modern science and the ancient art of hatha yoga to create an indispensable resource for every yoga practitioner -- from beginners to experts. A scientific approach to understanding the practice of hatha yoga: through full-colour, three-dimensional illustrations of major muscles, tendons, and ligaments, Ray Long describes the correct positioning of hatha yoga poses (asanas) and their benefits. Specific anatomical descriptions highlight which muscles to activate in each pose, bringing the experience of the pose to new sensory heights. A novel approach to learning yoga poses: each of the four mat companions focuses on one type of yoga pose: standing poses, forward bends and hip openers, back bends and twists, and arm balances and inversions. The illustrations and descriptions describe the major movements that enable the poses, how to deepen the posture, and sequences of muscle activation. The concealed wire-bound pages make the books perfect mat resources during practice.

Seize and Control Skills for Tai Chi Chuan Hundreds of chin na grappling techniques are hidden within tai chi movements. You can achieve these seize and control skills by including Tai Chi Chin Na in your training regimen. Here's your chance to take the next step in your tai chi journey Once you have attained proficiency in the bare hand form and have begun pushing hands, you are ready for tai chi chin na. The effective martial skills of traditional tai chi chuanTai chi chin na will help you include martial art skills in your tai chi training. Chin na, along with punching, kicking, and wrestling, is one of the four categories that are required in a traditional martial arts. This book provides a solid and practical approach to learning tai chi chin na accurately and quickly. You will learn specific techniques that flow from each movement, the proper hand forms to use when striking or pressing cavities, and the locations for targeting cavities on the body. Includes 858 photographs with motion arrows! *General concepts of chin na*Basic chin na theory and training*51 chin na techniques for peng, lu, ji, and an*41 chin na techniques for cai, lei, zhou, and kao*103 chin na applications for the 37 primary tai chi postures*17 chin na techniques for tai chi pushing hands No matter your age or martial prowess, tai chi chin na is a necessary and enjoyable way to explore the depths of tai chi-a formidable martial art.

A newly revised edition of the best-selling classic that launched thousands of people on the road to fitness
The Ultimate Workout Log is an easy-to-use diary and goal tracker with a unique format and six months' worth of space to record training routines and accomplishments. Ever popular and endlessly useful, the log makes it easy for users to note cardio, strength, and flexibility and balance workouts, while also including space for nutrition notations. Research shows that goal setting and daily self-monitoring lead to increased participation and greater weight loss. So whether you're a veteran marathoner or a first-time gym-goer, this log will provide motivation, tools for analyzing patterns in your workouts, and a record of your achievements.
"Bound to help you stay on track."--"Men's Fitness"

The 12-movement qigong form presented is taken from over 50 forms developed by Professor Zhang Guangde, one of the world's leading qigong teachers, and can be practised in both seated and standing positions. The movements are graceful and easy to learn, and are based on the tenets of Chinese Medicine, working with the Zang Fu organs, the meridians, yin-yang, the Five Elements, and qi and blood. The book provides step-by-step, fully-illustrated instruction for both standing and seated practice, learning tips and health benefits for each movement, and also a brief account on the origins and characteristics of the exercises. An accompanying DVD features a video demonstrating the form and additional information on its history and origins, and a CD provides options for verbal instructions to lead the practitioner through the exercises, or music to accompany them. Through integrating breathing exercises into Yangsheng, the 12 steps are effective for promoting good health, preserving life and cultivating the spirit, and they are suitable for all ages. The book will be invaluable for people who wish to learn a simple yet powerful form, and for teachers looking for effective forms to teach groups, especially children, people with disabilities and older people.

Science comes to life with Practical Guide to Exercise Physiology, Second Edition. Taking an application-based approach, supported by vivid medical illustrations, this book provides students and health and fitness professionals with a simple and straightforward way to learn the fundamentals of human physiology, metabolism, and nutrition. Intricate physiological processes responsible for how the body responds and adapts to physical activity are described in an accessible manner so that readers can easily select appropriate training programs and explain them to others. Practical Guide to Exercise Physiology, Second Edition, is complemented by medical artwork that puts these complex systems into a digestible visual context. These systems are then applied to real-world practice and training principles that are beneficial to specific body systems to achieve the desired results. Part I of Practical Guide to Exercise Physiology, Second Edition, reviews human physiology fundamentals, including muscles and muscle adaptation, bioenergetics, and the cardiorespiratory system. Part II applies these scientific concepts to training programs designed for specific fitness goals. These goals include weight loss and improvements in strength and muscle mass, speed and power, and aerobic endurance. Part III of the text outlines special considerations for training with pregnant women and children as well as older adults. This part also includes exercise adjustments for changes in temperature and altitude. The second edition of Practical Guide to Exercise Physiology features new content on trending fitness concepts such as HIIT, periodization, and detraining. The text also provides several useful tools for practical application: Fun facts and sidebars examine current topics and engage readers with additional content about the human body's response to training. At the end of each chapter, summary statements and review questions highlight essential information. Performance Nutrition Spotlights offer advice and tips on using nutrition to support adaptations and improve performance. The Index of Common Questions From Clients section collects the most common inquiries from clients and points to the corresponding chapter where each of those topics is covered, helping readers to quickly access the information. Practical Guide to Exercise Physiology, Second Edition, contains all the information students and fitness professionals need to understand the connection between physiology and exercise. Readers will gain confidence in designing exercise programs for various populations and in their ability to explain to clients how each exercise and movement will help them achieve their goals.

Jack wants to put on an acrobatics show in time for the holidays. Every week he practices doing somersaults and building pyramids with Mum and Dad. Do you want to join in the fun too? Jack's Acrobatics is a collection of 24 acrobatic exercises for the whole family. From simple practice games to acrobatic tricks, Jack's Acrobatics brings pure pleasure to young and old and helps with the development of motor skills along the way. 'Wonderful!' Peter Duncan in his foreword.

Fit exercise into your busy life with short but effective programmes for the back. Does the daily grind take a toll on your back? Do you struggle to find time for exercise? Stress no more: these four 15-minute programmes for beginners offer the flexibility and ease of use that busy lifestyles demand. At home, with just a mat, you can strengthen your core and back muscles and banish aches and pains by regularly practising these 15-minute routines. Clear step-by-step photographs paired with easy-to-follow instructions explain exactly what to do in each exercise, and how to move safely and protect your back. At the end of each 15-minute programme there's an at-a-glance summary of the routine. 15-Minute Better Back will inspire you to make these simple exercises part of your weekly routine, so you can soon remedy any back issues once and for all.

Step up to the barre and strengthen your core with 100 at-home barre exercises! Infused with elements of ballet, barre classes were introduced by Lotte Berk in the 1970s as a new way to combine dance with traditional exercise. Just about any barre class will involve a lot of reps of small, pulsing movements (lifting and lowering limbs a mere inch or two) at the barre, with a heavy focus on the legs, glutes, and core and emphasis on form and alignment. Barre Fitness provides 100 at-home barre exercises from the fundamentals to more complex moves with a focus on building strength and improving technique--no barre required! Trained at the ground floor of the prestigious Lotte Berk Method NYC (where barre fitness originated), Fred Devito and Elisabeth Halfpapp bring first-generation teaching and training experience and the acclaim of the Core Fusion(R) brand to this guide to at-home exercise, geared toward your fitness goals. This book breaks down the set ups, progressions, and sequences for all of the classic barre exercises to empower you to perform them at home with clear photographs and easy-to-follow descriptions and program routines. Each exercise explains the benefits and how they can be combined for different results. Learn how to integrate these barre exercises into your daily workout routine, while mindfully incorporating healthy eating and stress reduction habits, for living a healthier lifestyle regardless of your age or fitness level. Whether you want to tone and shape your muscles (without gaining muscle mass), build your core strength, lose weight, increase flexibility, combat aging, rehab from injury, or supplement your current fitness routine (or any combination of these), Barre Fitness offers the solutions you're looking for.

You have an owner's manual for your car, your stereo, and even your blender, so why not your body? The Fighter's Body is exactly that-an owner's manual for your most complex piece of equipment. As a martial artist, you make special demands of your body. Have you ever wondered how that latest fad diet might affect your performance on the mat? Ever wanted to take off a few extra pounds? How about putting on muscle without slowing down? Making weight for a tournament? Losing five pounds fast? Eating better? Changing weight classes? Are you confused about supplements, vitamins, and protein shakes? Don't know where to start? Start here. This book will answer your questions about important topics including *Why some diets are harmful for martial artists* How to calculate your protein needs for training*When and how to use supplements*How to eat at fast food places and not ruin your diet*Why it's OK to splurge on "dirt day"*How to safely make weight for a tournament*Why HIIT training is essential to weight loss*What to eat on competition days*How to create a plan that works and stick to it Loren W. Christensen and personal trainer Wim Demeere combine their knowledge of martial arts, weight training, nutrition, diet, and exercise to answer your questions and put you on the road to becoming the best martial arts athlete you can be.

FINALIST - Sports, 2016 Best Books Award This 3rd edition includes a new and easy-to-follow layout. Each technique is presented in four to six large photographs with detailed instructions on how to perform the movements. Motion arrows are used on the photographs to help you execute the movements correctly. DISCOVER THE MARTIAL ESSENCE OF TAICHI CHUAN Here's your chance to take the next step in your tai chi journey Martial applications found within tai chi chuan are a direct link to your tai chi as a form of self-defense. When you study the martial side of tai chi, you can become proficient in a variety of high-level skills, including sensing, neutralizing, yielding, striking, chin na, and even throwing. If you know a tai chi form, you are going to discover the essence of your movements by becoming aware of their martial applications. If you are practicing tai chi pushing hands, you will greatly improve your skills with this understanding of martial applications. If you are ready, you are going to love the amazing tai chi fighting set. This fully choreographed set (requires a partner) will combine all your tai chi skills into one 5-minute routine. This book includes *Martial applications for the Yang-style long form*Martial applications for Yang-style tai chi pushing hands*The complete Yang-style tai chi fighting set For any style of tai chi chuan, this book will be important for practitioners who wish to develop a deeper understanding and advanced skills. *Learn how to analyze the forms and defense applications in your tai chi, gaining higher-level knowledge of your style.*Discover the martial applications of Yang-style. These insights will give you greater understanding of your own art.*Find inspiration. Dr. Yang's writing will inspire you to investigate the martial applications of your tai chi style.

With this yoga guide, you can delve into a sport as good for your mind as it is for your body--and become a part of the vast (and continually growing) yoga community in the US and beyond. Dating back to the 11th century Vedic Indian tradition, the practice of yoga didn't gain prominence in the Western world until the 20th century. Fast forward to the present day, and yoga communities are huge--and still showing steady growth. Yoga is as good for the mind as it is for the body, and its benefits include flexibility, weight loss, stress reduction, pain relief, and spiritual growth. This yoga book for beginners covers the origins of yoga including its philosophy, history, and the various styles of yoga schools as they apply to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The Simpkins, neuroscience professionals with over 40 years teaching experience, address the curiosities and concerns of the beginning student, such as: Where do I begin? How do I find a teacher? How do I prepare for my first class? What do the unfamiliar terms mean? And much, much more Yoga Basics focuses on the yoga essentials of breathing, balance, and the yoga poses themselves. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also discussed to complement your yoga exercises or yoga workouts. This accessible and comprehensive introduction is everything you need to learn yoga with confidence and success.

Leading yoga teacher trainer Melanie Cooper brings you the essential guide to teaching yoga and adjusting asana (yoga poses). The first part of the book explores the fundamentals of teaching in a simple, clear, accessible way. The author covers how to teach crucial concepts such as breath, muscle lock and gaze, as well as more general topics including injuries, ethics and the spiritual aspects of yoga. Part 1 also includes a quick-look guide to counting the Primary Series, and teaching points for each Primary Series posture. In the second part of the book the author demonstrates helpful techniques for deepening common yoga postures, and provides a complete guide to hands-on adjustment for the Ashtanga Primary Series. With a wealth of information, clear writing, and fresh, detailed photography, this is an invaluable resource for qualified yoga teachers, student teachers, and yoga students who want to take their practice to the next level.

Join author Gregor Maehle, a seasoned yogi and compassionate teacher, as he guides you through: the history and lineage of yoga; the fundamentals of breath, bandhas (energy locks within the body), drishti (the focal point of the gaze), and vinyasa (sequential movement); a detailed breakdown of the asanas of the "Ashtanga Primary Series", following the traditional vinyasa count; a lively and authentic rendering of the complete "Yoga Sutra of Patanjali", yoga's ancient sacred text; and a glossary of yoga terminology.In the asana section, Maehle describes each posture with clear, meticulous instructions, photographs, anatomical illustrations, and practical tips. Information on the mythological background and yogic context of specific postures brings further insight to the practice. In the philosophy section, Maehle illuminates the Yoga Sutra using the major ancient commentaries as well as his own insights. This volume makes the entire path of "Ashtanga Yoga" accessible to modern practitioners. Both practical guide and spiritual treatise, "Ashtanga Yoga" is an excellent introduction to the eight limbs of yoga and an invaluable resource for any yoga teacher or practitioner.

The ultimate 'one stop' guide to using this bestselling piece of equipment - not just in the gym but at home too. Practical and easily accessible, The Total Gym Ball Workout is perfect for the fitness enthusiast or fitness professional who wants to lightly improve their knowledge and heavily improve the range of exercises they can use in their training. Tried and tested exercises are accompanied by clear photos and illustrations presented in a modern and logical way. The Total Gym Ball Workout is brimming with ideas for using this popular piece of fitness equipment. Packed with clear and easy to use exercises, this how-to reference book also provides adaptations of basic and advanced exercises making it ideal for anyone who wants to get the most out of their fitness gear. - Each exercise idea is organised by fitness level and includes follow-up and extension ideas. - Written in a jargon-free and concise style, this book is light on the science and background, heavy on practicality.

Many of us are guilty of choosing to binge-watch TV after a stressful day at work rather than hitting the gym to exercise - but what if you could do both at the same time? Self-help expert and stretching guru Susan Clark has devised over 40 simple exercises you can sneakily squeeze in while in bed, at your desk, commuting, watching TV, in the bath and more. Stretching is the ultimate low-intensity exercise, with science-backed benefits including improved flexibility, toned muscles and a stronger core - and it might even increase your life expectancy. You don't need any special equipment, and just 10 minutes of 'flexercise' each day will benefit your health. Featuring charming illustrations of each stretch, as well as a bonus chapter on how to meditate to stretch your mind, this book is the perfect way to get back into fitness without even leaving your house.