Awareness of the importance of exercise and physical activity to optimal physical and mental health has never been greater. It is widely acknowledged that physical inactivity is a leading cause of death, yet statistics show less than 50% of Americans participate in regular physical activity. This information highlights the public health challenge of increasing participation in physical activity to enhance physical health and to buoy the psychological benefits associated with physical activity. The Oxford Handbook of Exercise and Psychology is an authoritative and comprehensive presentation of the breadth and depth of empirical contributions utilizing state-of-the-science theories and approaches in exercise psychology. Chapters are authored by leading investigators across the globe who have made significant scientific contributions addressing the behavioral aspects of physical activity. Sections of the book address the effects of physical activity on mental health; knowledge gathered utilizing psychobiological perspectives; behavioral factors that impact exercise motivation; scientific contributions addressing the physical activity benefits with special populations, including individuals with physical disabilities, older adults and cancer patients; and promising areas for additional investigation. Each chapter presents a summary of scientific advancements in the topic area as a foundation for future investigation. Fueled by a broad range of disciplines and interdisciplinary approaches, the field of exercise psychology is growing, and this comprehensive handbook will be the perfect resource for students, researchers, and physicians interested in exercise motivation and the mental health benefits of physical activity.

With a focus on foundational information, the "Exercise Testing and Prescription Lab Manual, Second Edition," offers practical application of knowledge and skills associated with standardized health- and fitness-related tests. Progressing through 14 easy-to-follow experiential-based learning labs, readers will gain the skills and techniques required for successful completion of the ACSM Certified Health Fitness Specialist certification (CHFS).

The improved second edition includes the latest updates consistent with the recent modifications published within the "ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, Eighth Edition." In this new edition, readers will also find the following features:

-In-depth content regarding functional parameters related to exercise, especially in regard to heart rate and blood pressure

-Additional information on body composition testing focusing on improved knowledge and skills related to assessment of skinfolds and circumferences

-New emphasis on the importance of assessment and how assessment relates to overall program development

-An updated format that flows progressively through testing and prescription

-Enhanced discussion questions within each lab, which incorporate more in-depth analysis of the information being covered

Though most closely matched with ACSM CHFS certification guidelines, "Exercise Testing and Prescription Lab Manual," "Second" "Edition," is also useful for individuals preparing for certification within other training organizations or as a resource for the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer certification. The progression of labs through the testing and prescription process, easy-to-follow instructions, and forms and worksheets also make this lab manual an excellent experiential component for a course in exercise testing and prescription.

"Exercise Testing and Prescription Lab Manual, Second Edition," is organized into three sections covering pretest responsibilities, exercise testing techniques, and exercise prescription. Readers will learn safety procedures and requirements for exercise testing equipment, follow step-by-step instructions for calibration of laboratory instruments, and learn guidelines for medical history evaluation, risk factor evaluation and stratification, and informed consent.

Next, the application of techniques used in assessing the components of health-related fitness is presented. Within the exercise prescription section, readers learn about the calculation of metabolic work, the three phases of exercise prescription, assessment of participants' goals, and gaining participants' commitment to the exercise prescription. A final comprehensive lab challenges readers to apply techniques and principles in developing various case studies.

Each lab features the same easy-to-follow format outlining the purpose of the lab, materials required, background information, procedures, discussion questions, and references. Detailed appendixes contain a summary of the effects of common pharmacological agents on cardiorespiratory responses at rest, common metric conversions used in exercise testing and prescription calculations, a list of metabolic and anthropometric formulas, and answers to lab questions. The appendixes also contain all forms and worksheets required for collecting data and completing the lab assignments.

The second edition of the "Exercise Testing and Prescription Lab Manual" provides focused, step-by-step preparation for those studying for the ACSM CHFS certification. With its reorganized format, up-to-date information, and forms and worksheets, this text is also a valuable best-practices reference for health and fitness specialists certified by the ACSM and other organizations.