"This useful title, which will also work well as a circulating item, presents that something extra for fitness enthusiasts who want to become serious about their conditioning." -Library Journal (starred review). The revolutionary series Anatomy of Exercise includes eight specialized titles that followed the first title, Anatomy of Exercise, each focusing on a specific sport or exercise programme. Since the release of the first book, the titles in this innovative series have sold over 250,000 copies. Compiling content from all nine titles, Encyclopedia of Exercise Anatomy enables the reader to tailor a personalized and professional programme that will meet specific needs. A runner can dip into yoga to improve his breathing; a muscle builder can shape her legs with cycling workouts; a gymnast can combine yoga with core stability and strength exercises, and a woman over 50 can design a programme that fits into her busy life. Comprehensive and informative, this big compendium includes these standard features: Full-body anatomy illustrations, front and back; Annotated full-colour anatomical illustrations for all exercises; Full-colour photographs of exercises; Visual identification of active and stabilizing muscles; Concise step-by-step how-to instructions and guidance; Level-of-difficulty modifications; "Best For" information boxes; Safety tips boxes; Pre-designed workouts; Visual index of exercises; Glossary of anatomical terms. For anyone who works on their fitness routines, whether at a gym, health club or in a sport personally, professionally or academically, Encyclopedia of Exercise Anatomy is the ideal resource for a lifetime of healthy living.

"A strong, stable core is the foundation of virtually all physical efforts."

Pilates and yoga practitioners as well as dedicated athletes are familiar with the concept of "core stability." They understand its importance in achieving and maintaining superior fitness. A strong and stable core improves athletic performance, increases power and endurance, reduces stress on the body and minimizes the chances of injury. It helps to improve balance and posture, alleviates back pain and minimizes fatigue. Even everyday actions are easier, whether climbing stairs or lifting a box or holding a baby.

The muscles most responsible for core stability run the length of the trunk and torso. They include the famous "six pack" abdominal muscles, the muscles that underlie the spinal column and neck and which help to rotate the back, the oblique muscles, and the muscles of the hips and thighs. Exercises designed specifically to address these muscles are the only way to build a stable core.

"Anatomy of Core Stability" features such exercises. They are designed to work the entire core musculature, from the major muscles in the abdomen, spine, lower back, torso, hips and thighs, which endure the greater effort, to the smaller assisting muscles, which support the larger. Many exercises use inexpensive equipment such as a stability ball, medicine ball, free weights and wobble board.

"American Reference Books Annual" praised this series' first book, "Anatomy of Exercise," as "fascinating" and recommended it to "medium-sized and large public libraries as well as high school and undergraduate collections." This latest addition to the series will prove equally commendable and is an important purchase.

The "Anatomy of..." series has revolutionized how people can approach their fitness needs. The books are ideal references for beginning exercisers and amateur athletes, elite competitors, trainers, physiotherapists, coaches, sport injury clinics, yoga, pilates and fitness instructors, team doctors and specialist professionals.

Reviews for "Anatomy of Exercise" (in the same series):

"Fascinating ... useful for anyone interested in enhancing their fitness routine as well as fitness instructors who want to visually show their customers the benefits of each exercise." --American Reference Book Annual

"One of the best books written as a reference manual for understanding exercise... Great how-to instructions." --Men's Exercise

The winning format of the Anatomy of... series was established quickly with the first title, "The Anatomy of Exercise." The success of the series lies not only in the innovative presentation but in the variety of titles offered, which gives readers the opportunity to pick and choose according to their needs and goals.

"Anatomy of Strength and Conditioning" is a great how-to reference for those who wish to "up their game" and train for activities requiring high performance -- strength, speed, aerobic capacity and accuracy -- all essential to success in such sports as soccer, hockey, skiing, climbing and rowing as well as marathons and other endurance activities. The book is also an ideal way to achieve overall fitness.

Like each of the other titles in the series this book: Opens with two (front/back) full-body annotated anatomical drawings Shows specific exercises with instructions and annotated anatomical drawings and corresponding photographs Labels all muscles used with bold text to indicate target muscles Provides helpful notes throughout to amplify the how-to instructions: Best For (the muscles getting the maximum effect), Targets (muscles worked), Benefits (effect of the exercise).

"Anatomy of Strength and Conditioning" offers 29 Strength Exercises and 28 Conditioning Exercises, plus a full set of Warm-Up Exercises. There are six specialized Workouts to choose from: Beginner's, Sports, Mixed-Modalities, Range, Melting-Pot and Kamikaze. Lifelike anatomical illustrations demonstrate each exercise and reveal in colorful detail exactly which muscles are engaged -- a great way to focus exercises to a specific problem area.

No other book provides such rich detail tailored to the general reader. Athletes of all experience levels, fitness trainers, coaches, physiotherapists and many others will find "Anatomy of Strength and Conditioning" instructive and extremely practical.