Tom, I must agree with you that all three editions are excellent references. They are pretty detailed in physics and neurophysiology areas but are well worth the effort to read and understand. Enoka is a researcher so he doesn’t give exact prescriptions per se, but tells you what the current and past scientific literature says about each specific topic of the book.
In finishing up a degree in Kinesiology at Arizona State University recently, I took several course in Motor Control. Many of the articles that I used for some research assignment were by Enoka (et. al). I was impressed to see just how many research studies this guy has been invovled with!
What is so good about this book, “Physiology of Sport and Exercise”? What will I learn from it if I already know about periodization from Bompa and if I already have Zatioskry’s book, Supertraining, and Enoka’s book?
Is it worth buying or will it tell me the same old stuff?
If you’ve read and understood Enoka, then I wouldn’t buy “Physiology of Sport and Exercise”, it’s good as a more simple primer for this stuff. The best thing about it is the detailed explanations of the nervous system, but otherwise, it’s more a ‘good first read book’.
Although now, I’d prefer it over Supertraining. I"d also change my recommendation for order. After doing some more research I’d say…
“Physiology of Sport and Exercise”
“Neural Mechanics of Human Movement”
“Strength and Power in Sport” by Komi
I agree. I didn’t read Supertraining to learn how to “super-train” but I was disappointed as well for similar reasons.
Nate, having studied soft-tissue work from various sources I’ve collected quite a collection of texts. Some of the few that I think are very informative and helpful inlcude:
Clinical Applications of Neurmuscular Techniue (Volumes 1 & 2) by Leon Chaitow and Judith DeLany. In these texts are numerous techniques to release and massage just about every muscle palpable in the human body! I’ dont’ agree with the entire muscle imblance dogma they embrace from the likes of Janda and others, but as far as techniques are concerned, wow, these books have a ton of them!
The Trigger Point manuals by Travell and Simons. These classics are must-haves by anyone directly involved in hands on care of the human body!
Functional Soft-Tissue Examination and Treatment by Manual Methods: New Perspectives by Warren Hammer. This is very interesting book for manual therapist with lots of good techniques!
The Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapies by Thomas W. Myers. Although I don’t agree with the entire concept of Myers, he makes some very convincing arguments for how to treat and look at musculosketal problems. Quite intersting!
These are a good start for the interested reader! I would love to hear what re-hab/soft-tissue books others have found helpful.
Oh yeah, I found the book Bodyflow by Scott Sonnon to be quite informative and novel in it’s approach to musculoskeltal problems. Do check his info out if you get a chance. He has many videos as well though ther are more targeted towards fighters and martial arts practitioners. Do a google search for his website.
I’ve also taken seminars fomr Dr. Eric Cobb, founder of Z-health movement system that is similar, though more clinical, to Scott Sonnon’s approach. Check out his website: http://www.zhealth.net/home.php
Thanks! I’ve just ordered the “Anatomy Trains” book this weekend, and it had received good reviews. The Travell & Simons books are on my list for the future. I’ll look up the Hammer text also–thanks for recommending it.
I’m in agreement with you that I’m not sold on the muscle imbalance concept, even though that it shoved down our throats in the PT program. I’m observing under a great manual therapist locally, and when I asked him about this muscle imbalance issue, whereby bones are out of alignment, he said, “How strong would a muscle have to be to be able to do that?” Makes you think. Not to mention that Barrett Dorko, a great PT in the mid-west, sent me study results that demonstrated no bone alignment changes in patients performing “corrective exercises” until they were blue in the face.
I’ve also spoken to the folks associated with Z-Health, and I’m planning on attending one of their seminars this spring/summer once they release their seminar dates. I think they offer a good adjunct to mobility training.
Did you find Sonnon’s book a little “over the top?” I only ask because I’ve read several of his Circular Strength newsletters, and he drops into the mystical side movement a bit too much for me. He defines concepts by his own terms, which I’ve always found annoying–especially considering the more I read on all of these different methods, I’ve come to find that many are just variations of the same color…with different terminology.
Warren Hammer’s book is a good for those looking to compare various techniques (well referenced at the end of each chapter). There is a chapter on ART (Active Release Techniques) and other soft tissue techniques.
Anatomy Trains has some excellent drawing to get a better idea of overuse patterns in the body.
I would also throw in-
The Endless Web: Fascial Anatomy and Physical Reality
by Louis R. Schultz, Rosemary Feitis, Diana Salles, Ronald Thompson
I have the Kraemer and Fleck book, and to be honest I’m not impressed with it. Most importantly, the title is a complete misnomer. The book is really just a review of the scientific literature on different aspects of weight training up through the mid 90’s. It’s probably a little out of date in that regard. “Super Training” blows it out of the water.
I think Ian King’s “How to Write Strength Training Programs” and/or “Get Buffed” would be more practical for the nuts and bolts of putting together a training program. I have both books and recommend them. The only quibble I have with Ian’s books are lots of typos. They need to be edited and proofed better.
I don’t have Yessis’ book, but I think any useful information in it is probably already covered by “Super Training.”
Actually, if you want the most practical information for the buck, I would go with Get Buffed . It’s not as much of a bodybuilding book as the title would suggest. It’s definitely one of the most useful training books I’ve read.
I have the latest edition! I fully understood Zatsiosrky would I have any problems understanding Supertraining? I also have the second edition of that Komi book!
