Exercise Physiology (Foundations of Exercise Science)

Book Preface

Exercise Physiology is a well-conceived, bold new publication that wonderfully bridges the gap between the theory and practice of all areas in exercise physiology. This book is sensibly targeted to students who are seeking careers in exercise physiology, exercise science, physical education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports nutrition, athletic performance, and sports medicine. Exercise Physiology also clearly provides a relevant, evidence-based source for professionals in the fitness industry, including group fitness instructors, personal trainers, strength and conditioning specialists, athletic coaches, and health coaches. This resource is optimally targeted for students who have completed basic college course work in general biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology. One of the overriding achievements that the editors of and contributors to this textbook successfully accomplish is providing educational material that is applicable, meaningful, and understandable. Each chapter proceeds in a logical and readable format, beginning with specific learning outcomes that are followed by a real-world vignette, which immediately captures and engages the interest of the reader. The original vignettes are descriptive narratives that reveal meaningful issues based on the chapter topic. They introduce a tone for the chapter with resonating questions that are resolved at the end of the chapter. The authors thoughtfully showcase a breadth and depth of individuals by age, sex, and ethnicity with the vignettes.

They also transcend different careers, so the diverse readership of the text will actually be able to identify with the situations. The book content is richly supported with numerous graphics, tables, illustrations, photographs, and ancillary materials. One of the highlights of Exercise Physiology is the use of enlightening practical examples of complex physiological and/or metabolic principles. In each chapter, various sport, clinical, health, and fitness examples are included that supplement and expand on the content. These examples are written to stimulate students to analyze and better understand scientific principles of exercise physiology. Compelling features throughout the text include Research Highlights. The Highlights are succinctly written briefs that convey the core findings of eye-opening research, insight into thought-provoking research questions, answers to controversial concepts, and/or interview responses from preeminent researchers. These self-contained objective statements describe a larger investigation with informative and useful study findings. The authors positively engage the readers with the use of In Your Own Words features within chapters, which are interactive questions to the reader. These experiential learning events help the student integrate the concepts of the chapter with a student-centered learning approach. Also, the Critical Thinking Questions at the end of chapters motivate the student to synthesize some all-inclusive learning outcomes, thus increasing the student’s curiosity for, and engagement with, the chapter material. Another special feature of Exercise Physiology is the Doing the Math section in certain chapters. The authors provide the reader with the tools to do the necessary physiological calculations and then provide real-world associations to functional concepts. By teaching the reader how to execute the calculations, a better understanding of the framework of the question is developed. Perhaps the most significant difference between this 30-chapter textbook and others currently on the market is Part IV: Physiology of Training. This part includes the following seven chapters: Principles of Exercise Training, Stability and Mobility Training, Cardiorespiratory Training, Resistance Training, Flexibility Training, Skill-Related Training, and Mind–Body Exercise and Fitness. These subjects are so timely and relevant in providing the reader with the skills, knowledge, and “hands-on” tools to apply the theory in a real-world situation. The Physiology of Training chapters represent a unique blending of exercise physiology with exercise and practical application.

Exercise Physiology is going to have a dominant and long-lasting influence in the field of exercise physiology. This text is a welcome new addition to some vintage resources that have not addressed the needs of present-day students and professionals. The authors methodically incorporate contemporary principles of exercise physiology, scrupulously researched material, compelling figures and graphics, and mind-opening pedagogical strategies into an easy-to-understand textbook. All of this combined will truly capture the interest of the exercise physiology student and hopefully inspire her or him to read and learn with a passion to understand.
Len Kravitz, PhD Coordinator of Exercise Science Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences University of New Mexico Albuquerque, New Mexico