Running Anatomy

This book is a gem. Style easy to understand, lot of details, great illustrations, this book offers a complete information what to do (and what to avoid) as a runner.The introduction allows the runner to understand how his/her body functions and which parts are involved in the movement. After reading this book I understand the importance of developing the upper body because now I know the benefits of correct running form and how to maintain it.I found particularly useful the part with weight exercises to strengthen the upper and lower body, and was surprised (but now I understand the principle) with some exercises that stipulated a greater number of repetitions with low weight. For example, when strengthening the upper arm, long distance runners should avoid muscle gain and rather work on the muscle endurance because during the training and race, these muscles are solicited to help the legs to propel the runner forward. Added muscular mass would only be an added weight to carry for endurance runners. However, this would be OK for sprinters because these muscles would help them to run faster and for short distances it would not be a handicap.Each exercise is described with a lot of details (which group of muscles it covers, how many repetitions, how to securely do the exercise, etc.) and the illustrations are in color and extremely well done. Each of them shows the muscles involved in exercises, starting and ending position, movement, variations, etc.Another interesting part is the one with plyometric exercises - the one that help to develop power of running specific muscle groups thus improving the performance.I would recommend this book to serious runners because of the information that allows them to know better their body and to improve their running.

Think it is a great book for a runner - especially fitness runners that are interested in lifestyles that include a mix of cross training: the emphasis in this book will be strength training for running. There is a wide range of exercises presented with rationale for each. More experienced runners will have their ways established so may not get a lot of "new" from this, but from my experience more advanced athletes are more advanced because they have a keen interest in what they are doing, thus; the book is also a good read for pure interest sake.Sometimes when I want a variation for a workout I flip through the pages just for ideas - I think it should be on the runners bookshelf - but not before books like Jeff Galloway's books or Tim Noak's.Again - if you are purely a gym runner (non-event participant) this book may be best for you.

This is a beautifully illustrated manual of running anatomy which first focuses on running physiology and gait cycle and then moves on to discuss strength training of all anatomic areas engaged in running: the upper body, core, and lower body with specific exercises targeting these areas. These beneficial exercises are accompanied by an explanation of how individual muscles affect running as well as safety tips and variations on the exercises for specificity. There is a section toward the end on common running injuries with suggested stretching prevention. Running foot wear, deep water running cross training and plyometrics are also briefly included topics. The book is very easy to read and understand and the illustrations are outstanding. Given the fact that most runners will experience some form of injury, this book should be required reading for preventative maintenance.

I LOVE this book. The illustrations are perfect. I have a ton of books on running and none are able to show the detail of one muscles in and out from those around it. It helps me so much. I love the way it explains the exercises to do for each body area and tells you why this helps and what it affects in your running. I am very visual so this is so much easier for me to learn from and maintain the info than other books. I bought the Stretching Anatomy book and just ordered Triathlon Anatomy. I am such a fan. I definitely recommend this. No matter how many books you have on running you still need this one!

Running Anatomy met my needs in what I would expect in a book on how to get fit. It discusses the importance of various exercises of upper and lower body and how they incorporate into your running. This books introduces plenty of anatomical terms which may also help you become more aware of different muscles in the body. I would recommend this book to athletes who are trying to improve their gains through various exercises besides running. I would also recommend this book for people who are interested in coaching for running or students who want a short introduction course into anatomy. Hope you enjoy this book like I have.

I was extremely impatient to receive and read the book! Overall, it's informative and educational, especially for those who are not looking for in depth descriptions and explanations or for starters in this direction. I have an advance anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology knowledge, so I totally disliked the first couple chapters. There's nothing substantial in them- I've read way better synthesized and runner developed articles. However, it's also my bad that I didn't researched the level of complexity prior to purchasing. I do believe, though, it's somewhat overpriced considering the content.Nonetheless, I find the illustrations and the running focus section(toward the end of the book) useful.Once again: Don't waste resources if you already have a thorough running background.

This book seems to be 2 parts. I guessed because 2 people wrote them. The first part about running. This part is elementary for someone already running for so many years. I don't find it much of interest. The second part is all physiology. It is all about how the muscle related to your exercise, and very minimal running skills. It is fine if you like talking about body muscles, but not for running.

This is a great book about the anatomy of not just running, but the type of running if you are a sprinter, and mid distance runner, distance runner or a recreational runner. The book a brief history of running. How running for sport then recreation came about as opposed to running for survival.The great thing about this book it stress the importance of strengthening the whole body to improve as a runner. The talk about the Girth Cycle which is to do with running strides, but also the number of arm swings you would go through in a long distance race so it is importance to strengthen arms so they are not fatigued during a run so it does not diminish your running performance. The detailed pictures for which exercise strengthens which muscles are great and invaluable for any sport.The other strength of this book is the information given on injury prevention. The BANE of every runner or athlete. The authors go out of their way to say they are only subjections on how to try and prevent injuries before they happen. If an injury occurs they recommend anyone injured seek medical help, as every case is different.The only reason I did had to take a star away, was because of the last 2 sections I was expecting some running programs, if did give a couple of exercises when put together create a full body conditioning program, but I would have like some examples of programs for different running levels. I would have preferred this to the history of the running shoe. Also we are told of the differences of the foot type to bear this in mind when buying new running shoes. I have never had someone take me on a treadmill to try and fit my proper running shoe, or taken a plastic case of my foot to create a specific shoe for me. I don't think anyone by the most elite of runners would go through this.All in all a great book, too bad about the last couple of chapters I think they are more reserved for the professionals not us mere mortals.

Very, very good book but it is seriously flawed. Essentially this is a strength training book – fine as it is the best of it's kind for runners. However it does not contain clear training plans for weight training or stretching – you have to work it out for yourself with some difficulty! It does not clearly state alternative exercises for the machine exercises shown – not everyone pays expensive gym fees! Likewise the only whole body conditioning it details is water running – again not everyone can afford pool / leisure center fees and why should we when hills are often available for free for whole body exercising of sorts? In general well worth the money but I hope that the authors revise it big time for next edition – again well worth it though and well written.

Great book and easy to understand. Especially the exercises I wouldn't have thought beneficial.

Very enjoyable read with loads of tips and advice for both the coach and the athlete.Runners of all abilities will find the content very useful.

will come in usefull no doubt as im an avid runner and will hopefully improve my performance as i am contemplating my first marathon