Running Anatomy Paperback – December 15, 2009

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.

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.

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.

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 think that is an excellent book for people who have a good base of knowledge about the human body and its anatomy.It is a must for anyone who runs and especially for those with minor injuries and aggravations such a patellar tendonitis,patellar femoral syndrome;aka "runners knee" and shin splints.There are no suggested running programs in this book, just solid information and advice on how to avoid injuries, how your body moves in the gait cycle and different exercises you can do to build the strength and flexibility you need to be a successful runner.