The Fitness Leader's Handbook provides up-to-date exercise prescription information for fitness instructors, sports coaches, health professionals and school teachers. Fitness is a way of life for a great many people, with increasing numbers turning to the fitness industry for the exciting and challenging career opportunities it offers. While many books have been written on the topic, few have detailed the essential scientific facts about exercise in an interesting, readable format. The Fitness Leader's Handbook does just that.

This handbook is designed for exercise-class leaders who may not have had formal training, but who are responsible for leading safe and effective fitness classes.

SUMMARY: A basic up-to-date course on fitness instruction. Covers the human body, exercise programming, mechanics of movement, weight control and exercise, fitness testing, motivation, stress management.

This book "provides the latest information on the fundamentals of fitnes, exercise physiology, and biomechanics. Used in the ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor Workshops since 1986, it will help you develop meaningful and safe fitness programs, including exercise for special populations." - back cover.

A soldier's level of physical fitness has a direct impact on his combat readiness. The many battles in which American troops have fought underscore the important role physical fitness plays on the battlefield. The renewed nationwide interest in fitness has been accompanied by many research studies on the effects of regular participation in sound physical fitness programs. The overwhelming conclusion is that such programs enhance a person's quality of life, improve productivity, and bring about positive physical and mental changes. Not only are physically fit soldiers essential to the Army, they are also more likely to lead enjoyable, productive lives. This manual is primarily concerned with issues relating directly to the development and maintenance of the five components of physical fitness: ØCardiorespiratory (CR) endurance--the efficiency with which the body delivers oxygen and nutrients needed for muscular activity and transports waste products from the cells. ØMuscular strength--the greatest amount of force a muscle or muscle group can exert in a single effort. ØMuscular endurance--the ability of a muscle or muscle group to perform repeated movements with a submaximal force for extended periods of time. ØFlexibility--the ability to move the joints (for example, elbow or knee) or any group of joints through an entire, normal range of motion. ØBody composition--the amount of body fat a soldier has in comparison to his total body mass. U.S. ARMY FITNESS TRAINING HANDBOOK is an outstanding resource for anyone interested in improving mental health, physical health, and general well-being

The Fitness Professionals series is an invaluable practical resource for individuals working in the fitness industry. The Advanced Fitness Instructor's Handbook is the first book written for the specific needs of fitness professionals studying towards teaching or coaching in one-on-one, group or team situations. Developing key concepts covered in The Fitness Instructor's Handbook this book covers many components of the fitness industry standards for both Level 2 and 3 knowledge requirements. Packed with photos, illustrations and case studies, it offers the perfect blend of theory and practice.