SCIENCE of : Discover more about this series
The “Science of” series appears to be a collection of fitness and exercise books that delve into the scientific principles behind different types of workouts. Each book in the series focuses on a specific form of exercise and provides detailed information on the anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics involved in the practice. Here’s a brief overview of each book:
- Science of HIIT:
- Focuses on High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).
- Covers over 90 essential HIIT exercises with CGI artworks.
- Provides color-coded illustrations highlighting muscle engagement.
- Includes training programs tailored to different abilities and goals.
- Features infographics explaining the science behind HIIT’s efficiency.
- Science of Running:
- Explores the science behind running techniques and training.
- Addresses the anatomy and physiology of running.
- Provides scientific breakdowns of the running cycle and common injuries.
- Includes 30 key exercises and training plans for runners at all levels.
- Science of Strength Training:
- Focuses on the hard science of strength training, weight loss, and nutrition.
- Includes workout plans for beginners, enthusiasts, and personal trainers.
- Debunks common myths related to dietary science and exercise.
- Features depictions of 33 exercises with instructions and benefits.
- Science of Yoga:
- Explores the biomechanics of 30 key yoga asanas.
- Provides in-depth insights into the medical science behind yoga.
- Features specially commissioned CGI artworks for detailed pose analysis.
- Includes scientific facts, research, and benefits of yoga on the body.
- Science of Pilates:
- Explores the physiology of 30 key Pilates exercises.
- Backed by scientific research, it explains the benefits to every system in the body.
- Features annotated artworks showing mechanics, blood flow, and joint actions.
- Includes variations on Pilates movements and a Q&A section.
Each book in the series seems to be designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the science behind the respective exercise form. The inclusion of CGI artworks and scientific research aims to offer readers a detailed and evidence-based approach to their fitness routines. These books may serve as valuable resources for individuals looking to optimize their workouts and achieve specific fitness goals while understanding the underlying science.
It’s a straight to the point, yet packed full with all the necessary knowledge, to proceed correctly with Pilates. I would add, this book is a great background for those that are in need for clinical Pilates. There’s a lot of clinical input in this book. I’m a qualified healthcare and I’ve read several books of its kind. This one and Elisa Whiters’s ‘Back to life’ are my companions in improving my chronic back condition
I like this book so much so that I bought it in both formats, kindle and hardback.
Great even for students of anatomy too…
Facilement compréhensible car très peu de termes techniques.
Anyone who is looking for ways to strengthen various parts of the body and/or learn more about Pilates - this is an excellent resource.
Must buy for fitness student.
The pictures are very well done and detailed.
There are helpful tips - I am SO glad I got this book...once I opened it, I order the one for Pilates too.
My best friend loves the gift and said it was perfect for her to better practice memorizing anatomy of the body and understanding how different yoga poses and anatomy go hand in hand.
The different plans helps to focus your attention instead of just picking exercises at random.
Looking forward to implementing different routines for specific results without getting boring.
This book is all you need to get started with running a 5k, 10k, half a marathon, and a full marathon. The training plans are split into beginner and advanced, I would recommend doing beginner at least twice before attempting advanced. I’ve only focused on half marathons but I’ve noticed it’s helped my shorter runs significantly. Following this book will make you a better runner. Happy running!
It is well researched, beautifully illustrated and has great information to help support practice.
Thoroughly recommend this book!
I’m very pleased with my purchase and highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for getting into Pilates and is keen on understanding the muscles involved in every exercise…
Illustrations 5/5
Language 5/5
Print quality 5/5
Glad to see there are references for using resistance bands as I am a believer in progressive resistance to get the most out of an excercise. Also includes gobs of information on the whole biological process. I would like to see an addendum added for the differences/variations that are age related.
For a beginner who just started lifting or an intermediate who has been lifting for 1.5-2 years (with some basic idea about the science behind workouts), this book aims at equipping you with the correct information about the anatomy, movements and the response of body to resistance workouts. Having read this, you can discuss with your trainer in gym or rather yourself incorporate the techniques in your routine for better results and a balanced workout.
Pros which were covered:
1. Anatomy of human skeletal and muscular system.
2. Concept of progressive overload, hypertrophy, supersets etc. How do muscle fibres respond to resistance training.
3. Strecthing exercises.
4. Difference between aerobic and anaerobic workouts.
5. Variety of exercises for different muscle groups along with the primary and secondary muscles worked.
6. Alternate exercises to main workout.
7. Nutrition (macros and micros) required to maintain, gain or lose weight.
8. Workout planner focusing on increasing strength/muscle mass/endurance for different levels.
9. Cool down exercises and focus on postures.
Cons:
Not much to mention over here. However if you have already read about the science of strength training in detail through other sources then you might not find anything new over here. Even then, it still leaves you with an advantage of everything compiled at one place for your reference. You can use this as a base to search the internet for more information if you want to.
This book delivers what you expect. There are more books in the market which dive further into the depths of workout and might be better than this. But if you are just diving into the basics for the first time, this one is a must have.
It's actually insane how detailed this book is for its price. Whether you're a trainer, lifting enthusiast, or true beginner, picking up this book and referencing it when you need it is one of the best low-hanging fruit things you can do for your personal growth!
This book is changing that.
Illustrations are very useful in understanding topics.
Small mixup of endomorph and mesomorph pics on page 9.
I tried the kindle sample on my iPad, and found it difficult to see illustrations
and get comprehensive view of topics.
The price is a STEAL and well worth the money!!
I knew this book existed, but didn't want to really pay the price at first. Completely understandable. I finally bit the bullet and bought it recently, and it was one of the best financial decisions (and investments) I've ever made. The pictures are beautifully drawn, the language written throughout the book is easy to understand yet scientific and informative, and it gave me more information than my current YTT does.
Ann, thank you SO much for this fantastic educational resource. This book is so incredibly helpful, and I am so grateful for you for putting something like this together. Everybody needs to read this if they are interested in yoga anatomy, even if they are not necessarily yoga practitioners. Thank you again! <3
This book is really informative, and I like how everything is science-based. There are so many illustrations/diagrams to help with understanding and probably the most distinctive feature is how comprehensive it is. It talks about everything from gait, drills, tips to prevent injury, recovery stretches and human anatomy.
I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to do a deep study on running and best practices.
Es una agrupación muy bien estructurada de todo lo que necesitas saber sobre el running.
Espectacular las explicaciones e ilustraciones de anatomía involucrada en cada fase de la carrera (también del calentamiento y estiramientos/entrenamiento/recuperación)
Llevo más de 20 años corriendo habitualmente (al menos 3 veces por semana) y haber tenido este libro me hubiera permitido mejorar bastante más y evitar algunas lesiones... pero nunca es tarde, estoy mejorando bastante aplicando lo que estoy aprendiendo.
I highly recommend this book for instructors and students who are looking to understand more of how each pose is affecting the body and how you can better understand what parts should and shouldn’t be used!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 stars!! 💫
Thank you!
The Asana (poses) section of the book guides exploration of what's going on inside the body while practicing yoga. Each of around 30 Asana has at least two views, eg, front and back; often, side views are provided. Red-, blue-, and purple-colored muscles clearly indicate what's being stretched or strengthened. This section is packed with details, both in print and diagramed.
Other sections of the book touch on aspects of human anatomy system beside the musculoskeletal, such as the lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, nervous system and so on, showing how other body systems are involved in a yoga practice. A questions and answers section briefly yet effectively addresses issues such as spinal care in yoga, yoga for different life stages, meditation, stress/mental well being, and chronic pain. This section even touches on yoga philosophy.
The book also includes a 'Cautions' section that can help a practitioner modify poses based on needs and health conditions.
The book contains a table of contents (front), and a glossary and an index at the back.
Science of Yoga is very good at explaining that yoga is adaptable for pretty much everyone. Regardless if a practitioner is spiritual, religious, agnostic, or whatever, studies and research indicate and suggest that yoga can help one find better health, more peace.
I look forward to more from Ann Swenson. I'm counting on her continuing her amalgamation of research and studies that explain and prove (rather than "indicate" or "suggest") what she wisely presents in Science of Yoga.
Most yoga anatomy books focus primarily on muscles and skeleton in the various poses. Science of Yoga does that better than most, with excellent illustrations and detailed call outs. But it goes deeper and wider than what other books cover. Each pose begins with a two-page "Big Picture" overview, which is followed by another two pages called "Closer Look." For Cat-Cow, there are two pages focused on Cat, two pages on Cow, and another two pages on the movement from Cat to Cow; not only spinal flexion and extension, but how the movement facilitates breathing, body awareness, and the mind-body connection.
Beyond bones, joints, and muscles, I appreciate how author Ann Swanson covers all the systems of the body (circulatory, nervous, lymphatic, endocrine, digestive). Having taught yoga for ten years, I knew little or nothing about these systems. Science of Yoga attempts to cover everything that science can tell us about each system of the body in relation to yoga. I appreciate how the author encourages a shift “to a yogic perspective...of unity” (all of the systems functioning together).
The main focus of my teaching is wellness, and Science of Yoga serves that focus very well. Science of Yoga also meets my needs because I am generally agnostic about the traditional Indian-based claims of yoga benefits. Since we have the benefit of modern science, I want science-based evidence before I pass a claim like "shoulder stand stimulates the thyroid" on to my students.
The final section of the book (Q&As) is a series of two-page articles on how science informs us about joints and flexibility, spinal care, meditation, Savasana, stress, the brain and mental well-being, chronic pain, and other topics).
For teacher or practitioner, this is a book to study and, over time, increase one's mastery of yoga.
even better if I'd bought
this six years ago.
Pros
Well written and wonderful illustrations throughout
Actual book has clean, crisp pages and is well bound
Includes steps to improve performance
Great for the beginner and also the experienced marathon runner
Includes details of how the body reacts and functions during each phase of a run
Cons
None noted
The thing is I learned loads about technique and we ended up critiquing eachother- I think this approach is more effective than trying to use this yourself. I like how they really break down each individual part of a step to help you understand.
This is interesting and you can learn a lot, it'd make a good gift for regular runners.
I have always admired DK books and we have had many of them over the years, many of which we still have.
I know a lot of this information is available via the internet these days but with a reference book I find it an advantage to study it and have readily available. This is a quality publication that covers all aspects of running complete with diagrams, charts and easily understandable explanation. In a lot of cases product write ups make the item look better than they are, in this case I believe it is not until you start thumbing through the book that you realise how good this book actually is.
I can see this will encourage and support me - but it will also serve to be a fantastic read for a serious and committed runner too.
Beautifully written and illustrated - a stunning book.
The diagrams are clear, attractive, and easy to read. Thoughtful graphic design means the layouts make sense, with a clear visual hierarchy on each page. The anatomical illustrations are highly detailed and some of the cross sections even made me a little squeamish because I usually try not to think about the poor mechanical of some our joints...those ligaments look a little too fragile for my liking.
The book itself is a well-made object - the flex cover feels good and the paper is high quality.
The content is superb - as a keen runner I felt I knew quite a bit just via osmosis and scattered google searches, but I found there was something to learn in most sections of this book. It's possible that its information will be out of date as running science moves on in the next decade, but I think I can be confident that much of the information in the Science of Running is well-researched enough to stand the test of time.
There is so much I like about the book, but as a yoga teacher what I find particularly helpful is the "Alignment" box for each pose. It points out specifically where to focus and suggests how to move/engage that area so that the anatomy & physiology you're learning can be APPLIED to improve your practice. This helps you start using what you're learning right away, even as you continue to study why those cues work. I actually use the Alignment boxes as a resource for helpful cues in my classes, and it's definitely improved both my own practice and those of my students.
My hope is that the success of this book will allow Ann to continue to write more of them, covering more poses and expanding on this excellent material. Having a series of books by her would be a wonderful addition to my yoga teaching bookshelf!
She has weaved together science, yoga, anatomy, spirituality and yogic principles in such a beautiful and masterful way that this book is one that every yoga teacher, practitioner, teacher trainer and yoga therapist needs to have their bookshelves, and even better always at arms’ length to refer to and integrate into their living and teaching yoga.
Visually, this book is stunning. But more so it is accessible and user-friendly. Visual learners will eat up this book immediately. Its format allows the reader to use as a reference for a single specific subject area - or to be read cover to cover. Swanson builds a solid foundation in "Science of Yoga” with exactly "that" - the science - more specifically anatomy. She then continues to build upon the science with the yoga, and then coming full circle with an informative and insightful Q & A, and ending the book by connecting the dots of science and spiritual concepts and teachings that are the foundation of yoga.
As this being Swanson’s first book, and seeing what great work she has already brought to the table, I can only imagine what body of work is yet to come from her and am eager to watch (and read) her contributions to this field.