Rating: 
Summary: I'm no running pro, but...
Review: ...definitely the most informative book I have ever read on running. This book will take away the mystery and supply a healthy dose of reality. Dr. Yessis is both informed and to the point about individual running ability and its application.Anyone seeking to understand how it should work need only buy this book. Enjoy, I know I have.
Rating:
Summary: A must for all serious runners
Review: Finally a book which gets off from the usual running book concept. This book doesn't really cover training but it's all about biomechanics of running. It teaches you to analyze your own biomechanics and teaches you to improve your running form with certain exercises. This book is mostly about strength training and stretching and it shows the proven training methods on how can you improve your performance and decrease your injuries. This book finally gave my strength training program a real direction.
Rating:
Summary: A must for all serious runners
Review: Finally a book which gets off from the usual running book concept. This book doesn't really cover training but it's all about biomechanics of running. It teaches you to analyze your own biomechanics and teaches you to improve your running form with certain exercises. This book is mostly about strength training and stretching and it shows the proven training methods on how can you improve your performance and decrease your injuries. This book finally gave my strength training program a real direction.
Rating:
Summary: Flies in the face of mainstream
Review: I have read this book... and am preparing to read it again. I have read a lot on running, and have even taken a few courses, and then I read this book - what an eye opener! I quickly realized how biased some people that teach running courses are, and how little actual knowledge is out there on many of the topics that are introduced in this book. A couple of examples: The section on barefoot running. This is the part of the book that the big shoe companies don't want you reading. I think that it's largely true, though most would have trouble believing, it - I think that the author has done an exceptional job of backing up his theories on this one. As soon as the snow melts, I will be unlacing my shoes for the first time ever ;-) The book has a great deal of information pertaining to running stride. A lot of what I have learned revolves around the theory that you were born with a certain stride, and you should just "run like you run" - don't worry about your stride. Obviously (if you have an open mind) you can see through that garbage, and get "real" with your running. Tons of pictures to back this up (someone could argue that the quality of the photos used in the book are poor, but I think that they are sufficient, given that they are for illustration purposes - not wall hangings). Stretching. Believe that most everyone who is stretching today isn't doing it properly, or could certainly be doing it better. The author gets into active stretching, versus passive stretching. Very mind altering stuff... with a lot of facts to back up why this is the way to do it. I have not incorporated these stretches into my training yet, but will be doing shortly (takes a bit of work to alter what I have learned over the years). At a seminar that I attended, I asked a physiotherapist about active stretching, and why they still push static stretches... she says that while active stretches are better, it's too difficult to learn or do correctly. Doesn't look that tough, but I will soon see ;-) Bottom line... for the price, I don't know that you can find a better book out there. So ends my two cents.
Rating:
Summary: Add specifity to any running program
Review: This book complete's any running book collection. It goes in depth into the biomechanics of running, specific weight training exersizes for breakthrough running, and specific stretching for runners. This book covers the information that most other books only breifly skim over. The knowledge that Michael Yessis shares in this book could be eaisily added to any running program, to make you a faster, and more efficient runner. I would reccommend this book to anyone who is serious about running and looking to add more specifity to their running program. If you want to run faster, and farther without getting injured this is a book for you.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome!
Review: This book is everything the title says it is . . .explosive. I noticed benefits in terms of my speed and endurance from the start of training. I was also gratified to read the authors endorsement of barefoot running! If you are a serious runner seeking to improve your speed, endurance and running economy. This is the book for you. Tim
Anacortes, Washington
Rating: 
Summary: How serious do you want to get about your running?
Review: This book would be great for anyone who is serious about running and desires to find ways to increase performance. The sections that break down the actual mechanics of running are complicated, but I found them to be interesting. The sections on stretching and weightlifting exercises specifically for running are outstanding. The chapter on the effects shoes have on feet and the case for spending more time barefoot is also a highlight. If you are a casual runner who is happy and not interested in making running a top priority in your life, then I would personally skip this book. If you are "into" running and seeking a deeper understanding of what the mechanics of the run are and how to improve your run, then I cannot see how this book would not help you.
Rating:
Summary: How serious do you want to get about your running?
Review: This book would be great for anyone who is serious about running and desires to find ways to increase performance. The sections that break down the actual mechanics of running are complicated, but I found them to be interesting. The sections on stretching and weightlifting exercises specifically for running are outstanding. The chapter on the effects shoes have on feet and the case for spending more time barefoot is also a highlight. If you are a casual runner who is happy and not interested in making running a top priority in your life, then I would personally skip this book. If you are "into" running and seeking a deeper understanding of what the mechanics of the run are and how to improve your run, then I cannot see how this book would not help you.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!!!
Review: This is not the usual book you find on running. I bought the book because I am battling with a foot injury and trying to learn all I can about running smarter to avoid injuries. This book is loaded with information about proper form, stretching, and strength training for RUNNERS. I have told many of my friends about the book and recommend it to anyone who wants to run smarter and not just better. Just the information about foot strike was worth the price of the book for me. I have been a heel striker for years. With the help of this book I now land on my mid-foot and have much greater posture when running.
Rating:
Summary: For the Competitive Runner
Review: This is the book that the competition does not want you to find out about because it has the information you need to become a better competitive runner. The biomechanical aspects of the running stride is dissected and explained in terms that are useful for the layman. Once you understand what an efficient running stride consists of, you can begin to work on a more efficient way of running. The chapter on barefoot running is a real eye-opener. It reveals the truth about the effects of shoes and how they may be the cause of many foot ailments; not to mention the weakening effects of wearing them. Chapter 3 and 4 alone are worth the price of the book. This is a must-read for all competitive runners--the elites, weekend warriors, and dreamers. Read it but don't let the competion know about it.
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