Optimal Muscle Recovery

Rating:
Summary: Sound research; easy to read
Review: ...and I own ALOT of books on training. I got this book specifically for muscle recovery after running, but it turned out to be alot more. Nutrition for training, helping you understand how the physiology works during & after exercise, what EXACTLY to do during & after for optimal fueling & recovery. I hike, run, mountain bike, and I'm starting adventure racing. The information in this book has helped ALL my activities, and I highly recommend it. I thought I was going to get a "1+2=3" type of formula for muscle recovery and that's it...but the book actually provides much more. I'm buying it for my adventure racing team members.

Rating:
Summary: Good, but not great
Review: I thought that this was an interesting and informative book, but a large portion of it seems to be an advertisement for Accelerade and Endurox R4 sports drinks.

Rating:
Summary: From one athlete to another.
Review: If you compete--or are intent on excelling--in any sport, do not miss this rare book of sports wisdom. I have been a cyclist at the national level for four years and competed in Crew (rowing) all throughout college and this simple yet comprehensive approach to recovery is spot-on.

I was one of the original 40-30-30 Diet test case participants in Seattle back in 1992. That diet has merit, but for athletes that are really expending huge amounts of energy, this 60-25-15 approach is much better. Especially in relation to insulin levels and how they effect a speedy recovery and uptake of glycogen for the muscles.

I especially appreciated the sections on natural substances that aid in performance and recovery (along with suggestions for specific suplimentation doses).

Rating:
Summary: Train harder longer...
Review: The beginning of this book is a basic exploration of how the muscle system works and nutritions impact on that. I found the 2nd part of the book most interesting specifically referencing various nutritional methods to get the fastest recovery time possible after training events. Nothing groundbreaking if you have read a number of books on this subject, but laid out well.

The second half of the book is a bit more questionable. I view any book that lists specific supplements as suspect and the last half of the book is really an inventory of different supplements and the impact it will have, along with some suggested manufacturers. This may be some peoples cup of tea, but not mine.

Rating:
Summary: Must have for us schmo's who want to be competitive racers
Review: This book is a must for any competitive athlete serious about excelling in his/her sport. I'm a novice mountain bike racer who just fumbled his way through his first race season, and for those of us who aren't sponsored and don't have coaches, this book is invaluable. I think as I build experience, this knowledge will help me be competitive against guys with years of experience.

The author is able to relay the scientific aspect of the body's functions during and after exercise to the lay person without making the reader feel lost. The book opened topics that I was familiar with but not terribly knowledgeable about. I now have a much better understanding about how my body uses what I put into it, and how this affects my performance. I'm also able to better plan my training/racing schedule because I know how to properly recover and prepare for the next ride.

If you want to compete, you owe it to yourself to read this book.

Rating:
Summary: All athletes should read it
Review: This book takes a scienteific approach in explaining how muscles work and more importantly, how workouts/trainings can be improved by providing the necessary nutrition at the right times. The recommended nutritional supplements almost totally eliminated the after-workout muscle pain. Not considering the information that the book offers, workouts/training can be a waste of both time and energy.
In addition to the basic idea of how to treat our muscles, the book can also serve as a reference as it gives detailed explanation about several minerals and vitamins.

Rating:
Summary: Sound research; easy to read
Review: This is a well written book that is useful regardless of your sport or fitness interest. The author distills the latest research and clearly explains how to manage your nutrition for optimal muscle recovery. The book also gives clear explanations of such procedures as carbohydrate loading, and explains a variety of metabolic issues. It is incredibly useful, and a must for any athlete or fitness enthusiast! I found it impossible to put down.