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The preface has an explicit rationale
for this 5th edition and who the intended
audience is. Changes from earlier editions
are clearly identified. Further technological
and teaching resources available with
this edition are also listed for those
at the college or university level.
Objectives listed at the beginning of
each chapter guide the reader to upcoming
topics and the specific data that they
will need to attend to in the chapter.
Looking back at these objectives after
reading the chapter can be another check
of the reader's understanding.
There are many tables and figures that
contain data, key points, and research
boxes for quick reading of information.
While these are great for a quick perusal
of the contents, on some pages all this
information makes the page look too busy.
Continuity of reading can be lost, and
the tendency is to read the boxes rather
than the text of the page. The many photos
of exercises, stretches, tests, etc. are
clear and accurate, helping readers easily
identify important check points and positions.
As a text book, the case studies with
answers at the back are helpful and allow
the student or reader to think about the
information in a practical manner for
application to clients. Reference to further
details and studies point the interested
reader in an appropriate direction to
find more information. This gives more
credence to the information in Fitness
Professional’s Handbook
illustrating the information provided
is based upon a wide base of research.
The chapter entitled Exercise and
Children and Youth was very poignant
in my situation. Although there is generally
great concern for these age groups, data
is finally emerging based on research
on children and youth, and not just adults.
More and more parents are feeling concern
over the physical activity levels of their
children; as a result, many are turning
to fitness professionals for help. Physical
educators are being asked to address this
topic of concern, as they are often the
most accessible fitness professional to
parents.
This chapter provides the concerned physical
educator with up to date scientific data
on exercise and children. Combining the
information in this chapter with that
found in the chapter entitled Diabetes
and Asthma helps the physical educator
be a knowledgeable and valuable resource
for our children today. Fitness Professional’s
Handbook is full of pertinent, beneficial
information for anyone working in areas
related to exercise, fitness, and wellness.
This book is a resource that will enhance
practice beyond the classroom arena and
is well worth purchasing as a professional
resource. |
