"Anyone who has studied exercise science will be very familiar with the names of Drs. Murray and Kenney. Murray, who is a prolific author and the former director of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, has contributed an enormous amount of research and education to the world of sports and exercise science. Kenney is the primary author on one of the most read and highly regarded textbooks on exercise physiology, Physiology of Sport & Exercise, used by virtually every university student. So, when these two giants collaborate to produce a book with the title ‘practical guide to exercise physiology’, you know it is going to be good. It’s so good, in point of fact, that it ranks in my top 5 books to recommend to trainers and coaches who are not university educated as ‘must reads’ (also great for the university folks, as a refresher, of course – can anyone actually remember the Krebs Cycle after uni days?).
The primary reason why this book is required, and essential reading is the expansive topics covered in a practical and easy to understand way. The major barrier for non-university students with exercise physiology texts is the (understandably) complexity and depth of information – it’s just too difficult with too much detail for the coach without a degree. What Murray and Kenney have done is taken all the essential components of exercise physiology and explained them in a manner that does not require a higher education degree.
The book opens with several chapters on the basics of physiology, including how muscles work, adapt to training and grow in response to exercise. Next from food to the production of energy is discussed – how what we eat is transported to muscles to be used during exercise. The next two chapters cover oxygen uptake in muscle and the causes of muscle fatigue.
The next section covers the theory underpinning various performances and training outcomes, with the principles of program design for these activities, including strength & muscle mass, weight loss, speed & power and aerobic endurance. An immense amount of science has been translated into simple learning here on each topic: how do muscles grow? What is the role of nutrition in gaining muscle mass or losing body fat? Why do people struggle to lose weight and how to lose fat but not muscle mass? How to train for sports requiring strength, speed and power or aerobic endurance, and how to best eat for those outcomes.
Finally, the book finishes with three chapters on ‘special populations’: exercise in hot or cold conditions or at altitude, training children, pregnant women and the older adult. These are informative chapters on the latest on the understanding of exercise in these populations and the changes that occur with ageing, and the role exercise plays in slowing this process down.
This book is a must read for trainers and coaches to understand the theory and science underpinning the application and prescription of training programs, across a number of goals and population groups. If you’ve never read an exercise physiology book or if it’s been a while, then this book comes very highly recommended."
Reviewed by Tony Boutagy, PhD