Author Description

" <p>With updated information and a fresh new design, the second edition of this practical, popular handbook makes an ideal reference for anyone charged with the task of leading a fitness class.</p> <p>Written for those who haven't had the advantage of formal training, <b>Fitness Leader's Handbook</b>emphasizes ""how to"" rather than ""why."" It's loaded with practical, usable tools and tips that make it easy for even a novice to conduct a successful fitness class:</p> <p>-Methods for evaluating and improving participants' health and fitness</p> <p>-Fitness evaluation forms that instructors can copy and distribute to class participants</p> <p>-Information based on the latest research and major position statements, such as the Surgeon General's Report: Physical Activity and Health and recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)</p> <p>-Helpful hints for changing health-related behaviors</p> <p>-Injury prevention strategies</p> <p>-Program organizational strategies</p> <p>-Tips for dealing with special personal conditions and environmental problems</p> <p>-Ideas for handling the human relations side of exercise leadership</p> <p>-Sample programs</p> <p>-Much, much more<br> This easy-to-use text is organized into six sections, with over 90 illustrations that emphasize the methods and activities discussed. Part I deals with the fundamentals: What is physical fitness? How does it differ from performance? What are the components of a physical fitness program?</p> <p>Part II addresses one of the primary responsibilities of any fitness leader: helping potential participants determine their current health status and decide on the first steps toward fitness. Part III provides a more complete analysis of the various components of fitness:</p> <p>-Body composition</p> <p>-Nutrition and weight control</p> <p>-Aerobic fitness</p> <p>-Muscular strength and endurance</p> <p>-Flexibility</p> <p>-Low back health</p> <p>-Stress reduction<br> In Part IV, the aut