Body, Mind, and Sport: The Mind/Body Guide to Lifelong Fitness and Your Personal Best

I first read this book back in the early nineties after hearing an interview of Mr. Douillard on NPR. The introduction to his book explains that he is looking to make participation in sport more accessible to all people, not just the elite athletes. The breathing techniques he discusses sound nuts at first, and are a little trick to master (especially if you have a cold!) but once you get used to them, they really really work. I was never athletic growing up, but since reading this book, I have used the techniques and completed 17 marathons, including 4 ultramarathons. I never finish first - but I really enjoy participating. Before being exposed to these techniques, I never would have thought I could run a mile - much less 50! If you are looking to start an exercise program, get into shape, or have a specific fitness goal, this is a really worthwhile book.

I picked up this book at a relatives house and could not put it down. After reading it, I have to own it. If you are a serious athlete who has ever over-trained, this book is for you(or, if you simply want to avoid overtraining in the future...) John combines Auyervedic principles with Yoga, creating a way to perform better while straining yourself even less. So far I have only incorporated his principles in one workout, but with complete success. I'll know better as the next few weeks progress how easy it is to follow the principles in the book. I read a different book on Auyervedic principles(Quantam Health?), which was good but not too extremely easy to follow. John has laid out how to live the Auyervedic way, and specifically how to apply it to athletic training, in a simple and easy to follow manner.

I am an elite coach based in Melbourne ,Australia. I have used the principles behind this book with great success with many people. I cannot recommend it highly enough, buy it read it follow it and you will change the way you train and finally enjoy exercise the way it was supposed to be. Good luck and enjoy.

Your body is supposed to enjoy getting and staying fit! The author gives a number of instructions on how to do just that. His argument for nasal breathing, even at top exertion, is alone worth the price of the book. The many testamonials from athletes who've used the author's instructions successfully shows that I'm not the only one it's worked for.

I have read many fitness books over the years, but this is the first one that addresses the needs and differences of the mind/body types, or doshas, according to ayurvedic teachings. I have been guilty in the past of pushing myself too hard in order to achieve a certain level of fitness. I'd just burnout, quit, gain weight, and start over again. This program helped me to PAINLESSLY and JOYFULLY attain a fitness level higher than I had previously thought possible.