Peak Performance: Training and Nutritional Strategies for Sport

There are so many good points about this book I hardly know where to start. What impresses me most is that the authors have maintained a balanced and rational view on the many diverse and sometimes conflicting inputs - lab. tests, experience in the sport, folklore, practicalities - all of these impinge on the attitudes of athlete and coach, and can result in a lot of confusion and uncertainty. The book does an excellent job in unravelling these tangled strands of knowledge and half-knowledge to present the a clear and accurate picture to the reader. Uncertain points are made clearer, several myths are debunked (some of my own misconceptions were cleared up). Yet where the truth remains hidden or is unclear this is commented upon. Concerning scientific studies the source material is extensive and up to date.The layout and language are so clear and reader-friendly, and the material so interesting that I found it hard to put the book down. However, I'd have to advise readers not to try to take in too much at a time. The few inaccuracies in some of the details didn't detract from the message or the overall quality. There is one slightly surprising omission, namely the absence of any discussion of the Conconi test for aerobic performance. Nevertheless, the sections on training are excellent; the ones on nutrition are even better.

Peak Performance is a fantastic resource and a great read. It demystifies scientific concepts and provides plenty of practical tips. The quotes make the book truely enjoyable to read. Anyone with a question about sports science and sports nutrition will find the answer in this book.

Peak Performance is the perfect companion for the athlete or coach looking for every ounce of accurate practical information available from sports scientists. John Hawley and Louise Burke (world leaders in sport related science) have teamed up to produce the "lay-persons" guide to improved athletic performance. Peak performance introduces us to the founding fathers of modern athletic training. Our authors then explore the facts that have been uncovered by exercise scientists attempting to discover proof of what produces optimal performance. An excellent blend of theory and practice!

After batting through what seemed like 100s of journal articles to write a literature review on endurance training, I allowed myself to buy this book as a reward. The verdict? Definitely should have bought it before writing my essay! This book restored my faith in the ability of sports science to provide useful guidance in a field where multiple variables render the usefulness of much research less-than-obvious. I would recommend this book to any athlete who considers the challenge of designing a training program an indispensible part of the fun. If you are looking for step-by-step, do-this-do-that, no-thinking-required instructions on how to train then keep looking, however if you are interested in building an understanding of the principles involved that will allow you to pursue your own training in a more scientific manner then this is well worth a read. The authors' sense of humour and varied content will not disppoint.

John Hawley and Louise Burke have produced a comprehensive training manual with a good scientific basis. Along with the wealth of useful information, one also finds a whole lot of interesting quotes and anecdotes, which make the book really enjoyable to read. These days in competition a 1% advantage can mean the difference between an Olympic medal and obscurity. This book may just give you that advantage.