Zen Golf Mastering the Mental Game
August 15, 2009 by Sports Tips · Leave a Comment
Zen Golf Mastering the Mental Game

Vijay Singh, Masters and PGA Champion, says, “ZEN GOLF is the best book there is for connecting golf and the mind together. It’s for everyone, and you’re going to enjoy it. I keep it in my golf bag and take it with me everywhere.” Charles Howell III says, “The techniques in ZEN GOLF for working with negative thoughts are better than any other psychological approach.” In chapters such as “Never Keep More Than a Hundred Thoughts in Your Mind During Your Swing”, “Isn’t Where You Have to Play It From Punishment Enough?” and “How to Enjoy a Bad Round of Golf”, the Dr. Joe Parent, a PGA TOUR Instructor, guides golfers with simple yet powerful techniques to prepare for, execute, and, equally important, respond to the results of any golf shot. The author draws on his teaching experience and sense of humor to offer special methods that have led to amazing improvements in the games of professionals and amateurs alike. By applying classic insights and stories from the Buddhist tradition to the challenges of golf, ZEN GOLF shows you how to make your mind an ally instead of an enemy: how to stay calm, clear the interference that leads to poor shots, and eliminate bad habits and mental mistakes. Clear, concise, and enlightening, this book introduces a unique perspective combining modern psychology, Buddhist wisdom and professional golf instruction. Zen Golf shapes ancient philosophies into new teachings, leading golfers to the effortless focus and unconditional confidence of being in “the zone.”
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars +1, Great book
Haven’t seen results since I haven’t played due to snow but MAN am I ready to try what I have learned!
This has also gotten me more interested in buddhism as well. I can’t wait to check out more books on zen!
Lots of stuff in this book will make you go, oh my gosh, why havent I ever thought of that. Treat yourself as you would others…genius.
Stay in the present…genius…
5 Stars Zen Golf
Brilliant! Well written and easily understood this book gives you the tools that will change your life [even on the golf course].
4 Stars Puts a whole new light on your golf game
I was very surprised reading this book. I never thought the mental aspect of golf could have that much impact on my game. The explainations and comparisons make sense and a light goes on as soon as you read them. I can’t wait to put the PAR approach into play next spring.
5 Stars Zen Golf
Really enjoyed this book. Great way of looking at the game. Seemed more helpful than other “sports psychology” books.
5 Stars I am enjoying golf again
After being frustrated with myself on the golf course during the past few months I was beginning to wonder if I might stop playing.I have a handicap of 19 and was really struggling to play to it.Once I had a bad hole I would get down on myself and the whole thing would snowball.
After reading Zen Golf and putting into practice some of the techniques I have played two lots of 9 hole stableford competitions and had 23+25 points.
I have played 2 rounds of 18 holes in competition.The first round of our club championship at 85-19-66 (par is 69).In our annual men’s tournament 83-19-64.During these rounds I have only had one 7 and nothing higher.
Most importantly I have actually been enjoying myself.
I am certain this booked has really helped me and I will continue to use the techniques that I have learnt.I will probably read this book over and over when I need to as there are several more things I want to try.
Ray and Me Baseball Card Adventures
August 14, 2009 by Sports Tips · Leave a Comment
Ray and Me Baseball Card Adventures
The ball hit me. It sounded like a bomb going off in my head. Everything went dark. The last thing I remember was hearing somebody yell, “Call 911!”
When Stosh gets hit in the head with a baseball, he’s lucky to survive. Then he learns about another player who wasn’t so lucky
Kauai Trailblazer Where to Hike Snorkel Bike Paddle Surf
August 12, 2009 by Sports Tips · Leave a Comment
Kauai Trailblazer Where to Hike Snorkel Bike Paddle Surf

The third 2008 edition of the Sprout’s top-selling guide is packed with new and updated activities, dozens of fresh photos, and a special Trailblazer Kids section for families headed to Hawaii’s “adventure island.” Popular among independent and active travelers, Trailblazer guides are known for their user-friendly format, readability, and sharp graphics. You’ll find all the mountain ridges, tropical gardens, beaches, coves and lagoons, jungles, rivers, historic landmarks and cultural sites, coral reefs, ancient ruins, and coastal bluffs-all the places to get wet, muddy, and have fun on Kaua’i. Less energetic visitors will appreciate the book’s driving tours, which hit the headliners along with the island’s out-of-the-way charms. The authors have spent years exploring Kaua’i, and it shows. A Resource Links section gives visitor information and cultural contacts, recommended recreational outfitters, museums and attractions, Hawaiiana shops and hula shows, as well as a! hand-picked list of restaurants and places to stay. Safety precautions and traveling tips are not to be overlooked, and a Best Of section lets you select among activities to suit your mood.
119 hikes and strolls to mountain ridges, tropical gardens, beaches, jungles, coves, reefs, historic landmarks and ancient ruins, swamps, craters, forests, coastal bluffs and tide pools, towns, canyons, waterfalls and river valleys
- 68 beaches, including 22 reachable only by trail - 42 snorkeling pools, both the island favorites and hidden coves - 61 mountain bike rides along forest, coastal, and countryside trails - 27 kayaking waters: 13 rivers and streams, 14 bays and lagoons - 36 surfing spots - a special Trailblazer Kids section - 10 maps and 175 photographs - 4 driving tours, featuring heiaus, wildlife sanctuaries, cultural and historical sites,tourist attractions and natural wonders - Resource Links to recreational outfitters, stables, golf courses, camping, transportation, accommodations, local-style eats and shops - Appendices of Hawaiian words, place names, movie locations, hula performances, farmer’s markets, weather, flora, history
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Our green guide…….jackpot!
Our absolute favorite Kauai guidebook. The subject matter it covers and author’s perspectives are remarkable. They’ve listed hundreds of activities, a big load if you’re only coming for a week but then they refine them down into digestible categories. Like their Best For Snorkelers column, the headings were “Hike To Snorkeling Spots”, “Best Overall”, “A Quiet Day at the Beach” (Moloaa Bay, wow), “Local Style Beaches” and under that they give you around 8 choices with the corresponding page number that takes you straight to the directions. This made getting around the island so easy.
The graphics are clean, something you don’t find in guidebooks these days. And the writing is fresh and straight. On our first read through we found ourselves saving so many pages for to do’s. It really delivered powerful insight into Kauai’s culture and inner beauty. We so enjoyed our visit. This definitely was the Hiking Island.
Take the time to read it.
5 Stars The Best Activity Guidebook to Kauai
There are four activity guidebooks in this wonderful series: Kauai Trailblazer, Maui Trailblazer, Oahu Trailblazer, and Hawaii the Big Island Trailblazer (there is also a great planning guide to all the islands called No Worries Hawaii). I have been reviewing guidebooks for many years (and, in fact, wrote several well-received guides to travel guides in the pre-Internet era) and I can say without reservation that these four books are the best available for Hawaii. The authors, Jerry and Janine Sprout, have been roaming the Hawaiian islands for decades and taking a lot of useful notes and beautiful photos along the way. All of this translates into a wonderful, informative read (I’ve read them all cover to cover) even if you’re only an armchair traveler dreaming of a vacation in the land of aloha. You’ll learn a lot about these magical, magnificent places in addition to the activities that best meet your needs. No matter which island you pick, each book is similarly organized and equally well done. And the black-and-white photos are a joy. (If you’re not sure where you’re headed, their planning guide, No Worries Hawaii, can help you decide which island to head for and what part of that island makes the most sense). Important tip: Be sure to read the “How to Use This Book” section to learn how to get the most out these great resource books. And don’t miss the “Best Of” section, which is divided into lots of useful categories from waterfall walks, big views, and sunset beaches to town strolls, gardens, and perfect places with little walking–there is something here for everyone. There are also good maps to orient you. Driving and parking directions are excellent–no small trick in a place where the only sign to tell you you’ve arrived may be a small mile marker along the highway. You’ll definitely want to learn two new, directional words, which are very helpful in a land surrounded by water: makai–meaning “toward the ocean,” and mauka–meaning “inland or toward the mountains.” Read carefully, follow along and the Sprouts will get you to some places few tourists ever go. Each walk or hike provides parking instructions, round-trip distances, elevation gained, and other practical information. Hiking/walking directions are also very well done. In general, you won’t need a topographical map, but for more serious hikes some folks may feel more comfortable with one. Other activities at each location, such as surfing, biking, snorkeling, are carefully described as well. Practical information on every possible subject includes great driving tours, the best stuff for kids, climate, important resource numbers, and cryptic but very well chosen lists of the best food and lodging choices in each area. Whatever all-purpose guide you choose, don’t visit the islands without the appropriate Trailblazer guide in hand. It will make all the difference.
5 Stars Incredible visit
We were introduced to this guide at our condo where there were 3 copies. Having a guide like this is necessary unless you know someone who lives here and can show you around. I especially would recommend it to families because there are activities for all ages, rain or shine. Descriptions are straightforward and come with photos. Round trip mileage is always included and hikes are carefully described so we always knew what we were getting ourselves into.
It showered off and on while we were there but the storm usually was short and actually refreshing. Bringing an extra pair of shoes paid off and so did the hiking poles. Maps and a What To Pack list are inside. You will notice many of the beach turnoffs aren’t marked so having the Trailblazer really paid off. Sometimes all you can go by is a telephone pole or mailbox number. Good, useful book to get.
5 Stars Our Best Kauai Guide
We are what you’d call outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking comes first. This guide never let us down. The Kauai Trailblazer lays it all out simply and effectively. No sugarcoating. For trails or directions to best snorkeling, this was our number one source of information. As for advice that you wish you knew before taking off, it’s all inside. They included many safety precautions for the dangerous trails.
Kauai has become our favorite island. You will need this book to explore it all.
5 Stars PLEASED WITH THIS BOOK!
I’m excited to use this book to plan our hiking and snorkling on Kuaui in January. It seems well organized, with clear and detailed info, and has additional data re: local good eats spots and museums, attractions, etc.
Body by Science A Research Based Program to Get the Results You Want in 12 Minutes a Week
August 11, 2009 by Sports Tips · Leave a Comment
Body by Science A Research Based Program to Get the Results You Want in 12 Minutes a Week
Building muscle has never been faster or. easier than with this revolutionary once-a-week. training program
. .
In Body By Science, bodybuilding powerhouse John Little teams up with fitness medicine expert Dr. Doug McGuff to present a scientifically proven formula for maximizing muscle development in just 12 minutes a week. Backed by rigorous research, the authors prescribe a weekly high-intensity program for increasing strength, revving metabolism, and building muscle for a total fitness experience.
. . .
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Take the time to understand and you will be rewarded!
This book gives an in-depth understanding to the lay person who is serious about gaining knowledge of the body chemistry that occurs during and after a workout. This is a must read. You must not just read this book, but study it and really learn what the authors are detailing in this book. I’m a high-intensity exercise advocate, and train people in it, but I have become even more zealous of its potential for strength and health after reading this book. I’m very thankful to the authors for their efforts.
5 Stars Awesome.
I’ll keep the review short because the important stuff has already been covered by Drew Baye far better than I could ever hope to say it.
This is the best book ever written on exercise science. There are no “feelings”, “hunches” or “guess work” involved in this text, it’s all backed by scientific studies and analysis- right down to the cellular level. This book should go a long way to shattering long standing myths that abound in the world of exercise and bodybuilding and I say it’s about time. I have been an HIT advocate for years ever since I studied the work of Mike Mentzer and there has never been a speck of doubt in my mind that as far as exercise goes, it is not only the most time efficient but the most results producing exercise medium known to man.
Bravo Dr. McGuff and Mr. Little, I think you have written what will become an exercise classic for the ages.
5 Stars A must for all Physicians!
This book, written by an M.D. should be read by all in the medical field who deal with advice to patients regarding health. This is the first M.D. that I have heard who understands proper strenght training and the benefits of this type of exercise. It is a very informative book.
Jeff Holt, M.Ed., Professional Sports/Fitness Trainer
5 Stars Great read for Fitness Pros
Doug McGuff, MD and John Little did a wonderful job with this book. The sections on fat loss and global metabolic conditioning alone are worth the price of the book. The section on epigenetics was great perspective too.
Strength training has so many benefits and Body by Science does a great job detailing them. As a Fitness Professional, I agree with Drew in that it should be required reading for trainers.
I purchased two copies, one for work and one for home. I find myself quoting (paraphrasing)it often in discussions with my clients. It is great to have something so heavily referenced with scientific literature to further validate concepts I have been teaching my clients (i.e. HIT).
This is a great book and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in exercise, bodybuilding, health and fitness.
Also, check out [...]
Great resource of insightful discussions and articles by the authors!
Joe
5 Stars Solid informaiton, with some exceptions:
This book does a great job of debunking every bodybuilding myth I’ve heard of, but it creates a few myths of its own : 1/ Recommended 60/90 seconds under tension may be good for combined strength, mass, & cardio-vascular fitness, but it’s much longer,(& must be done w/lighter weights), than optimal for building mass: Longer times to failure may not be limited by the failure of contractile fibers to keep working , but rather lactic acid build-up. W/heavier weights/shorter times come to failure before lactic acid build-up. 2/As safe & effective as slow reps are, there’s a diminishing return after slowing down as much as recommended. This has been shown in studies where slightly faster work actually came to failure in less reps. Somewhere in the slow reps seems to be some unaccounted for rest. 3/ Going to failure & taking whatever days off are needed is a good way to ensure progress, but going a bit short of failure, taking less days off, & acummulating more work days adds up to faster progress. It also strikes me as odd that John Little is giving a strongly implied endorsement to full-range exercise, after all the promotion he’s done for limited range work & static weight holding. Where do you stand, John Little?
Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Running Second Edition Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Running
August 9, 2009 by Sports Tips · Leave a Comment

The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Running is the most comprehensive and up-to-date running-specific training guide in the world today. It contains descriptions and photographs of over 80 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide. This book features year-round running-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.
No other running book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book has been designed specially for runners to increase endurance, stamina, speed and strength. By following the programs contained in this book, you will no longer run out of gas before the race is over, but instead you will be able to sprint at record paces until the finish line.
Both beginners and advanced athletes and weight trainers can follow this book and utilize its programs. From recreational to professional, thousands of athletes all over the world are already benefiting from this book and its techniques, and now you can too!
As an added bonus, this book also contains links to free record keeping charts which normally sell separately for $20.
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars A Good Sart
All of the books in this series are nearly the same which can be a bit annoying. However, I view any weight-training programs offered as just a start rather than as the end all of what to do.
5 Stars Great Runners Edge
As a competitive runner I found this book to be extremely valuable to formulate a program that has giveing me that the edge I needed to increase my speed and muscle endurance. I recommend it to any serious runner wanting to improve their performance.
4 Stars More Motivation helps, here is a great source for some more!
If you train, be it for a goal race or a charity run, then you, like me need motivation to keep going forward. We all need tried and true tips to change things up, this book is full of those. Nobody can or should run everyday, so why not hit the gym on off days? we all need something different and we all need to stay injury free, a different sport, something to cross train with and something to challenge us beyond where we are. Time off keeps the injuries at bay, extra training and working the muscles does too. This book offers examples (through word and picture and charts) of different training exercises for in season and off. It is filled with suggestions on how to mix different exercises up, I love and you will too!
5 Stars Husband is Workout Fanatic
My husband has motivation to workout everyday and requested a book for Christmas that would help him get faster running and do the right kind of weights before a race and when he is not in the race mode and this book was an answer to his prayers because it has all the right formulas for what he was looking for. EXCELLENT BOOK!!!
5 Stars New Edition is Way Better
I’m a multi sport athlete who trains all year round regardless of what sport I play. I bought a few of these Ultimate Guide to Weight Training books, and they definitely helped me train specifically for the different sports that I play. Then about a year later I received an email from amazon that there was a new edition out. These upgraded editions are even better than the originals, with more articles and a lot more sport-specific information. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who plays a lot of sports or wants to specifically focus on training for one sport in particular.


