The Athlete's Way: Training Your Mind and Body to Experience the Joy of Exercise

by Christopher Bergland

Overview

Ultramarathoner Chris Bergland reveals the science behind the proverbial runner's high and shows how exercising not only trains the brain to crave more exercise – it will help you to be happier, smarter, and more well-adjusted.

The Athlete's Way presents an 8-week program that includes cardiovascular exercise, strength training, stretching, and nutrition that is also infused with the principles of positive psychology. Anyone can adapt this exercise program to goals and needs in the gym and beyond. It is accessible and straightforward and teaches how to incorporate aerobic and anaerobic exercise into your life or give an overhaul to an already existing workout routine. The Athlete's Way teaches how exercise is the pathway to an improved body, mind, and outlook.

"The Athlete's Way is amazingly informative and complete with a program to get and keep you off the couch. Bravo, for another exercising zealot who has written a book that should be read on your elliptical or stationary bike. He pushed me to go farther on a sleepy Sunday."

- John J. Ratey, M.D., author of Spark: The Revolutionary New Science in Exercise and the Brain, and co-author of Driven to Distraction

"Friendly, heartfelt writing; uncompromising attention to detail; and flagless enthusiasm make this book both a comprehensive plan and an encouraging partner for long-term, life-changing fitness goals." - Publishers Weekly

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780312355876
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	06/10/2008
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Christopher Bergland is a Manhattan-based world-class endurance athlete. He holds a Guinness World Record for treadmill running (153.76 miles in 24 hours) and has won the longest nonstop triathlon in the world three times. He completed The Triple Ironman, a 7.2 mile swim, 336-mile bike, followed by a 78.6-mile run (done consecutively) in a record breaking time of 38 hours and 46 minutes. He directs the triathlon program at Chelsea Piers and has been sponsored by Kiehl's since 1996. He has been featured in dozens of TV, magazine, and newspaper articles including CNN, PBS, ABC, CBS, Fox, Men's Journal, ESPN magazine, and the L.A. Times. He currently runs a specialty sporting goods shop in New York City called JackRabbit Sports.

Table of Contents

A Note from the Author     xi
Introduction: The Athlete's Way to Health and Fitness     xvii
My Story     1
Sweat and the Pursuit of Happiness     46
The Brain Science of Sport     78
Positive Psychology     121
The Training Program: An Overview     142
The Cardio Program     162
The Strength Program     191
The Stretch Program     226
The Nutrition Philosophy     242
Sticking With it     268
The Sleep Remedy     305
Superfluidity: Chase Your Bliss     319
Epilogue     331
Acknowledgments     333
Index     341