Product Description

First practiced by the dominant Eastern Bloc athletes of the 1970s today plyometrics has become a mainstream form of training used by serious athletes around the world. The reason is that plyometrics offers athletes at all levels a proven straightforward way to enhance their athletic abilities and to get an edge on the competition.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21908 in Books
• Brand: Human Kinetics
• Published on: 1998-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 184 pages

About the Author
Dr. Donald Chu is a leading authority on power training and conditioning. He has been a conditioning consultant for the Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Lions, and Chicago White Sox as well as for the United States Tennis Association and the 1996 U.S. Olympic synchronized swimming team, which took home the gold medal. He is the owner and director of NovaCare Clinic in Castro Valley, California, where he acts as a consultant to individual athletes. Dr. Chu is president of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He is a licensed physical therapist, a certified athletic trainer through the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), and a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the NSCA. He has received many honors, including the 1998 Dr. Ernst Jokl Sports Medicine Award, presented by the board of trustees of the United States Sports Academy; the 1995 NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award; and the 1993 NSCA President's Award for Service. In 1978, his only year as a head coach, Dr. Chu was named the Far Western Conference Track and Field Coach of the Year. Dr. Chu, who earned a PhD in physical therapy and kinesiology from Stanford University, is the program director for the physical therapist assistant program at Ohlone College in Fremont, California. He is also a professor emeritus of kinesiology and physical education at California State University, Hayward.

Customer Reviews

Excellent for amateurs wishing to improve their athleticism
A very good introduction for the amateur athlete to the murky world of plyometrics. Donald Chu is not scared to use the correct scientific terms but they all come with comprehensive explanations so he avoids both patronising and baffling his reader. The book is divided into 5 chapters that basically take you through the basics and mechanics of plyometrics to specific exercises and programmes. There are plenty of exercises to keep you busy. However, I felt he could have made more of an effort with his sport specific drills at the end. There are no explanations as to why x exercise is good for y sport and no alternatives provided. Overrall, though a very good book for amateurs wishing to improve their athletic performance.

Donald Chu is indeed an authority on plyometrics
Covering everything from the history of plyometrics, to plyometric warm-ups, complex training and advanced plyometrics, this book is a very invaluable partner to everyone serious about performance in sport. I specially enjoyed the part about the anatomy of the muscle and better understood how my muscles behave during a workout or performance. The different training cycles are covered to enlighten the beginner. The different sport celebrity analogies give much credibility to the book. Sport-specific exercises are highlighted for every kind of sport. Thumbs up to both the author and this wonderfull book!!!!

Good Book
Excellent book. Should be called the A to Z of Plyometrics. Doesn't focus on all sports. For example nothing on boxing, which was a bit of a pain for me seeing as I'm a boxer. But as long as you've got even the smallest bit of a brain you'll be able to figure out what exercises will suit you. I'm not aware of any other book that focuses entirely on plyometrics. If you have any doubts on what plyometrics are, or how to apply them to your training program this book will clear it up for you and inspire you while your doing it. Has it helped my training? With all honesty... YES and then some.