Book Reviews
Written by a self-employed personal trainer, Personal Fitness Training: Beyond the Basics was designed to not only help you study for and pass any fitness certification exam, but also take you to the next level by teaching you information that fitness professionals need to know to be safe and effective. The book also includes how to properly perform, spot and modify 50 different gym-quality exercises! Unlike most texts, this book is written in plane English so you know exactly what you need to know without any guesswork.
Testimonials
It was great how you showed how to do 50 different exercises.
Yvette, Colorado
Your book was so much easier to understand than the ACE and AFAA books.
Joan O, Minnesota
I have books from ACE, ACSM, NASM and AFAA. Your book is MUCH easier to understand!
Miriam R
I read your book for fun and then fired my personal trainer when I realized he didn't know what he was doing. I wish you lived closer so I could hire you!
Linda, Brentwood, CA
This is the 3rd copy I'm getting. The other two were stolen. To personal trainers, your book must be like gold.
Keith, New York
You packed more information in 200 pages as other books did in 500 pages - and your book is a lot cheaper!
Amanda , Washington
I would like to thank you for writing the greatest book ever. I have told all of my friends about the book. It touches on real life issues as well as personal training.
Rona O. Maryland
It's a fun read! Joe's book is easy to understand. It's like having a comfortable conversation with Joe himself about what you need to know to be the best Personal Trainer you can be! I loved your dedication to your Grandmother!
Matt Rich AAAI CPT
Finally! A book written by a personal trainer, for personal trainers – and everyone else!
Christina Todd, ACSM-CPT, NSCA-CPT
Your personal training book is so much easier to grab the important things you need to know than the ACE book. I read Chapter 3 of the ACE Book about 3 times and was just overwhelmed.
Brian Kline, personal trainer and triathlete
The textbook is user friendly and doesn't contain Albert Einstein language
Swan T., AAAI/ISMA Personal Trainer
Joe has taken detailed exercise science and makes it 'user-friendly'. The PERFECT book to help people pass their certification exams!
Marjorie Geiser, RD, NSCA-CPT
This book is straight forward, accurate and easy to follow. It’s a must read for all of my students.
James Menz, MS, CSCS, NASM-CESAsst. Professor of Exercise Science
This book is jam-packed with valuable and practical information that will make the Fitness Professionals life much easier.
Brian Lange, MA, CSCS.Former Strength Coach of the Philadelphia 76ers
Blending exercise science and practical application; it’s the "all-in-one" resource for the exercise professional/ fitness enthusiast
Christopher Blessing MS, MPT, OCS, CSCS
Joe has a unique ability to extract the pertinent information from otherwise redundant scientific explanations and theories. Be it as a writer, researcher, or lecturer Joe delivers information and content in a manor that is both informative and efficient.
Daniel R. Gaita, MA, CPT
President, Personal Trainer Listing Service
Complex science broken down into plain English! A must have in your fitness library.
William R. Sukala, MS, CSCS
Clear, simple and concise so that everyone can understand!!! I loved this book!
Alex Pastuszek, NSCA-CPT, AAAI Master Aerobic Instructor
Read a sample of Personal Fitness Training
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
The feeling of pain or discomfort in muscles in the hours and days following a strenuous or unaccustomed activity is called delayed onset muscle soreness or “DOMS” for short. Anything that’s intense enough or that you are not used to doing will cause DOMS if you do it long enough. This can be anything from shoveling snow from your driveway to going out and running around the block one time. The pain usually occurs 24 to 72 hours following exercise. The soreness usually subsides within 7 to 10 days of the soreness-initiating event. Muscles during this time are said to be stiff and there is often a decreased range of motion. During this time, people report a lowered ability to produce force in the affected muscles. Thus, people may not be able to lift as much when they experience DOMS. Research has shown that this is the result of both a decreased ability of the muscle to produce force and an unwillingness on the part of the person to use the DOMS-affected muscles.115 Interestingly, DOMS is not felt when the muscle is at rest; rather, we only feel the pain when the muscles in question are worked or when the muscles are touched.116 This fact can sometimes help fitness trainers to differentiate between DOMS and some other more serious types of pain (e.g., tendonitis). In other words, failure to experience pain when not moving may be a tip off that the person is experiencing DOMS.
DOMS does not result in any long-term damage to muscles. However, there is evidence of short-term damage. Muscle biopsies during DOMS reveal damage to key areas of muscle structure.117 For example studies show physical damage to sarcomeres as well as to their associated connective tissues and elevations in various enzymes associated with tissue injury.
There are several theories to explain why DOMS occurs. All theories have merit; but, no theory fully explains the process. The most common theories are the torn tissue theory, connective tissue theory and inflammation theory.
The theories aside, what everyone agrees upon is that eccentric activities (e.g., walking downhill or lowering a dumbbell.) or “negatives” as they are often called, result in far more DOMS than concentric movements.119
Some may take various drugs like aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate DOMS. While this practice can help reduce pain it may not be the best course of action for elite athletes. There is evidence that NSAIDs reduce protein synthesis following eccentric exercise.120 This, in theory, might prolong DOMS and reduce athletic performance. For most people, however, this effect is probably not significant.
One common misconception about DOMS involves lactic acid. There is no proof that lactic acid causes DOMS. People who say this probably confuse muscle burning during exercise with muscle pain (DOMS) the next day. They are not the same thing.
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The personal trainer practice test was created to help fitness trainers pass ANY fitness certification. The questions were chosen to not only test your knowledge in key areas that all fitness certifications test for, but also to see how well you understand critical real life information too. The result is a practice test that preps you for a certification exam as well as for the real world too.
Practice Test Testimonials
I was pleasantly surprised to find so many good nutrition questions on this fitness test
Tracy, Dallas, Texas
Your test helped me pass the NSCA CPT exam!
Linda, PA
Your test helped me pass the AAAI/ISMA personal trainer test. thanks!
Nancy, New Jersey
Straight forward questions that pin down what fitness trainers should know.
Sharon J. St. Cloud, MN
Since Joe is cerifited by the NSCA, I used this test to prepare for the NSCA-CPT exam and was glad I did. The Practice Test helped me to focus on what I needed to know to pass Thanks!!
Jennifer. Philadelphia, PA
No trick questions. You either know it or you don't.
Pat M. Virginia Beach, VA
The test is very accurate. I scored 85% on the practice test and 85% on my certification exam.
Tom R. Pittsburg, PA
The ACE book was so big, I didn’t know what to study. Joe Cannon's practice test helped me focus on the important things. I passed because of this test!
Tina P. Hollywood CA.
I used this test to study for the ACE and AFAA exams and passed them both.
Trish C. New York
If you can pass this test, you can pass any certi exam. I'm a group fitness instructor and I'm proof! Carol. Phoenix, Arizona
Joe Cannon has devoted over a dozen years to investigating dietary supplements. He knows which supplements work and do not work. Nutritional Supplements What Works and Why reviews not only the advertised claims of 119 popular dietary supplements but compares those claims to what the clinical evidence actually says. That way you learn the real facts. More than 400 pages long, the book also has over 900 references so you can look the facts up yourself if you like. Never again will you wander aimlessly through the health food store wondering what works. YOU WILL KNOW! Unlike most other books, you also learn the side-effects that only doctors know! Research also finds that some supplements may have uses that most people have not heard of. You get that information as well! The result is an unbiased, easy to read review of today’s most popular supplements. After reading this book you will know more about dietary supplements that most people on Earth –Guaranteed!
Testimonials
I had no idea supplements had side effects. Why doesn't anybody talk about this?
Karen, Miami FL
Thanks for making the print easy to read and the book easy to understand
Tracy B, Ohio
I'm using your supplement book to help me in college. The 900 clinical studies you listed in the back have saved me a lot of time!
John, NYC
I wish I had your book when I worked in the natural foods store.
Jennifer, London, England
As a personal trainer, I'm always getting asked about supplements. I don't talk about anything until I read your book first.
Tom, Ohio
Excellent reviews on glutamine and nitric oxide supplements. You rock!
Stan, Maryland
I appreciated your insights on probiotics and flaxseed oil. Now I can choose the right products.
Melissa, Colorado
I didn’t know I was using the wrong calcium supplement until I read this book
Marie P. Wilmington DE
I've saved so much money because of your supplement book.
Sharon, San Diego, CA
Joe provides accurate, concise information in an easy to understand format. It is the first place I turn to for reliable supplement information. I strongly recommend it to patients and athletes, as well as health and fitness professionals.
-Nicholas DiNubile, MD
-best selling author of FrameWork- Your 7 Step Program for Healthy Muscles, Bones and Joints
-orthopaedic consultant, Philadelphia 76ers and Pennsylvania Ballet
Joe's supplement book is amazing! I like to keep it handy at all times for personal use and for use with my clients. The Supplement industry is so big these days that even people who work in the wellness industry such as myself can get lost! This is basically a road map that will help you decide on what supplements are best for you or your clients.."
An honest and fair review of the confusing world of supplements. Joe Cannon, has put together a must have resource for every serious athlete and anyone wanting to live a healthy lifestyle. This is an excellent review of the scientific literature covering a vary comprehensive list of supplements.
Vincent Disabella, DO, FAOASM, Team Physician, University of Delaware
A Well researched and straightforward guide. An excellent resource for people interested in the truth about supplements
Curt Parnes MD
Great book! What an easy, applicable, fact-based read. As a CSCS and a licensed school nurse , I can't help but find peer-reviewed journals exhaustingly boring and your book was a welcomed relief.
Matt Barton, CSCS, CPT, NASN - LSN
Joe has managed to write an easy to read, common sense book in the sea of supplement confusion. This information-packed book will surely remain on my desk as I work with my clients.
Pat Smith, MS, RD, LDN
A MUST Read for anyone using or desiring to use supplements.
Brian lange, MA, CSCS, former strength coach for the Philadelphia 77ers
Clear, concise and easy to read…this book is loaded with the essential information that is needed by everyone interested in sports nutrition and supplements.
Donna M Crouch, PD, RPh, CFT
Read a Sample of Nutritional Supplements:
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is an herb which grows in North America and was first introduced to early European settlers from the American Indians. These days the main reason people use black cohosh is to relieve menopause symptoms; however, it is sometimes used for sore throats, arthritis and even used by some as an insect repellent! The scientific names for black cohosh are Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa. Other names that also refer to black cohosh include, Black Snakeroot, Bugwort, and Baneberry, to name a few.
Black Cohosh and Menopause
Some studies have found that black cohosh may be of modest help at reducing hot flashes and other symptoms associated with menopause and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).333 However, not all research shows positive results. In addition, most studies agree that at least a few weeks of continued use is needed before any reduction in symptoms is noticed.334 Because of its apparent ability to reduce some symptoms of menopause, it has been generally believed that black cohosh has estrogen-like activity in the body. This theory is still being investigated and debate continues as to how black cohosh works. Most of the research on black cohosh so far has been on a specific formula called Remifemin®, which is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline.335 Because the research is on this particular product, it is difficult to know if other black cohosh nutritional supplements would have the same effect.
Black Cohosh and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease where bones become brittle and break easily. Estrogen is needed to help keep bones strong. Because black cohosh is thought to possess estrogen-like qualities, some feel this herb may help osteoporosis. This is why it's found in some osteoporosis-marketed supplements. Currently, this is speculation and black cohosh should not be used as a substitute in place of osteoporosis medications prescribed by a physician.
Side Effects and Concerns
While black cohosh is generally well-tolerated in healthy people, there are a few issues that should be remembered when using this herb.
Black cohosh should not be used by pregnant women because of concern that it may stimulate contractions of the uterus.336 In theory, this might result in miscarriage. Likewise, black cohosh should not be used by lactating women because of its unknown effects on the baby.
There is some evidence that black cohosh may cause hepatitis, a liver condition.337 The probability of hepatitis occurring seems small when compared with the millions of women who have used this herb. Until more is known, it may be wise to have periodic liver function checkups while using this herb. In theory, black cohosh might interact with other supplements like Kava and niacin which also appear to affect liver function.
Some evidence suggests that black cohosh may increase the toxicity of some chemotherapy drugs.339 People with cancer should inform their physicians and oncologists about black cohosh as well as other supplements they may be using.
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Nutrition Essentials is a nutrition and sports nutrition study guide that was written to specifically meet the needs of today’s fitness trainers as well as those interested in health and fitness. As someone who lectures to thousands of fitness trainers each year, Joe Cannon knows which nutrition questions people want to know about and he gives the answers here. Unlike other books, Nutrition Essentials was designed to be read quickly and easily, giving just the facts in plane English.
Nutritional Essentials Testimonials
Excellent book! Easy to read and written for personal trainers! Sandra D. Dallas Texas
Nutrition Essentials is easy to understand and a great resource for the personal trainer who wants to know more about nutrition and sports nutrition without investing a lot of time and money. Sam Jennings Florida
Until I read Nutrition Essentials, I didn’t know I was giving my clients wrong information about protein. Debbie L. PA
I've studied nutrition but your Nutrition Essentials book explains nutrition from the perspective of what a personal trainer needs to know. Jennifer N. Burbank CA
Nutrition Essentials was just what I was seeking - a sports nutrition book that quickly gives the facts without the boring stuff I don't need. All personal trainers need this book! Toby Anderson. Washington
Read a Sample of Nutrition Essentials:
Protein
Aside from being one of the main constituents of muscle tissue, protein forms a wide variety of molecules in the body. Some have estimated that proteins help comprise over 50,000 different compounds in the human body.36 The individual properties of each of these protein-containing structures are determined by the sequence of amino acids – the building blocks of proteins. Humans require 20 different amino acids to make all of the different protein structures found in the body. By changing the order or arrangement of amino acids, it is possible to make different proteins which serve different functions and have different properties. This is similar to how words are formed. For example, there are 26 letters in the English alphabet. Yet these 26 letters can form hundreds of thousands of different words. Different arrangements of the letters make different words, just as different arrangements of amino acids make different proteins. Good sources of proteins include chicken, turkey, whey, soy, beef and tuna to name a few. The amino acids that make up proteins can be further broken down into essential amino acids and non-essential amino acids, which are discussed below.
Essential & Non-Essential Amino Acids
Amino acids are usually classified as being either essential or non-essential. Essential amino acids are amino acids that must be obtained from eating food. The non-essential amino acids are those which the body can make and thus do not have to be obtained from food. Non-essential amino acids are not less essential than essential amino acids; rather they are called non-essential only because our bodies have the ability to make them from other foods that we eat.
One issue that often confuses people with respect to non-essential amino acids is that the classification as “non-essential” gives the impression that because they are made in the body, that they serve no “essential” role. Ongoing research however is finding that nothing can be farther from the truth. Research finds that individual non-essential amino acids may, under some circumstances be essential. This has given rise to the term “conditionally essential” amino acid. In other words, under some circumstances or conditions, an amino acid that normally is made in sufficient amounts, might not be enough to meet the body’s needs.
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People have a lot questions about exercise, health and nutrition. That’s what this book is all about –questions and answers. This book was created from the actual questions that Joe Cannon has been asked by both laypersons and those in the health and fitness industry. Over 130 of questions are here, listed in a Q and A format which makes learning quick and easy. The e book design also makes it easy to search for the answers you want fast. If you have ever wondered about something related to exercise, health, wellness or nutrition, the odds are, the answer is right here. This is an ebook that you download to read.
Read a sample:
Q.Is it true that if you exercise on an empty stomach you will lose weight faster?
A. Those who advocate exercising on an empty stomach say it helps the body burn off its fat stores faster. During sleep, our body uses glycogen, our storage form of carbohydrates, to maintain blood sugar levels. According to morning exercise advocates, when we wake up, our carbohydrate reserve is depleted, which in turn, makes it more likely that our body will start burning fat.
Let’s look at some of the evidence in support of working out on an empty stomach: Some research does in fact find that morning exercise may enhance the ability to burn fat when a fat-containing meal is given after exercise.15 Other research also hints that the body prefers to utilize monounsaturated fats more than saturated fats.16
Both of these issues are interesting and is a testament to the complexity of the human body. The real question, however, is whether this apparent enhanced ability to burn fat after exercise also translates into greater weight loss for those who perform exercise in the morning and on an empty stomach. Unfortunately, this issue has not been well-studied, although anecdotal testimonials suggest that for some, there may be something to it.
Does this mean working out on an empty stomach is right for you? The ability to successfully exercise without eating breakfast is surely an individual one. Some people may have no problem working out prior to eating while others may struggle with it. So, no matter what the "experts" say, you have to find what works for you.
Testimonials
Why didn’t the ACE book teach me this stuff?
John G. New Mexico
Just like all your other books, Joe, you take boring science and make it practical and easy to understand so I can use it today, right now! You Rock!!
Kelly M, California
I got this book because my clients were asking me questions I didn’t know. Thanks for helping me help others!
Lisa J. CT
I can now correct other trainers at the gym -including my boss!
Tim Reynolds
I've never had a book answer so many of my questions before.
Stephanie S. Virginia Beach
I picked up a new client last week because I was overheard explaining one of the topics in your book. That’s never happened before.
DJ. Florida
I love that I can load the book on to my laptop and read it anywhere I go.
Paul C. NYC
I have several certs from different organizations and I've worked in the field many years. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the answers to questions I had been asking myself, but never got around to investigating. Thank you for doing all this research.
Jennifer T, Texas
