Practical Guide to Exercise Physiology
The Science of Exercise Training and Performance Nutrition
3rd Edition
Published on 15. April 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
280 pages
978-1-7182-3963-0 (ISBN)
Description
A highly visual exercise physiology resource-fully updated in this third edition.
Practical Guide to Exercise Physiology, Third Edition, takes a straightforward approach to teaching students and health and fitness professionals the fundamentals of exercise physiology, metabolism, and nutrition. Vivid medical illustrations make this a clear and easy-to-follow resource on the basic principles of exercise physiology.
The text explores trending fitness concepts such as HIIT, periodization, and retraining. The third edition of Practical Guide to Exercise Physiology has been updated throughout with user-friendly examples and new references to further support the readers' learning. Key updates include these:
A new chapter on training during pregnancy
A new chapter discussing training masters athletes
Refreshed Performance Nutrition Spotlights elements, which offer advice and tips on using nutrition to support adaptations and improve performance
Updated artwork and photos that provide visual learning opportunities
Revisions to the Index of Common Questions From Clients, which collects the most common inquiries from clients and points to the corresponding chapter where each of those topics is covered, helping readers to quickly access the information
Bringing intricate physiological processes to life, Practical Guide to Exercise Physiology teaches readers how the body responds and adapts to physical activity. A foundation in exercise physiology prepares readers to select appropriate training programs and explain them to others. The included web resource provides 22 practical checklists available as downloadable Word documents as well as case scenarios to assist students in working with athletes and clients.
Part I reviews human physiology fundamentals, including muscles and muscle adaptation, bioenergetics, and the cardiorespiratory system. Part II applies these scientific concepts to training programs designed for specific fitness goals. These goals include weight loss and improvements in strength and muscle mass, speed and power, and aerobic endurance. Part III of the text outlines special considerations for training with pregnant women, children, and older adults.
Practical Guide to Exercise Physiology, Third Edition, will leave readers feeling confident in designing exercise programs for various populations and in their ability to explain to clients how science-based training will help them achieve their goals.
Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes both the book and exam.
Practical Guide to Exercise Physiology, Third Edition, takes a straightforward approach to teaching students and health and fitness professionals the fundamentals of exercise physiology, metabolism, and nutrition. Vivid medical illustrations make this a clear and easy-to-follow resource on the basic principles of exercise physiology.
The text explores trending fitness concepts such as HIIT, periodization, and retraining. The third edition of Practical Guide to Exercise Physiology has been updated throughout with user-friendly examples and new references to further support the readers' learning. Key updates include these:
A new chapter on training during pregnancy
A new chapter discussing training masters athletes
Refreshed Performance Nutrition Spotlights elements, which offer advice and tips on using nutrition to support adaptations and improve performance
Updated artwork and photos that provide visual learning opportunities
Revisions to the Index of Common Questions From Clients, which collects the most common inquiries from clients and points to the corresponding chapter where each of those topics is covered, helping readers to quickly access the information
Bringing intricate physiological processes to life, Practical Guide to Exercise Physiology teaches readers how the body responds and adapts to physical activity. A foundation in exercise physiology prepares readers to select appropriate training programs and explain them to others. The included web resource provides 22 practical checklists available as downloadable Word documents as well as case scenarios to assist students in working with athletes and clients.
Part I reviews human physiology fundamentals, including muscles and muscle adaptation, bioenergetics, and the cardiorespiratory system. Part II applies these scientific concepts to training programs designed for specific fitness goals. These goals include weight loss and improvements in strength and muscle mass, speed and power, and aerobic endurance. Part III of the text outlines special considerations for training with pregnant women, children, and older adults.
Practical Guide to Exercise Physiology, Third Edition, will leave readers feeling confident in designing exercise programs for various populations and in their ability to explain to clients how science-based training will help them achieve their goals.
Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes both the book and exam.
More details
Edition
Third Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Champaign, IL
United States
Publishing group
Human Kinetics Publishers
Target group
College/higher education
Edition type
New edition
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 280 mm
Width: 218 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
795 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-7182-3963-0 (9781718239630)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Previous edition
Robert Murray | W. Larry Kenney
Practical Guide to Exercise Physiology
The Science of Exercise Training and Performance Nutrition
Book
09/2020
2nd Edition
Human Kinetics
€90.57
Shipment within 15-20 days
Persons
Bob Murray, PhD, FACSM, was a cofounder of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) and served as its director from 1985 to 2008. Dr. Murray oversaw a comprehensive program of GSSI- and university-based research in exercise science and sport nutrition, setting industry standards and consumer expectations for science-based product efficacy.
A native of Pittsburgh, Dr. Murray earned his BS and MEd degrees in physical education at Slippery Rock University. He was an assistant professor of physical education and head swimming coach at Oswego State University from 1974 to 1977 before earning his PhD in exercise physiology from Ohio State University. He was an assistant and associate professor in the department of kinesiology at Boise State University from 1980 to 1985 before relocating to Chicago to begin work with Gatorade. In 2008, Dr. Murray founded Sports Science Insights LLC, a consulting group that helps clients with projects in exercise science and sport nutrition. An author of numerous publications in scientific texts and journals, and an invited speaker at professional meetings worldwide, Dr. Murray is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and an honorary member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. He and his wife, Linda, live in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
W. Larry Kenney, PhD, FACSM, FAPS, is the Marie Underhill Noll Chair in Human Performance and a professor of physiology and kinesiology at Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Kenney was awarded the prestigious Faculty Scholar Medal by Pennsylvania State University for his research contributions. He has published more than 220 journal articles and dozens of book chapters on the topic of human responses to exercise, heat and cold stress, and dehydration as well as the biophysics of heat exchange between humans and the environment. He was continuously funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 1986 through 2015, one of the longest-running R01 grants. Over the years, he has mentored 38 MS or PhD students along with 8 postdoctoral fellows and numerous undergraduate scholars.
Dr. Kenney is the primary author of Physiology of Sport and Exercise, a best-selling textbook in exercise physiology. He served as president of the American College of Sports Medicine from 2003 to 2004 and received the Citation Award from that organization in 2008. He is also a fellow of the American Physiological Society and was presented with the Adolph Distinguished Lectureship Award by that organization in 2017. He is the former chair of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute and serves on many scientific advisory panels, including Nike's Science Advisory Board.
A native of Pittsburgh, Dr. Murray earned his BS and MEd degrees in physical education at Slippery Rock University. He was an assistant professor of physical education and head swimming coach at Oswego State University from 1974 to 1977 before earning his PhD in exercise physiology from Ohio State University. He was an assistant and associate professor in the department of kinesiology at Boise State University from 1980 to 1985 before relocating to Chicago to begin work with Gatorade. In 2008, Dr. Murray founded Sports Science Insights LLC, a consulting group that helps clients with projects in exercise science and sport nutrition. An author of numerous publications in scientific texts and journals, and an invited speaker at professional meetings worldwide, Dr. Murray is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and an honorary member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. He and his wife, Linda, live in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
W. Larry Kenney, PhD, FACSM, FAPS, is the Marie Underhill Noll Chair in Human Performance and a professor of physiology and kinesiology at Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Kenney was awarded the prestigious Faculty Scholar Medal by Pennsylvania State University for his research contributions. He has published more than 220 journal articles and dozens of book chapters on the topic of human responses to exercise, heat and cold stress, and dehydration as well as the biophysics of heat exchange between humans and the environment. He was continuously funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 1986 through 2015, one of the longest-running R01 grants. Over the years, he has mentored 38 MS or PhD students along with 8 postdoctoral fellows and numerous undergraduate scholars.
Dr. Kenney is the primary author of Physiology of Sport and Exercise, a best-selling textbook in exercise physiology. He served as president of the American College of Sports Medicine from 2003 to 2004 and received the Citation Award from that organization in 2008. He is also a fellow of the American Physiological Society and was presented with the Adolph Distinguished Lectureship Award by that organization in 2017. He is the former chair of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute and serves on many scientific advisory panels, including Nike's Science Advisory Board.
Content
Part I. Warming Up: Physiology 101
Chapter 1. Muscles Move Us
How Do Muscles Work?
How Do Muscles Adapt to Training?
How Do Muscle Cells Grow Bigger, Get Stronger, and Develop More Endurance?
Chapter 2. Food Really Is Fuel
From Food to Energy
How Do Nutrients Fuel Muscle?
What About Vitamins and Minerals?
Water Is a Nutrient Too
Chapter 3. Muscles Run on Oxygen
How Does Oxygen Get to Muscles?
How Does Oxygen Use Relate to Metabolic Rate?
How Does Training Help the Body Use More Oxygen?
Oxygen Delivery and Performance Enhancement
Chapter 4. Fatigue: What Is It Good For?
What Causes Fatigue?
What's the Difference Between Fatigue and Overtraining?
What Role Does Fatigue Play in Adaptations to Training?
Part II. The Science of Training Program Design
Chapter 5. Personalizing Training Programs
What Are the Basics of Training Program Design?
What Makes an Effective Training Program?
Training Terms
Chapter 6. Training to Improve Muscle Strength and Muscle Mass
How Do Strength and Mass Increase?
What Is the Best Way to Gain Strength and Mass?
What About Core Training?
What's the Role of Nutrition in Developing Strength and Mass?
Retraining and Retraining
Chapter 7. Training for Weight Loss and Body Weight Control
Weight Loss Is All About Energy Balance
Why Do Many People Have Difficulty Losing Weight?
What's the Best Way to Lose Fat but Protect Muscle Mass?
Chapter 8. Training for Speed, Power, and Athleticism
What Are Speed, Power, and Athleticism?
What Adaptations Are Needed to Improve Speed, Power, and Athleticism?
What Kinds of Training Improve Speed, Power, and Athleticism?
Dietary Supplements for Speed, Power, and Athleticism
Chapter 9. Training for Aerobic Endurance
What Are the Main Adaptations to Aerobic Training?
What's the Best Way to Improve Aerobic Endurance?
Should Endurance Athletes Engage in Strength Training?
Why Is Endurance Capacity Important for Sprinters and Team-Sport Athletes?
Part III. Special Considerations
Chapter 10. Adapting to Exercise in Heat, in the Cold, and at Altitude
Overheating Impairs Performance
Cold Stress Chills Performance
Exercise at Altitude
Chapter 11. Training Children and Adolescents
Do Children Respond Differently to Exercise Training?
Can Children Improve Strength With Training?
What Are the Safe Limits for Training in Children?
Chapter 12. Training Pregnant and Postpartum Women
What Changes Occur in a Woman's Body During Pregnancy?
What Are the Health Risks Associated With Exercise During Pregnancy?
Should Women Exercise During Pregnancy?
Chapter 13. Training Older Adults for Functional Fitness
What Changes With Aging?
How Can Exercise Training Benefit Older Adults?
What Considerations Should Be Part of Training for Older Adults?
Chapter 14. Training Masters Athletes
How Does Age Affect Performance Capacity?
Do Masters Athletes Respond Differently to Training and Detraining?
How Do Masters Athletes Respond to Strength Training?
Do Masters Athletes Require More Time for Recovery?
Do Masters Athletes Have Special Nutrition Needs?
Are Masters Athletes Prone to Heart Problems?
Are Masters Athletes More Susceptible to Environmental Stress?
Do Masters Athletes Require More Sleep?
Chapter 1. Muscles Move Us
How Do Muscles Work?
How Do Muscles Adapt to Training?
How Do Muscle Cells Grow Bigger, Get Stronger, and Develop More Endurance?
Chapter 2. Food Really Is Fuel
From Food to Energy
How Do Nutrients Fuel Muscle?
What About Vitamins and Minerals?
Water Is a Nutrient Too
Chapter 3. Muscles Run on Oxygen
How Does Oxygen Get to Muscles?
How Does Oxygen Use Relate to Metabolic Rate?
How Does Training Help the Body Use More Oxygen?
Oxygen Delivery and Performance Enhancement
Chapter 4. Fatigue: What Is It Good For?
What Causes Fatigue?
What's the Difference Between Fatigue and Overtraining?
What Role Does Fatigue Play in Adaptations to Training?
Part II. The Science of Training Program Design
Chapter 5. Personalizing Training Programs
What Are the Basics of Training Program Design?
What Makes an Effective Training Program?
Training Terms
Chapter 6. Training to Improve Muscle Strength and Muscle Mass
How Do Strength and Mass Increase?
What Is the Best Way to Gain Strength and Mass?
What About Core Training?
What's the Role of Nutrition in Developing Strength and Mass?
Retraining and Retraining
Chapter 7. Training for Weight Loss and Body Weight Control
Weight Loss Is All About Energy Balance
Why Do Many People Have Difficulty Losing Weight?
What's the Best Way to Lose Fat but Protect Muscle Mass?
Chapter 8. Training for Speed, Power, and Athleticism
What Are Speed, Power, and Athleticism?
What Adaptations Are Needed to Improve Speed, Power, and Athleticism?
What Kinds of Training Improve Speed, Power, and Athleticism?
Dietary Supplements for Speed, Power, and Athleticism
Chapter 9. Training for Aerobic Endurance
What Are the Main Adaptations to Aerobic Training?
What's the Best Way to Improve Aerobic Endurance?
Should Endurance Athletes Engage in Strength Training?
Why Is Endurance Capacity Important for Sprinters and Team-Sport Athletes?
Part III. Special Considerations
Chapter 10. Adapting to Exercise in Heat, in the Cold, and at Altitude
Overheating Impairs Performance
Cold Stress Chills Performance
Exercise at Altitude
Chapter 11. Training Children and Adolescents
Do Children Respond Differently to Exercise Training?
Can Children Improve Strength With Training?
What Are the Safe Limits for Training in Children?
Chapter 12. Training Pregnant and Postpartum Women
What Changes Occur in a Woman's Body During Pregnancy?
What Are the Health Risks Associated With Exercise During Pregnancy?
Should Women Exercise During Pregnancy?
Chapter 13. Training Older Adults for Functional Fitness
What Changes With Aging?
How Can Exercise Training Benefit Older Adults?
What Considerations Should Be Part of Training for Older Adults?
Chapter 14. Training Masters Athletes
How Does Age Affect Performance Capacity?
Do Masters Athletes Respond Differently to Training and Detraining?
How Do Masters Athletes Respond to Strength Training?
Do Masters Athletes Require More Time for Recovery?
Do Masters Athletes Have Special Nutrition Needs?
Are Masters Athletes Prone to Heart Problems?
Are Masters Athletes More Susceptible to Environmental Stress?
Do Masters Athletes Require More Sleep?