Post date: 14-Apr-2014 21:42:45
On the 15th April, 2014, we held a workshop in the lab for a group of local fitness professionals. This page is a collection of links and content that I thought might be useful for them following their visit. It may also be of interest to other readers too, so I have posted it publicly.
If you would like to contribute to this page or ask any questions then please do in the comments box below or via the usual contact methods.
Equipment List for the Lab at Marjon
Assessing Aerobic Capacity
Physical Activity
Exercise, Health and Fitness: A Reading List
Ben Goldacre (2009) "Bad Science"
The classic skeptic's text of recent years that brings together the work of Ernst and Greenhalgh in an easy to read format. Little is safe from the wrath of Goldacre including homeopathy, big Pharma, acupuncturists and (Dr) Gillian McKeith and her poo-poking antics. His website is also worth a read.
Alex Hutchinson (2011) "Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights?: Fitness Myths, Training Truths, and Other Surprising Discoveries from the Science of Exercise"
Another title that examines many contemporary health and fitness topics that are easy to follow yet based on academic research. Alex's runnersworld pages and twitter account (@sweatscience) are also recommended.
Tim Caulfield (2013) "The Cure for Everything: Untangling Twisted Messages about Health, Fitness, and Happiness"
A great read with considered reviews of key research in the areas of fitness, nutrition, genetics and medicine (CAM & pharma). Caulfield speaks to a number of the world's best researchers and lives the experience of trying to live a more healthy lifestyle. The result is a very readable book that cuts through much of the rubbish that is spoken about these topics. Whilst not an academic text it still manages to incorporate and cite the key texts that the content is based on so the reader can read much of the original research.
Ben Goldacre (2013) “Bad Pharma”
Following on from “Bad Science”, this book concentrates on the pharmaceutical companies and the methods that are used to bring a drug to market. While focussed on medicine, it is worth reading with a thought for the evidence behind any new gym equipment or fad and in particular, the supplements industry. If this is what goes on in a highly regulated industry then what hope is there for a less regulated field.