For IM Jonathan Hawkins, the key to rising from average strength to an international title was knowing what to study and how to learn as efficiently as possible. Focusing his attention firmly on the endgame, he devised building blocks and identified important areas of study that will help you become a much better practical player, armed with a deeper understanding of key aspects of chess.

Effective fitness instruction and training programme design require an exercise specialist trainer to combine professional experience with strategies underpinned by scientific evidence. This book allows readers to develop their understanding of the scientific rationale behind important components of personal training, such as monitoring fitness and training programme design. Each chapter synthesizes the findings of cutting-edge scientific research to identify optimum training methods and dispel some myths that are prevalent in the fitness industry. The chapters within this new edition have been written by internationally renowned experts from several disciplines, including strength and conditioning, physiology, psychology, and nutrition. Contributions have also been made from esteemed academics who have conducted some of the scientific studies discussed within the book. The authors have interpreted and summarised the scientific evidence and produced evidence-based recommendations, allowing readers to explore the latest concepts and research findings and apply them in practice. The book includes several new chapters, such as evidenced based practice (EBP), and designing training programmes female clients. This second edition remains the essential text for fitness instructors, personal trainers and sport and exercise students. The book provides an invaluable resource for fitness courses, exercise science degree programmes and continued professional development for exercise professionals.

The ideal handbook for those embarking on a career in personal training as well as experienced trainers looking to develop new skills and stay up-to-date with the latest methods.

*Shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction *Shortlisted for the Lambda Literary Award *Shortlisted for the Wellcome Book Prize One of The Times UK’s Best Memoirs of 2018, BuzzFeed’s Best Nonfiction of 2018, Autostraddle’s Best LGBT Books of 2018, and 52 Insight’s Favorite Nonfiction Books of 2018 A “no-holds-barred examination of masculinity” (BuzzFeed) and violence from award-winning author Thomas Page McBee. In this “refreshing and radical” (The Guardian) narrative, Thomas McBee, a trans man, sets out to uncover what makes a man—and what being a “good” man even means—through his experience training for and fighting in a charity boxing match at Madison Square Garden. A self-described “amateur” at masculinity, McBee embarks on a wide-ranging exploration of gender in society, examining sexism, toxic masculinity, and privilege. As he questions the limitations of gender roles and the roots of masculine aggression, he finds intimacy, hope, and even love in the experience of boxing and in his role as a man in the world. Despite personal history and cultural expectations, “Amateur is a reminder that the individual can still come forward and fight” (The A.V. Club). “Sharp and precise, open and honest,” (Women’s Review of Books), McBee’s writing asks questions “relevant to all people, trans or not” (New York Newsday). Through interviews with experts in neuroscience, sociology, and critical race theory, he constructs a deft and thoughtful examination of the role of men in contemporary society. Amateur is a graceful and uncompromising look at gender by a fearless, fiercely honest writer.