Practical Guide to Exercise Physiology: The Science of Exercise Training and Performance Nutrition

By Robert Murray and W. Larry Kenney

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 pregnancyA new chapter discussing training masters athletesRefreshed Performance Nutrition Spotlights elements, which offer advice and tips on using nutrition to support adaptations and improve performanceUpdated artwork and photos that provide visual learning opportunitiesRevisions 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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1718239637
• ISBN13: 9781718239630
• Release Date: April 2026
• Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers
• Length: 320 Pages