Has Anyone Read This Book?
 

Has Anyone Read the book Titled, "Cycling Anatomy" by "Shannon Sovndal"?

Good Cycling Book

A review on it reads:
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A 'must' for cyclists, July 17, 2009
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)

What does it take to maximize cycling power and speed? Over seventy proven cycling exercises come with step-by-step instructions and color anatomical illustrations of muscles in action, making this a 'must' for any performance-oriented cyclist. From modifying exercises for target muscles and goals to developing training based on individual goals, it's a 'must' for cyclists.
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I tend to learn a lot by doing, and by reading. Since I am in such poor shape, I thought to myself, self, why not learn about what type of exercises can be done to focus on muscles or muscle groups to may help you ride better or longer. Either pain-free, or less painful at least?

Any thoughts here? Does any of you suggest any good books focused on cycling? Kindle selections if possible?

I've not read it, but looking at the preview on Google Books, it doesn't look all that impressive to me.

I was flipping through Cycling Anatomy over the weekend at Barnes and Noble. I liked it. Good step-by-step illustrations and instructions on a variety of toning exercises (they aren't really reflected in the google sample). Probably would have bought it, but my B-day is coming up and I usually get an Amazon gift card or two, so I figured I'd wait.

I own the book and find it a good resource for hundreds of variations of cycling specific exercises.
I don't think you would be disappointed.

Hi Peter,

I have had the book on my bookshelf for a while now, but I have only started reading it in ernest as the end of the season is in sight. It is a great reference if you are either new to cycling, or new to the weight room. The book provides specific exercises that target your core, arms, neck, and legs, and shows how each exercise performed in the gym also helps you on the bike.

I like the author's approach reminding cyclists that they need to strengthen more than just their legs, and that flexibility is also an important component to your overall fitness as well. His anatomy lessons appear before each chapter's "target" area, and gives you the basics of their structure and function. It is straightforward enough that you don't lose interest. I feel that the strength of this book are the illustrations ( yeah... I know what you are thinking) but they are remarkably clear and useful, showing the correct posture for performing an exercise, as well as highlighting the muscle group that the exercise is targeting. Sovndal also provides variations of most of the exercises - so that if you have difficulty or find that the original is too difficult, there are other ways to work the intended muscle group.

If you have spent a significant time in the weight room, you might find the book a little remedial. If that is the case, you might want to try "Weight Training for Cyclists" by Ken Doyle & Eric Schmitz, which has less of a focus on posture and proper lifting technique, but more overall advice about weight training, proper nutrition, getting enough rest, training cycles, putting together a comprehensive training plan, etc, etc, etc.

Hope this helps,

Martin

Peter,

I just re-read your original post again and am trying to get a better idea of what kind of cycling book your are really after. The Anatomy book you referenced is really NOT about cycling in general and is about resistance training in a cycling context. It does not go into the ins and outs of cycling.

Two years ago I joined a Team in Training team to do a benefit century in Lake Tahoe. We were given a cycling coach to help us get prepared for the big ride. The first book he recomended was "The Complete Book of Long Distance Cycling" by Edmund Burke. This book covers a lot of ground about cycling and will give you a broad base of information regarding riding bikes. It may not be the best book, but its pretty comprehensive. I have a whole library of books on cycling and will grab this one or that one depending on what I'm looking for.

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-.../dp/1579541992

On another note about cycling books. Here is a link to a great motivational book about cycling. "Heft on Wheels", by Mike Magnusen. It's about and overweight, smoking, drinking guy (Mike Magnusen) that beats the odds and gets back into shape to be a bike racer. Its a true and motivational story for the cyclist. I could relate to a lot of his issues along his path and enjoyed the book immensley.

http://www.amazon.com/Heft-Wheels-Fi...4400543&sr=1-1

Good Luck in your quest