Roy Palmer's, Zone Mind, Zone Body presents a unique examination of the link between thought and movement. Written with the casual and the competitive athlete in mind, Palmer demonstrates that working harder is not working smarter when it comes to training. In clear, concise language, Zone Mind, Zone Body instructs how to find "The Zone" of peak athletic performance purposefully rather than by haphazard accident. Based on the most current research and years of practical experience in the field with world class athletes, Palmer has created a work that presents his self-awareness techniques in a manner that is easy to read and even easier to implement .
Beginning with basic exercise theory and quickly moving past the fundamental training philosophies of old, the author captures the reader with vignettes of famous athletes and their accomplishments while in "The Zone". Most exercise physiology books feel like treks through a college anatomy and physiology course, it is not often that a book comes along that is free of technical terms yet still communicates to the reader the science and theory like Zone Mind, Zone Body does. Palmer does an excellent job of analyzing what is "The Zone" and how the average athlete strives to get in it. Through observation, experimentation, and practice, Palmer's techniques will help you reach "The Zone" more often. His time proven techniques are a boon for those who have reached a training plateau or are plagued by poor form, lack of confidence, and lack of motivation. Zone Mind, Zone Body provides the reader with a method to reflect on motives, attitudes, and techniques so you can get out of whatever training slump you are currently in and move on to a more confident level of performance.
Zone Mind, Zone Body promotes taking responsibility for your training and developing abilities through your own deliberate efforts. Palmer believes that training is part of your personal development and as such should be approached with the same calculated efforts one puts into training for one's intellectual pursuits. Similar to cognitive skills development, athletic skills development requires both confidence and a performance consistency based on continued improvement and learning. According to Palmer, "through mindful practice and attention to detail anyone can reach the Zone". Useful, interesting, and instructive, Zone Mind, Zone Body is a practical and complete how-to manual to develop focus and self-awareness.
