Book Description
Now you can teach or coach gymnastics—even if you don't have a gymnastics background—and ensure that every child learns and succeeds.

Teaching FUNdamental Gymnastics Skills is a hands-on guide that provides you with a strong foundation in exploratory gymnastics skills as well as formal gymnastics skills and helps you bridge the gap between the two approaches.

A unique feature of Teaching FUNdamental Gymnastics Skills is the use of specific verbal cues for different learning styles. You'll get "kinder" cues appropriate for young learners, plus cues that address these learning styles:

• logical/mathematical

• visual/spatial

• bodily/kinesthetic

• musical/rhythmical

• verbal/linguistic

The book covers these essential teaching topics:

• Foundational positions and movements that form the building blocks for all gymnastics skills

• How fundamental skills fit together to make complex movements and sequences

• Common errors in gymnastics skills and how to correct them

• Hard-to-find safety information, including injury prevention and tips for spotting

This well-organized book also covers skill progressions and lead-ups for floor, beam, springboard/vault, and bars. Each skill includes practical information you can use for individual or small-group work at stations: a complete description, common errors, spotting information, and checklists.

Additional special features include the following:

• A movement chart in each chapter outlines the skill progressions

• Sequential illustrations clarify skill sequences and progressions

• A skillfinder chart makes it easy to find skill descriptions based on level ofdifficulty

Learn how to deliver effective and safe gymnastics instruction in an educational setting, no matter what your experience or comfort level. Teaching FUNdamental Gymnastics Skills is a great way to get started in teaching gymnastics, build students' confidence, and introduce fun programs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A great resource
This book has been a great resource for my staff. The organization makes skills easy to find. It lists common mistakes and how to correct them and also includes lead-up skills and drills. The instructors feel more confident in their knowledge as they help each child progress. ... Read more

Book Description

This indispensable guide is simply the best book for beginners to the sport of artistic gymnastics. Illustrated with stunning full-color photographs of gymnasts swinging, balancing, tumbling and jumping, The Gymnastics Book features skilled guidance from a medal-winning athlete who is now a noted instructor. The topics covered in detail include finding a good gymnastics club, qualities to look for in a coach, warm-up and cool-down exercises, moving into competitive gymnastics, managing victories and losses, the importance of family and friends, nutrition and apparel, financial aspects, and a typical day in the life of a competitive gymnast.

The book is also filled with anecdotes and advice from Olympic stars, taking beginners behind the scenes and offering a no-holds-barred account of the life of a competitive gymnast.

Customer Reviews (4)

Almost nothing for/about boy's/men's gymnastics
Nice book, but do not be misled by info in reviews here - there is almost nothing on men's competitions or male competitors.I originally purchased it for my nephew, but found that all of the photos of young competitors were little girls.

Wonderful book !!
I really recommend all parents and children to read this
book whether they are involved or not in gymnastics. It
tells you everything there is to know about the world of
recreational and competitive gymnastics. It also motivates
kids to stay fit,healthy,and doing their best in any aspect
of life. It also informs parents the benefits of hard work
and discipline on children .

Wonderful book !!
I really recommend all parents and children to read this
book whether they are involved or not in gymnastics. It
tells you everything there is to know about the world of
recreational and competitive gymnastics. It also motivates
kids to stay fit,healthy,and doing their best in any aspect
of life. It also informs parents the benefits of hard work
and discipline on children .

Great For Beginners
A wonderful book for those who want to or have just started gymnastics, this book will guide you and makes a great introduction to gymnastics. The book was written Elfi Schlegal, a former Olympian, and has many full-color photographs of famous gymnasts and young gymnasts performing basic gymnastics skills. Some things this book talks about are getting started, finding a gymnastics club, what to look for in a coach, eating healthy, conditioning and warm-up excercises, different gymnastics skills, competitive gymnastics, and much more. Many tips and quotes from famous gymnasts are also in this book, too. This book is a wonderful choice for all beginning gymnasts, and a very wise purchase. ... Read more

Book Description
"WONDERFUL book--packed with information. Super tool for visual learners. THANKS!" M. Maxwell, RI ... These drills were used to produce several successful gymnasts, including NY State Champions, Empire State Games Competitors, and National TOPS Team Athletes, among many other successful athletes. ... Read more

Book Description
Whether youare taking your first turn on the balance beam, or if tumbling has tickled your fitness fancy for years, you can jump right into this book. Begin with the basics, read the true stories of real girl gymnasts, and expand your love of the sport with fun gymnastics games, recipes, crafts, and more! ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Gymnastics is the most comprehensive and up-to-date gymnastics-specific training guide in the world today. It contains descriptions and photographs of over 80 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide. This book features year-round gymnastics-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other gymnastics book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book will have gymnasts increasing flexibility, strength, and agility enabling the highest level of performance. By following this program you will improve everything from compositions to releases with better overall execution.

Both beginners and advanced athletes and weight trainers can follow this book and utilize its programs. From recreational to professional, thousands of athletes all over the world are already benefiting from this book and its techniques, and now you can too!

As an added bonus, this book also contains links to free record keeping charts which normally sell separately for $20. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The best guide to training
It's the best way to training gymnastics and gaing muscle and condition. ... Read more

Book Description
Written by children's authors and compiled by leading experts in the field of literacy, DK READERS capture children's interest and help them learn. DK Readers is a multi-level learning-to-read program combining DK's highly visual style with appealing stories at four graduated levels. Stunning photographs and engaging, age-appropriate stories are guaranteed to capture a child's interest while developing reading skills and general knowledge. DK Readers allow progression from stories for beginning readers with simple sentences and word repetition through to stories with rich vocabulary and more challenging sentence structure for proficient readers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great for Young Readers!
This is a wonderful book for young children who are learning to read. If they love gymnastics, they'll love this book. My 5 year old daughter takes it to the gym and reads it while waiting for her class. It is a very cute book. ... Read more

Book Description
This charming book is the perfect way to encourage young children to take part in an athletic activity and be the best they can be. I Love Gymnastics follows the progress of a group of young gymnasts as they learn simple balances and other basic techniques before moving on to more challenging moves on the beam and bars. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great information
This is a great book for girls who are involved in gymnastics and are inspiring to be on the team someday.It is geared towards girls probably up to age 9-10.I have a 5 and 7 year old that are in gymnastics and really like the book.There are many pictures and descriptions on how to do what is involved and what they can look forward to as they progress.Great book.

Wonderful & Adorable!
This book is pictoral in nature, and follows the progress of a group of young students during a series of gymnastics classes, ending with a competition.The photography is beautiful, and basic gymnastics skills (stretches, splits, cartwheels, etc.) are demonstrated by the students. The book is geared toward young girls, probably around ages 4-8.However, the photography is excellent and the storyline is not too terribly babyish for older fans to enjoy, too.This would be a great addition to a gymnastics library. ... Read more

Book Description
Gymnastics Fun and Games features ready-to-use games and activities to help elementary and middle school physical educators introduce noncompetitive gymnastics into the curriculum safely and effectively. This well-organized reference includes nearly 50 illustrations to guide physical educators in accurately recreating the activity with their students. It also features safety guidelines from the USA Gymnastics Safety Handbook.

Special features include:

• 13 warm-up and stretching games and activities that are also useful as cool-down exercises

• 26 skill-development activities that focus on jumping and landing, balances and poses, body awareness, and movement

• 12 conditioning and endurance activities for children in upper grades that improve strength, balance, and flexibility

• A handy Game Finder for quick reference to games and activities by name, number, location in the book, activity type, skill development, or suggested grade level and complexity

Gymnastics Fun and Games not only allows K-8 physical educators to take a developmentally appropriate approach to teaching noncompetitive gymnastics, but it also makes a great reference for gymnastics instructors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Lots of great games!
I thought this book was very helpful in finding ways to liven up my classes with my younger students.Everyone knows it's not easy to come up with something new and fun to do and this is a great book that helps with just that.It's got games for kids in kindergarten up to grade school and has helpful hints on safety for your kids.It's also got a chart that helps with finding the best games for different levels of experience for each youngster.I'd say that it is a fun book and a great find.I think it is well worth the price I bought it for. ... Read more

Book Description
Boost your gymnastics skills and performance to a higher level! With the help of Rhythmic Gymnastics, you can master the many elegant and athletic movements in rhythmic sportive gymnastics using the proven European training system—available for the first time in the Western world.

Written by an elite coach and the former president of the International Gymnastics Federation, Rhythmic Gymnastics is the most comprehensive book on the sport. Inside, you'll find detailed instruction plus more than 200 illustrations covering training and competition as well as body movements and apparatus handling techniques for the hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon, and rope. From artistic movements and adept apparatus handling to the critical elements of competitive success, the book teaches everything gymnasts need to perform their best. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Boring
if you like lots of pictures and visual demos this book will bore you to death. To many words and not enough graphics.

Extremely informative, prepares you to go to the top!!!
Excellent book, so complete, no other book would would give you the physics behind holding a ball, etc. I recommend to anyone who would like a proper introduction to Rhythmic Gymnastics. It even tells you what vitamins and minerals to take for optimum performance levels. It is a book I refer to constantly, I am a better gymnasts because of it:-)

A Rhythmic Gymnastics Bible
This is one of the best, most complete books I have ever read about any sport, and it inspired me to try rhythmic gymnastics, which I now love. A fabulous resource, with plenty of pictures and diagrams, this book includes chapters about body movements, dance, apparatus handling techniques, putting together routines, coaching hints and strategies, competition advice and info, and much, much more. This is the only book that you will need as a rhythmic gymnast or a coach to get the best out of rhythmic gymnastics. A wonderful, fantastic book, and highly recommended!

The Best Book Out There On Rhythmic Technique
This is a great book for coaches and athletes alike.It goes through detailed explainations of jumps, apparatus technique, balances and general dance steps.This book is especially great for coaches because of its detailed descriptions and explainations.Younger gymnasts will need guidance due to technical jargon used, but it is definately a must have for any coach, gymnast or rhythmic enthusiast.

Simply the best book on Rhythmic Gymnastics you will find
This is the best book on coaching Rhythmic Gymnastics (or any sport) I have ever seen - It is so incredibly detailed. Talk about value for money !- it is absolutely packed to the brim full of precise descriptions onfloor technique, handling the apparatus, developing strength andflexibility, dance, preparing for competitions, and more. It also includesmany excellent diagrams to accompany the text, demonstrating beautifullythe form and technique required for each skill clearly and simply.

Thisbook is the ONLY book you will ever need to purchase on Rhythmic Gymnasticsto coach all the way up to the elite level. The book offers many good tipsfor gymnasts wishing to be elite to get the competetive edge they need andto be the best they can be.

I thoroughly recommend this book to all. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good Supplement To Your Safety Certification
This book is good for beginner coaches. The text is easy to read and the content is well-organized. It includes mini self-tests to evaluate what you have learned. It is, though, missing examples of specific skills to have your athletes practice. It is very general in several areas. Also, the 80's style cover photo definitely needs to go! You can just put a sticker on it until they come out with a new and updated guide.

Rookie Coaches Gymnastics Guide
This is a great guide for those just starting out!I found this book to be a very practical tool in preparation for my first coaching experience.There are excelent examples for class structuring and coaching techniques. It has probably the best illistrations of tumbling skills I've seen yet. The chapters are easy to read, flow smothly, and are independant enoughfrom one another for skimming to the task at hand. ... Read more

Book Description
A must-read for every gymnast coach parent or fan this book offers solutions to the mental and physical challenges gymnasts face in training in competing and in integrating the sport into their lifestyles. Included are tips from champions strategies for approaching the apparatus and exercises for self-assessment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

sports psychology library --- gymnastics
It was very helpful to me because it gave me tips on how to improve with mental skills.It gives tips on how to prepare yourself before a competition and be mentally strong.
Very good book -- I would recommend it to other gymnast.

Useful Information
This book is short and easy to locate the needed information.However, I was using the material for a younger child (under 12) and some of the suggested activities were too difficult to implement for a younger child.Because of the organization of the book it made it easy to locate exactly what information was needed.Many simple steps and explanations on various methods in overcoming mental blocks.These methods could be used not only for sports issues, but for issues individuals deal with on a daily basis.Apropriate for older children or adults and well worth the inexpensive cost.

I'll give this book a 10 for being so imformative and useful
Whether you're a competitive gymnast on the club level or a collegiate gymnast, or even just a beginner, you will benifit from this marvelous book. It was written by two former gymnasts, Peter Vidmar and Karen Cogan, who also happens to be a sport psychologist. It will help you improve on your performance by learning how to play the mental game of gymnastics and gives you many strategies to practice and to use to make yourself an even better gymnast that you were before.

This book gives you an instruction of the mental side of gymnastics, and then goes on to give tips about relaxation and energization strategies, positive thinking, mental imagery, developing focus and concentration, and goal setting to get where you want to be. The book then goes on to give individual chapters to each apparatus, highlighting the type of skills needed, mental skills that will help you on that apparatus, and other useful tips. But that's not all- you'll also get information on overcoming mental blocks and fear, dealing with fans, pressure, and fame, keeping the fun in gymnastics, body image and eating disorders, parents and coaches, and much more. This book is a much-needed look at how you can use mental skills to become the best gymnast that you can possibly be.

Sport Psychology Library: Gymnastics
A terrific book for any gymnast that has fears, anxiety, or any thing like that. Peter Vidmar and Karen Cogan have done a beautiful job writing this book. I have visited Karen Cogan 4 times for my own fears in Gymnastics and she recommended this book. It was great! It really helped me in my gymnastics, and now, I finally have a series on beam! I highly recommend this book to all gymnasts and coaches!

sport psychology librairy gymnastics
This book is an absolute must for any parent or gymnast who wishes to gain insite on the other side of the sport the mental gymnastics required as this sport evolves. There are many quick and easy quizes and practicaltests that the gymnasts can use every day in thier paractices and atcompetitions. ... Read more

Book Description
How did Kerri Strug go from Olympic hopeful to Olympic champion? How does Dominique Moceanu spend a typical day? This thorough, fun-to-read book answers those questions and many more.You'll learn the ins and outs of the equipment and events, find out how scoring is done, read about the history of the sport, and lots more!Dan Gutman's insider look at gymnastics has been fully updated to include the 1996 Olympics and is sure to enthrall aspiring gymnasts and devoted fans alike.A glossary, a chronology, and an entertaining chapter of gymnastics trivia round out this easily read, timely overview of a popular sport.-- BooklistDan Gutman is the author of many books for children, including Ice Skating, Taking Flight: My Story by Vicky Van Meter, and World Series Classics. He lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

great!
This was the first gymnastics book I owned and I loved it. Great for any new fan to the sport of gymnastics. Informational and educational with interesting stories. especially if you are a fan of '90's gymnastics.

Pretty Good Book
This was an okay book, though it probably could have been better. The book includes a history of the sport, its first superstars, the gymnastics events, judging and scoring, a day in the life of a gymnast, superstars of the 1990s, a chapter about the dangers of the sport, (more on that later) a timeline of important gymnastics dates, and trivia and facts. The book is a little dated and could use some updating, and the chapter that dissapointed me a lot was the chapter about "the price of success". Dan Gutman fails to mention that these things don't happen in every sport. He also fails to point out that he is talking about the ELITE level of gymnastics. Anyone who has read "Little Girls in Pretty Boxes" will see that Gutman's source for the ENTIRE chapter was based upon that book! Dan Gutmnan used the same exact information just with different wording! That chapter clearly does not fit in with the rest of the book, which says nothing of the dark side of these sports. If you want to buy this book, I would say save your money and buy a different book- this one isn't the best.

wow amazing!
wow I thought the book thoughlly explained
this graceful and dynamic sport> I recommend this
book to any fan or gymnast.Some people may not agree
with my comments or rating but hey, thats
there opoinion!I am a competitive gymnast and that is
probably why I enjoyed the book so much!

Gymnastics: The Trials, The Triumphs, The Truth
I thought that the book was excellent! It was very well written and it covered a lot of important and interesting things. I would've rated this book at 5 star, but I heard that in a short story about a girl that died because her head slammed into the vault and her neck snapped, then she went into a coma and died, the author didn't mention that when she was in the hospitol her air tube came out and they couldn't put it back in, and that's what made her go into a coma ( and as a result die) that made me angry because I expect the REAL facts when I read a book.

Not the best book on gymnastics....
Well, when I think about it, this book did have some good points.It mentioned things like which gymnasts were hopefuls for the Atlanta Olympics, and which gymnasts have had moves named after them.But there were also a lot of things that the author left out or got innacturate sources on.By 1994, Shannon Miller and Amy Chow both had moves named after them,(Amy had 2), and there was no mention of it.The gymnasts that were World and National Championsgot the most attention, and the information was either outdated -- something that I read and thought "Everyone knows that", or just slightly off.I was also not impressed with the section that resembled "Little Girls In Pretty Boxes" by Joan Ryan.If the author was going to criticize the sport, I feel that he could have at least found his ownsources and wording todo so.I felt it was unfair to the sport of gymnastics that the author had to devote a whole chapter to the eating disorders and life- threatening injuries of the sport, which made it seem like it happens to everyone in gymnastics.Before writing this book, the author should have considered the fact that a lot of the content could give gymnastics a bad image.... He also could have checked his records to give the reader accurate information, and included facts about the gymnasts that gymnastics fans didn't actually know about before reading the book.Overall, I'd be fair and give this book 2 stars because there was some positively interesting and original information..... but not much. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (5)

A must read
Definitely a "must have" for all those interested in dressage as a sport and for other diciplines wishing to improve their horses. Gives a well-rounded approach to riding including being responsible as riders to be sympathetic and diciplined.
I especially liked the chapter about the horse's willingness and how to improve that. I give Betsy Steiner a lot of credit for making dressage theory clear and practical while speaking to those with years of experience. Great pictures and summary tables to clarify the rather detailed training maps. After many half-read dressage books that seem repetitive this one will be one I can use in real life as I train on my own at the moment.
I look forward to more of Betsy's work.

Clear, Precise and Well Illustrated
Glad I picked the book from the line up.Well written guide on approaches to improve one's riding.Excellent publication, highly recommended.

Excellent Resource
This is an excellent book with a approach that is easly to follow.I've read many books about the pyrimid approach, but this book really made sence of it.The outlined format is what I like.It's concise and to the point! I copied the pyrimid and posted in the tack room as a quick reference.

Different in a good way
I've readRiding Success Without stress, Centered Riding, & Natural Riding & really didn't find them worth the purchase price because I had done kickboxing, ballet, stretching, & yoga before I ever got on a horse, so I already knew how to use my center muscles. Not that I don't have more to learn. But what I need is in this book. It's complete.
In case you need to know- in the title- 'spirit' = 'emotions'

Gymnastic Riding System
I found this book different from most other equestrian books, and with that it was very refreshing. However I must admit that for the rider on a busy schedule some of the ideas listed may not be very practical. I did , however find this book to be a great tool for some of my young beginning riders as it helps them get off on the right foot. It seems these concepts would be easier to master on a clean slate. ... Read more

Book Description
This book is for all levels and styles of guitarists. "Finger Gymnastics"is a term used for warm-ups, stretching, and any type of practice exercise that develops technique and stamina while preventing technique relatedinjuries. The exercises in this book are time-tested and will keep yourtechnique at its optimum while helping to ensure injury-free performance.The enclosed CD presents three versions of the exercises in chapters I and II, each version more advanced than the preceding one. In chapter III,bass and rhythm accompaniments are included for many of the examples.Matching the pitch and articulation with a rhythm background will not only assist in warming up, stretching, and building stamina, but will make your practice a more pleasurable experience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

a really really great warmup book
the material in this book is awesome. great warm-ups and I really like the stretching section at the beginning of the book. The exercises are not long but not too short. They get the job done in loosening those muscles up. ... Read more

Product Description
Learn the progressive system Leslie Webb has developed togymnasticizeher horses whether they re green youngsters just starting their careers or advanced horses.From the series that ran in Practical Horseman, these 16 exercises will benefit any horse, whether he s a hunter, eventer, jumper, trail, or eq horse. Leslie Webb'sgymnastic exercises are simple, allowing you and your horse to focus on and develop one skill at a time. These exercises are:* Simple: They allow you and your horse to focus on and develop one skill at a time. * Diagnostic. Leslie explains how each one can correct an underlying problem that may be hindering you and your horse at home or in the show ring.* Sensitizing. Your horse will learn to tune in to your seat for subtle cues that increase communication and response, determine his direction and bend, and act as the metronome that sets his rhythm, tempo, and length of stride.* Useful. They ll help you develop a logical, systematic warm-up and schooling program you can use every time you ride or compete.* Effective. Guiding your horse through these gymnastics almost automatically puts him on the aids and makes him rhythmic, supple, and balanced. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not what I expected - been there done that.
I have a ton of books and unfortunately, this isn't what I expected.Though the exercises are well illustrated and clearly defined, I was looking for a really good "fitness" book for my well trained animals! I wanted something different, unique.All of theses exercises can be found in any well written dressage book.

Something that Works!
What a great surprise. Here is an inexpensive manual with clear definitions, excellent photographs and diagrams as well as sections on what not to do, what can go wrong and how to fix it. The exercises build from basic to more advanced. I found her half-halt method to be simple and subtle but worked to stabilize even my NASCAR-minded mare. She suggests multiple methods to determine the correct timing to apply the aides. This book was recommended by a friend and I believe it is the most user-friendly, helpful book in my library. I'll pass the recommendation along to you wholeheartedly. ... Read more

Book Description
• Design developmentally appropriate gymnastics learning experiences for students in grades K through 6
• Teach via three major gymnastics skill themes: traveling, statics, and rotation
• Create your own ideas for more learning experiences, offering greater variety and progression options

Teaching Children Gymnastics: A Developmentally Appropriate Approach, Second Edition, shows teachers how to use an innovative and individualized approach to teaching gymnastics skills and how to link those skills into sequences. This text has been expanded to present 30 child-tested examples of gymnastics activities (called learning experiences) that are ideal for children in kindergarten through grade 6.

The learning experiences are divided into three skill themes: traveling, statics, and rotation. Each learning experience may be explored for three or more lessons to provide up to a full unit of instruction.

This book explains the why and how of teaching children gymnastics. It describes how learning experiences allow teachers to focus each lesson on one skill theme while at the same time drawing on other themes to support the development of sequences. This approach helps children advance more quickly from performing isolated skills to performing movement sequences.

This new edition includes many additions and updates:
• Real-life scenarios in part I that bring key points to life
• More standards-based learning experiences for each skill theme
• Ideas for creating additional gymnastics learning experiences
• Sections on behavior management, inclusion, fitness, and advocacy
• Assessment of children in gymnastics using both process and product variables
• Objectives and questions for reflection for each chapter

Part I contains the necessary background information on the national standards for physical education, the importance of using a developmentally appropriate approach, advice on tailoring gymnastics instruction to fit each teaching situation, ideas for task development in gymnastics, effective management strategies and safety concerns, and ways to assess student progress across three domains: psychomotor, cognitive, and affective. The chapter objectives, scenarios, and questions for reflection help teachers think about and apply the material in meaningful ways.

Part II is organized around three skill themes: traveling, statics, and rotation. There are 10 detailed learning experiences for each theme. Additional ideas are provided for those who want to create their own learning experiences.

The appendix handouts are ready-to-copy forms, such as student certificates and gymnastics report cards, and can be used as they are or they can be customized. Sample forms include task cards, lesson design worksheets, and sample lesson plans.

An annotated suggested readings list provides teachers in training as well as experienced teachers and recreation leaders a ready resource for expanding their understanding and skills related to developmentally appropriate gymnastics. ... Read more

Book Description
Grab a pencil. Relax. Then take off on a mind-boggling journey to the ultimate frontier of math, mind, and meaning as acclaimed author Clifford Pickover, Dorothy, and Dr. Oz explore some of the oddest and quirkiest highways and byways of the numerically obsessed. The thought-provoking mysteries, puzzles, and problems range from zebra numbers and circular primes to Legion's number--a number so big that it makes a trillion pale in comparison. The strange mazes, bizarre consequences, and dizzying arrays of logic problems entertain readers at all levels of mathematical sophistication. The tests devised by enigmatic Dr. Oz to assess human intelligence will tease the brain of even the most avid puzzle fan. They feature a host of mathematical topics: geometry and mazes, sequences, series, sets, arrangements, probability and misdirection, number theory, arithmetic, and even several problems dealing with the physical world. With numerous illustrations, this is an original, fun-filled, and unusual introduction to numbers and their role in creativity, computers, games, practical research, and absurd adventures that teeter on the edge of logic and insanity. Clifford A. Pickover is the author of over twenty highly acclaimed books on such topics as computers and creativity, art, mathematics, black holes, human behavior and intelligence, time travel, alien life, and science fiction. Among his books are Computers, Pattern, Chaos, and Beauty (St. Martin's Press, 1990), Wonders of Numbers (Oxford University Press, 2000), Dreaming the Future (Prometheus, 2001), The Zen of Magic Squares, Circles, and Stars (Princeton University Press, 2001), The Stars of Heaven (Oxford University Press, 2001), The Paradox of God and the Science of Omniscience (Palgrave, 2002). A Ph.D. graduate of Yale University, he is a prolific inventor with dozens of patents, the associate editor for several journals, the author of colorful puzzle calendars, and puzzle contributor to adult and children's magazines. Pickover's computer graphics have been featured on the cover of many popular magazines and on T.V. shows. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The Mathematics of Oz: Mental Gymnastics from Beyond the Edge
Awesome blend of stories mixing in some interesting puzzles.Being a Kansas girl, I was intrigued by the entertaining story line set in the "Sunflower state".My son graduated from the Unversity of Kansas and there is a fictional story of the campus in the book that builds toward a puzzle.I gave the book tomy son on his 25th birthday and I had marked the KU story.He turned to it and was totally endeared to the book.Couldn't be a better present for anyone who loves Kansas or puzzles.Just great!!!

What is interesting and what solvable?
I prefer mathematical puzzles that have two features:
- they are interesting (i.e. they have that difficulty that make them worth trying to solve);
- they are solvable without developing a whole new theory and without writing program code.
In this book most problems that are interesting (very interesting and intriguing, I must admit) are not solvable in the foresaid sense, and most solvable ones are not interestin. Of course, a few are both. The picture sequences to be completed are very original, and sometimes difficult, examples of QI tests.
However, in spite of that slight flaw, I have really enjoyed reading it. It may depends on my appreciation of Oz novels and movie, and even if this book is not likely to mark the history of mathematical entertainment, it remains a worthy reading.

A true mathematical wonderland
This wonderful mathematical puzzle book has over 100 puzzles sure to delight readers -- from kids to adults.The problems include: mazes, sequences, probability, and more.Most puzzles are very clever and fun.I liked considering the yellow-brick road that crosses America.How many bricks would it take?I also liked the zebra numbers and circular primes.Legion's number is a number so big that it makes a a billion look puny.

Anyone who has pondered the vastness of our mathematical universe will love this book.

Math Puzzles from another Universe!
I found the puzzles and problems in this book to be original and varied, and with a wide range of difficulty levels. I enjoyed the fact that some puzzles might actually have more than one answer, which leaves room for healthy debate and for better understanding the way different people think.I think this book can be enjoyed by readers of different levels of mathematical sophistication.For example, a freshman in high school could skip the more difficult problems, like the one on Ramanujan Congruences, although this is one of the most interesting chapters.My favorite chapter is one that poses a statistics-like question, dealing with bones thrown into a pit.You have to figure out the ratio of the long piece to the short piece. Here's a sample of other chapters that I really enjoyed:

1. The Yellow-brick Road
2. An Experiment with Kansas
8. The Problem of the Bones
16. Omega Sphere
28. Legions' Number
29. The Problem of the Tombs
35. Prime-poor Equations
36. Number Satellite
43. Ramanujan Congruences and the Quest for Transcendence
49. The Jellyfish of Europa
99. A Connection Between Pi and e
103. The Scarecrow Formula
107. The Omega Crystal
108. Attack of the Undulating Undecamorphs

I've already spent hours reading and rereading the book, and showing it to friends, and I know I'll spend many hours more! ... Read more

Book Description
You've mastered the beginning skills of gymnastics and are ready to go on to the next level. But where do you go for guidance in gymnastics skills progressions? It's simple! USA Gymnastics and Masters Press. This volume takes up where the first book in the series, I Can Do Gymnastics: Essential Skills for Beginning Gymnasts left off. Skills are combined into movement sequences and alternative apparatus possibilities are explored. Fully integrated with the beginning levels of USA Gymnastics' junior precompetitive program, I Can Do Gymnastics: Essentials for Intermediate Gymnasts is the perfect "next step" for budding gymnasts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

V.good guide
First of all - in relation to ninjahawk's review - I'm not sure what you were trying to prove there. I taught myself a front handspring on our back lawn and I'm not showing off about it, nor am I using the point to state how 'worthless' this book is. I also taught myself walkovers on the grass and beam moves on the kerb, and I'M NOT SHOWING OFF. Nor do I expect people to be impressed like you obviously do.

Anyway. Great book!!! Most other people have stated the main points - it covers up to level 5 gym, etc, and I haven't really got a lot more to say, except that it is a lot better than most other gymnastic books which do not venture into the harder moves.

Recommended!

Excellent guidebook
I got this book a couple years ago when I was first starting off gymnastics on level 1. I found the book to be helpful and imformative, with good diagrams and instructions. Now I'm a level 8 gymnast, and I have to say, this is the book that helped me get so far. Every day after I came home from a workout, I would turn to this book to look at the diagram and learn the proper way to perform the skill. I would then practice it at home until I got it down. When I went back to workouts the next day, I would be practically the only one who knew how to do the skill properly and safely. In fact, I still enjoy looking through the book with my gymnastics coach and teammates to find good connecting skills to put in my routines.

This book features gymnastics skills on all of the boys' and girls' apparatus, such as vault, floor, pommel horse, bars, rings, beam, etc. They are divided into chapters; for example, beam will be one chapter, floor excercise will be another, etc. For each skill, there is a sequenced diagram along with instructions to perform the skill properly and in the safest way possible. Each skill builds on one another, for example, you may first be doing a standing back handspring, then cartwheel step-in to a back handspring, then finally, a round-off to a back handspring, etc. The way that USA Gymnastics sequenced the skills will make you feel more prepared and confident for moving on to the next skill. Each chapter had a checklist at the end for marking off the skills you had learned and the date you had learned it.

Since this book was written by USA Gymnastics and many gymnastics clubs are members of it, you'll find that you are learning many of the same moves in your gymnastics classes, which makes this book so effective. Plus, it includes the skills used in routines for levels 1-6 as an added bonus.

Besides from the skills, this book also includes a chapter of more advanced moves in the back that you could learn after learning the other skills. Plus, there was even an entire chapter devoted to landing safely in case you had a fall or a bad landing, etc. I practiced the safety falling procedures, and I found that I got less injuries from using them, and not just in the gym- they work great in school, playgrounds, and other places.

All in all, I highly recommend this book. Maybe Ninjahawk didn't find it helpful because he/she may not have gone to gymnastics classes, since this program is really intended to go with the gymnastics program at your club. This book has helped me move on up to new levels and to do excellently in competitions. I am having a test to move up to level 9 in several weeks and I know that I will be turning to this book for help and guidance. All gymnasts can benefit one way or the other from using this book.

A good guidebook.
This looks like it will be very helpful for my daughter. She takes gymnastics classes, but with this book she can also work on skills at home, on her mat. (Her MAT, Ninjahawk, not the carpet! Carpeting is not designed for learning front-handsprings, unless you have high hopes of breaking your neck.)

It shows and describes a nice variety of skills. My only complaint is that it covers skills for both girls and boys, so much of the content (rings/pommel horse/paralell bars) is useless. Perhaps they would have done better to have produced separate books for girls and boys gymnastics.

Great for Learning Basic Gymnastics Skills!!
This was a terrific book! It explains all the gymnastics moves you have to know before you reach competitive Level 5. It was very useful, and helps improve your gymnastics skills. Each skill is divided into a category, (A for least difficult and C for most difficult) and has a diagram with instructions for the skills under it. There's a check list for when you have learned how to do the skill, too. I particulary liked the advanced section and the chapter about landing safely, which will be of great use to all gymnasts. This is the perfect book to guide you as you climb up the gymnastics ladder of skills!

It's Great!
This is a great book that will help improve your gymnastics progress! If you thought that the "I Can do Gymanstics, Essential Skills for Beginning Gymnasts" was too easy, try reading this one! It has good moves in it, a section about landing safely, exercises on all he apparatus, and even an advanced section in the back of the book! Also, if you like to train at home or teach yourself, this is a great book to guide you. All gymansts should READ IT! You probably won't be disapointed! The only thing I didn't like was how the diagrams were so simple. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Amazing Biography!
This book is perfect for any fan of Dominique Moceanu. You learn so much about her, starting from her birth all the way up to the 1996 Olympics. This was a very vivid and detailed biography. I really thought it was cool to read about the gymnastics school she used to train at before she went to Karolyi's. It tells about all her early compititions and experiences. It felt like I really knew Dominique Moceanu! I learned so much from this book, and like Krista Quiner's other gymnastics biographys, this was a great one!

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!
This book was truly awesome.Krista did an excellent job writing this book.You feel that you actually know Dominique.I reccomend this book for ALL Dominique fans.A must read book!!

Also recommended: DominiqueMoceanu: An American Champion: An Autobiography Dominique Moceanu

A great book, interesting and heart warming
The book was fully detailed and was a very easy to read book. I read it in a matter of hours, and I am 11 years old. I love gymnastics and Dominique. Since the first time I saw her on T.V. I wanted to be just like her. Now Iam taking acrobatics at a great little studio. even though we only do floorexcersises, I still someday would like to be just like Dominique! The bookhas really encouraged me too succeed, and I really hope that anyone thatwants to be something, jumps on it, you only live once!

America's Sweetheart
You will find this book to give many details on the young gymnast at a professional view point. If you are looking to get more personal information such as characteristics, personality, etc.. Get another book.This is about her and the sport of gymnastics from the time she started upto late '96. I enjoyed the book a great deal and was amazed to find out howvery succesful she is in every day living at such a young age. That is muchto be said for our day and age!

Also recommended: Dominique Moceanu: AnAmerican Champion: An Autobiography Dominique Moceanu

dominique moceanu is the greatist gymnast of all time!
dominique moceanu is the best gymnast anyone could ever know.i'm a gymnast my self,and reading about her,seeing her on tv,seeing her smile,makes me wan't to go out there and do the same.and i do!saying this,you probublywon't believe me,but being a fan of hers,seeing her doing the things shedoes(smile)has inproved my skills in gymnastics!i hope she has done thesame for you,cause if you don't know her.you better know her to day,causeshe is the best you'll ever love!i used to hate gymnastics some times,andtill i saw dominique moceanu with that beatiful smile.i've loved gymnasticsever since then.every time i compete.i act like her,smile,and show that ilove doing what i'm doing,cause i know dominique moceanu~and you gotta knowher too!thanks dominique,for making me win my first silver(on floor),causeseeing you smile all the time,and always being happy,has made me do thesame,and it improved only because i love you! ... Read more