The Science Behind Sports

Gymnastics
Author Heather Schwartz
Published by Lucent Books

Combining strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, balance, and grace, gymnastics has evolved from ancient Greek exercises into a popular modern recreational and competitive sport with participants from two years old to world class athletes. Artistic gymnastics captivates viewers of the Summer Olympics worldwide. Providing an overview of the sport's origins and evolution, this book presents in clear and engaging terms the scientific principles and concepts relevant to gymnastics, the biomechanics and physiology involved, and the elements of sports medicine uniquely associated with gymnasts.

Review:

"By combining science and sports, the publisher has figured out a way to engage teenagers in learning about the physical and psychological needs of each sport, about the physical science concepts involved in playing each sport and about the treatment of sports-related injuries. Recommendations: All middle school and high school libraries need this series. The science teacher could organize the science curriculum around it or use it as a resource when teaching a particular lesson."
--Tri State Young Adult Book Review Committee, September 2011