This text combines basic exercise physiology, research studies, and special applications to stimulate learning, allowing readers to apply principles in the widest variety of exercise and sport science careers. The book's organization into independent units gives instructors the flexibility to teach according to their own approach. Each unit has a consistent and comprehensive sequence: basic anatomy and physiology, measurement and meaning of variables important to understanding exercise physiology, exercise responses, training principles, and special applications, problems, and considerations.

Coverage of women, children, and the elderly and their responses to exercise is integrated throughout the chapters to provide a link between theory and real-world applications. Focus on Research boxes highlight new findings in the field. Focus on Application boxes relate basic concepts or research findings to practical situations, concerns, or recommendations. A Question of Understanding boxes engage students in active learning. Other features include learning objectives, chapter summaries, review questions, and Passport to the Internet references to relevant Websites.

A companion Website includes a Student Study Guide, Laboratory Manual, Instructor's Guide, Brownstone Test Generator, PowerPoint presentations, and images from the book.