Book excerpt: Applied Exercise & Sport Physiology, Fourth Edition, presents theory and application in an appealing, balanced, and manageable format. By providing an essential introduction to the systems of the human body and covering important aspects of exercise and sport physiology, it will be a useful resource for students as they learn to become exercise science professionals, physician's assistants, physical therapists, physical educators, or coaches. It provides the right amount of practical information they will need to apply in hospitals, clinics, schools, and settings such as health clubs, youth sport leagues, and similar environments. The authors have carefully designed the material to be covered easily in one semester, in an introductory course, but the book can also serve as a foundation for advanced courses. Its 18 lab experiences are matched to relevant chapters and complement the topics covered; they allow readers to apply physiological principles to exercise and sport, provide opportunities for hands-on learning and application of the scientific principles, and often don't require complex equipment.