Publications
Alex Reid has written and co-authored a number of
books and research papers that you may find useful…
Strength & Conditioning Publications & Research
With almost 25 years experience in high performance sport and a passion for learning and keeping on top of the game regarding best practice and current research, Alex Reid is very proud to have written two books on different areas of strength and conditioning and co-authored a book on running, making her portfolio of three books pretty impressive.
More recently Alex has been involved in research with rugby union match officials and the physical demands required across various levels of the game.
In August 2024 Alex’s research paper on the benefits of Deskercise was published, which evidences the wellbeing in the workplace that Perform Fitness S&C Ltd and Alex Reid have developed and delivered globally.
Elite Performance Running: Middle Distance to Marathon (A&C Black 2009)
Alex’s first book, published in 2009. She co-authoured the book with Dr Garry Palmer, a good friend and colleague. Alex’s focus within the book being strength and conditioning to improve running economy and performance.
The book has much detail regarding physiology and nutrition from Dr Palmer, as well as exercise selection regarding strength & conditioning and planning and programming from Alex to help with running performance.
It’s a very useful resource when considering all aspects of running from 5k or 10k all the way to a marathon. The book specifically targets those runners who want to enter an event and create an opportunity to perform optimally and learn some very useful applied conditioning, nutrition and physiology tips to help them improve and achieve their goals.
The Science of Stretching (The Crowood Press 2017).
Alex’s inaugural solo-authored book, “The Science of Stretching” (The Crowood Press 2017), delves into various stretching modalities, flexibility, and mobility.
It’s a meticulously researched guide, providing rationale and references for all recommendations. A helpful table summarizes different stretching techniques, detailing sets, repetitions, and frequency.
The book covers Pilates, myofascial release, vibration training, yoga, static and dynamic stretching. It also offers guidance on stretching for acute and chronic injuries, including Achilles tendinopathy.
Additionally, growth-related concerns for young athletes like Osgood-Schlatter’s and Sever’s Disease are addressed with tailored recommendations. The book addresses questions on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and its impact on performance, as well as the effectiveness of static stretching in alleviating DOMS.
Through thorough referencing of recent research, readers gain insights to make informed decisions regarding their performance and recovery strategies.
Applied Core Conditioning
Published in 2019 by The Crowood Press and is Alex’s third book.
The premise of this book is that 80% of us will experience low back pain at some point in our life so if we can be proactive and look to prevent debilitating back pain then our quality of life will improve.
The book is also researched based and directs the reader into a number of rehabilitation case studies to demonstrate how one may rehabilitate a bulging disc, a hamstring strain, groin strain as well as after having a baby when the muscles may weaken yet we still have to carry, twist and turn, lift and function.
There are 6 case study examples show casing in depth exercise prescription, sets, reps, frequency and load progressions.
In addition the book covers sports specific exercise prescription to help with injury prevention as well as performance in various sports. Things like seated sports, multi-directional sports and rotational sports are all covered in depth with advice on how to improve your posterior chain, core and lumbo-pelvic region to improve function and performance and avoid injury.
Research Papers
