How the latest science can help women achieve their athletic potential
“Christine Yu deftly skewers the failings of current sports science research, but also finds encouraging signs that the experiences of women athletes are finally being taken seriously. A meticulously reported, often surprising, and ultimately uplifting read.”
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Over the last 50 years, women have made extraordinary advances in athletics, accomplishing incredible feats and smashing long-held beliefs about the limits of their physical capabilities. And yet, the institutions of sport and science have largely ignored the needs of this growing population.
In UP TO SPEED: The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes, sports and health journalist Christine Yu disentangles myth and gender bias from real science, making the case for new approaches that can help women athletes excel at every stage of life, from adolescence to adulthood, through pregnancy, menopause, and beyond. She explains the latest research and celebrates the researchers, athletes, and advocates pushing back against the status quo and proposing better solutions to improve the active and athletic lives of women and girls.
Coming May 16, 2023!
praise for up to speed
“This important distillation of the science underlying women’s sports performance illuminates what we’ve known all along—that we’re different but not lesser.”
“More women are playing sports than ever before, and yet our understanding of how they can best excel remains woefully inadequate. Christine Yu’s book convincingly argues that it’s time for exercise and sports research to include women.”
“This book is a deeply important asset for building a better future for women in sport. Yu gives context to the experiences of so many female athletes and calls for a future where female athletes are studied, supported and valued equally.”
“Up to Speed is a roadmap and toolbox for athletes of all ages. Every coach should read it and discuss it with their athletes. I wish I had been able to read this book while I was competing.”
“An essential read for all of those women (and men!) trying to navigate the world of sex and gender difference in sport, nutrition, exercise and adaptations.”
“Christine Yu goes to great pains to point out the inaccuracy of false narratives about female inadequacy in sports. She celebrates the brave and unsung scientists and advocates who have derailed these claims.”
“A must read for anyone interested in women athletes—their healthcare, their performance, what we know, what we don’t know, and why there is so much more that needs to be done to get female athletes the care, resources and answers they need. Thank you, Christine, for this terrific resource!”