DEAR DR. JOCK. . . THE PEOPLE'S GUIDE TO SPORTS AND FITNESS

Written by the orthopedist/sportsmedicine specialist and journalist team that writes the ""Dr; Jock"" newspaper column, this is a reliable reference for people who have trouble sticking to their exercise programs because of injury or inertia. ""The only trick to fitness is--you have to keep going,"" they sensibly maintain. ""The best way to do that is to prevent and avoid injuries."" To that end, the authors present a program for basic good health and also tackle self-motivation problems. ""Keep Going"" covers mental conditioning (how to overcome the ""Isn't today too cold to run"" trap), exercises for warming-up and increasing strength, and nutrition (apropos of the special electrolyte drinks: ""Stick with water. Nothing has been proven better,'). Most of the examples involve running, but not single-mindedly: ""When they're not being too obnoxious, runners are admired,"" the authors write, ""and running must share the credit because it is one of the best conditioning sports we know. But runners have their problems too."" And there are separate chapters (""Enjoy Your Sport, Play It Better"") on swimming, cycling, skiing, racquet sports, golf, and bat and ball games, besides. Still another chapter explains the basic structure of the body and points out weak points as well. Bachman and Preston are enthusiastic but realistic (to make a difference ""in the way you feel and look, you'll eventually have to commit yourself to self-care. That means regular exercise, better nutrition, less stress and a happier life"") and not without humor: ""That yellow-green bruise will heal more slowly if you go around thinking it is some new kind of cancer."" For those struggling with an exercise program, a solid boost.