Sport and Spirituality - An Introduction (Paperback, New edition)

Sport and Exercise Science can measure many aspects of human performance but the spiritual dimensions of sport experience are less easily quantifiable. The spiritual experience of sport - be it described as 'flow', 'transcendence' or simply deep personal satisfaction - is central both to achieving success and to our basic motivation to take part in sports.

Exploring these human aspects of the sport experience through the perspectives of sport psychology, philosophy, ethics and religious studies, this valuable and broad-ranging text includes:

• introduction to Spirituality in the postmodern era
• spirituality, health and wellbeing
• theistic and atheistic perspectives on sport and the spiritual
• nature and transcendence - the mystical and sublime in outdoor sport
• sport and the Existential - applied sport psychology
• suffering and Destiny - spiritual perspectives on pain and mental toughness
• sport and the Virtues - ethical and moral development in the spirit of the game
• the Olympics - de Coubertin's religion of athletics.

Written by leading authors in the field, this groundbreaking and provocative text is likely to inspire much debate, making it the excellent choice for students of sport studies, sports coaching, sport and health psychology. It is also essential reading for those interested in the preparation, performance and wellbeing of athletes.