These books are highly recommended reading and a great way to introduce yourself to the benefits mental training or supplement the work you are doing with Dr. Lager. The authors are some of the best psychologists and researchers in the world.
Performance Enhancement
Gallwey, W. T. (2000). The inner game of work: Focus, learning, pleasure, and mobility in the workplace.
Greene, Don. (2002). Performance success: Performing your best under pressure.
Hamilton, L. H. and NYC Ballet (2008). The dancer’s way.
Hamilton, Linda. (1998). Advice for dancers: Emotional counsel and practical strategies.
Hays, K. (2002). Move your body, tone your mood.
Hirschhorn, D. (2010). 8 Ways to great: Peak performance on the job and in your life.
Jensen, Peter. (1994). The Inside Edge.
Kushel, Gerald. (1994). Reaching the peak performance zone: How to motivate yourself and others to excel.
Maisel, E. (2007). Creativity for life.
Moore, B. (2010). Playing your best when it counts: Mental skills for musicians.
Murphy, Shane (1997). The achievement zone: An 8-step guide to peak performance in all arenas of life.
Orlick, Terry. (1993). In pursuit of excellence: How to win in sport and life through mental training.
Orlick, Terry. (1998). Embracing your potential: Steps to self-discovery, balance, and success in sports, work, and life.
Robin, Mitchell, & Balter, Rochelle. (1995). Performance anxiety: Overcoming your fear in the workplace, social situations, interpersonal communications, the performing arts.
Valiante, G. (2005) Fearless Golf: Conquering the Mental Game.
Weinberg, R. (2010). Mental toughness for sport, business, and life.
Williamon, Aaron. (2004). Musical excellence: Strategies and techniques to enhance performance.
Psychological Benefits of Exercise
Baxter, J. (2011). Manage your depression through exercise: The motivation you need to start and maintain an exercise program.
Begel, D., & Burton , R. W. (Eds.) (2000). Sport psychiatry: Theory and practice.
Berger, B. G., Pargman, D., & Weinberg, R. S. (2006). Foundations of exercise psychology (2nd ed.).
International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Volume 3 Number 4
Johnsgard, K. (2004). Conquering depression & anxiety through exercise.
Kimiecik, J. (2002). The intrinsic exerciser: Discovering the joy of exercise.
Leith , L. M. (1998). Exercising your way to better mental health.
Leith , L. M. (1994). Foundations of Exercise and Mental Health.
Marcus, B. H., & Forsyth, L. H. (2003). Motivating people to be physically active.
Morgan, W. P. (Ed.) (1997). Physical activity and mental health.
Otto, M., & Smits, J. A. J. (2011). Exercise for Mood and Anxiety: Proven Strategies for Overcoming Depression and Enhancing Well-being.
Ratey, J. J. (2008). Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain
Sachs, M. L., & Buffone, G. W. (Eds.) (1984). Running as therapy: An integrated approach.
Thayer, R. E. (2001). Calm energy: How people regulate mood with food and exercise.
Jen has been an invaluable resource for our runners. While we can help them with the physical aspect of training and prepare their bodies for their goal races, we find that many of our runners struggle with the mental preparation, both with respect to their training and race performance. Jen has an in-depth understanding of the mindset of runners, from beginner to elite, and is adept at helping runners understand effective goal-setting and positive visualization, both of which are key to the mental aspect of performance. Jen has spoken to large groups of our runners on a number of occasions, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Jen has helped many of our runners overcome psychological hurdles to maximizing their potential, and we highly recommend her for any athlete looking to enhance their performance.
Lisa Reichmann and Julie Sapper
Run Farther and Faster
Jennifer’s presentation was an insightful and eye opening experience involving her explaining and analyzing the mental components of tennis. Jennifer has a wonderful ability to teach mental skills to athletes in a very understandable manner. She also possesses a deep knowledge of the science of the mind and how one’s thoughts can be altered to gain a competitive advantage. All of my players in attendance truly enjoyed her presentation and the way she respectfully listened and responded to all questions/comments. I would highly recommend Jennifer for any personal or team mental toughness training!
Dr. Lager helped me develop greater confidence and taught me how to be a stronger player by staying positive on the court.
Participant, Tennis Workshop 2012
Dr. Lager had a clear, no-nonsense way of helping me see how my negative thinking on the tennis court can be turned into a more effective way of thinking. I appreciated her sense of humor and easy to connect to attitude while working with me.
Maria van Houten
Personal Trainer
I recommend Jennifer highly for any club or individual that wants players’ match performance to become both more effective and enjoyable.
Griff Lamkin
Tennis Director
McLean Racquet & Health Club
Jennifer Lager held mental training classes for the National level competitors at the Tennis Academy for the 2001 -2002 Fall through Spring indoor season with very good results.
Bob Pass
Executive Director
4 Star Tennis Academy
Dr. Lager is personable and has good speaking skills. She gave me good information and helped improve my focus while playing tennis.
Participant, Tennis Workshop 2012
Meeting with Dr. Lager gave me the tools I need to replace negative or unproductive thoughts with skill related thoughts. She helped me recognize that all athlete’s struggle with these issues.
Participant, Tennis Workshop 2012