The Biomechanics Toolkit

These are my top recommendations to help you succeed in Biomechanics. 

Textbooks

Fundamentals of Biomechanics

This is one of the top textbooks out there for Biomechanics. Dr. Knudson is extremely knowledgeable and breaks biomechanics down into simple to understand language and content; if a bit dry. A bit of search and you might be able to find a digital copy of this book for cheap, but if you want a hard copy I have the link below. 

Biomechanics of Sports and Exercise

This is the other primary textbook I use and recommend. I find this one to go a bit more in-depth and is more technical compared to the Knudson text. It is  also a bit of a better read and the diagrams are top notch. It is a great compliment to the Knudson text. 

Kinetic Anatomy

While not directly biomechanics this is a great text if you need an anatomy refresher or reference. Biomechanics is very anatomy heavy and many of my students need copious amounts of review. This text serves as a great reference as needed while studying Biomechanics. 

Calculators

Budget Friendly

Coming it at under $10 don't let this affordable calculator fool you. If your budget is tight this bad boy is going to do everything you need it to in Biomechanics. The big limitation is that it runs off batteries that are hard to come by - whereas most calculators in this price range are solar powered. The big thing to watch out for on affordable calculators is many of them do not include the Square function - which is something you will need.

Budget Concious

If you want a more dynamic calculator that doesn't rely on replaceable batteries this is my recommendation. These are robust enough to handle any problem you might come across. They have great 2 line display so you can see your work along with your answer. Which may save you a few points on a test when you catch an error in your question. These tend to run around $20 but you will often find them for under $20.

What Budget?

The Cadillac of calculators. This calculator is smarter than me, and it knows it. The kid next to me in high school algebra had one of these and programmed a text-based pokemon simulator onto it. Seriously, these are amazing to use. I love the big back lit screen that lets me follow my work and logic as I work through complex problems. The recall function is really powerful. The best part though is the ability to program in algebraic functions. If you take the time to do this you can simply choose the function from the menu and then input your variables. YOU DO NOT NEED THIS CALCULATOR. It does more than you would ever need for any Biomechanics class. If you have the budget and want to calculate in luxury this is your calculator, but its going to put you back over $100.

Study Supplies

eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack

As an organizational nerd this backpack really does it for me. The features this thing has are insane. It large front zip pocket with tons of smaller organizational pockets inside. A side water-bottle holder that zips closed but is large enough for my 40 oz Hydroflask when opened is amazing. The bottom front area is a reinforced temperature proof area where I keep my glasses. It has a soft and padded hidden tablet pocket. Finally two large pockets for holding a laptop, text books, and anything else I need it to. It has a breathable padded back and travel features to attach to your luggage. It has tons of anti-theft features as well. Every pocket has the ability to be locked and the zippers are reinforced. Heck its even water proof and has 4 different colors to choose from (I chose Brushed Indigo *Blue*). What more could you ask for?

Hydroflask 40 oz

I carry this thing around religiously. Seriously, there isn't an hour in the day where it isn't within arms reach. Yes, even while sleeping. I remember seeing these at a brewery in Portland back in 2012 in a gallon sized insulated growler. Believe it or not that's how it started. I bought it immediately to use for coaching on the pool deck in the 110 degree Northern California summer heat. MY ICE LASTED ALL DAY. I was sold. I have since downsized to the 40 oz. Even with multiple refills a day this thing keeps my water ice cold the entire day. Which keeps me hydrated. Be nice to yourself and stay hydrated.

Pentel EnerGel Liquid Gel Pens

Yes, pens. These are amazing. If you do a lot of writing or note-taking you will love these. I refuse to grade with anything else. They flow so easily, and write smoothly it makes it a much more enjoyable experience. They also come in a ton of great colors - which I love! But the variety of colors can help you color code your notes and study materials which I find very helpful. 

3 x 5 Notecards

I love note-cards for studying. However, you need to use them right. I encourage you to buy a pack of these and begin getting used to using them for studying. Learn the Leitner method (Google it) for note-cards and start there. 

I encourage you to format your note-cards in a non-traditional way to get the most out of them. Traditionally most students would put a question or a term on the front and the answer or definition on the back. 

I want you to draw a line across the front of the note-card. Then put the question or term above the line and the answer or definition below the line. On the back of the card try to bullet out evidence and explanations for WHY that is the answer to the question. Or if it is a term and definition you can detail out how it is related to other larger concepts in the course. 

You will get WAY more out of your studying with this method. Try it out. 

Black n' Red Hardcover Large Notebook

A reliable notebook for taking notes, annotating equations, doing practice problems, and keeping track of course materials is a must. I love these Black n' Red notebooks. Personally I use this large full sized hard-bound version, but they have them available in small and medium sizes as well as spiral-bound instead. 

A bonus these notebooks have is a "Useful Information" page right at the front. For Biomechanics there is Speed conversions between MPH and KPH as well as Metric to SI conversions for Lengths, Area, Volume, and Weight. Definitely a useful resources to have handy as you are tackling tough problems in this course. 

It also has a nice bookmark ribbon to keep track of where you left off which I very much enjoy. The hard-bound cover also makes it great for taking notes or writing in odd positions like on your lap, the bus, or while in a lab and moving around. 
The links on this page contain affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate I earn a small referral commission on qualifying purchases made though them. Don't worry. It doesn't cost you any extra and these recommendations wouldn't change even if I didn't earn commissions. I hope you find them as enjoying and useful as I did!