Let's talk about 'Principles and Labs for Physical Fitness' – a textbook that's getting some seriously mixed reviews from students. I've used this book myself, and here's the real deal.

The good stuff first: The book arrives in great condition (most of the time), and it does exactly what it promises. The labs are super useful when they're intact – they give you hands-on ways to apply what you're learning about fitness principles. When everything's there, it's a solid resource.

But here's where things get messy. Some copies have missing or already completed lab pages, which is a HUGE problem if your professor requires you to submit them. Imagine getting a zero on a lab test because Chapter 4's page was torn out (yes, that actually happened to someone's daughter). Total nightmare.

The rental situation is tricky too. Some reviewers warn against renting this book unless you've confirmed with your professor that photocopies of the labs are acceptable. Otherwise, you might end up with a useless book full of someone else's scribbles.

Bottom line? This book can be great when you get a complete, unused copy. But the inconsistency in quality makes it a gamble – especially if you're renting. If possible, buy new or verify the condition thoroughly before committing.