46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not what I expected, but still informative!, April 7, 2007
This review is from: Bodybuilding Anatomy (Paperback)
The book doesn't go "in-depth" on any of the movements, just takes two pages to explain each exercise (step-by-step, trajectory, grips, range of motion, things like that) along with anatomical illustrations. Note that the book is kinda small when it comes to dimensions, so it doesn't really include THAT much information for a book that's almost 200 pages.
It really doesn't touch on anything outside this basic premise.
Still, I think this is an *essential* book for beginner and intermediate bodybuilders and health enthusiasts, the science is simple and easy to understand, the illustrations are PERFECT and very informative, the book is nicely organized.
My favorite thing about the book is how it explains different grips and position and how subtle differences in technique can target different areas and help you make the best out of your workouts, very handy reference.
To summarize, while book doesn't offer anything too complex or advanced; I still think it's essential for anyone who takes the sport seriously, and at $13.5 (at the time of this writing), you can't go wrong!
EDIT: I borrowed "Strength Training Anatomy" from a friend, and I must say, it contains much, MUCH more information than "Bodybuilding Anatomy". But that's not to say it's better or worse! Here are some key differences:
*As stated, STA has much more information than BBA, they're not even comparable in this department.
*The drawings in STA are more complex but sometimes less informative.
*STA has much more information on the given exercise, while BBA focuses more on different grips and trajectories.
*STA also covers more ground when it comes to injuries and such (something BBA doesn't really touch on at all).
*BBA is much easier to read through and understand, it's much more "user friendly".
*BBA explains how the muscle group works and how it is composed before starting with the exercises. STA has none of that, goes straight forward to exercises.
Which one should you get? If you're a beginner/intermediate lifter, go with BBA, otherwise, go for STA.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
OUTSTANDING reference!, November 17, 2010
This review is from: Bodybuilding Anatomy (Paperback)
I have been a personal trainer for 4 years, am halfway through an exercise science degree complete with sports medicine and kinesiology courses, and this book STILL helps me. I keep one on my desk at all times, and refer to it for my clients who have pretty good definition but want to target specific areas for more growth/hypertrophy. The pictures will help even the newest beginner to weightlifting understand the science, proper form, and mechanics involved with resistance exercise. It's not about getting big and bulky - it's a map of the muscles and how they move. I use the pictures to explain ideas and techniques to my clients, and I have given 3 of these away as gifts to people who still refer to this book after owning it for years. I sincerely and wholeheartedly recommend it to ANYONE who lifts - beginner or professional!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best body building anatomy book, October 3, 2010
This review is from: Bodybuilding Anatomy (Paperback)
This is the best body building anatomy book. Much better than
Strength Training Anatomy-3rd Edition (Sports Anatomy). The diagrams are uncluttered, focus on one area at a time and provide multiple view points. This makes it possible for a layman to understand the musculo-skeletal system.
The exercise descriptions pack just the information you need atthe gym. The anatomy focus sections are outstanding. A must have for any one lifting weights.
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