Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding: The Ultimate A-Z Book on Muscle Building [Paperback]

Gerard Thorne (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1998

This 640 page encyclopedia is for men, women, beginners, intermediates, advanced and personal trainers alike. It has easy to understand instructions laced with enough facts and figures to make you an expert virtually overnight.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gerard Thorne and Phil Embleton

Product Details

• Paperback: 640 pages
• Publisher: Robert Kennedy (January 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552100014
• ISBN-13: 978-1552100011
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #789,308 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A thorough, though not entirely accurate fitness bible, June 17, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Plainsboro, NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding: The Ultimate A-Z Book on Muscle Building (Paperback)

I enjoy all things bodybuilding, so it was with much interest that I began reading this exhaustive look at the fitness (albeit bodybuilding skewed) world. From history to supplements to profiles to training, it's all here. This is a more up-to-date and thorough examination than the books from Arnold (early 80s) and Weider (late 80s). The only problems that I have with this publication is the occasional innacurrate or balsy statement (such as Anja Schreiner placing second at the Ms. International rather than first, or the type of gains a trainee SHOULD make in the first year). I highly recommend this to all levels of trainees, with the caveat to keep an open mind and consult additional sources.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intermediate Bodybuilder, November 9, 2003

By 

"articcfoxx" (Gig Harbor, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding: The Ultimate A-Z Book on Muscle Building (Paperback)

When I ordered this book I all so ordered 'Strenght Training Anatomy' by Frederic Delavier. I assumed that the exercises in the book would not be explained thoroughly and some were not. Over all the book was excellent. I purchased the book a while ago and still use it. The book is broken down into sections, books within the book as they call them. Book 1 is first reps. Explains how to exercise and a lot of basic terminology. Book 2: Getting Started -- is exactly that, everything from biology to the beginners level lifting. The sections are broken up so you can read about the level that you are at and stop. Once you feel you are ready to go from beginner to intermediate, read on in the book. Lots of pictures, if you need them for inspiration. Great book, covers a lot more than just lifting weights. Covers all aspects of bodybuilding and health, both mental and physical. Truly a must for those that are not just into bodybuilding, but weight training as well. It has allowed me to understand a lot more about the human body and the sport. There is all so a section exclusively for female lifters.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars bible of bodybuilding, May 10, 2000

By 

Joe, senior sales manager (HK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding: The Ultimate A-Z Book on Muscle Building (Paperback)

I have read a lot of bodybuilding books. This book is the most complete and cover very detailed information on bodybuilding. It is more scientific than these arnoid and weider's books. This book includes a lot of different ideas rather than only one person's experience. The content of training and nutrition is excellent and the final chapter of 'question and answer' impresses me. It provides reference to overcome the commonest problem that many bodybuilders encounter.But I disappoint that this book do not describle the content of periodization. Anyway, the book is a essential reference in your library.