Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I bought two books: "Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding" by Gerard Thorne and Phil Embleton (made from magazine Musclemag's articles), and "The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding" by Arnold Schwartzenegger. I read both books very thoroughly. They are both very informative and good for bodybuilding practicioner. I guess it would be interesting to compare these two.

The books are full of pictures and poses, far more than necessary.

Musclemag's book is more like real encyclopedia, with a lot of diverse articles covering every possible aspect of bodybuilding; If you would like to read about everything in bodybuilding this is the book for you; the book lacks some consistency because it is compiled from different articles published through a long time period; in that book you will find some exercises explained and some which are not explained at all, what makes the book much more suitable for advanced bodybuilder than for a beginner; the strongest aspect of the book is the bodybuilding practice of the greatest bodybuilders in the world, explaining their principles and routines which is invaluable for advanced bodybuilders but can be interesting (or missleading) for beginners; the photographs are mostly boring because there are too many of them which do not illustrate too well what the author said.

Arnold's book seems to be the honest opinion of generally the most famous living bodybuilder in the world nowadays. In the book all exercises are explained; photographs are not put just for Arnold's fame but also they exactly explain what the author said, much better then Musclemag's photographs; the book is more of narrow scope when compared to Musclemag's; it has less scientific approach than Musclemag's but is more practical; it lacks the completeness of Musclemag's in food and other compartments, but is not boring. Actualy Arnold says the same things as Muslcemag's book.
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After some time and after a lot more experience I should like to pay your attention on the book "Essentials of weightlifting & Strength" by Mohamed El-Hewie. I think this book is MUCH BETTER than the two books mentioned above. The point is: Mr El-Hewie will teach you the whole art of weightlifting and not only the bodybuilding, which is only a small part of it. Moreover if you train bodybuilding you are going into trouble with injuries and deformities! So Mr. El-Hewie?s book would keep you safe from such nasty destiny and gives you a complete new world of satisfaction with your training (talking from my personal experience!).

I think this would really help you to choose between these books. Wish you all fun in your training and life!
solair.eunet.yu/~slavne

This book is very general about working out in general. Its more like a Reader's Digest of alot of body builders tips and hints about working out. The book contains some essential information about workout, the nunber of sets, what exercises to do, how to work the muscle and how to become a successful body builder. But, they are too general, it doesnt go into very specific detail. And to be honest, it doesnt really tell me something that common sense can not tell me. It doesnt go into detail the key to success in body building. I would suggest Arnold's Encyclopedia, Arnold Education of a body builder. These two books are great guides for going in depth about working out and setting the right mental attitude. Would not recommend this book to anyone.

This book can save years in the gym to the novice. Good illustrations with easy reading. This is a must if your serious about this sport!

After reading many books on Bodybuilding I rank this at the top. I have never read such a complete book,nor such a easy to follow book. I am quit pleased to see how the is broken down into mini books and then chapters. I would recomend this book to any male or female advanced to beginning bodybuilder it has been a great help to me !

The new generation Bodybuilder!!

:Miguel

Gerard Thorne's MuscleMag Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding is a fantastic book for those who are advanced in the sport of bodybuilding, or for those who are just beginning. This book gives you the history of bodybuilding, the who's who of the bodybuilding world, diet and exercises to maximize your muscle growth. Everything you ever needed to know about bodybuilding is in this book. I give it 5 out of 5. With the constant change in the bodybuilding world, in diet and exercise, I hope they come out with a new (updated) edition soon.

This is a good book for anyone who is just getting started in the sport of bodybuilding or who has been working out for a while without seeing bodybuilder-type results. The only downside to this book was that it didn't have enough images/charts for the exercises recommended or nutrition recommended. The majority of the images in the book are photo shots of professional bodybuilders; which I found inspiring, but not informative.

Big book that has a lot of info regarding health and fitness for everyone not just a bodybuilder.