Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning [Hardcover]

Thomas R. Baechle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1994 | ISBN-10: 0873226941 | ISBN-13: 978-0873226943

A reference text for fitness professionals, sports medicine specialists and fitness students, this book explores the scientific principles, concepts and theories, as well as the practical aspects of strength training and conditioning. It covers the structure and function of body systems, training adaptations, testing and evaluations, exercise programme design and the organization and administration of the training facility. The book is divided into five sections: in the first part, experts in fields such as exercise physiology, neurology, biochemistry, anatomy, biomechanics and endocrinology discuss the principles of their respective areas of expertise, and how they can be applied to designing safe and effective strength and conditioning programmes. The second part discusses the necessary steps of testing, from selecting the most appropriate test to evaluating results. The third part provides information and instruction on stretching, plyometrics and speed development exercises, and lifting and spotting techniques. The fourth part sums up the information from the first three sections of the text, explaining how to design an effective strength training and conditioning programme for athletes. The final part addresses facility management, including equipment, facility policies and procedures, staff concerns and emergency preparedness.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 560 pages
• Publisher: Human Kinetics Pub (June 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873226941
• ISBN-13: 978-0873226943
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.8 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #572,579 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is the Bible of physical conditioning, January 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning (Hardcover)

This book is a must have for anyone serious about improving their athletic performance. Filled with no-nonsense information for everything from strength training to aerobic conditioning to nutrition to biomechanics. This book is very technical and the information is very daunting. You must have a background in exercise science or sports medicine to fully comprehend everything. A big drawback to the book is the descriptions of exercise technique. The illustrations are sloppy and there are some outdated exercises featured that could be potentially dangerous to many athletes. This book is only five years old but the exercise science field changes fast and an updated version would probably make this book five stars.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best strength training text written, October 5, 1998

By 

Ed Griss ([e-mail]) (Newcastle upon Tyne, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning (Hardcover)

As a Track and field coach with regional responabilities in the United Kingdom I am constantly scouring literature to gain a better understanding of the theories of strength training and conditioning in general. I have found, without doubt, the best single reference for strength training in this book.

The contributors to the book are all clearly not only academicly qualified to speak upon the subject but also have many years of practical experience to add weight to their thoughts. The book covers all aspects of conditioning from physiology through training aspects including weight lifting, spotting techniques, plyometrics, planning and nutrition amongst many others.

My only criticism of the text would be that those not versed in physiology to a quite high level may find the text quite difficult. It is also easier for some concepts to be understood if you have a degree of practical experience. But these are minor complaints.

I would reccomend this book to any coach or strength professional who wishes to increase their knowledge. In fact any athletic professional that wishes to provide the best service to their charges should purchase and read this outstanding text.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Undoubtedly the most informative text on exercise., June 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning (Hardcover)

The group of contributing authors is extraordinary . You would have to buy at least three or four other books to get all of the same information which most likely is not presented in such a readable and understandable format. It may not be written for beginners, but I believe that most people with the interest in learning can draw as much from this book as an experienced exercise physiologist just looking to review.