Customer Reviews

Fitness and Strength Training for All Sports : Theory, Methods, Programs

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am lucky enough to possess both the original German (Modernes Krafttraining, Sportverlag Berlin-1984) and the Greek edition (''''''' ''''''''' ''''''', '''''-1989)''''' of the "Fitne''''''''''''ss and Strength for All Sports" . This book is a special case you know.

These fine German scientists have collected enough data from the scientific pool of former East Germany and compiled an interesting text. Why this is book is of hybrid value? Cause it contains both valid and invalid information.

VALID SECTOR
The valid information of the textbook refers to the chapters relating to physiology, maximum strength, speed-strength, endurance-strength. Coaches of power sports may find this book very useful, for it contains methods & tools that can be used nowdays. There are some rare East German studies and citations for the theory-seeking guys and there are some interesting photos of exercises that involve a training partner, body-weight partner exercises.

INVALID SECTOR
The faulty, invalid and outdated information refers to the chapters relating to muscular hypertrophy. There are so many "bad" concepts inside that I would rather not mention. Some of the suggested programs inside the book are nearly impossible to be executed. Even if the audience of the book was elite, steroid-driven athletes, some of the hypertophy programs would be dangerous. I suspect that aforementioned chapter was copied from some 70s or 80s American bodybuilding book. The current opinions in training for muscular hypertrophy are contrapositive to Hartmann's-Tunnenmann's theory. In fact, I have known some young guys that followed the body-building information inside "Fitness and Strength for All Sports" and finally got injured. Performing so many sets of failure, and beyond failure sets at high intensities is extremely dangerous and counterproductive. As a modern strength coach i personally do not like the CNS overload especially in this very form. DANGER, OVERTRAINING SHOCK!
As a final notice, i would suggest all the body-builders and coaches to look elsewhere for up to date muscular hypertrophy information.

Final Verdict:

Theory: 60%
Methods: 60%
Programs: 60%
Total: 3 stars

Tassos Zikas
Strength & Conditioning Coach
[...]

Outstanding book!! I have been looking a long time for a book that explains in detail the old soviet sports training techniques. Not only is this book detailed, it is written so that a novice can understand. This book explains Michael Yessis books in more detail. This is a must buy for anyone that wants to get in shape for a sport in the quickest and most efficient way.

I have referenced this book by Hartmann & Tunnemann so many times ... and for good reason. It is mentioned in my Warm-Up to Strength Training DVD along with several of my articles. Fitness and Strength Training for All Sports is an absolute must read for every strength coach and personal trainer!

This book is full of the scientific explainations as to why and how muscle grows. It is presented in an easy-to-read manner. Charles Poliquin has recommended this book, and for good reason. Based on East German research, the science of weight training is a far cry from what Mentzer proposes! Set, rep, tempo and rest selection are all included. Probably the biggest faults are the diet and exercise chapters. Some of the exercises recommended have to be seen to be believed! All in all, a good addition to your home library.

This book is very scientific> If you are after some serious knowledge about the how and why of traing this is a must have book. If however you are just seeking some traing advice skip it. It goes pretty deep.
I had this sitting on my coffee table for a few months and it got a few people so hooked they had to buy it. Others just set it back down after a minute because it isn't a fast easy read.

I would not recomend this book for people using it as an extra study resource I found it completely useless.