Most Helpful Customer Reviews
58 of 63 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The only valid theory of productive exercise, May 15, 2004
This review is from: High-Intensity Training the Mike Mentzer Way (Paperback)
I was first introduced to the concept of high intensity training by Mike's articles in Iron Man magazine in the early 90's. For the first time ever, I began to see consistent, noticable improvements on a workout to workout basis, initially gaining over 25 pounds of muscle over a period of only a few months. I eventually became certified as a personal trainer by the SuperSlow Exercise Guild, who also advocate a high intensity training (HIT) protocol similar to Mike's, the only major difference being the use of a slower rep cadence which provides for a lower risk of injuries. Having trained hundreds of clients using HIT since 1994, I can say with absolute confidence that it is by far the safest, most productive, and most time efficient way to train. Whatever is in second place is so far behind as to not even be in the running. HIT is not, as some reviewers have erroneously stated, conducive to injuries, so long as the exercises are performed properly - that is, using strict form and a smooth, controlled speed of movement. Lift the weights slowly and under strict control, and reverse direction smoothly, rather than simply swinging, bouncing or throwing them up and then allowing them to drop the way most people do in the gym. It isn't the amount of weight that causes injuries, but the manner in which one attempts to lift it. HIT is perfectly safe if the exercises are performed properly. Mike addresses this issue in the book. HIT does happen to be the "be all, end all" of exercise. There can only be one best, one most efficient, one most effective means of accomplishing a particular goal, and where exercise is concerned, this is it. The principles of productive exercise are the same for all of us, it is merely the specifics that must be adjusted for individual differences, which is accounted for in HIT theory, and in Mike's books. Even if another training method produced similar results, if it required you to spend a greater amount of time in the gym it could still not be considered equal, since the return on investment would be lower. For those who's social lives revolve around the gym or who are stuck in their ways, this may take some getting used to. Personally, I'd rather spend only as much time in the gym as necessary to get the best results. The purpose of exercise is to improve the quality of your life, and NOT to be the center of it. Get in the gym, train hard, then get out and enjoy your life. This is the most thorough of all of Mike's books. It covers all of the principles of his Heavy Duty high intensity training system in detail, and provides routines and explanations of the performance of various exercises. There is a section with information specifically written for the competitive bodybuilder on peaking, definition and posing. Mike also discusses his views on motivation in the gym, which I believe many will benefit from.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic guide for the non-genetically gifted, August 14, 2003
This review is from: High-Intensity Training the Mike Mentzer Way (Paperback)
In 2002 I bought Arnold's bodybuilding book and within a few months I stopped gaining strength, and started experiencing back pain. My doctor had me take an MRI, and after multiple visits to chiropractor I stopped power lifting (clean and press most likely culprit for back problems). I then read everything I could get my hands on about how muscles worked and grew in size. Everything pointed to intensity of training as the key. I read "Maximize Your Training" edited by Matt Brzycki cover to cover (extensive references to why HIT works). I poured over research references almost every evening for 2 months (I'm a chemical researcher, so I know how to access references) Everything kept leading back to Mike Mentzer, not necessarily as the originator of HIT, but as the person most-respected and least `connected.' Like me, he looked at the research and modified his approach as he learned. He trained others and kept careful notes as to the response of his clients. High-Intensity Training is both a testament to Mike's personality, and a testament to the absolute scientific facts behind the training methods. I have been able to find multiple independent references to all of the principles presented in the book, and, just between you, me, and everyone else, IT WORKS! My girlfriend stopped working out with me because, "She was starting to look muscular." Yes, `Girls Guide' it works with women too. I understand why Mike included all the `extraneous' chapters covering philosophy and his seven principles. I get funny looks at the club when I work out, and have had several people attempt to "help me." To explain why I do what I do, I need to draw on his `Identity' and `Intensity' principles. I have lost weight every week, and gained strength every workout since reading Mike and John's book. The book has a few shortcomings, which are easily addressed. 1- No references to scientific studies. Answer- Buy "Maximize Your Training" edited by Matt Brzycki. Go to [website] or other websites
2- Not enough explanation for exercises. Answer- Buy "The Insider's Tell-All Handbook On Weight-Training Technique" by Stuart McRobert
3- Not enough variety for a life-long pursuit. Answer- Do your own research continually as HIT is still in its infancy. This booker is a primer and autobiography, meant to inspire as much as inform.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
It must be tried to be believed, September 25, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: High-Intensity Training the Mike Mentzer Way (Paperback)
(As strictly a primer of bodybuilding science, 5 stars. As a book for the average gym-goer: 4 stars.) If I could give every bodybuilder one book, THIS would be it. There is so much confusion in the sport that Mentzer's message has been drowned out by myth, rumor, scepticism, and outright lies. His message is simple: it takes MUCH less time and complexity to reach your muscular potential than previously thought. Through Mentzer's careful logic and sound principles, not only does the reader get a workout that works, but also the principles of bodybuilding that can be used for the rest of a career. With these, one can constantly see how and why a program works and how it can be improved. For HARDCORE bodybuilders who have hit plateaus: Don't waste another day; read this book. You will be on your way again in a few workouts. Especialy if you are NATURAL, it is likely you will improve with this program better than any other. For WOMEN: unless you want serious muscles, don't buy this book. For college STUDENTS (like me): get out of the crowded gym! Spend half an hour or less every 4 to 7 days and get better results. However, you may get suspicious looks from the regulars who believe you are not "devoted" enough. Look back with confidence, knowing that you have a true science and philosophy of transforming your body. For those who DOUBT HIT's validity: try it. Time is money, so spend a little on this book and a lot less in the gym. For those UNWILLING to give 100% effort when in the gym: Forget it. Keep up your volume method, and you will never have to face the intensty and dramatic results of this program.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
