Kelso's Shrug Book [Paperback]

Paul Kelso (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2002

For Powerlifters, Weightlifters, and Bodybuilders

In the only training book of its kind, Paul Kelso expands the "shrug principle" with dozens of variations that improve muscularity and the competitive lifts. "Trap bar" and rib cage enlargement programs are included.

KelsoÂ's articles in Powerlifting USA, Iron Man, Muscular Development, and Hardgainer, plus books The Kelso Shrug System and Powerlifting Basics: Texas-Style, have spread these ideas worldwide.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Mark Twain of iron-game storytelling returns to his 'how to' roots with very positive results."

-- Mike Lambert, Editor/Publisher, Powerlifting USA

"[Mr. Kelso has] taken the shrug farther than anyone in the game."

-- Peary Rader, founder of Iron Man magazine

"Who better than Paul Kelso to put a new spin on the shrug -- again?"

-- Randy Strossen, publisher of MILO magazine and author of Super Squats

"Paul Kelso has...finally...updated his original book on shrugs, a revamp so comprehensive that the new version is actually 75% longer! He not only added a lot of material, but rewrote much as well, cutting out some stuff he no longer believes in and adding two new chapters, including one on bench pressing that demands your attention. He has also codified his philosophy into what may evermore be known as 'Kelso's Shrug Laws.' This is not just an exhaustive treatise on a relatively under-utilized body of training movements: it is an effort to really 'think through' the exercise and develop every conceivable practical application for it. After reading a proof of the book, I was struck by the depth of Paul's historical investigation of the exercise (he carefully and consistently notes that he did not 'invent' much when it comes to the shrug...but he sure organized virtually all that has ever been known about it), as well as the way he places this exercise into its proper context within physical culture. Paul has a reverence for strength that underlies all he writes, and he's a terrific yarn teller to boot. If you never do a shrug, you will still be the better for reading this book, because in the telling of the tale of the shrug, you will indirectly come to understanding of the essence of why men and women lift weights in the first place. As I said, the chapter on the shrug and the bench press will merit your consideration...recent devotee Collin Rhodes put 44 lbs. on his already accomplished bench press in just one year, using shrug principles like the 'lateral' arch. Paul Kelso is a great guy and he has written a great book."

-- Powerlifting USA magazine, September 2002

"This unique book should be in every lifter's library."

-- Dr. Ken Leistner

"Paul has done more for my bench than everyone else put together."

-- Collin Rhodes, USAPL world bench press team member

Product Details

• Paperback: 108 pages
• Publisher: Hats Off Books (September 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587361167
• ISBN-13: 978-1587361166
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #72 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Weight Training

More About the Author

Biography - PAUL KELSO
-
Active in the world of weights for fifty years, Paul Kelso has published over 100 articles and three books on the iron game. In May, 2010, He published his first book of short stories, Jack Ruby's Last Ride.

An Asian correspondent for POWERLIFTING USA magazine since 1989, he has reported six Asian Championships, two IPF World Championships and the 2001 World Games, plus multiple national championships in Japan and the Philippines..

Kelso sang folksongs throughout the sixties and seventies, performing in Midwestern TV shows and concerts, clubs etc. He earned a BA in History at North Texas State, 1961, and an MA in American Studies, University of Iowa, 1979. He acted as a historian for the Iowa AFL-CIO, 1977-1979, sold fishing tackle, 1971-75, played reporter and columnist for newspapers and was Dean of Student Affairs at Lon Morris College in East Texas, 1983-85.

Arriving in Japan in August, 1989, to visit his exchange teacher son Devin, Kelso stayed on as a corporate and university English teacher until 2006. In this seventeen year time window he began traveling throughout Asia as correspondent for POWERLIFTING USA magazine and serving as contributing editor for NETWORKING, an expatriate monthly published in Tochigi prefecture north of Tokyo. He began publishing short fiction in literary journals in 2001.

In May, 2006, Kelso and wife Sumiko retired from teaching in Japan and moved to the Philippines, where they now live in a beach town SW of Manila.

Other basic Vitae: b. Feb. 6, 1937, Fort Worth, TX. Lived in Chicago during WW II. Grades and High School Dallas, grad 1954. Southern Methodist U., 1955. US Army Medical Corps, 1956-58, Berlin Crisis reserve call-up October, '61 - April, '62.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars great motion - OK book, June 13, 2005

By 

G. Klimanis (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kelso's Shrug Book (Paperback)

I bought this book because of its 2nd edition date of 2002.
While I really appreciate the value of Mr. Kelso's methods,
I'm a bit disappointed in this book. Too many of the pages are dedicated to who wrote about whichever exercises first. So what ?!?

Overall, I see a complete set of shrug exercises.
These are gold. However, I give this book a three star rating because there are so few pictures of the exercises. He mentions many types of grips, but doesn't list them or describe them. If a beginner picks up his book and reads about the "Snatch Grip", he has to go to another book for a definition
.

The desriptions are pretty good, but pretty much every exercise book printed today includes step-by-step pictures
and anatomical diagrams. Most modern exercise charts include
color-coded diagrams of muscles involved in particular exercises.

Anyway, no disrespect intended. I hope Mr. Kelso reads this
review and updates his book so I can buy his 3rd edition.
He should do an Encyclopedia-style rewrite and charge more.

38 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kelso's "Shrug" rules!, July 29, 2003

By 

Robert A. Hall (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kelso's Shrug Book (Paperback)

I bought this book after reading the review below and found that it was right on. I wanted to share it with anyone out there interested in real gains. This book WORKS! Read on...

From Powerlifting USA, October 2002.

... Paul Kelso has ... finally ... updated his original book on shrugs, a revamp so comprehensive that the new version is actually 75% longer! He not only added a lot of material, but rewrote much as well, cutting out some stuff he no longer believes in and actually adding two new chapters, including one on bench pressing that demands your attention. He has also codified his philosophy into what may evermore be known as "Kelso's

Shrug Laws."

This is not just an exhaustive treatise on an relatively under-utilized body of training movements: it is an effort to really think through the exercise and develop every conceivable practical application for it. After reading the book, I was struck by the depth of Paul's historical investigation of the exercise (he carefully and consistently notes that he did not "invent" much when it comes to the shrug ... but he sure has organized virtually all

that has ever been known about it), as well as the way he places this exercise into its proper context within physical culture.

Paul has a reverence for strength that underlies all he writes, and he's a terrific yarn teller to boot. If you never do a shrug, you will still be the better for reading this book, because in the telling of the tale of the shrug, you will indirectly come to understanding of the essence of why men and women lift weights in the first place.

As I said, the chapter on the shrug and the bench press will merit your consideration ... recent devotee Collin Rhodes put 44 lbs on his already accomplished bench press in just one year, using shrug principles - like the "lateral" arch.

Paul Kelso is a great guy and has written a great book. -- Mike Lambert

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great addition to anyones workout., June 18, 2004

By 

Ray "Red Devil" (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kelso's Shrug Book (Paperback)

The other reviews pretty much say it all. The only thing I would add is: this book is not for beginners. If you have been going to the gym for a while and will continue going, then this is a must have book. It will add and expand on your current workout and give you new ground to explore.