Practical Programming offers a different approach to exercise programming. Based on a combined 70+ years of academic expertise, elite-level coaching experience, and the observation of thousands of novice trainees, the authors present a chronological analysis of the response to exercise as it varies through the training history of the athlete, one that reflects the realities of human physiology, psychology, and common sense. Practical Programming explains the differences in response to exercise commonly observed between athletes at the novice, intermediate, and advanced levels, explains these differences in the context of the relevant science, and presents new training models that actually work for athletes at all levels of experience. Complete with new, innovative graphical representation of cutting edge concepts in exercise programming, Practical Programming has become a standard reference in the field of exercise and human performance.
Practical Programming for Strength Training
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"Common Sense brings the Popular Mythology of Strength Training down a couple of well-deserved notches." --Mike Lambert, Editor Powerlifting USA
About the Author
Mark Rippetoe is the author of Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training, Practical Programming for Strength Training 2nd edition, Strong Enough?, Mean Ol' Mr. Gravity, and numerous journal, magazine and internet articles. He has worked in the fitness industry since 1978, and has been the owner of the Wichita Falls Athletic Club since 1984. He graduated from Midwestern State University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in geology and a minor in anthropology. He was in the first group certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a CSCS in 1985, and the first to formally relinquish that credential in 2009. Rip was a competitive powerlifter for ten years, and has coached many lifters and athletes, and many thousands of people interested in improving their strength and performance. He conducts seminars on this method of barbell training around the country.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
311 of 320 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I just finished this book and frankly, this is a book that needed to be written. I have a significantly long training and coaching history, and most consider me to be well read and very aware of the subject and material.
Most books fall into two categories:
1) Your basic commercial garbage and gimmicks that while not always horrible range from overly simplistic to downright ignorant (most anything at your local bookstore and certainly this is mirrored in poor quality on the newsstand)
2) More advanced texts on the subject most of which are hard to find in addition to being beyond what most people are able to digest and be able to apply (Siff's Supertraining as well as the Russian works translated by Bud Charniga and others)
There is really no place for someone without a lot of experience and exposure to go to and learn real training and programming from the ground up. This book is unique in the respect that it provides what are considered very advanced topics and implementation in a book intended to be digestable for someone who is not an experienced coach or expert on the subject. That's not to say this is written at the idiot level, it's an in-depth read, but nothing that interest, motivation, and general grasp of the English language can't easily make it through.
On to the book.
To understand programming and organization, it's necessary to understand the responses to training, the constraints imposed by the body and how both change with the developing lifter or athlete. The authors provide all of the relevant systems and physiology including very thorough explanations of periodization and dual factor theory. The real value here is that this is perhaps the only work that clearly shows how and why programming will need to change as the athlete develops and this is far beyond the usual commercial garbage but down to the very nut and bolt level of managing training loads and volume always with the fastest progression available as the goal.
All of that background builds into the second half of the book where detailed plans, guidelines, and examples are laid out. This is probably the most useful piece as all the theory in the world won't help someone who doesn't understand what implementation should look like so working and evolving models are provided and examined in depth. Here they separate chapters into Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced trainees as categorized by the amount of time and work required to break through previous levels. A novice adapts and supercompensates on a workout to workout basis, an intermediate on a weekly basis or weekly periodization, and an advanced in multi-week mesocycle blocks of 4-8 weeks. They omit the Elite lifter (annual or semi-annual progress) acknowledging that it is beyond the scope, highly specialized and tailored, and that very few will even reach the need for the advanced stage let alone Elite. This organization makes a lot of sense in that trainees are not categorized by years of experience or weight lifted but by ability to make progress and what an appropriate program may look like for where they are currently regardless of how their lifts stack up to someone else's in the weight room.
The beginner section programs are laid out in detail and could almost be followed like a road map. The book explains what a program should look like, why it should look like that, ties it back to the theory and explains exactly what to do and why to do it when progress stops at a given point. This is not saying it is over-strict but it presents the plan as an example and discusses the issues as they arise in timeline- like fashion as well as offering choices and advice for selecting the best option in each situation. The intermediate centers around managing loads and sessions throughout the week and presents various progressive plans for how training will look as the athlete continues to develop. Building upon that is the Advanced where various periodization models are explained from the classic Russian models; to Mike Stone's, Head of Sports Physiology at the USOC, methods; to new research in hormonal fluctuation models and Glenn Pendlay and Mike Hartman's work on that subject to aid in pinpointing the precise levels of loading an athlete can handle and thereby instead of making educated guesses know exactly what amount can be and is being tolerated and exactly when to back off. A great deal of information here used by some of the very best athletes and coaches in the world.
A number of plans and methods at various points are laid out and explained in detail as well as plans for sport specific training and peaking for events consisting of accumulating different training capabilities and how to order them properly at points in time to arrive in best possible overall condition.
There are also many nuggets of practical information concerning anything from how to return from long layoffs, older or masters level lifters, to implementing weight training programs for those already very fit from other sports (high level sprint cyclists are an example).
I can't recommend this book enough. I've read just about everything and it's the only book that truly lays out a career (for most) or near career (for the most talented specialists) development plan as well as provides bottom-up background and theory to understand why the plan might look the way it does at any point. It is not pitching a best or only way or some revolutionary new discovery, it is patiently explaining what is known about the subject by the very best and presenting clear examples to guide one through implementation.
If one is interested in real training or looking to get the most out of oneself or one's athletes, this is the book to own. This is the whole science in a nutshell from the most basic to cutting edge implementation. It is how to develop a human from totally untrained to a full or very high level of potential with why and how things change along the way. This is a low-cost investment that will not only provide large returns in the short run but will continue paying off for your entire career. I can't recommend a book more strongly.
Most books fall into two categories:
1) Your basic commercial garbage and gimmicks that while not always horrible range from overly simplistic to downright ignorant (most anything at your local bookstore and certainly this is mirrored in poor quality on the newsstand)
2) More advanced texts on the subject most of which are hard to find in addition to being beyond what most people are able to digest and be able to apply (Siff's Supertraining as well as the Russian works translated by Bud Charniga and others)
There is really no place for someone without a lot of experience and exposure to go to and learn real training and programming from the ground up. This book is unique in the respect that it provides what are considered very advanced topics and implementation in a book intended to be digestable for someone who is not an experienced coach or expert on the subject. That's not to say this is written at the idiot level, it's an in-depth read, but nothing that interest, motivation, and general grasp of the English language can't easily make it through.
On to the book.
To understand programming and organization, it's necessary to understand the responses to training, the constraints imposed by the body and how both change with the developing lifter or athlete. The authors provide all of the relevant systems and physiology including very thorough explanations of periodization and dual factor theory. The real value here is that this is perhaps the only work that clearly shows how and why programming will need to change as the athlete develops and this is far beyond the usual commercial garbage but down to the very nut and bolt level of managing training loads and volume always with the fastest progression available as the goal.
All of that background builds into the second half of the book where detailed plans, guidelines, and examples are laid out. This is probably the most useful piece as all the theory in the world won't help someone who doesn't understand what implementation should look like so working and evolving models are provided and examined in depth. Here they separate chapters into Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced trainees as categorized by the amount of time and work required to break through previous levels. A novice adapts and supercompensates on a workout to workout basis, an intermediate on a weekly basis or weekly periodization, and an advanced in multi-week mesocycle blocks of 4-8 weeks. They omit the Elite lifter (annual or semi-annual progress) acknowledging that it is beyond the scope, highly specialized and tailored, and that very few will even reach the need for the advanced stage let alone Elite. This organization makes a lot of sense in that trainees are not categorized by years of experience or weight lifted but by ability to make progress and what an appropriate program may look like for where they are currently regardless of how their lifts stack up to someone else's in the weight room.
The beginner section programs are laid out in detail and could almost be followed like a road map. The book explains what a program should look like, why it should look like that, ties it back to the theory and explains exactly what to do and why to do it when progress stops at a given point. This is not saying it is over-strict but it presents the plan as an example and discusses the issues as they arise in timeline- like fashion as well as offering choices and advice for selecting the best option in each situation. The intermediate centers around managing loads and sessions throughout the week and presents various progressive plans for how training will look as the athlete continues to develop. Building upon that is the Advanced where various periodization models are explained from the classic Russian models; to Mike Stone's, Head of Sports Physiology at the USOC, methods; to new research in hormonal fluctuation models and Glenn Pendlay and Mike Hartman's work on that subject to aid in pinpointing the precise levels of loading an athlete can handle and thereby instead of making educated guesses know exactly what amount can be and is being tolerated and exactly when to back off. A great deal of information here used by some of the very best athletes and coaches in the world.
A number of plans and methods at various points are laid out and explained in detail as well as plans for sport specific training and peaking for events consisting of accumulating different training capabilities and how to order them properly at points in time to arrive in best possible overall condition.
There are also many nuggets of practical information concerning anything from how to return from long layoffs, older or masters level lifters, to implementing weight training programs for those already very fit from other sports (high level sprint cyclists are an example).
I can't recommend this book enough. I've read just about everything and it's the only book that truly lays out a career (for most) or near career (for the most talented specialists) development plan as well as provides bottom-up background and theory to understand why the plan might look the way it does at any point. It is not pitching a best or only way or some revolutionary new discovery, it is patiently explaining what is known about the subject by the very best and presenting clear examples to guide one through implementation.
If one is interested in real training or looking to get the most out of oneself or one's athletes, this is the book to own. This is the whole science in a nutshell from the most basic to cutting edge implementation. It is how to develop a human from totally untrained to a full or very high level of potential with why and how things change along the way. This is a low-cost investment that will not only provide large returns in the short run but will continue paying off for your entire career. I can't recommend a book more strongly.
130 of 134 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Most books on periodization are theoretical tomes that present lovely models, charts and graphs but leave the reader at a loss to put it into a practical training format.
Enter Practical Programming. Written by Lon Kilgore and Mark Rippetoe (with contributions from Glenn Pendlay), the authors of the excellent and highly recommended Starting Strength, this book presents an easy to read and practical approach to programming for strength training.
Written in an easy to follow style, using easily understood charts and graphs where necessary, Practical Programming maps out training from novice to the most advanced levels of training. Sample workouts, progressions, in addition to troubleshooting tips are all provided.
The book starts by covering physiological fundamentals of training, recovery, adaptation. This isn't a typical jargon filled book, the concepts are clear and presented for maximum understanding. This all provides the basis for the individuals chapters on programming.
The section on novice trainers picks up where Starting Strength left off. A basic routine around a handful of primary movements (squat, bench press, deadlift, overhead press) is set up based on repeat sets of 5's. Explanations for how to progress weight, what to do when the trainee stalls and everything else a novice needs to now is present here. The novice stage may last 3-9 months for the typical trainee.
In the intermediate section, a number of training models are provided. The intermediate needs heavier loading to make progress and rather than focusing on workout to workout improvements (like the novice), they start thinking in terms of weekly loading. Pendlay's Texas method (with one volume day, one intensity day, and one light day) is described in detail. Speed sets (ala Westside barbell), split routines and the original Bill Starr periodization model are also described here. Again, troubleshooting tips and progression options are well described here. The option of adding workouts as the trainee adapts is also discussed with 4,5 and 6 day training schemes (based around full body workouts) described. The inclusion of assistance movements for training is basically touched upon and I do feel that this is one place the book could have been expanded (noting that this would take a book of its own to completely cover). As well, some full workout routines illustrating how everything fits together would have been helpful here; instead only individual exercises are mapped out. The intermediate stage may last for the next 2 years of training and the book argues that the majority of strength trainers will never need anything more than intermediate level training anyhow. This is especially true of athletes who may only weight train heavily 8-12 weeks out of their competition year.
Finally, several advanced models are presented based around the idea that advanced trainees need to think even longer term in terms of making progress. This may mean a 6-12 week cycle (or more) to make what gains are still possible as the trainee is now approaching his or her genetic cieling. Several models are again presented including the pyramid model (which uses volume as a primary stressor for 4-5 weeks followed by an intensity peak), the 2 steps forwards/1 step back model (favored by many Olympic lifters) which is percentage based and progresses over many 4 week blocks to a peak of strength, the building blocks model (where you sequence different training targets one after another) and finally a model based on hormonal dynamics developed by Pendlay and Hartmann which uses a short build up to a 2 week block of extremely heavy loading to peak strength several weeks later. Full workouts are laid out for each (a sample strongman cycle is provided for the building blocks model) and, again, troubleshooting tips are given for each. Notably, in the section on the building blocks model, the book includes a discussion of a topic I don't recall ever seeing mentioned in any other book on periodization (and I've read them all): the idea that training should be sequenced in terms of how well or how poorly a given capacity is maintained. Since hypetrophy is maintained easily, it can be trained further away from a peak than aerobic conditioning or technique. This has important implications for how the blocks are put together.
The book rounds itself out with a brief discussion of special populations: youth, women, and masters lifters along with those rehabbing an injury. The same principles described in the book apply, but there are specific considerations. Finally, the book presents strength goals for different levels (novice, intermediate, advanced, elite) for men and women for several key lifts.
I should mention that the book doesn't discuss the ever popular 'conjugate' method (used by Westside barbell), undulating periodization of several other popular models. Nor does it discuss how to integrate strength training with other aspects of sports training (conditioning, technique) outside of a brief section in the building blocks model.
But what is described is described thoroughly and well and should keep any trainee with sufficient training options to keep them progressing as they get stronger.
This book is a must have for any trainees shelf, the authors bring over 60 years of applied training to the table and provide logical, down to earth practical advice for anybody who wants to get stronger.
Enter Practical Programming. Written by Lon Kilgore and Mark Rippetoe (with contributions from Glenn Pendlay), the authors of the excellent and highly recommended Starting Strength, this book presents an easy to read and practical approach to programming for strength training.
Written in an easy to follow style, using easily understood charts and graphs where necessary, Practical Programming maps out training from novice to the most advanced levels of training. Sample workouts, progressions, in addition to troubleshooting tips are all provided.
The book starts by covering physiological fundamentals of training, recovery, adaptation. This isn't a typical jargon filled book, the concepts are clear and presented for maximum understanding. This all provides the basis for the individuals chapters on programming.
The section on novice trainers picks up where Starting Strength left off. A basic routine around a handful of primary movements (squat, bench press, deadlift, overhead press) is set up based on repeat sets of 5's. Explanations for how to progress weight, what to do when the trainee stalls and everything else a novice needs to now is present here. The novice stage may last 3-9 months for the typical trainee.
In the intermediate section, a number of training models are provided. The intermediate needs heavier loading to make progress and rather than focusing on workout to workout improvements (like the novice), they start thinking in terms of weekly loading. Pendlay's Texas method (with one volume day, one intensity day, and one light day) is described in detail. Speed sets (ala Westside barbell), split routines and the original Bill Starr periodization model are also described here. Again, troubleshooting tips and progression options are well described here. The option of adding workouts as the trainee adapts is also discussed with 4,5 and 6 day training schemes (based around full body workouts) described. The inclusion of assistance movements for training is basically touched upon and I do feel that this is one place the book could have been expanded (noting that this would take a book of its own to completely cover). As well, some full workout routines illustrating how everything fits together would have been helpful here; instead only individual exercises are mapped out. The intermediate stage may last for the next 2 years of training and the book argues that the majority of strength trainers will never need anything more than intermediate level training anyhow. This is especially true of athletes who may only weight train heavily 8-12 weeks out of their competition year.
Finally, several advanced models are presented based around the idea that advanced trainees need to think even longer term in terms of making progress. This may mean a 6-12 week cycle (or more) to make what gains are still possible as the trainee is now approaching his or her genetic cieling. Several models are again presented including the pyramid model (which uses volume as a primary stressor for 4-5 weeks followed by an intensity peak), the 2 steps forwards/1 step back model (favored by many Olympic lifters) which is percentage based and progresses over many 4 week blocks to a peak of strength, the building blocks model (where you sequence different training targets one after another) and finally a model based on hormonal dynamics developed by Pendlay and Hartmann which uses a short build up to a 2 week block of extremely heavy loading to peak strength several weeks later. Full workouts are laid out for each (a sample strongman cycle is provided for the building blocks model) and, again, troubleshooting tips are given for each. Notably, in the section on the building blocks model, the book includes a discussion of a topic I don't recall ever seeing mentioned in any other book on periodization (and I've read them all): the idea that training should be sequenced in terms of how well or how poorly a given capacity is maintained. Since hypetrophy is maintained easily, it can be trained further away from a peak than aerobic conditioning or technique. This has important implications for how the blocks are put together.
The book rounds itself out with a brief discussion of special populations: youth, women, and masters lifters along with those rehabbing an injury. The same principles described in the book apply, but there are specific considerations. Finally, the book presents strength goals for different levels (novice, intermediate, advanced, elite) for men and women for several key lifts.
I should mention that the book doesn't discuss the ever popular 'conjugate' method (used by Westside barbell), undulating periodization of several other popular models. Nor does it discuss how to integrate strength training with other aspects of sports training (conditioning, technique) outside of a brief section in the building blocks model.
But what is described is described thoroughly and well and should keep any trainee with sufficient training options to keep them progressing as they get stronger.
This book is a must have for any trainees shelf, the authors bring over 60 years of applied training to the table and provide logical, down to earth practical advice for anybody who wants to get stronger.
58 of 63 people found the following review helpful
By Oavde
Format:Paperback
I can't add anything much to the other 10 reviews, all giving it 5 stars. I'm sure they have all covered it all, already.
GET THIS BOOK.
It should be your number one purchase ahead of all other training gear. Ahead of gym memberships, ahead of a bar and plates. Get this.
And number 2 is "Starting Strength" by the same authors.
You absolutely must read and LEARN what is in this book before wasting time reading the other rubbish out there in books, on websites, by countless authors making things more complex than they need be.
This book is gold. If you could send it back in time say, 20 years it would be worth its weight in gold. It would be priceless back in the days of muscle beach. Back then, good information was hard to get hold of unless you met some of the great trainers. Today, information is everywhere, but the quality of info. is sometimes dubious.
Get this book first and use it as your guide.
Hope that has convinced you. It really is better than all other books on the topic, if you are trying to decide between this and anything else, get THIS FIRST. You will thank me that you did.
Good luck.
GET THIS BOOK.
It should be your number one purchase ahead of all other training gear. Ahead of gym memberships, ahead of a bar and plates. Get this.
And number 2 is "Starting Strength" by the same authors.
You absolutely must read and LEARN what is in this book before wasting time reading the other rubbish out there in books, on websites, by countless authors making things more complex than they need be.
This book is gold. If you could send it back in time say, 20 years it would be worth its weight in gold. It would be priceless back in the days of muscle beach. Back then, good information was hard to get hold of unless you met some of the great trainers. Today, information is everywhere, but the quality of info. is sometimes dubious.
Get this book first and use it as your guide.
Hope that has convinced you. It really is better than all other books on the topic, if you are trying to decide between this and anything else, get THIS FIRST. You will thank me that you did.
Good luck.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
This is a good tool
It could use a few more tables and charts to pull all of the different programs together. As it is, it is a useful tool for training.
Published 1 month ago by Hakeem Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must have...
For anyone looking to build a strength training program, "Starting Strength" and "Practical Programming for Strength Training" are the place to start. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Travis Grabb
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Book
I recommend all of Mr. Rippetoe's books and also that people visit his website - tons of FREE material. He is a great strength coach and is very devoted to coaching individuals. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Kenny Rogers
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Lifting Book I Have Ever Read
I have read about 10 books on lifting. (and thousands of waste-of-time Muscle and Fitness garbage). This is - by far - the best. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Robert A. Murphy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Some of the best material on the subject!
The best book I've read about periodization. This book is a MUST read for any personal trainer, coach or minimally advanced/serious athlete or any person remotely interested in... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Dave Farrell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome
It Very Fast shipment, excellent quality and no damages and also the cheapest i could find, overall I'm very happy
Published 3 months ago by frenchy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant - especially for the novice
A percentage of gyms have piss-poor trainers, as a uninitiated novice it is almost impossible to discern the usefulness of their advice. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Habib Nahas
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing
The first chapter alone is worth the price tag (kindle $10). Never has a book made so clear how and **WHY** certain things are done at certain points, and previous sticking points... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Alex Crenshaw
5.0 out of 5 stars
The most important book for beginners
You can't go wrong with Starting Strength and won't go wrong with Practical Programming either. I'm near completion of Starting Strength so was interested in the next step which... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Duy Ngoc
3.0 out of 5 stars
Less than expected
Hello,
I bought this book as I wanted to learn more about programming progressive strength training. Read more
I bought this book as I wanted to learn more about programming progressive strength training. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Pascal Stock
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