Science and Practice of Strength Training [Hardcover]

Vladimir M. Zatsiorsky (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0873224744 | ISBN-13: 978-0873224741 | Publication Date: January 1995

This manual examines muscle strength from a biomechanical and physiological perspective, and shows athletes how to use basic scientific principles to improve muscular strength. The book also discusses training theory and the factors which determine muscle strength, and shows how to apply this information by using proven methods based on data gathered from the training logs of more than 1000 leading Eastern European Olympic and world-class athletes. The book contains more than 30 case studies and sample problems which explain these methods.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 243 pages
• Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers (January 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873224744
• ISBN-13: 978-0873224741
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #857,761 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For a practical understanding of strength..., March 9, 2000

By 

John Turkynak (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Science and Practice of Strength Training (Hardcover)

Zatsiorsky's book is a well presented foundation for learning the concepts behind strength training. The book is primarily directed towards a coach's perspective, but anyone can benefit from it.

The textbook layout is straightforward and includes data gathered from trained athletes. It begins with some basics of strength conditioning. Less knowledgable readers will benefit from these first chapters. The book then progresses to cover training, timing and exercising. Zatsiorsky includes some decent ideas about injury prevention as well.

Overall, it's not an excyclopedia with all the answers. The goal is not to provide generic routines for readers, but to provide the basis for readers to custom design their own routines. I've found this to be a very useful. My thanks to the author.

P.S. Thanks for your recommendation, Louie Simmons!

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book exploring many facets of strength training., August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Science and Practice of Strength Training (Hardcover)

The author has an extraordinary grasp of both the theory and practice of strength training. It is not, however, for those frightened of a bit of science. One of the more enlightening aspects is his explanation of the relationship between force and speed and the consequences of coaches failing to understand that relationship.

Zatsiorsky has a depth of knowledge related to the strength requirements for many sports and activities gained from his many years experience in the former Soviet Union.

This is probably the best book I have yet read relating to strength training.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Two thumbs up!, June 4, 2005

By 

ZeeBug - See all my reviews

This review is from: Science and Practice of Strength Training (Hardcover)

Some of the topics in the book are quite technical but you'll be able to understand them after a few times of rereading. The book does not show you routines to follow but what it does is show you what methods worked and did not work. This book is for all those who want to understand the science behind strength training. It does not give you a specific program but it equips you with the knowledge on how to develop your own. This book deserves a space in your strength training library and is a must for any serious lifter, coach and athlete.