Customer Reviews

Starting Strength, 3rd edition

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I'd recommend this book for just about everybody who lifts weights. Beginners can greatly benefit from it to learn good form right off the bat. Experienced lifters might also want to check it out because, a) there's always more to learn, and b) your form might not be as good as you think it is.

So what's the book about anyway? Well, the Cliff Notes version is that its a book on how to lift weights PROPERLY using a barbell. A few details:

-the book spends a lot of time discussing the details of all the basic barbell exercises, such as the squat, the bench press, the deadlift, the press, and the power clean. As you might have guessed, the book devotes a whole chapter to each movement. For instance, the squat is discussed on pages 8-63, while the bench press is discussed on pages 66-102- I give you the page numbers to show you how in depth the book goes into each exercise

-you'll learn a lot of details that are often times neglected, such as grip, and the placement of other body parts that are indirectly used during an exercise. As an example, the book spends about 4 pages discussing foot placement during the bench press exercise.

-the book is filled with pictures and diagrams. In fact its hard to find a page that doesn't have one picture or diagram on it.

-the book does also cover "useful assistance exercies" as well, such as chin-ups, dips, rows, barbell curls, etc.

The book ends with a nice section that talks about a lot of "miscellaneous" things, things such as the order of doing exercises, warm-up sets, nutrition, soreness and injuries, etc. As you can see, this is a pretty detailed and comprehensive book, a book I think all weight lifters, beginners and experienced, will get a lot out of. Also, weightlifters with bad shoulders should check out Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff.

I've been championing this book for years now and my feelings haven't changed - this is THE book for strength training. I received a copy of the 3rd edition a couple of weeks ago and am in the process of re-reading the book. Not only is the book clear and logical but it is entertaining. This is the book you should buy your kids when they want to start lifting. This is the book you get your husband when he realizes he is way too fat. This is the book you buy yourself when you are done conforming to the ridiculous fitness trends of circuit-circus training and trendy chrome gyms.

This is the book that you buy when you want results.

Length:: 3:48 Mins

Starting Strength Basic Barbell Training 3rd edition is the culmination of 35 years of experience in the gym, teaching seminars, and lifting by Mark Rippetoe. The text provides a logical approach to lifting that is detailed and understandable to the those with the most cursory knowledge on training with a barbell.

The Kindle version is an excellent companion to the text. I have not come across another e-Pub with better graphics. The text to graphic links remain true throughout the text - providing the reader with a flow and understanding that is not lost in the e-Pub.

Additionally, the Kindle has a "In the Gym: Quick Reference" that assists the user with quick navigation to the parts of the book specifically helpful when training in a gym environment.

In my opinion, the Kindle version is a must have companion to the text - or if the reader prefers - an exceptional alternative to the printed version.

I had the 2nd edition of SS (as well as the DVD) and I'll be honest the book wasn't as helpful to me as the DVDs.

This version however, is much much better. Not only are the new drawings and photos a great asset, even the new paper it is printed on is better.

If you have the 2nd edition and are considering upgrading it is well worth it.

I read this at 32 years of age with no background in strength-training whatsoever. I was always somewhat fit but never strong or interested in growing my body. This book changed all that.

I quickly learned what a deadlift, backsquat, bench press, and overhead press were. It is important to note that I think even after thoroughly reading and studying this book one should hire a good, qualified coach/trainer to work with you, at least for your first couple months of lifting.

At 32 years of age I was able to increase my bodyweight from a beginning 156 pounds to a max of 178 pounds. Roughly 20 pounds of muscle. Seriously. This took me about 8-9 months of lifting according to the book, usually 3 times per week. Also of course I ate a lot of food. You will not gain muscle if you don't fuel yourself properly.

I've been lifting for years and have made great gains: 195-205 lb body wt. BP 410+ raw, DL 575+ and SQ 595 not the best but decent for me :) I have a pretty good understanding of the lifts and mechanics; However, when I had technical questions on technique or body mechanics to figure something out I came up empty while trying to find training or info in this regard. Finally I found this book (heard of it on Madcow's 5x5 page) which I believe explains in great detail the main lifts and many others. I believe if you are looking for technical data on the core lifts that this book will serve you well. I am buying another book as a gift as I write this. I bought a hardcover of this book.

The 3rd Edition of Starting Strength is excellent. Immediately, the most striking aspect of this re-write are the illustrations. They are incredibly well done and illustrate the concepts in the text seamlessly. They alone are worth the purchase of this book.

This book is a quite dramatic improvement (I use that word with hesitation as the other two editions are also very, very good) over the 2nd edition in content, look and flow that comes with such a deep understanding of the material being presented. There's a logical progression in the writing and principles in the book that make this much more than an instructional manual on performing barbell lifts and programming strength training. You will understand the why's of correct barbell and strength training which is what makes Starting Strength different from any other book on strength training available.

This book is written and designed for you. It's not a manual describing the coaching and training methods of elite, genetically gifted professional athletes, but flawlessly describes exercises and programs to get stronger, bigger, and to become a more useful human being; whether on the athletic field, in combat, or in everyday life.

I read how to do the squat. Go to the gym and practice. Repeat. Same for deadlift and power clean. Worth its weight in gold.

I've searched, tried and read about how to "bulk up" a bit, become stronger and get more muscles. Losing weight is not an issue, I'm quite slim naturally. But until I read "Starting Strength" did I get a logical and simple explanation on how to do this. And it doesn't need hours and hours in a boring gym! The author obviously knows his stuff, and is good at making it clear, in simple terms, often fun to read.
It is a book for anyone who wants to build more muscle mass!

If you want to learn how to REALLY lift and not just go from machine to machine on a circuit (worthless) then look no further than this book. It is the best money you'll ever spend. It's a joy to read and gives extremely detailed instruction on several basic barbell lifts that anyone can understand.