Customer Reviews

Strength Training

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book goes in depth in the science, art and benefits of strength training. While this book might be too simplistic for an advanced bodybuilder/weight trainer, it's an excellent guide for people (male, female, seniors and even older children) who are beginners in the world of strength training, and a good reference source. "Strength Training" does not fall into the trap of other weight training books that focus on specific aspects of strength training. It's written to give the reader a complete overview on the benefits of strength training as well as thorough explanation on scientific background, proper techniques, guidelines, routines and programs for people of (almost) all fitness levels, and to guide the reader to the best routine that'll work for them.

The book is separated into four parts:

"Part I: The Origin of Strength" talks about the science, physiology and growth/behavior of skeletal muscle. While I found this part a little long-winded (it's 95 pages long!), and its content can rival virtually any college-level anatomy and physiology textbook on the subject, it's still a must read for a beginner to understand how a muscle works, why it grows, and how proper technique and nutrition is essental in muscle growth and development.

"Part II: Resistance Training Guidelines" discusses assessing one's strength and fitness level; an explanation on the types of exercises (Isometric, Isotonic, Plyometric, etc.); the necessity for a proper workout schedule and rest; the organization of one's workout for the individual; the goal(s) an individual may have; and on safety, injury and the body's reaction to an initial workout. Again, some of this can get a little technical and long-winded, but not so that the average high school-level reader can't understand what's being said.

"Part III: Exercise Techniques" goes into what everyone is probably looking for: how to do specific exercises. None of the exercises are too exotic; they cover all parts of the body; it's well-rounded, clear and concise. However, I found the chapter somewhat lacking on common mistakes people make when doing an exercise (there are blurbs, such as not to round your back on a deadlift). I think that's very important for the novice strength trainer, and the authors should have given more detailed descriptions or examples on common mistakes beginnners make. That said, it's a great section nevertheless.

"Part IV: Sample Programs" does what it says: give sample programs for the beginner, intermediate and advanced trainer. While the section gives plenty of examples, it encourages the reader to find a routine that works for them based on the information given. The book is good at giving that guidance.

Again the book is not meant for the most advanced weighttrainer. And it's not the type of book to simply open up to copy a sample routine or how to do a bent-over row. It's meant to be a guide for someone who's new to strength training. So the book should be read cover to cover before the reader creates a program for themselves. While the book can get technical in some areas, it's by no means a hard read. Anyone should have no trouble getting through the book in a day. Once they do, I'm confident they can fashion a workout routine that's safe, convenient (yet challenging), adaptable, and even fun.

This book is an excellent choice for those wishing to learn about resistance training, exercise technique, adaptations to training, and key fundamental concepts for designing periodized training programs. This book is great for the beginner as well as the practitioner. Great buy, especially for the price!

great book for people looking to get started with training who don't have to much background knowledge. has all the info you need to know to at least put together a decent program. lots of pictures and exercises and for the price it's a great deal.

Great attempt. A recently published book that includes very recent research into strength training, and is comprehensive in its scope... just the kind of books I've come to expect from the publisher Human Kinetics... except it isn't....

on page 41 the muscle fiber growth picture shows a before and after strength training comparison... where the fibers are seen to grow, however its obvious that the 'after' picture is a blown up pic of the bottom left corner of the 'before' picture... lame. Makes me question the credibility of the sources and research...

On page 86, under daily carbohydrate requirements, the glycemic index of different foods is listed, with a chart below that has several examples. Regardless of the obvious listing of fruits as low on the index, and breads as high, the text says "Carbohydrate sources with a high glycemic index, such as fruits and processed sugar, are metabolized quickly. Carbohydrate sources with a low glycemic index, such as starches and cellulose, are metabolized more slowly."

The above is wrong.. very wrong. Quite nearly the opposite of the truth. Fruits contain fructose.. THE SLOWEST metabolized carbohydrate that must be processed by the liver... starches are.. with few exceptions (gluten bound carbs in pasta, and mostly amylose grains like basmati rice) THE FASTEST digested and metabolized carbohydrates, ... even faster than pure cane sugar, and cellulose is an undigestable fiber, providing no energy.

The Margaria-Kalamen test is recommended to test lower body power. It consists of sprinting towards some stairs, and running up them as fast as you can, hitting only every third step, for three steps.

Running on stairs... potentially dangerous and not reflective of any daily activities... not a good choice for anyone, especially elderly, sedentary, uncoordinated individuals... but no mention of risks or safety.

This book isn't comprehensive enough to really get a person going in a fitness program... so its not for beginners... while it doesn't have the depth of focus to cover more focused topics.. except for a relatively useless in depth explanation of how muscles work on the microscopic level. Kinda interesting, but mostly impractical. That sums up the rest of the books content, however find the errors just the worst kind of false expertise... and it comes with the NSCAs name on the cover... they certify fitness trainers. Unforgivable.

Look elsewhere if you are a beginner, lest you wish to hurt yourself and sabotage your progress with bad info. Look elsewhere if you are knowledgeable on the subject, as this book is inadequate and has a lack of focus that makes it a waste of time.

Contains much contradictory information and is very confusing for those of us used to straightforward presentations. A prime example of why "design by committee" doesn't work!

I had to by this book for a class, and it is incredibly helpful! Anyone looking to become a personal trainer should at least check it out, if not by it.

THIS BOOK REALLY IS WHAT I WAS SEARCHING, IT HAS THE COMPLETE THEORY AND PRACTICE SKILLS FOR THE ENTHUSIAST OF FITNESS