Customer Reviews

Strength Training for Women

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Let me start off by saying that this book is available for free online, which is where I have read it, and I intend to buy it so that I have a reference copy. (I almost appreciate it being available free enough to buy it just because I support that).

I have recently joined a health club, and really wanted to try weight training. I had been feeling very intimidated, and this book has pretty much fixed that. I'm the type of person who likes to have a lot of information and think things through thoroughly, especially when I am a little nervous about them. All the background information about the different types of training and exercises really helped me to feel comfortable, though I can see how it might not seem relevant to those who have already been training for a while, or who are not the information junkies that I am.

The sample training plans and the descriptions and images of each exercise were probably the most helpful part of this book. I was able to read it, practice some of the movements I wasn't sure about at home without weight, and then hit the gym. I'm completely a beginner, and the level of information in this book was just what I was looking for to get me started since I can't really afford to hire a trainer.

I've not read this book from front to back yet (only recently delivered) but have discerned that the basic information of fat-to-muscle ratio, eating guides and exercise regimens are described in detail. In-depth discussion regarding intensity of workouts/reps vs what you eat and separation time between workout types.

I was interested in the rehabilitation discussions: exercise used to strengthen, averting tissue damage when you continually use your body in a particular way - throwing on a potter's wheel (shoulders) for instance. Of course I am looking at the total body overhaul and it will be good for this too.

Pics of the exercises are included as well as Plans for a long-term exercise 'regime' - how to build yourself up safely.

Looking forward to putting it into practise !

I have been weight training for 25 years. All these years I've been doing standard bodybuilding exercises, with the standard bodybuilding number of reps. This book recommends we try something different for a while. I've been trying the "Strength Training" exercises now for six weeks. I am seeing changes in my body for the first time in years! The abdominal exercises are different from what I'm used to, and the leg exercises too. (Not only squats and leg curls, but one legged squats, lunges, and step- ups).

My body is responding so well to this change of pace. This book has sections on bodybuilding, strength building, bone building...take your pick and try something new for a while. This lady knows what she's writing about. Highly recommended!

Initially, I thought this book was going to be very good. I am a personal trainer and I am always looking for new ideas and perspectives. I think that there is alot of good general information in this book, especially for the general public. The exercises and workout programs are also good for most people, although I doubt most people are looking for a competitive level exercise program. However, I think that someone who is looking for something new or innovative to add to their workout routine is going to be disappointed.

I was very pleased with this book. The pictures of the various exercises were easy to follow and understand. I found several new exercises that I have added to my regime. The only down side is that several of these exercises require equipment you would only find in a health club.

I bought this manual in an attempt to add a bit more strength training to my workout. It was helpful, however, I find that it's gathering a lot of dust on my bookshelf, and I'm turning to advice from other people in the gym.
What I was hoping for was more understanding of how to build a strength training program. What I found was a decent narrative on musculature and some basic principles of training, along with a few sample programs, but nothing to help me increase my own understanding as a female feeling out of place in a gym full of knowledgeable looking men. I can take the basics that Incledon outlines and try to apply them to my workouts, but if you are working with a limited amount of equipment, there's no real explanation of how to modify workouts or understand which exercises will work in lieu of the one she recommends.
There's a whole section on powerlifting and strong woman competitions at the end, so maybe I am simply the wrong target audience. I am in my mid-twenties, fit after a childhood playing lots of athletics, and looking for enough toning to a) look good in a little black dress and b) stave off the effects of gravity that are looming somewhere in my thirties. I would probably have benefitted more from saving the money on the book and hiring a personal trainer for a few sessions and familiarizing myself with the weight room.
Men's strength training books seem to offer a lot more depth and options, I don't think we women deserve any less.

I bought this for my own personal use, I'm not a trainer. It makes putting your own workout programs together so easy. I'm seeing the results and it has helped my body to get stronger and helping to rehabilitate my knees!!

The 13 chapters in "Strength Training for Women" include:

-Becoming Fashionably Strong
-Building a Better Body
-Muscling Up Your Metabolism
-Training for Specific Results
-Gaining Superwoman Strength
-Fueling Your Strength
-Designing Your Program
-Strengthening Your Core
-Pressing and Pulling for Power
-Arming Your Bicep and Triceps
-Developing Lean, Athletic Legs
-Deadlifting for Whole-body Strength
-Quenching Your Competitive Fire

This is a comprehensive fitness book about strength training for women, written by a woman. Not a book written for men, which women can use. I like that about it. I also like that the models used to illustrate the exercises are 'real people'. You would not see them in Muscle and Fitness magazine, but you will see them in the gym at the YMCA!

While the last chapter is really geared for body building and fitness competitors, the book as a whole is very informative. Each chapter breaks down the information into easily readable bits and it's easy to skip around to find what you need or want to read.

The first chapter, gives you the 'why' to strength train. "The Perks" some might say. In the second chapter focus' on our body's 'adaptations' as strength training is added to our fitness routines. What our body goes through as it changes. The third chapter's focus is on our metabolism and how it works. The fourth chapter talks about the components of exercise: agility, flexibility, balance, endurance and strength, and how those components can be adjusted for different types of training.

Chapter five focus' on strength training methods. Isotonic versus isometric exercises, and speed versus strength training, to name a few. Chapter six is a good basic nutrition and meal planning for making training gains. Losing weight, gaining weight, are both covered. Chapter seven is where the meat of the book begins regarding exercises. Planning a workout for beginners through advanced, as well as a 'bone building' program are found here. Information on how to keep a training log as well as how to select your exercises and the importance of rest are covered in this chapter.

In the eighth chapter through the thirteenth, the book covers the 102 specific exercises broken down into the areas of the body they are geared to work on. Photos (some look a bit dated, but 'you get the picture...') illustrate what is described in step-by-step instructions. Nothing complicated and some use the ball or no weights at all. Others are done with free weights, bars or machines.

Overall, I'm very pleased with this book. It's comprehensive and well laid out with good information. I also love that it's free online at Healthline. If you're looking for one women's strength training book to use to improve your fitness at any age... this is it.

an excellent book,just what i needed to go from weight loss to toning up and getting stronger.

I purchased this book for my sister for Christmas & asked her to review it. Here is what she said...
This is a great book. The information is great and will be a great reference for years to come. It helped put things together scientifically that I was wondering about in the gym. It has helped me train better. The only thing I have found that is a minor issue is that some of the references do not match up. An example would be on page 32 table 3.3b references for what page to find the exercises on do not all match up. Sumo deadlift is not on page 178 but on page 180. The information in this book makes it easy to overlook the printing errors and is a valuable tool for the everyday woman who is looking to make the most out of her time in the gym.