Weight Training: Steps to Success (Steps to Success Activity Series) [Paperback]

Thomas R. Baechle (Author), Barney R. Groves (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1998 | ISBN-10: 0880117184 | ISBN-13: 978-0880117180 | Edition: 2nd

Weight Training: Steps to Success puts it all together for you: what exercises to do, why to do them, how to do them, when to do them, and how to design an effective program. Combining the expertise of master teachers Thomas Baechle and Barney Groves, this unique guide will maximize your development through 12 progressive steps to success. Each step is a smooth transition from the one before. The first few steps provide a solid foundation of basic skills and concepts. As you progress, you'll learn how to perform exercises correctly and safely, chart your workouts, and design programs that meet your training goals. When you complete the final step, you'll have the weight training know-how and strength base to take your muscle fitness to the highest level.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Baechle and Groves, experienced coaches and trainers, present a step-by-step, well-organized manual directed at beginners as well as advanced students of weight training. Sixteen chapters cover basic exercises for the upper and lower body, using free weights and machines. The emphasis is on proper technique and performance in a controlled manner through analyzing movements, detailing safety precautions, and identifying common errors. The exercises are presented in workbook style, with practice drills and checklists. Weight Training is better for novices than such recent titles as Robert Kennedy's Bodybuilding Basics (Sterling Pub. Co., 1991) and offers a more scientific approach. If the illustrations (not seen) are as systematic and thoughtful as the text, this book would make a solid addition to public and academic library sports collections.
- Sandra Math, St. John's Univ. Lib., Staten Island, N.Y.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

"The approach to explaining training concepts, the clear and concise explanations of how to perform the exercises, and the overall organization of Weight Training: Steps to Success make it one of the most outstanding books available for introducing basic and intermediate weight training principles and programs."

John Taylor, CSCS*D, Head strength and conditioning coach New Mexico State University; 2001 National College Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year

"The clarity and thorough explanation of performing the exercises and of designing an individualized weight training program are what make Weight Training: Steps to Success so outstanding. Add to that the full range of exercises included and detailed illustrations of proper technique, and you have the best resource of its kind available." Donald A. Chu, PhD, PT, ATC, CSCS, NSCA-CPT --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 182 pages
• Publisher: Human Kinetics (Trade); 2nd edition (April 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0880117184
• ISBN-13: 978-0880117180
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,105,057 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you want something done right, then do it yourself., May 13, 2000

By 

T. Evans (Mississippi, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Weight Training: Steps to Success (Steps to Success Activity Series) (Paperback)

There are sites springing up all over the web that will design a weight training program for you. If you're like me, though, you like to do things yourself -- not becuase you can necesarily do it better, but because you want to learn how. This book teaches you how to design your own program.

In a series of 12 steps, you will learn the basics of equipment, exercises, program design, etc. You start with a total body routine that you will do three days a week for 4-6 weeks. Then, you design your own program. You'll decide how many exercises per body part, how many reps, sets, days -- everything. That's what's so gret about this book -- the customability (is that a word?).

This book is aimed for beginners, but persons with a more advanced background with weights could get some use out of it as well.

One gripe I have is that there are not enough exercises listed for you to chose from once you get to steps 10-12. By that time, though, you probably have spent enough time in the gym to learn some others. Also, there are no exercises presented that use dumbells instead of barbells. Many experts think beginners should use barbells, but I prefer dumbells since I usually workout alone without a spotter.

This is definitely the right book for someone who wants to do more than simply copy others he or she sees in the gym.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn To Design Your Own Weight Training Programs, July 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Weight Training: Steps to Success (Steps to Success Activity Series) (Paperback)

I'm fortunate to have a brother with a master's degree in exercise science and a lot of experience in strength training, as he's always designed my weight training programs for me. But being the self-reliant kind of person that I am, and not wanting to impose too much on my brother's time, I asked him to tell me what one book he would recommend to someone who wanted to learn how to design their own weight training program. He immediately recommended Weight Training Steps to Success. After reading this book, I understand why he recommended it so highly.

The authors first explain the physiology behind weight training and give a detailed orientation on weight training equipment. They then take you step-by-step through learning a basic weight training program, choosing appropriate exercises for each major muscle group. They place great emphasis on taking things slowly and learning proper form for all the exercises before tackling heavier weights for training. The steps for performing each exercise are clear and detailed, and they provide a simple procedure for you to determine with what weight you should start training for each exercise.

After you have mastered the basic training program, they move on to discussing how to design your own training program based on your specific goals (strength, endurance, hypertrophy, or a combination). Their coverage of periodization is the most simple and practical I've ever seen, and it is one of the major reasons my brother recommended this book.

I had some experience with weight training before reading Weight Training Steps to Success, but I had just been doing what I had been told, not really knowing why I was doing what I was doing. I certainly didn't know what to do next after I had reached a certain point. Now I know the whys and hows, and will be able to design my own training program as I continue to progress. This book is also perfect for the absolute weight training beginner, as it assumes no knowledge or experience whatsoever. In short, this book is the perfect place to start if you want to learn how to design your own weight training program.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Instruction at its best, clear, concise, easy to understand., September 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Weight Training Steps to Success (Steps to Success Activity Series) (Paperback)

An excellent primer for the beginner and a valuable resource for the experienced lifter; it teaches you how to select exercises, establish weight limits, begin training, and stay motivated. All in plain English, easy to understand by anyone. Start your weight training program TODAY with this excellent publication. Soft cover, well bound and printed.