Training for Mass (Perfect Paperback)

by Gordon LaVelle (Author)
Key Phrases: weight training campaign, volume trainers, cable pushdowns, Dorian Yates, Mike Mentzer, Dumbbell Pullovers (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Training for Mass gives the reader a comprehensive and informative look at how bodybuilding should be performed: In a high intensity manner. With most things in life, the more you put in the more you get out. Not so with weight training. In fact, the complete opposite is true: the harder and longer you train, the less likely you will be to experience progress. Training for Mass provides the best rationale ever published as to why this is true. Indeed, after reading this book you will not look at weight training the same way ever again. With so many bodybuilding books on the market today it is staggering that only one book, Training for Mass, really encapsulates the fundamentals of how to get big fast while also being based on scientific rationale. Along with a complete breakdown of why high intensity training is the only available, viable bodybuilding theory in his view, Gordon does a masterful job of explaining how we can best safeguard ourselves against bodybuilding-related injuries, make the most of our weight training investment and procure better bodybuilding results, faster. --David Robson, Staff Writer, Bodybuilding.com

Product Description
The definitive guide for building muscle: Training for Mass is a comprehensive, intelligent guide for constructing effective and efficient weight training workouts. It also offers a scientific analysis of current popular weight training strategies, and demonstrates how the vast majority of workout routines are neither scientific nor effective.

Based on observations about how the human body responds to exercise, Training for Mass advocates a less-is-more approach, and shows how spending endless hours in the gym is counterproductive and even harmful--debunking the myth that building muscle requires a great investment of time.

Training for Mass is not a picture book; rather, it is filled with useful information. Nor is it a rigid scientific journal or text book; the author draws upon unusual examples and provides uncommon insight into the factors required for success in weight training.

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Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Romanart Books (July 13, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1604024380
• ISBN-13: 978-1604024388
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #78,305 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best of it's kind, September 25, 2007

By	Scott Clay - See all my reviews

When it comes building muscle, this is the best training book I've ever read. I've been a bodybuilder for 15 years and have read dozens of books on the subject. I, for one, am both analytical and skeptical, but I can absolutely testify to the effectiveness yet incredible rarity of the techniques shown here.
The book addresses two main camps in muscle building execution: Volume Training, which means to work out really hard and really long to get really good results. The other is High Intensity Training or H.I.T., which implies short concentrated sessions in the gym for optimum results. The author propagates the latter.
Although I've admittedly employed this type of training myself throughout the vast majority of my time in the gym, this book has reaffirmed and refined my understanding of how it all works. It has integrity because of its roots in progressive logic and it's incredibly inspiring because of its analogous style.
After reading the book in about two days, I've slightly modified my training by adhering to a more pure version of High Intensity Training, which is more thoroughly explained in LaVelle's book than any other, and have already seen a higher rate of improvement in my physique. Having said that, this would not only be a review, but also a testimonial.
People with inquisitive minds when under going weight training will be particularly satisfied. Also, it's just a fun read. After all but disposing of the non-theory of volume training and giving a convincing argument for H.I.T., the author uses great visuals in the realms of science, philosophy, and warfare to once and for all convince the reader of the absurdity displayed by most people in most gyms.
For me, the real gems of the book were towards the end in a section called the intangibles, which is an expansive and nutrient dense section that really shows off the authors thought process and gives the reader a psychological charge. It makes you want to lift weights. Other bonus material includes an appendix section, with an educational story about Conan The Barbarian that made me laugh out loud. The book is packed.
Lastly, if you're a volume trainer by deliberate choice or most likely by traditional fate and you're thinking of getting this book, I'll say this: You'll never feel so good feeling so stupid.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real eye-opener!, July 26, 2007

By	Oscar Pangilinan "commodorerom" (San Jose, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

LaVelle's depiction of body building and training is matched by no other I've ever read or studied.

The delivery of information was straight forward and easy to understand, but also densely concentrated with useful knowledge.

A definite must read for any serious body builder looking to expand his or her understanding of the art of building muscle.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Re-packaged Mentzer, November 24, 2007

By	Steven L. Lund "Trolllund" (Portland, Oregon USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First of all, the author did a tremendous job on this book. It is detailed and well written. The author readily admits that his ideas are the same as Arthur Jones/ Mike Mentzer. Personally I think this author is much clearer than Mentzer ever was. (Who was not the most balanced individual on the planet!)
I always have issues with philosophical answers to biological questions. The training advice is sound but the "marathon runner/ sprinter" analogy would be torn to pieces by a physiologist.