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Serious Strength Training - 2nd

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Maximize your strength and muscle definition by applying the latest breakthroughs in scientific research to your training. The new edition of Serious Strength Training presents
-scientifically based guidelines for periodization workouts, -new information on incorporating popular bodybuilding systems into the periodization plan, -80 exercises that cause the greatest stimulation in the muscles, -a nutrition periodization program that explains how to meet the body's changing dietary needs during each phase of training.
Serious Strength Training begins by outlining the basic scientific principles of training for strength and muscle mass—what happens to the body during training and why. Then it sets detailed guidelines for program design, explaining how to calculate training volume, intensity, rest intervals, number of exercises, and loading patterns. Lead author Tudor Bompa demonstrates how to use periodized workouts to peak at optimal times by manipulating six different training anatomical adaptation, hypertrophy, mixed, maximum strength, muscle definition, and transition. This edition also presents a revolutionary metabolically based approach—created by Maura Di Pasquale, an internationally renowned physician—that allows readers to structure their diets to meet their individual metabolic profiles. Serious Strength Training includes programs for strength trainers and bodybuilders as well as for those with special needs and interests. Scientifically sound and research-based, it's also ideal for strength and conditioning experts and exercise scientists who want to know the best methods for developing greater muscle power and mass.

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1998

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Tudor O. Bompa

37 books28 followers

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5 stars
42 (32%)
4 stars
38 (29%)
3 stars
33 (25%)
2 stars
11 (8%)
1 star
4 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
10 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2014
Top notch strength training approach by the godfather of periodization, Tudor Bompa.

If the average gym rat picked up this book and used the principles and templates presented, they'd have far more success than they currently do.

This book is a great introduction to periodization, but aimed more at physique athletes/bodybuilders. If you want a couple great s&c books with more of an athletic slant, look into Tactical Barbell or Bompa's other landmark book - Periodization for Sports.

Both this book and Bompa's Sports Periodization are a must have if you're a serious strength athlete or involved in sports. This is the cream of the crop as far as strength training goes. I have a suspicion that anyone that rated this book less than 4 stars probably has not actually implemented the programs or techniques presented.
8 reviews
September 18, 2014
This is the thinking man's training guide. Bompa was an Olympic athlete, coach to Olympic athletes, and a professor. He's not only been in the trenches but he's used his knowledge to train others. He's helped turn strength training into a science. Bompa was one of the sports scientists behind the curtain of eastern bloc athletic dominance during his day.

Bompa's considered the father of periodization, and his weight training methods are far superior to 90% of the internet 'gurus' out there. Unfortunately he's more about quality material than marketing, so often his material gets overlooked for shinier - but far less effective - training programs.

Get this book, read it, understand it and you'll take your strength training to the next level. It'll also give you a deeper understanding of how strength training works. Can't recommend this one highly enough if you have any interest in improving your strenght and athletic ability.
Profile Image for Shibumi.
13 reviews
October 27, 2014
This is one of the most under rated books on lifting out there, and I suspect it's due to the author's lack of marketing. This is better than 98% of the heavily marketed lifting programs currently being offered.

This book is slightly bodybuilder oriented, but reading it will give you a pretty solid grasp of how periodization works. You'll get an understanding of how training for size is different from training for strength, which is different from training for muscular endurance...etc

It also shows you how to create annual plans based on your goals. An absolutely phenomenal book that introduces periodization in a clear and actionable way. By the 'father of periodization' himself, Mr. Bompa. If you could only get one lifting book, this should be it.

Eastern Bloc strength science is still far ahead of the western game, and Bompa's book is a great introduction.
Profile Image for Rachel.
16 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2013
Was interested in learning more about weight training. First few chapter were interesting but it seemed like a lot of the information was pretty dated. (Had a large "drugs are bad" section, for example). Although it was published in 1998, the photos were very 80s. Ok book for basic info but I bet there are better ones out there.
Profile Image for Pedro.
12 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2019
A grandeza deste livro não pode ser comparada aos outros do gênero. Sua abordagem a respeito da nutrição é ímpar e substanciada por estudos e pela experiência prática do autor: Mauro DiPasquale, além de médico e técnico, era recordista de levantamento de peso. É uma lástima que seja um autor tão pouco lembrado.

Profile Image for Six-Seven.
6 reviews
May 1, 2015
This is possibly the most overlooked book in the popular strength training world. In my opinion this is the best and most comprehensive book on muscle and strength development currently available. It will give you a thorough understanding of the differences in muscular hypertrophy, strength development and muscle definition. It will also show you how to train each attribute properly.

For example; muscle hypertrophy generally requires lighter loads, higher reps and shorter rest intervals, whereas strength requires heavier loads, lowish reps, and long rest intervals.

Eye opening and effective and can serve a multitude of goals. Whether you're interested in aesthetics or maximum strength development, this book will get you there.
Profile Image for Vanessa Jones.
14 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2010
For the serious weight-training athlete, this book is amazing. Bompa's philosophy is really interesting...I have experimented with some of his techniques and the outcome is great. I highly recommend this book rather you are looking to take your weight-training to the next level or if you are beginner.
Profile Image for Mike Lepree.
18 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2013
This overall was a good book. Covers alot of things and gives scientific understanding a easier read. It's worthwhile. I know when I first read it, I hightlighted the living crap out of it. Still a good book to check back into from time to time. Also gives a deep look into periodization.
Profile Image for Alan.
960 reviews46 followers
May 25, 2012
Wanted to reread and design a program again.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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