Strength Training

by Len Williams (Contributor), Derek Groves (Contributor), Glen Thurgood (Contributor)

Strength training has been proven to have a beneficial effect on our body image and health, so it's not surprising that the number of people participating in this activity has been rising steadily over the last 20 years (in the US, for example, 21 per cent of all adults now train with weights at least twice a week, with women making up one in five of those training). "Strength Training" is the essential guide to building and sculpting a better physique, whether your aim is to increase muscle bulk, tone up, or improve your strength and endurance. Written by experts from the British Weight Lifting Association (BWLA), it offers a simple, practical, and no-nonsense approach to the subject, with an emphasis on clear demonstration of optimum technique. Each exercise is illustrated with step-by-step artworks to ensure you perform the movements correctly and safely, and anatomical 'X-ray' illustrations showing targeted muscle groups at a glance. Exercises are also accompanied by helpful features such as pitfalls to watch out for and adaptations to try as you progress. Featuring specially-commissioned programmes for a range of abilities and goals - each with beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels - "Strength Training" offers everything you need to achieve optimum results from your workouts. Written by strength training experts this is ideal for free and fixed weights, in the gym or at home. It is the ultimate guide to improving your muscle tone, strength and endurance.

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2009

Reviews

[Nahid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strength Training is one of a small series of books from Dorling Kindersley Limited, a British company. It was written by Experts from British Weight Lifting Association. It is very comprehensive and full of great illustrations.

The book is actually aimed at beginners in the fitness world, but much of the information can be beneficial to all level of athletes. The book starts with the benefits of strength training and its applications in athletic fields and daily activities. Then there's exercise gallery for different exercises that are detailed throughout the book. I have found this gallery very helpful than index. Barbell, Dumbbell, Body-weight and Machines are used for executing exercises for different body parts as well as whole body.

The principle section explains how our body and mind adapt to exercises and training programs, training physiology and psychology, the body's energy systems (aerobic, anaerobic and explosive) and basic nutritional guidelines. Good explanation is made of the muscles and their functions, the bones and their functions, the exercises and their uses. The exercises are well diagrammed, well explained, given a progression of difficulty and of need for preparation with other exercises.

Unlike Delavier's Strength Training Anatomy, this book provides different training programs: Muscular Endurance, Body Sculpting, Bodybuilding, Maximal Strength, Core Strength and Sports Specific Exercises.

Highly recommended.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive and full of great illustrations. It is less something you read and more something akin to a special type of reference book, I can see myself returning to this book to update/refresh what I need to know about the body, or certain types of exercises.

If you're serious about training, or learning the get the best out of your training, you will need this on your shelf.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Even though I am a hardbook lover, this book is simply perfect both in design and contents. I love how everything is highly illustrated and specific by showing which areas are most and lesser targeted.

I am not taking advantage from the programs section mostly because I love training to failure for max gains and I do know my weak spots and what I want to achieve.

Page 41 was very interesting as it compares and actually explains the similarities and almost equality of some strenght training exercises and actual sports. This was impressive to me as, probably some 5 years ago I was of the idea that strenght training is not natural (and my goal is not aesthetical but is to be stronk af to even survive wilderness, rowing, move objects, etc.). Well fams, it is in a way :)

[Khulood · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a self-taught I consider this book a comprehensive guide with well anatomy illustrations and progression of difficult exercises . It has been one and a half months since i read this book, so I took my time to see the progression on what I have learned. I have found myself return to update some information from time to time.

highly recommended if you are interested in expanding your knowledge in exercises.