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Get Strong For Women: Lift Heavy, Train Hard, See Results
It's time to see what your body is really capable of and get strong with NIKE trainer Alex Silver-Fagan . Women who lift know that training with weights is the best way to firm your glutes, tone your abs, and sculpt a healthy physique. Using strength-training, cardio, nutrition, and weight-lifting exercises, Get Strong for Women gives you the tools you need to build muscle, burn fat, and get a lean, toned body. This fitness manifesto provides more than 60 clear, step-by-step exercise instructions as well as three easy-to-follow, 12-week workout programmes, so you can hit the gym with confidence and become the strongest, fastest, healthiest you. Empower your body, empower your mind, and Get Strong for Women . Strong is strong is powerful.
192 pages, Paperback
First published December 12, 2017
75 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 15, 2017
I was drawn to this book primarily because it says "lift heavy" -- something I think may be a huge misconception for women. This book is one of the most simply and beautifully laid out exercise books I've read -- and I've read a few. In my 3rd year of weightlifting/strength-training, I've encountered obstacles in lifting heavier. There's a lot of commonsense information within the book (eating healthier, cleaner, etc.), but it also gives definitions of equipment to use which is useful to a beginner. There's an assessment for you to do before identifying the level of workout you should try. The step-by-step photos are amazing, and the workouts challenging, even after I've been lifting for a while. It's also great to see different models at different levels of fitness. I'm a huge fan of this book and will be checking out books by this same author.
September 29, 2017
If you are like me and have a home gym that you actually use, I find the hardest thing to overcome is the same routine, day in and day out. When you go to the gym or an exercise class, you are surrounded by those who will push, encourage and/or motivate you to work harder, move faster and get better results. At home, well for me at least, the only one who occasionally follows me to the gym is my cat and believe me, she doesn't stay for long once she realizes I am otherwise occupied. So it's just me, my dedication to my workout and I'll admit it, I don't "change up" my routine as often as I should. 30 minutes of cardio, 30 minutes lifting weights and warm up and cool down stretches. It works. I sweat and am challenged, but honestly, slightly bored.
This book came just when I needed a motivation boost. There are three different 12- week workout routines, graphically depicted with instructions that do not require a Ph.D. to understand. The exercises are broken into sections for your core, upper body, lower body and power, and while I don't have all the equipment required to complete every exercise, I am able to do about 80% with what I currently own. If I did belong to a gym, I don't believe I would have any issue finding the equipment the author recommends.
My fitness goals don't revolve around a number on the scale but do revolve around being strong and healthy, so this book really appealed to me. Am I well into my first 12-week program? Yes, I am. Am I loving my workout? Yes, I am. Would I recommend this book? Yes, I will.
Thank you, Alex Silver-Fagan, DK, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book came just when I needed a motivation boost. There are three different 12- week workout routines, graphically depicted with instructions that do not require a Ph.D. to understand. The exercises are broken into sections for your core, upper body, lower body and power, and while I don't have all the equipment required to complete every exercise, I am able to do about 80% with what I currently own. If I did belong to a gym, I don't believe I would have any issue finding the equipment the author recommends.
My fitness goals don't revolve around a number on the scale but do revolve around being strong and healthy, so this book really appealed to me. Am I well into my first 12-week program? Yes, I am. Am I loving my workout? Yes, I am. Would I recommend this book? Yes, I will.
Thank you, Alex Silver-Fagan, DK, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2018
Read all my reviews at: https://brainfartsandbooks.wordpress.com
More great workouts with step-by-step instructions on how to do them. Well-designed programs with different levels. The full color illustrations are great.
Thank you to Netgalley, Alex Silver-Fagan, and DK Publishing for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
More great workouts with step-by-step instructions on how to do them. Well-designed programs with different levels. The full color illustrations are great.
Thank you to Netgalley, Alex Silver-Fagan, and DK Publishing for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2020
This book is my source for designing heavy-lifting workouts and has so much great information. Highly recommend if you are looking for a single book about women and heavy lifting.
January 5, 2018
I have been following Alex on IG for a few months now and was eagerly awaiting this book. It was appealing to me because I like working with weights but needed some help creating a structured routine to follow to achieve some personal fitness goals. Plus, I want to get strong and feel strong doing it. Currently on Week 2 and feeling great!
PROS
- I love that there are 3 - 12 week program levels to match ability so I'm starting at Level 1 which means that I can continue using the book for a while after to either repeat the Level 1 if I need to or I can move on to more challenging Levels as I see fit
- Easy to follow with lots of photos to go along with the step by step instructions for each exercise
- The book includes which muscles are targeted in each exercise which is great if you had specific areas to focus on
- Some exercises come with modifications to either make it more challenging or easier
- The Kindle version allows you to jump from the workouts to the specific exercises if you need a reminder/refresher
- Because the author has a section for the exercise instructions separate from the Program layouts, you can easily refer to each exercise and even create your own circuits for other workouts you may want to include
CONS
- So far, the only con I can find is that the Kindle version can be glitchy with the Table/grid layout when you're on the iPhone app but it's totally fine on the laptop Kindle reader. This hasn't been a huge problem for me as I use a journal to write out the exercises prior to my workout so I can keep track of my data
PROS
- I love that there are 3 - 12 week program levels to match ability so I'm starting at Level 1 which means that I can continue using the book for a while after to either repeat the Level 1 if I need to or I can move on to more challenging Levels as I see fit
- Easy to follow with lots of photos to go along with the step by step instructions for each exercise
- The book includes which muscles are targeted in each exercise which is great if you had specific areas to focus on
- Some exercises come with modifications to either make it more challenging or easier
- The Kindle version allows you to jump from the workouts to the specific exercises if you need a reminder/refresher
- Because the author has a section for the exercise instructions separate from the Program layouts, you can easily refer to each exercise and even create your own circuits for other workouts you may want to include
CONS
- So far, the only con I can find is that the Kindle version can be glitchy with the Table/grid layout when you're on the iPhone app but it's totally fine on the laptop Kindle reader. This hasn't been a huge problem for me as I use a journal to write out the exercises prior to my workout so I can keep track of my data
November 16, 2025
3.5, maybe 4 for beginners.
This book was probably a great reference for its time. It has some really good reference information, but the reason I’m rating it low is because there is also misinformation and a lot of assumptions. I like that she pushes for protein and gives a good breakdown of how to get a well rounded workout AND how to progress. What isn’t great is the rest of the nutrition guidance (especially by body type? What?) and the assumption that if you’re reading the book, you can afford expensive home gym equipment or go to a well stocked gym. There are no alternative exercises or modifications if you don’t have a barbell or squat rack. Maybe I’m not the target audience, but I have tons of dumbbells and accessories that store pretty well. I don’t have barbells, power racks (or whatever), or rings.
It’s good if you want an intro to what you can do if you have access to all available equipment. There is so much information out there now that having to look up everything I’d need to supplement this information makes it not worth it to me as a reference.
This book was probably a great reference for its time. It has some really good reference information, but the reason I’m rating it low is because there is also misinformation and a lot of assumptions. I like that she pushes for protein and gives a good breakdown of how to get a well rounded workout AND how to progress. What isn’t great is the rest of the nutrition guidance (especially by body type? What?) and the assumption that if you’re reading the book, you can afford expensive home gym equipment or go to a well stocked gym. There are no alternative exercises or modifications if you don’t have a barbell or squat rack. Maybe I’m not the target audience, but I have tons of dumbbells and accessories that store pretty well. I don’t have barbells, power racks (or whatever), or rings.
It’s good if you want an intro to what you can do if you have access to all available equipment. There is so much information out there now that having to look up everything I’d need to supplement this information makes it not worth it to me as a reference.
May 24, 2019
I really love this book! Not only does it provide excellent advice, it’s beautifully illustrated with clear photos of strength moves. I’m coming to the end of week 1 of the beginner’s plan and though it’s been challenging muscles that have got lazy two years after major surgery, I’m loving it and look forward each day whether in the gym or working out at home with a few key pieces of equipment. The book also touches on holistic tips vital to building strength and recovery, for example, sleep. Great book for beginners with plenty of scope for the advanced.
February 26, 2018
I really like the training system proposed, the exercises and the routines, divided by level.
It is a basic training guide, but in my opinion it is very well designed and easy to follow (which makes it even more interesting, specially for beginners because the book pushes you forward to start training now, instead of confusing you more and taking you to a point of paralysis for analysis), even though it can't go deeper in things like diet, recovery, etc. But all in all, it has my 5 stars.
It is a basic training guide, but in my opinion it is very well designed and easy to follow (which makes it even more interesting, specially for beginners because the book pushes you forward to start training now, instead of confusing you more and taking you to a point of paralysis for analysis), even though it can't go deeper in things like diet, recovery, etc. But all in all, it has my 5 stars.
April 10, 2018
A DK book for female busy builders and others who want to build muscle. The author who is popular on Instagram for her page, provides information on equipment, area, proper exercise and form and a regimen for workouts at all levels. She discusses diet, workouts, rest, injury, sensible expectations. Good book.
April 12, 2018
I am going through a phrase when I am now doing physical fitness. My brain is hungry for some extra knowledge about it. I am going through a time when I need to be more healthy. I also need to lose some weight.
Well, I have this book this rating because she really explains the different type exercises and how to do them.
Well, I have this book this rating because she really explains the different type exercises and how to do them.
January 2, 2018
I really love this book. I love the layout, the assessment, the illustrations, the workouts. I love that a book about women's fitness has deadlifts in it! If you have ever felt intimidated by equipment in the gym read this book. Here's to lifting heavily ever after!
August 1, 2022
I purchased the nook version of this book (some of the page formatting is bad, but manageable). I like her program, it is easy to progress with. I’m able to bring it with me to the gym on my phone and follow that’s day’s workout.
October 9, 2021
One of the best ever books written regarding women and weight training. This book will sit on my bookshelves to have available as a reference.
April 7, 2023
I feel motivated to try some of these moves 💪
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2018
I've read several books about strength training for women, and this is definitely one of the best. Not only does each exercise have really great clear pictures, but the customized 12 week programs based on your fitness level tell you exactly how to use them. However, I'm not wild about the small nutrition section at the front. It gives very basic explanation of protein, fat and carbs, and suggests macro breakdown based on body type. I find this to be overly simplistic and misleading. It is only a couple of pages though, so I can easily ignore that section while I make use of the remaining great information.
November 21, 2017
I am someone who enjoys cardio, but never got into weight lifting or strength training, despite knowing I should. What I liked most about this book was that it works for a newbie like me, as well as someone more experienced with the three different programs. It's also a useful reference for both home & gym workouts so there's no need to leave routine if you're away from your normal. I think I might have done better with this in paper copy vs. digital as I'd like to have as an on-the-go reference. Well written and laid out.
December 7, 2017
Thank you to Dorling Kinsley and Netgally for providing me with an advanced copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.
I received a PDF version of this book, and I can tell you the e-book is very attractive, beautiful geography and very effective page layout and so easy to read. This book is a very comprehensive “how to get strong” book for women. The book covers the basics of exercise such as the advantages of getting strong and how to get strong and required nutrition for the body identifies the different diets for different body types; ratios of carb and proteins. I find this very helpful.
The book also has annotated photographs of various exercise equipment and their use. One of the things I really like about the book, is that they provide a self -test to assess your fitness. On the basis of your own self-assessment, you will find out your level of fitness and consequently can follow the prescribed fitness program for your level of fitness. The book distinguishes 3 levels of fitness and provides a three 4-week phases to “Get Strong for each fitness level. That is 36 weeks of exercise that you can follow and progress into.
The weekly schedule are easy to read and follow and the author provides instructions on how to follow the work out programs and how to track your progress.
More importantly, this book provides detailed descriptions of all the exercises with annotated photographs to show you proper form. Each exercise has its own profile with descriptions such as required equipment, primary and secondary muscles targeted. The annotations are really helpful, as are the tips and options for easier variations on the exercises. The exercises are grouped by warm up, cool down , core, upper body, lower body and power.
I received a PDF version of this book, and I can tell you the e-book is very attractive, beautiful geography and very effective page layout and so easy to read. This book is a very comprehensive “how to get strong” book for women. The book covers the basics of exercise such as the advantages of getting strong and how to get strong and required nutrition for the body identifies the different diets for different body types; ratios of carb and proteins. I find this very helpful.
The book also has annotated photographs of various exercise equipment and their use. One of the things I really like about the book, is that they provide a self -test to assess your fitness. On the basis of your own self-assessment, you will find out your level of fitness and consequently can follow the prescribed fitness program for your level of fitness. The book distinguishes 3 levels of fitness and provides a three 4-week phases to “Get Strong for each fitness level. That is 36 weeks of exercise that you can follow and progress into.
The weekly schedule are easy to read and follow and the author provides instructions on how to follow the work out programs and how to track your progress.
More importantly, this book provides detailed descriptions of all the exercises with annotated photographs to show you proper form. Each exercise has its own profile with descriptions such as required equipment, primary and secondary muscles targeted. The annotations are really helpful, as are the tips and options for easier variations on the exercises. The exercises are grouped by warm up, cool down , core, upper body, lower body and power.
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December 29, 2018Love it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews