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Secrets of Giants: A Journey to Uncover the True Meaning of Strength
Everyone wants to know if they could do the impossible. Few of us will ever try.
Alyssa Ages was the strongest she’d ever been, able to flip monster truck tires and walk with 300 pounds on her back. She felt invincible, until the day her body betrayed her, leaving her vulnerable and grasping for control. Rebuilding her strength slowly brought her back to life. She began to What if strength isn't about how much we can lift? What if it's about how we manage life’s struggles?
In Secrets of Giants , Ages, now a mom of two, embarks on an immersive journey to the fringe of the weight-lifting world, the sport of strongman. She hoists kegs and lifts boulders in suburban parking lots, attempts to pull a 50-ton truck using only a rope, and occasionally frightens her neighbors by dragging a sled full of weights down her quiet tree-lined street. She meets a powerlifter-turned-boxer who shares how lifting taught her to become a master of the mundane. A ten-time World’s Strongest Man competitor is brought to tears illustrating how the gym helped him survive an abusive childhood. A pro strongwoman muses on managing setbacks before stepping on stage to deadlift the weight of a baby grand piano. Psychologists, researchers, and coaches offer insights into the fascinating ways that the pursuit of strength can permeate every aspect of our lives, from building resilience and confidence, to finding joy in discomfort, to teaching us to handle adversity.
Part personal narrative, part research mission, part reckless midlife crisis odyssey, Secrets of Giants uncovers why physical strength matters, and how it teaches us that we’re capable of so much more than we know.
Alyssa Ages was the strongest she’d ever been, able to flip monster truck tires and walk with 300 pounds on her back. She felt invincible, until the day her body betrayed her, leaving her vulnerable and grasping for control. Rebuilding her strength slowly brought her back to life. She began to What if strength isn't about how much we can lift? What if it's about how we manage life’s struggles?
In Secrets of Giants , Ages, now a mom of two, embarks on an immersive journey to the fringe of the weight-lifting world, the sport of strongman. She hoists kegs and lifts boulders in suburban parking lots, attempts to pull a 50-ton truck using only a rope, and occasionally frightens her neighbors by dragging a sled full of weights down her quiet tree-lined street. She meets a powerlifter-turned-boxer who shares how lifting taught her to become a master of the mundane. A ten-time World’s Strongest Man competitor is brought to tears illustrating how the gym helped him survive an abusive childhood. A pro strongwoman muses on managing setbacks before stepping on stage to deadlift the weight of a baby grand piano. Psychologists, researchers, and coaches offer insights into the fascinating ways that the pursuit of strength can permeate every aspect of our lives, from building resilience and confidence, to finding joy in discomfort, to teaching us to handle adversity.
Part personal narrative, part research mission, part reckless midlife crisis odyssey, Secrets of Giants uncovers why physical strength matters, and how it teaches us that we’re capable of so much more than we know.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published September 12, 2023
21 people are currently reading
2628 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The author shares her journey in the sport of strongwoman as well as interviewing lots of other people involved in strength sports about their motivation and reasons for doing what they do. Highly recommend to anyone who competes in strength sports, or is interested in doing so.
January 13, 2024
As someone who has discovered strength training in the past year and a half, I really enjoyed this book and the exploration of strength. I do think Ages could have explained the difference between some of the terms/sports (Strongman and powerlifting come to mind as I don't entirely know the difference). But that aside, I appreciated this book. For anyone who is curious about lifting weights, this might be a book for you. I appreciated the chapter around size and how Ages addressed the whole "women are supposed to be small" thing. All in all, a great read.
November 19, 2025
I enjoyed the back half of this book much more than the beginning. It is the story as told as time.. do hard things for the joy of the journey.. not to just get to a finish line.
December 30, 2023
Secrets of Giants is an enthusiastically researched and authentically lived exploration of the weight-lifting world and why pushing our physical limits is so impactful. The author describes how she went from considering herself non-athletic to eventually participating in marathons and triathlons and ultimately discovering the world of strongman competitions. In the book, she delves into her experiences with failure, body image issues, and a miscarriage and how strength training became a crucial part of her healing process.
One of the book's biggest takeaways was learning to accept failure and ultimately learn from it. You start to understand that failure doesn't make you a failure. It's not an endpoint. It's a point to jump off from. The author discusses strength in the book but explains it’s not about how much weight we lift. Secrets is about how we take what we learn from our experiences in the gym and bring them into all the struggles we go through outside the gym. The author offers insights into how the pursuit of strength can permeate every aspect of our lives, from building resilience and confidence to finding joy in discomfort to teaching us to handle adversity. Secrets of Giants gives insights into the science and psychology of what we can gain by pushing our physical limits.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
One of the book's biggest takeaways was learning to accept failure and ultimately learn from it. You start to understand that failure doesn't make you a failure. It's not an endpoint. It's a point to jump off from. The author discusses strength in the book but explains it’s not about how much weight we lift. Secrets is about how we take what we learn from our experiences in the gym and bring them into all the struggles we go through outside the gym. The author offers insights into how the pursuit of strength can permeate every aspect of our lives, from building resilience and confidence to finding joy in discomfort to teaching us to handle adversity. Secrets of Giants gives insights into the science and psychology of what we can gain by pushing our physical limits.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
September 21, 2023
This book is for anyone who wants to strengthen their mindset in all aspects of life; it's not just for athletes or people who are training to reach a big goal.
I found myself pondering the insights shared in the many stories inside the book -each of them being one of those "open-ended questions" that you often times need more time to answer. Unlike many books that share a story and move on to the next (like yes/no questions), this book left me thinking about what it really takes to achieve anything in life.
Contrary to most people's first thought when something that seems impossible peaks their interest, "could I do that?" ("that" being anything), the real question most of us should be asking is... "what do I need to do that? or how am I going to achieve that?" What I liked most was that the stories within the book were all different and not focused on a single sport/goal/theme.
I've been training for four months to run my first marathon, and like many distance runners, I've read several books about gaining mental strength. After reading some of the top books recommended across the internet from "Some of the Greatest" and DNF'ing two because I could not relate to them as an everyday person (I'm a mom to 3 kids, work full time, and began running for fun 3 years ago), this is THE BOOK I should have read first.
This is one read you won't regret.
I found myself pondering the insights shared in the many stories inside the book -each of them being one of those "open-ended questions" that you often times need more time to answer. Unlike many books that share a story and move on to the next (like yes/no questions), this book left me thinking about what it really takes to achieve anything in life.
Contrary to most people's first thought when something that seems impossible peaks their interest, "could I do that?" ("that" being anything), the real question most of us should be asking is... "what do I need to do that? or how am I going to achieve that?" What I liked most was that the stories within the book were all different and not focused on a single sport/goal/theme.
I've been training for four months to run my first marathon, and like many distance runners, I've read several books about gaining mental strength. After reading some of the top books recommended across the internet from "Some of the Greatest" and DNF'ing two because I could not relate to them as an everyday person (I'm a mom to 3 kids, work full time, and began running for fun 3 years ago), this is THE BOOK I should have read first.
This is one read you won't regret.
November 22, 2023
This book may be the "Perhaps the heaviest things we lift are not our weights, but our feels" memes in written form.
The secrets mostly turn out to be "trauma!" I don't know if the idea that people (particularly the strongman community) lift as a means of achieving agency and control will resonate universally, but it's an interesting subject to interrogate.
The book is a conversational and pleasant exploration of why people lift that mixes autobiography, event reportage, interviews, and scientific research. As a weak office job Millennial nerd who has only been going to the gym for a year to try to help address post-concussion issues (that was a mouthful but stay with me), I find that some female writers like Ages and Casey Johnston have a knack for writing about strength training and all the baggage that comes with it in a way that feels less intimidating and more honest to me. There are a few things I've really struggled with, particularly the frequency of failure that comes with lifting, and the perhaps self-defeating fear of eating more for strength, that Ages touches on a number of times and from a few different angles. I don't know if I had a breakthrough or a "Eureka!" moment, but the book gave me a few things to think about, and Ages speaks in an approachable way that will benefit some readers in particular.
Gave the audiobook a spin on the strength of Alyssa's charming appearance on The Art of Dadliness.
The secrets mostly turn out to be "trauma!" I don't know if the idea that people (particularly the strongman community) lift as a means of achieving agency and control will resonate universally, but it's an interesting subject to interrogate.
The book is a conversational and pleasant exploration of why people lift that mixes autobiography, event reportage, interviews, and scientific research. As a weak office job Millennial nerd who has only been going to the gym for a year to try to help address post-concussion issues (that was a mouthful but stay with me), I find that some female writers like Ages and Casey Johnston have a knack for writing about strength training and all the baggage that comes with it in a way that feels less intimidating and more honest to me. There are a few things I've really struggled with, particularly the frequency of failure that comes with lifting, and the perhaps self-defeating fear of eating more for strength, that Ages touches on a number of times and from a few different angles. I don't know if I had a breakthrough or a "Eureka!" moment, but the book gave me a few things to think about, and Ages speaks in an approachable way that will benefit some readers in particular.
Gave the audiobook a spin on the strength of Alyssa's charming appearance on The Art of Dadliness.
February 29, 2024
I had mixed feelings about this one. The personal experience of strength training, interactions with strength athletes, and exploration of different strength sports and events were all interesting. The hook for the book though, that the author "felt invincible, until the day her body betrayed her, leaving her vulnerable and grasping for control", was misleading. The way it is written, it seems like it was something about the strength training, but no, she miscarried. I understand the choice to frame it this way, if it was stated outright, it might reduce the audience for the book and turn some off of reading it entirely. But framing it this way also makes it seem as though it is something she could have controlled, and not something out of her control entirely. It also makes it seem like an experience unique to the author, which does a disservice in a different way. Maybe that is my issue with the personal narrative used in the book, that it is framed in terms of control.
I found it more interesting and readable than most non-fiction books of this type, so if it is a topic you are interested in, you might find the same. If you are looking for an in-depth look at strength sports, historical information, or detailed facts, you might try a different book.
I found it more interesting and readable than most non-fiction books of this type, so if it is a topic you are interested in, you might find the same. If you are looking for an in-depth look at strength sports, historical information, or detailed facts, you might try a different book.
March 5, 2024
As Alyssa Ages began training and competing in powerlifting and Strongman, she explored why athletes keep coming back to this sport and how they overcome mental and physical obstacles. Her journey to uncover their secrets revealed a lot about what it takes to pursue strength, and how accessible it really is. What she learned rolled over into every facet of her life.
On a personal note, I’ve been focusing on my health and fitness goals more this year. I’ve been strength training 2 or 3 times a week (among other things) consistently since June. It’s still a love/hate relationship but I’m leaning more towards love as time wears on. When I got sick and missed a week, I was full on craving it. Seeing this book come up in my feed on IG really intrigued me and it didn’t disappoint.
Ultimately, this book inspired and motivated me to keep exploring as I continue on my own journey to pursue strength. I’m just really glad I read it, and I’m excited to see what else I can do.
On a personal note, I’ve been focusing on my health and fitness goals more this year. I’ve been strength training 2 or 3 times a week (among other things) consistently since June. It’s still a love/hate relationship but I’m leaning more towards love as time wears on. When I got sick and missed a week, I was full on craving it. Seeing this book come up in my feed on IG really intrigued me and it didn’t disappoint.
Ultimately, this book inspired and motivated me to keep exploring as I continue on my own journey to pursue strength. I’m just really glad I read it, and I’m excited to see what else I can do.
January 15, 2025
well researched, engaging writing
I was kind of turned off in the beginning chapters. As a 61 year old in Virginia, I didn’t connect with the author’s Brooklyn-based Cross-Fit, marathon-running exercise-obsessed mom-to-be story. I just couldn’t relate. I was also puzzled by how she seemed to erase important aspects of being a woman in these sports in the early chapters. But as she moved into the section of the book where interviews with other, more diverse athletes came to the forefront, I was hooked. The book is really well done and compelling. The interviews are wide-ranging, personal, and interesting. Her personal narrative was fleshed out beyond my initial stereotype, and she began to (lightly) address the impact and importance of strength for women. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants a peak into the world of strongman and the positive impacts of “playing” to get strong.
I was kind of turned off in the beginning chapters. As a 61 year old in Virginia, I didn’t connect with the author’s Brooklyn-based Cross-Fit, marathon-running exercise-obsessed mom-to-be story. I just couldn’t relate. I was also puzzled by how she seemed to erase important aspects of being a woman in these sports in the early chapters. But as she moved into the section of the book where interviews with other, more diverse athletes came to the forefront, I was hooked. The book is really well done and compelling. The interviews are wide-ranging, personal, and interesting. Her personal narrative was fleshed out beyond my initial stereotype, and she began to (lightly) address the impact and importance of strength for women. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants a peak into the world of strongman and the positive impacts of “playing” to get strong.
September 26, 2023
I picked up this book after hearing Alyssa interviewed on CBC radio. I love the premise of women becoming stronger and owning their strength so that they can move through the world safer and more easily and more equally. The book touches a little bit on how she got into the world of strongman, but I found it very repetitive and ended up skimming through much of it. She interviews professional strength athletes and what got them into it. Many of them share a history of abuse or trauma or something that being strong helps them overcome. But the book kind of dwelled a bit too much on that for me. I enjoyed the glimpse into the world of strongman and strength, especially as I have recently started doing CrossFit, and I appreciate that she has written this book.
October 20, 2023
Covering topics of body image, personal journey and perseverance, belief in oneself and the importance of strength in our lives, all from a competitors point of view, Secrets of Giants is a special and important read.
An abundance of research and interviews clearly went into the creation of the book, and it shows in the multitude of personal stories from athletes, most prominently the author's own and specialist insights.
Recommend to anyone who needs a little push in making athletic (or even life) goals, achieving them or just plain getting out there and trying something new and scary.
An abundance of research and interviews clearly went into the creation of the book, and it shows in the multitude of personal stories from athletes, most prominently the author's own and specialist insights.
Recommend to anyone who needs a little push in making athletic (or even life) goals, achieving them or just plain getting out there and trying something new and scary.
September 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. in fact I read it in a few days as I couldn't put it down. It transported me into a world that I knew nothing about. I loved the writing, articulate, well researched and filled with great inspiring stories of people overcoming obstacles in their lives.
The author was very honest about her won struggles and even though at 70 I will never enter a Strong persons event, lessons can be learned from this book!
As for me reading this book has inspired me to lift heavier(gradually) weights to me senior weight lifting routine!
The author was very honest about her won struggles and even though at 70 I will never enter a Strong persons event, lessons can be learned from this book!
As for me reading this book has inspired me to lift heavier(gradually) weights to me senior weight lifting routine!
November 25, 2023
This is a well-reported, informative book that's somehow also an inspirational, laugh-out-loud page-turner. (Think: "Rocky" meets "A Walk in the Woods" and "Born to Run.")
I felt like I was there alongside the author on her absurd and amazing journey. Her narrative–interwoven with mind-blowing stories from incredible athletes–has inspired me during my long rehab from surgery. It has changed the way I think about overcoming challenges at work and in life.
I felt like I was there alongside the author on her absurd and amazing journey. Her narrative–interwoven with mind-blowing stories from incredible athletes–has inspired me during my long rehab from surgery. It has changed the way I think about overcoming challenges at work and in life.
May 23, 2024
I very much enjoyed reading this book and learned so much from it. It was one of those that I kept having to put down so I could Google the video of what she was describing because I just had to see it for myself. I loved the interplay between the author's story and the greater history of strongman and strength in general. It was inspiring how she kept relating her journey to the role model she wants to be for her daughters, and that was incredible relatable. Highly recommend!
August 8, 2024
This is hands down one of the most inspiring and honest books I have ever read! It is extremely relatable. I read this book twice and finished it the second time days before my first powerlifting meet! This book made me me laugh and cry and help gave new clarity on what I want from my body as I age and how I live.
Thank you so much for writing this book. I recommend this book to any women at any age at any stage of life!
Thank you so much for writing this book. I recommend this book to any women at any age at any stage of life!
September 26, 2023
This was a fun, quick read. As a newer powerlifter who is strongperson-curious, I enjoyed Ages’ story of moving through various sports until she found one that really resonated with her - and the reasons why she made those changes. Lots of interviews with people whose names I know from following strength sports for the last year. A nicely structured book and a pleasant tone.
October 29, 2023
Loved it. This book is inspiring, informative and entertaining. I think it's relatable to anyone who's ever felt the desire to be stronger and more powerful in their body. The interviews with athletes who found strength through trauma were compelling. I found the author's personal narrative to be the most interesting of all. Sincere, humbly written and motivational. Highly recommend!
February 20, 2024
Alyssa does a fantastic job of weaving her own story about overcoming doubt and fear with the stories of her competitors and the obstacles, physically and mentally, that need to be overcome to reach new levels. The story proves to be an inspirational piece about finding inner strength and drawing from the energy of those we live for to find a new level. A pleasure to read
October 23, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. It pulled me in and didn't let go. The stories of strength both inside and outside of the gym were inspiring. It was fascinating to learn about the world of Strongman. Expertly written and crafted. An incredibly motivational read!
December 22, 2023
Such an incredible story of resiliency and strength. Read this book in under a week, i absolutely could not put it down. Alyssa does an amazing job of illustrating her story and also highlighting other’s to show her story of strength. Recommending to everyone!
February 19, 2024
I would much rather hop on a cardio machine for an hour than lift weights, but I have been trying to find strength training more enjoyable lately. This is a well written book about weight lifting, but also about life and the role exercise plays physically and mentally for each person.
November 1, 2023
An inspiration!
November 2, 2023
Loved it. Such an insightful and inspirational read. Thoroughly enjoyable.
March 1, 2024
Very interesting exploration of the world and experience of weightlifting and competitive feats of strength as a woman.
April 5, 2024
If I could give it 6 stars, I would. Beautiful stories of physical and emotional strength from some amazing individuals.
April 11, 2024
It was genuinely nice to hear about loving something so much and hearing about building confidence and strength.
March 29, 2024
At the time I first read this book I was 3 months post opp from a bicep tear and I was having a bit of an identity crisis.
As an almost 40 year old (diabetic) strongwoman, I wasn’t sure who I would be without my sport should I never find my way back.
Then I read The Secrets of Giants- and it reminded me of everything I love about strong(wo)man.
It reminded me that strength, for the sake of strength, was still important.
I refer back to this book anytime I need a reminder of where I started and why I will always value strength even if and when I can no longer compete.
As an almost 40 year old (diabetic) strongwoman, I wasn’t sure who I would be without my sport should I never find my way back.
Then I read The Secrets of Giants- and it reminded me of everything I love about strong(wo)man.
It reminded me that strength, for the sake of strength, was still important.
I refer back to this book anytime I need a reminder of where I started and why I will always value strength even if and when I can no longer compete.
January 5, 2026
So inspiring! I want to lift heavy now, and I know it is feasible!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews