Book Description
Use high-tech training for high-definition sculpting! In Target Bodybuilding, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans show which muscles are used most in a variety of bodybuilding exercises. 60 exercises are featured, including

• 11 biceps exercises to sculpt the front of the upper arm;

• 20 triceps exercises to develop the back of the upper arm;

• 19 thigh exercises to work knee extensors, knee flexors, and adductor muscles in the leg; and

• 10 lower leg exercises to build and define specific calf muscles.

Each exercise includes a description of the lift, photographs of correct start and finish lifting positions, an enlarged photo of a specific muscle group and body part with a line indicating the site of the MRI cross section, and a multishaded MRI scan showing the amount of activity in the muscles being used. Tesch includes tips for designing beginner, intermediate, and advanced targeted bodybuilding programs. This book allows you to see inside the body to pinpoint the muscles you want to develop and shows you which exercises to use to fine-tune your bodybuilding efforts.

Target Bodybuilding takes the guesswork out of your training program. By using MRI technology combined with high-level strength training methods you will be able to build and sculpt your body into perfect shape! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Very Satisfied From Ireland
Service- Excellent
Price- Incredibly due to our ridiculous tax system,Purchase and delivery of book halfway around the world cost half the price of the same item as new on the shelves of the cheapest Bookshop in Ireland
Quality of Book.-Was stated as used.This is an understatement.Except for one small blemish on the first page,the book was as new in my opinion.
Customs- No problems.
Delivery- No Problems within a week and fitted in through the letterbox .
Customer Service.-Excellent Had a slight problem with payment due to security features on my credit card.TN Valley books were understanding and Patient whilst the problem was being resolved.
Payment-.Used 3V Card on this transaction
Return Customer-Yes will Use TN Valley books again.

Fairly interesting
This book was an acceptable read. It however was not at all very intriging past the indroduction. It rehashes the same idea over and over, offering no serious insight into the subject. Only vauge theory. Beyond that it offers no new workout plans, exercises or ideas, but rather a look inside the muscle and what takes place during your tried and true workout schemes. This aspect is beneficial to probally mostly advanced bodybuilders. it was I must admit interesting enough to think about when I hit the gym and I still use it when I am curious about what specifically my muscles are doing. It was not what I was excpeting... but decent enough! (I don't condone my personal opinions to that of any others nor are these words set in stone. Amazon.com asked me to write this.)

Now you really know which exercises work
The MRI scans in this book show the effects of an exercise on the body parts exercised. You can use this to select routines to work all muscles on a body part you are working on.
I can already feel the difference in using this book.
I only hopew there will be a follow-up book to cover the Chest, Back, and Abs.

scientificly wonderfull
Although the contents of this book refers only to the concentric part of the rep inducing beginners or unexperienced readers to false intrepretations, it is with no shadow of doubt the most important tool that a trainer must keep under his pillow.

Return of the arm blaster
This book revives the art of the armblaster and brings it back into the mainstream where it belongs.This author uses the MRI to prove that this and other equipment are not antequaited, but rather something that needs to be a part of everyone's workout. ... Read more

Book Description

"Robert Wolff has changed untold numbers of people's lives all over the world with his knowledge and words of wisdom when he wrote for my magazines. I'm happy to say, with this new book, he can do the same for you." --Joe Weider

Following the tremendous success of fitness and motivation authority Robert Wolff's introduction to bodybuilding, Bodybuilding 201 is Wolff's next "course" in building a better body.

Designed for intermediate and advanced people of all ages, this new motivational guide offers:

Customer Reviews (5)

Not the best book, but not the worst either.
This is only an okay book.Certainly not one that I refer to as I work on my training.The information is kind of basic, and there is an overtone of mass marketing to it.Hard to put your finger on exactly, but it's kind of fluffy.Some of the exercises are bizarre, like doing squats with no weight and holding onto a post (not to be confused with a sissy squat), calf raises with no weight, etc.Remember, this is supposed to be for intermediate lifters.People reading this book could end up wasting a lot of time in trial and error.The point of buying books is to avoid that. I would recommend Natural Bodybuilding by John Hansen for an experienced beginner instead of this book.He is a lot more to the point, and he has real advice to offer.

There is one element that really just makes me want to laugh...the female model they use to show about half the exercises.Imagine, if you will, a very tall, very, very skinny woman with HUGE fake breasts barely contained in a tiny, string sport bra trying to demonstrate weightlifting.She is also grinning and wide-eyed throughout, and has long hair that is not tied up.This looks so ridiculous...how can anyone take this seriously??Were all the fitness and figure girls tied up that day, and they just could not find a single one for the photo shoot???

Newsflash-- If you work out half naked, with your hair all over the place, and lift weights that are so light that you never lose the smile from your face, you aren't going to accomplish anything.Women have to work very hard just like men to make gains.

Dr. Wolff will not let you down!
Read my other reviews of Dr. Wolff's books because I have read several of his books and I am proud to have them in my collection. Truthfully, they are all I need since they cover everything you need to know!

Bodybuilding 201 is meant to build on your current experience and results to take it further or get past your sticking points.

My advice for the new or experienced - start with BodyBuilding 101, then read his Book of Great Workouts, to get your base of knowledge. Then read this book while you are hitting the gym and getting amazing results.
Remeber, amazing results come slowly, over time. You cannot see that 1/4 inch of growth but it is there. Little by little it all adds up and before you know it, your a completely changed person!
Dr. Wolff teaches you how.

All of Dr. Wolff's books teach you technique, proper diet, and truly give you a solid education in all areas of working out - supplements, exercises, routines, fact and fiction.

My game plan for you- buy the 3 books I mentioned(and any others Dr. Wolff has written!!), read them in the order I described and start working out once your done. While your building your body over the next 6 months to a year, spend the time wisely by reading his other books and crafting your gameplan further. Don't rush into it. Just build your base slowly and after the proper amount of time has passed, try the next level of techniques.

Robert Wolff gives you proven and time tested material, coupled with his own personal experience. He goes over proper diet, proper technique and methodology to get you started off on the right foot. All of us are different and what works in the magazine interviews of the Pro bodybuilders probably will not work for you.

Did I mention that the author really will answer your e-mail questions!! Yes, I have had actually direct communication with him. He answered my questions and was more than happy to help!!!

Forget Atkins, South Beach, and all the other hype out there. Read and learn from Dr. Wolff.

Great Book!
Excellent practical information.Not the normal 'cookie-cutter' info on training.Cutting edge info.Would recommend for advanced and beginners alike.Workable for the natural athlete.

A must have for everyone who wants a better body!
This book is a must have!I am a personal trainer and fitness director and I found this to be one of the best books that I have read.If you want a book that covers a little of everthing, then this book is well worth the money.Robert Wolff is one of the best authors that I have found.This book has helped me with my fitness, so let this book help you reach your fitness goals!

A must have!!! This book has EVERYTHING!!!
Robert Wolff has done it again!!! This time, his new book teaches advanced and experienced bodybuilders how to get the winning edge without drugs, this is the most complete bodybuilding book I've ever read!!! My advise to every1 lookin 2 build a better body is to get Bodybuilding 101 and for those looking to build a championship physique to get both bodybuilding 101 and bodybuilding 201!!! This is a book that I'm sure will eventually be passed on from generation to generation...

BOTTOM LINE: BUY THIS BOOK!!! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Condescending
What a condescending, supercilious and smarmy piece of crap.Even the title is a slap at bodybuilders, many of whom work very hard to perfect their physiques.Would Klein have written similarly about B.K.S. Iyengar, the world's great yoga teacher, who practices yoga
6 hours a day?No, because he is a revered figure.But bodybuilders are an easy target, so safe to bash.The fact is that bodybuilders are smart, disciplined and have a highly developed skill.

Predetermined interpretation
As a lifter (but not a bodybuilder), and trained as an anthropologist, I expected this to be a fun and illuminating book, especially in light of some of the other reviews.I think this is a decent book--Klein writes well and captures gym flavor decently--but not a good one.It seems to me that Klein had already decided, prior to his empirical work, that bodybuilding was an outgrowth of or response to a sense of inadequacy.As far as I can tell, he never puts his interpretation to any kind of test: rather, he merely picks out those facts that support his interpretation and glosses them with a great deal of unsupported speculation.There is actually counterevidence to some of his claims in the book, but he never deals with it as such.All in all, I think it is a shame to spend seven years doing fieldwork only to rehearse a fairly standard bias against bodybuilders.If you read this book, balance it with another Roland S. Persson's short book Big Bad & Stupid or Big Good & Smart, which is a more controlled and better evidenced study.Persson's book is hard to find, but exposes some of the kinds of bias implicit in Klein's study.

an interesting book for anybody who weight trains
When I was a little kid Use to marvel at many of the bodybuilders. Arnold Swartzengger was my childhood hero. I bought flex magazine regulary. I bought Weider training videos. When I was 12 years old I bought all this bodybuilding stuff and I wanted to look like Arnold when I grew up. Well somewhere along the way I lost interest in bodybuilding and got more interested in sports in high school. This book explains why young teenager boys 7are lured to bodybuilding because they are insecure and want to make up for it by being very muscular and strong. This book did an excellent job of explaining the lifestyle of the bodybuilder and the motives why they became bodybuilders. I found much of the information true, however on some occasions I think the author's analysis was flawed. For instance the author said something along the lines that bodybuilders just have big muscles, but don't have enough strength to lift very heavy weights. So they just look strong, unlike powerlifters who can lift very heavy weights. This is not true bodybuilders don't lift very heavy weights because they wan't to isolate muscles rather than try to lift the most weight. Many bodybuilders could bench press just as much as a powerlifter if they used bad form, arched their back,and wore bench shirts. Other than that this book was fantastic! This book reveals how bodybuilder is more like an addiction rather than dedication for many bodybuilders. Many bodybuilders couldn't stop lifting weights if they wanted to. It really is a depressing book to read. Bodybuilders spend as much as 8 hours a day in a gym some of that time training, some of socialicing. This book reveals how bodybuilders throw their life away to the gym and because of it they fail to develop the necessary friendships and social skills necessary for a healthy life. This book reveals bodybuilders are dirt poor and because of that they often resort to prostiution and selling steriods just to get by. I remeber my classmates telling me not to get into bodybuilding because most of them are gay, after reading this book I realize my friends were right and I am glad I didn't go into bodybuilding. This book reveals their is a lot more risks in bodybuilding besides steroids. Anyone who is seriously considering bodybuilding should read this book first so they know exactly the lifestyle they will be getting into.

Readable format, intriguing study.
Insightful examination of an extreme manifestation of societal tendency, and how this reflects on gender construction in our society as a whole.
I purchased this book for use as one of the (many!) references for my thesis (on gender role traits and food selection.)
While probably not for a lay audience, this book is written in a very easy-to-read style for a study. Although I have to do hours and hours of reading every single day, I still found that this book held my interest.

Big Words
I found this book to be interesting and true when it comes to bodybuilding.It is not always an easy read.It may be better suited for someone in the industry or at least an anthropologist ... Read more

Book Description
Lee Haney is the only man to win eight Mr. Olympia titles--and he won them consecutively. Host of his own television show, he is one of the most popular figures in bodybuilding and fitness. His work with boxer Evander Holyfield and basketball star Kevin Willis has proven that weight training can ehnance performance in other sports; his Atlanta-based gym, Lee Haney's World Class Fitness Center, teams up with the city to promote general heath and good fitness for everyone.Lee Haney's Ultimate Bodybuilding presents the training program and mental perparation that helped Haney dominate the Mr. Olympia competition. Beginners and experienced athletes alike can learn from Haney, by following his instructions and examining the photographs that show the proper form for each exercise.This book includes:A beginners workout: a safe and doable program to get startedAdvanced bodybuilding: Haney's secrets to building muscle mass, strength and symmetryA healthy, safe, steroid-free nutrition and diet planCross-training workouts for other sports, including Haney's special program for Evander HolyfieldThe Mr. Olympia titles in reviewTips for competitive bodybuilders, from mental readiness to the seven mandatory poses.Comparative photographs of other top bodybuilders ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Lee Haney remains numero uno
This quality book by a quality gentleman who just happens to be the most prolific (and least disputed) Mr. Olympia is a book that needs to be read if you're serious about a serious subject. I recommend the Lee Haney videos which can accentuate what this book displays page after page. Warning: the mesomorphic form he's been blessed with is rarely built to this level of symetry and depth, so your results won't match, just use the techniques to accentuate your own gift.Mr. Haney's cable [ch. 19, in Fort worth] show combines more about mind-, body- and spirit-strengthening in twenty-five minutes than anyone. Since he autographed my copyat the one chance I had to hear him speak, it's priceless. He remains "TotaLee Awesome"!

Way too hardcore
This book is definitely not for beginners or even intermediate or advanced bodybuilders.It is for the pros!The routine is Haney's own and is way too much for normal people.Besides, each person's body is unique and will require a different routine to build mass.Try "Weider's System of Bodybuilding" for a more personalized approach.

Great Stuff
Forget Schwarzenegger's "Encyclopedia of Modern Bobybuilding," Mike Mentzer's "Heavy Duty," or Dorian Yates's "Blood and Guts."This is THE book to have for increasing srength and health viaweightlifting--simple, effective, no nonsense.And Haney's workouts forhis celebrity clients--among them Evander Holyfield--provides interestingreading.

This is one of my alltime favorite bodybuildingbooks.
I've read tons of bodybuildingbooks but this isone of the best. Lee Haney is my favorite bodybuilder. This book is full of training routines for different levels. I really like that.

This book covers all aspects of bodybuilding, from beginner
It is no surprise that this book is top quality considering that it is written by the record-holding greatest bodybuilder of all time.Lee Haney takes the reader comprehensively through all the stages in the bodybuildingprocess, beginner through expert.He even includes a section on thetraining routines of such athletes like Evander Holyfield. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

good pictures
This book wasn't great. I don't like the format of this book the way it was written by several different contributors. I don't feel it has any particular flow or direction. It touches of some supplements and on the macro and micronutrients but doesn't outline any particular diets for anything. If you want to read a little about effervescent creatine, a little about protein, a little about calcium, and a little about a few other topics then I guess this book would be for you but you can find way better information in other books or online. I don't recommend this book.

Two stars because of its legacy...
...I mean, after all, this is the Ironman series we're talking about...but for content, avoid this.Rather, do yourself a favor and pick up Franco Columbo's book.It is far, far superior and will give you much better results, and much superior advice.

However, all the other Ironman books, with the exception of the "natural bodybuilding" book, should be picked up.

one long advertisement for endless supplementation
This book basically is one long justification for taking lots of supplements.I've been down this road, and at some point startedto ask myself -- do the guys writing this have a reason to want you to buy supplements?Of course they do.Ironman is a muscle mag.Its revenues come from advertisements from the people who sell supplements.If Ironman starts dinging the idea that supplements work, its revenues dry up and it goes out of business.Are protein bars useful as a quick meal replacement?I think so.Does taking chromium lead to six pack abs?Please.Hit the gym hard, watch what you eat, and save your money.

ironmans ultimate nutriton
I bought this book as well as the Ironmans ultimate mass guide.I foundboth books to be of great vaulue.I have learned a great deal aboutnutrition.Although the book does not cover a great deal, it does howeverexplain how to build a good nutrional base.I suggest anyone wanting tolearn about mass and nutrion,get both books as they complment each othervery well.I rate this book 4 to 4 1/2.I did not know what I was missing tilnow. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Great Book!
The book is a great reference for the right foods to eat for weight training. You should buy it if you are interested! ... Read more

Book Description
Better Than Steroids! is a summary of what you need to know to be a successful bodybuilder, athlete or just to look freaking good.It covers in a stepwise fashion, the information you need to succeed.I will review why and how anabolic steroids work, which will lead us into why food programs, eating plans and tricks like the pre and post workout meal are not only comparable to anabolic steroids, but better!I will review the importance of tracking your body composition, as those who are meticulous enough to do so are the ones who keep improving.I will give you a quick synopsis of water, and will review information directly from What Does Your Doctor Look like Naked? Your Guide to Optimal Health such as Food Timing and The Free Window.

The meat of the book is the eating plans.I have reviewed the top four eating plans for guaranteed success.They come with detailed instructions on how they work, when they work best, and how to design one for yourself.From leaning up to bulking up, these are the eating plans that work.They teach you how to use the most powerful drug out there, food, to your advantage.I say it all the time, "Anyone can exercise, but only the ones who know HOW to eat make improvements!"

This is followed by the pre and post workout meals, the most important meals in a bodybuilder's day.With this information on utilization of these powerful meals, mass gain is optimized, fat is burned, soreness is reduced and recovery is enhanced!I then cover glycogen supercomensation, a dominant technique in the quest for maximal muscle gain.BTS started out with a full chapter on supplements, but near the end I felt it was more important and beneficial to get the eating plans understood, as this is the true power in a bodybuilder's bag of tricks.I have included a few supplements' in an appendix, and will plan to use the rest in future books.

There is a detailed review of the most successful cardio routine out there, the High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) program.There is a section on weight lifting practices, as monotony in the gym will be the death of your goal attainment. Finally, BTS provides some algorithms for putting all the information together for your optimal achievement. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Better than Steroids
Better than Steroids is a great book for anyone interested in bodybuilding.I have been training for 3 years now and I thought I knew what I was doing until I read this book.He keeps everything as simple as possible while giving you exact formulas for building muscle.I have only been training according to his book for a month now and have already lost 8 lbs of fat and gained 8 lbs of muscle and this is only the beginning. I am still learning and there are several more techniques in the book I haven't even tried.

At first, I was optimistic of some of Dr. Willey's ideas and decided to get a second opinion from a former semi-professional body builder with a degree in nutrition.He verified everything in the book that we discussed. Dr. Willey keeps the reading to the point and really does teach you how to use food as a drug.I have read several books on nutrition but they are so full of technical details that it becomes hard to understand.Dr. Willey keeps the reading to the point and I highly recommend this book.

Easy to read
Good book, easy to read, up to date informations, easily usable in your day to day live, i recommend it to anyone who is serious about his health.

Someone who looks and acts the part
All too often when you go to a doctor they are the last ones you want to listen to when it comes to nutritional advice.Why?Because they rarely ever look that healthy themselves!Those ideas take a back seat with this doctor.Dr. Willey teaches us how to manipulate our bodies hormonal response using proper nutrition so that it's BETTER THAN STEROIDS!Just like another book I highly recommend (Men's Health TNT Diet: The Explosive New Plan to Blast Fat, Build Muscle, and Get Healthy in 12 Weeks) he cites just enough research to satisfy my academic side and doesn't go into too much detail to drag out what can be simply stated.This book is a must have for anyone looking to improve their physique.

Best book I've ever Read!!
The best book ever published on health,nutrition,working out, it's all there!!! If you are wanting to change your body and health this book is a must!!Everything You Need To Know About Fat Loss

Better than steroids
This is a great book.It is a must have for any bodybuilder or anyone who want the knowlege of how to build a great body no matter what you look like now. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Ellington Darden is one of the best Bodybuilding Minds...
I have read ALOT of bodybuilding books, and about 95% of them are unacceptable, and full of useless information. I would say that Ellington Darden (in particular in this book) is one of the best.

The basic principles to follow (falls from combo of Arthur Jones, Mentzer, Darden, Parillo):

1. Perfect form on all exercises
-- This means smooth, slow movement - no bouncing, always
-- in control.

2. Heavy weight.
-- You need to tax the muscles, but while following principle
-- #1.

3. Go to Positive failure.
-- I go to failure on every exercise. This is fine as long
-- as you also follow principles #4, #5.

4. Brief Workouts.
-- Few sets. For Chest I do 3 sets bench, 3 sets incline.
-- No need to do 12 - 20 sets for any muscle if you follow
-- principle #3.

5. Get enough recovery.
-- I split my body into 4 parts and work each muscle once
-- every 8 days.

6. Follow good nutrition standards.
-- Eat well, and EAT TO WHAT YOU DO! In other words, you
-- need to get certain nutrients, amounts of protein and
-- carbs, calcium, etc. based on what you do each day. If
-- you aren't working out for a bit - adjust the diet.

7. Eat Frequently.

I could go on for days about what's in this book. It's a great book and the closest to my own workout principles of anything 've read. The only other person I'd recommend reading is Stuart McRobert. ... Read more

Book Description
This is the first book to gather scientific findings about progressive resistance training and to translate them into relevant and understandable training advice.Author of Powerlifting: A Scientific Approach and an editor for Muscle & Fitness magazine, Dr. Frederick C. Hatfield has written an invaluable book that analyzes training systems and techniques, progressive resistance exercises, nutrition and diet regimens, bodybuilding psychology, and muscle-growth pharmacology in light of actual scientific findings. Whether exploding misconceptions concerning isolation exercises or heavy-duty training; explaining the causes of overtraining, muscle soreness, muscle growth, and muscle shaping; or providing a pictorial history of bodybuilding (along with a history of certain bodybuilding principles), Bodybuilding: A Scientific Approach addresses the real concerns of the serious bodybuilder in a language that can be readily understood. Through use of recent research, charts, graphs, tables, and photos, Dr. Hatfield delivers vital, new information no bodybuilder--male or female--should be without.

• Rare photographs of early bodybuilding contests
• Listings of winners from all major contests
• Advantages and disadvantages of free weights and exercise machines
• Vitamin and mineral charts listing best sources of nutrients for bodybuilders
• Pros and cons of steroid use
• Efficacy ratings of ergogenic aids
• Latest research findings on relaxation and tension control techniques

Customer Reviews (3)

A great starting place
Being an engineer, I like numbers and Dr. Harfield's book lays out a beginner's course by the numbers; what to do, how much, and how to recognize when you're overtrained.It was great for me.

Difficult to follow
This book is full of good information, and I am a big fan of Dr Hatfield. But at times this can be a difficult read. It is like reading a text book and some of the workout applications are difficult to follow.

THE Book of Bodybuilding Intelligence!
I have purchased many books on bodybuilding and some are better than others when it comes to the training. However, I have found none that compared to this intelligently written book that discussed the importanceof strength training in one's OVERALL health, nor has any book given such aclear example of WHY bodybuilding can be such an important path to aperson's MENTAL, health and outlook. This book has been a goldmine ofmotivation for me....and has given me the REASONS why bodybuilding can besuch a wonderful sport to be involved in.....far beyond the aesthetics. ... Read more

Book Description
Continuously published since 1936, Ironman is the dean of bodybuilding magazines. It has been showcasing every major bodybuilder, training technique, scientific advance, as well as other aspects of the iron game, longer than any other bodybuilding magazine. With articles by and photos of the greatest names in the sport, the Ironman archives represent the best of bodybuilding.This definitive, information-packed volume contains Ironman's best information on natural bodybuilding, diet, and nutrition. Ironman's Ultimate Guide to Bodybuilding Nutrition contains up-to-date bodybuilder-tested information on how you can achieve maximum results naturally. This fully illustrated book is for natural bodybuilders who want to attain a massive, ripped physique without using dangerous drugs and synthetic hormones. The routines, tricks, and secrets provided are designed by and for natural bodybuilders and are used by top natural champions. Included is complete information on:

• Natural arm training
• Natural leg training
• Natural back training
• Natural shoulder training
• Natural chest training
• Drug-free spiritual, emotional, and physical growth
• Scientific bodybuilding techniques
• Mass-building hardgainer routines
• Power-mass training workouts
• Natural fat-burning workouts

Customer Reviews (5)

Ironman mag readers avoid.
Not a bad book on natural bodybuilding but if you have read ironman magazine this book is really nothing new.And it contains a lot of picture of bodybuilders that are oviously not natural.

Some Interesting Articles and Approaches To "Somewhat Natural" Bodybuilding
I bought this book a few weeks ago and have gone through the majority of it already. I was looking for something that was more in line with how I train, that is without drugs.

I'm not even remotely a competitive bodybuilder and bodybuilding training is something I do in addition to doing other physical disciplines like Pilates and Yoga (which I do every day including the days I hit the weights), so my focus is on building strength and some mass, but health is the most important bottom line for me so using any types of bodybuilding drugs isn't even something I'd consider. I think the bodybuilders that use drugs are making a mockery of what bodybuilding should be, that is it should be a reflection of a healthy lifestyle rather than a bunch of "buffed up" and "Juiced up" guys who "look" fit and healthy when in truth they are poisoning themselves with all sorts of illegal and life threatening substances.

Anyway, regarding the book:)

The good point is that there is a lot of food for thought on training without the use of extreme drugs. There are very interesting articles about trying to induce the body to use it's natural resources to create muscle mass by triggering it through various means. I also enjoyed some of the chapters that featured various "natural" bodybuilders. Whether they are completely natural or not, these guys still look human compared to the freaks out there (in a large part thanks to the IFBB whimping out and failing to test bodybuilders all these years not to mention all the press given to the juicers)

The less good point is the constant mention of various means of "supplements" which may not be as extreme as some the chemical substances out there, but these still seem a far cry from what I consider to be truly natural bodybuilding.

To me, true natural bodybuilding should focus of course on training and definitely on nutrition, including supplements. However, the types of supplements that I would consider really natural would still be very much food based. Things like soy protein, whey proteins etc. I don't know enough about creatine to know if that should be in the same category as whey and soy. Of course vitamins and minerals would fit into this category.

But so many of the things mentioned such as "cort block" and the like seem to be in an in between realm between what I consider natural and the types of insane staks many of the modern bodybuilders are obviously on. For anyone to think those IFBB bodybuilders aren't taking loads of drugs is an insult to anyone who has a clue about what a body can naturally look like.

Still, all that being said, I'm glad I purchased this Ironman book because at least most of the guys in the book do look considerably more human than the guys who are obviously juicing and that was a relief.

Also, I think the fact that natural bodybuilders have to learn not to overtrain is a critical point that I wish I learned many years ago back in my late twenties/early thirties when I was definitely pushing myself into an overtraining zone. Back then I was reading articles and books that had routines that really only are effective if you are using drugs. A natural bodybuilder couldn't recover using those programs and therefore overtraining was inevitable. Of course they never mentioned the fact that drugs were a pre-requisite for those programs.

I am a lot wiser thanks to books like this one and I'm not beating myself up to the point where I can't recover. Plus at 46 years old, I need to be especially careful about letting my body recover after training.

So, if you're looking for a book that is a welcome relief compared to much of what is out there, yet one that still touches upon the many new supplements being used by what are considered natural bodybuilders, then you might really find this book useful.

Junk
I would have thought that "Natural Bodybuilding" means bodybuilding without chemicals, including exotic supplements.But various participants in this book describe substantial supplement routines, including one fellow who says he took (at date of writing) androstenedione and a staggering 453 grams of protein daily(!!!).Another contributor describes Cort-Bloc; yet another talks about taking effervescent creatine, insulin mimickers, androgen precursors, HMB, etc.This is "Natural"???

Too much of the bodybuilding industry rides on profits made from pitching exotic substances whose long-term effects on human beings is unknown.The hard reality is that truly natural bodybuilding will not make you look like the full-time fitness models (who always look vaguely ill to me), unless you have incredible genetic gifts.

Save your money.

Not Impressed
I take exception with the claim that: "Continuously published since 1936, Ironman is the dean of bodybuilding magazines. It has been showcasing every major bodybuilder, training technique, scientific advance, as well as other aspects of the iron game, longer than any other bodybuilding magazine."

That statement would be correct if the writer was referring to the old "Iron Man" magazine, edited by Perry and Mabel Rader, from Nebraska. It was a tremedous resource for accurate and helpful training advice, without the Hoffman/Weider bias. It introduced the writings of Arthur Jones and other notables, as well as the supplements of Rheo Blair. However, for whatever reason (probably the lack of advertising) it went under. The new Iron Man magazine, from which this book usurps it's name, is no more connected to the orginal, than the resurrected Muscular Development is to the old York publication. They appear to be more showcases for steroid/hormone users; as well as supplement and equipment catalogs, than sources of helpful information.

I would be more interested in a reprint of Vince Gironda's "Unleashing the Wild Physique," or Steve Reeves "Building the Classic Physique."

GOOD BOOK FOR NATURAL BODYBUILDERS
THIS BOOK HAD SOME VERY GOOD BASIC INFORMATION ON TRAINING, NUTRITION AND SUPPLEMENTATION. THE INFORMATION WAS VERY UP TO DATE. WHAT I ALSO PARTICULARLY LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK WAS ITS PROFILES OF SOME OF THE NATURAL BODYBUILDERS OF TEAM UNIVERSE. IT ALSO PROFILED SOME BODYBUILDERS WHO AVERAGE PEOPLE CAN RELATE TO. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE EXTREME IN BODYBUILDING WITH THE USE OF DRUGS OBVIOUS BUT UNSPOKEN,LOOK ELSEWHERE. BUT IF YOU ARE INTO BODYBUILDING NATURALLY THIS IS "THE BOOK" FOR YOU. ... Read more

Book Description
This book is ideal for the non reader, the person who neither has the time no patience to sift through chapter after chapter looking for an author's main idea. Understanding Bodybuilding Nutrition and Training is a follow up to Aceto's Championship Bodybuilding. It contains, in a unique question and answer format, the answers to the most difficult to coprehend and often conflicting informatio on training, building mass, muscle recruitment, rep speed and nutrition. Here's what the author has to say regarding its format, "We learn and understand by asking questions. From the pre schooler to the University Scholar, the fundamental way to obtain new information and knowledge is by asking. I arranged this book in a simple 'Q and A' format to make it easy for the reader to get exact answers to questions regarding losing fat, holding muscle while dieting and building mass."The book also contais a dictionary of common bodybuildig terms, defining everything from lipolysis, to carbo loading to sarcomere- for the information buffs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

A complete waste of time
This "book" is a series of bland questions compled with hyperbolic answers. The author is incapable of suing the english language, and appears incapableof undertakking research. Far from being scientific in approach, often there will either be a bald contention (I do this so it must be right) or simply wrong statements (eg the claim that there are no studies on the preferable number of sets). The book is barely readable, coming in the form of stream of consciousness q and a's, dogmatically presented with no real analysis, depth or insight. The layout is decidly unimaginative, sparse text interspersed with (wholly unrelated) pictures of body builders. There are no explanatory graphics or charts. I feel decidedly cheated in purchasing this book. And SURELY publishers should be able to correct a guy who doesn't know the distinction between your and you're. Buy a men's health instead.

Not sure this is a good buy
The last pages are a waste (glossary, about 100 pages), but the rest of it is in a question answer format that at times seem to contradict themselves.I think he should stick with nutrition he seems to know that, and leave the bodybuilding questions to people who know what they are talking about. Also just one side note I thought that he was disrespectful to Mike Mentzer calling him "ignorant". I am not a huge fan of Mike Mentzer, but I think that he forgot more about bodybuilding than Chris will ever know. I usually like Chris Aceto's books, this one however is not typical of his work.

Good but expected somthing different...
The only reason I am giving it 4 stars is because i bought his other two books, championship bodybuild and everything you need for fat loss and most questions were answered in those books.
so if you don't have either one and you have knowelege in those areas. If you have some questions buy this book since both are kinda mixed to make this one.

Not Bad
Chris Aceto is obviously a smart guy. It shows in his writing. You'll never find a bodybuilding book that is "art", but as a reference source this book is pretty good. I do have a few "cons" about this book, though: It's somewhat abivalent about the steroid issue. Some of the information in this book (though not the majority) seems to be geared toward the steroid-using bodybuilder without acknowledging it, which may be confusing to "naturals". There is almost a wink-and-a-nod about steroid use in a few of the glossary entries. However, this is not uncommon in bodybuilding books, so you'll have to judge for yourself if the information in these few entries is right for you. The other gripe I have is that this book is in need of a professional copy editor. There are numerous typos and grammatical inconsistencies. Overall, you may think I'm slamming this book, but I'm not. Dive into it with your eyes open and you can come away with some good stuff, especially about non- or low-controversial supplements like vitamins, minerals, etc.

advantage sneak peak into bodybuilding
WOW! Mr.Aceto hits a home run again! This book sheds light into little hidden truths. Many great gems to be discovered as you turn page to page. Truths that really get no main stream pub, such as 2b fibers (the secret to true growth) and proven information reguarding fat loss and lean tissue gains. This is a must read for any bodybuilder. Being a national level competior myself, i found this book amazing. I also really liked the quick reference check for supplemention and the easy to read format. This is my supplement shoppe's 1# selling book! Listen, If you are searching for and want true and real insight from the leader of the pack, this book is for you!I was a little shocked at some of the other reveiws I just read. Are they reading the same book?Mr. Aceto is the most credited trainer around! Heck, even Joe Weider has him writitng for his magazines. If you want mass-buy this book! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

The Dirty Little Secret
I agree with all above that this is a fine book. I wish there were more such insightful forays into other sports. My one quibble with Pumping Iron is that whistles past the graveyard of the great dark evil, steroids. One reading this book would get the impression that all of the bodybuilders within had sculpted their physiques with weightlifting, diet, dedication, and genetics. The truth is, all the stars of that era relied heavily on steroids, as subsequent admissions by such as Arnold Schwarzenegger have revealed. That, and the near-death disaster to Steve Michalik from steroid overdose (the book attributes his great "sea change" gain of muscle mass to heavy weight training and eating a lot of chicken and tuna fish) are crucial facts for the reader to know. To ignore the dirty little secret of big-time bodybuilding is dishonest, and presents a disservice to the readership. I would enthusiastically welcome another edition of Pumping Iron, as suggested above- it's a fine book- but I would repect Messrs. Gaines and Butler the more if they would address the steroid issue.

These were the real champions
I book this book back in 1973 and then lost it in a flood but was able to get a copy at a used book store.These were the real champions and pioneers of bodybuilding; Arnold, Nubret, Columbu, Zane, Corney, Waller, Katz etc.You rarely see training photo's like this and heretofore, never saw bodybuilders depicted as real people as Gaines and Butler did with this work and the movie that followed.Pumping Iron and a Mega-Superstar German with a hard to prononunce last name literally took bodybuilding into the mainstream and turned the stars of our sport into household names.While I was lucky to find a copy of this book at a used book store, I really feel that Gaines and Butler should have a reprint for people who would like a new, first class copy; perhaps even a revised version showing where those champions are today.Great book Mr. Gaines and Mr. Butler.

Intriguing Look At Subculture Of Competitive Bodybuilding!
It is no overstatement to attribute to the publication of this book much of the fitness revolution that first began in the 1970s. It lionized the then relatively obscure sport of bodybuilding, and in particular made much notice of the then only marginally known figure of a relatively young Austrian muscle freak with the unlikely name of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The book proved such a trenchant and penetrating look into the shadowy subculture of fitness freaks and muscle-heads that it created a boom in the gym business, which previously existed only in a few locations where the numbers of bodybuilders reached enough of a critical mass to allow such a commercial venture. In fact, as Gaines points out in the narrative, most of the gyms were owned by guys like Joe Gold, who weren't in the gym business to make a profit, and who merely managed to eke out a living, and who rarely made much of a return on their original investment.

Of course, this affectionate and knowing look at the life and lifestyles of several serious competitive bodybuilders was so successful that it encouraged the photographer, George Butler, to try to find backing for a film version of the book. And it was a difficult sell, for the movie mavens had little appreciation for the degree of public interest in muscles and muscle men then. Indeed, the movie was never released for wide commercial viewing, but was rather relegated to showings at art cinemas and other venues. Yet the book was a resounding success, and was on the best-selling trade books for months and months.

The book can still be found in used bookstores, and is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in the history of bodybuilding or the lifestyles of the most famous musclemen of the late 1960s and 1970s. I have several copies, although I lost one in a fire last year. It is a shame it is now out of print, for the book (and the subsequent movie) capture the essence of the exotic little world of competitive bodybuilding as it existed in the days when the sport was marginalized, before it became big business, and before eager young men who want fame and riches got involved for that reason rather than because they just wanted to be bodybuilders. Ah, the good old days!Enjoy!

Brought bodybuilding into the spotlight
Before this book, bodybuilding was an obscure sport that nobody cared about or was interested in. Pumping Iron changed all that with it's realistic look at the sport with many pictures of the champions of the 70's& early 80's at work and play. Shattered many of the myths that peoplebelieved about bodybuilders and presented them as ordinary people with anintense drive and competitive will.

What Bodybuilding Is
This engrossing documentary/commentary of bodybuilding is the Bible of what bodybuilding IS. It does not drown you with technical detail, nor attempt to teach you HOW to bodybuild. What it does is bring you inside the gyms, (where the competitors work out) the arenas (where they compete) and inside their minds, where the peculiar and fascinating drive for the physical ideal finds its germination, growth and finally fruit on the posing platform. Why they do what they do, and just a smattering of detail of the equipment they use to accomplish their ends, rounds out this book. It is centered around a not-then-well-known Arnold Schwarzeneggar in his quest for the ultimate bodybuilding title, the Mr. Olympia. A few other competitors are also featured along with their quest for physical perfection and recognition of that by the bodybuilding contest judges. The well-placed and very informative pictures of the athletes at work in the gym, at play and in competition were a constant source of fascination to me as a teenaged boy, and I spent uncounted hours slowly flipping through the pages and examining every detail of what I thought a physique SHOULD look like. If you have ever been mildly curious of what essence makes men into bodybuilders, or have wondered WHY they do this, this book is for you. I recommend it very highly, and would probably be flipping through it right now if I had it, so inexhaustible is its supply of interesting information! ... Read more

Book Description
This unique book examines the diet and nutritional needs of an active athlete, offers nutritional information to fit specific types of exercise, and includes over 200 delicious recipes to help athletes plan meals that fit their individual needs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Definitely Builds Mass
The title I'm referring to is 'Joe Weider's Bodybuilding System', which I hope is what this title is also referring to.This is an old book, at least 10-12 years anyway, from when I first bought it.I noticed the results of following the training routines within a month.But I had been diligently following some routines from a set of instructions that came with a set of York barbells and plastic plates.I had started the York-based routines and had been following them for about a year at that time.The cumulative results from all of the York procedures was some 'extraordinary' definition in my upper back and some bruising in the joints between my upper and lower arms that never went away all during the York-based training.That was all.

The results from the Weider system, however, were remarkably more pronounced.However, due to scholastic stress and time contraints I had to discontinue all weight-training after a mere month and a half into the Weider system.However, my chest and upper arms were really starting to pack on the mass.I measured the progress, and my arms had increased by two to three inches.Hopefully I'll be able to re-claim lost progress when I try these routines out again, ten years later.

There was also another side affect:I was helping my Dad move furniture one evening during the Weider training when this stinging, itchy feeling started in my armpits.A day later, there were some purple stretch marks stretching from my armpits up and over along the inner side of my upper arms.It's something to watch out for perhaps; what to really do about it, I truly don't know.But it's more proof that the Weider system really works to some degree--even without 'unnatural' supplements.

Follow it religiously
If you want to get big, follow everything what this book says, religiously.This is the best book in bodybuilding I read so far.You may also want to read "Arnold's Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding".Another comprehensive although lengthy book.Only read this if you are serious.But for everyone else, Weider's book is fine and to the point.I have been working out for four years now and I must say the most important things about building muscle is not to overdo it, change it up often to trick the muscles, and mentally, think BIG.I believe these are universal points because as you will find out, many muscle building tips are not and are different for everyone.

If you only buy 3 books on bodybuilding, this should be one.
Contains all of the classic excercises and routines. This is a great back-to-basics source and was the source for most of the excercises I used to become huge 12 years ago. After years of neglect I dug it out andstarted building my routine again (all-natural, this time). There's nosubstitute for hard work and this book describes correct form andintensification techniques. Combine it with The Complete Book of Abs andBikram's Beginning Yoga, for a powerhouse workout trio. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

somewhat dated
Awesome book although some of the info is somewhat dated.Great section on fascia stretching for size.Parillo is one of the pioneers in the world of bodybuilding.

Revolutionary
John Parrillo is a visionary who has been setting the world of bodybuilding on its ear for a decade. Parrillo poses not just theories, but facts that he has obviously proven time and again with the many physiqueshe has improved. A must read for anyone serious about changing theirphysique.

Great all around Nutritional info for bodybuilders!
This book Has lots of information not only on Food and Supplements, but italso explains how to use MCT oilas a FAT-FREE source of calories! Thereis also plenty of information on lifting and streching techniques! Amustfor all who want maximum Gains. ... Read more

Product Description
Simply listening to this subliminal CD is an amazing and effective way to enhance your body building activities and results. Play it in the background while you work, workout, play, relax or sleep. Beautiful music and ocean waves are the only audible sounds you hear while powerful affirmations and hypnotic suggestions soak into your subconscious mind.If you feel too tired to workout or just don't have the motivation, let this CD help. After listening just a few times, you will find your motivation to weight train increase and your desire to get healthy and fit become a part of your daily life. Your need to lift becomes a powerful drive and time for working out suddenly becomes easier to fit into your life. If you want to have a sculpted, well-defined physique, this CD is for YOU. Your subconscious mind will soak in the powerful subliminal suggestions that will begin transforming your body into the one youve always wanted! This Subliminal CD was produced & created using the most sophisticated digital recording & processing available today. The background provides ocean waves & beautiful synthesizer music to enhance your relaxation. You hear no audible words or voices. This subliminal product contains hundreds of positive affirmations recorded onto one relaxing CD. Although the words aren't audible, they are there and they are powerful! The affirmations are masked by beautiful music & soothing ocean waves. The affirmations are powerful & designed to bring about safe, healthy & permanent changes in your life. With so many subliminal products on the market, be cautious to purchase only REAL subliminal recordings with NLP (NeuroLinguistic Programming) affirmations. Proper production, recording, scripting, & duplication are vital in creating such a powerful product. Use only the BEST! Trust Mind Design technology & expertise. ... Read more