Product Description

Over 1 million copies sold! With new exercises, additional stretches, and more of Frédéric Delavier’s signature illustrations, you’ll gain a whole new understanding of how muscles perform during strength exercises. This one-of-a-kind best-seller combines the visual detail of top anatomy texts with the best of strength training advice.

Customer Reviews (338)

THIS BOOK KICKS GLUTEUS MAXIMUS!
AND IT WILL MAKE YOU DIESEL!

YO I HATE THE FRENCH BUT I DON'T HATE FREDERIC DELAVIER (SP?)!

I LEARNED MAD WORDS AFTER READING THIS LIKE TRAPEZIUS AND BRICEPS BRACHII AND PUBIC SYMPHISIS (THAT'S YOUR DICKBONE YALL!)

ANYWHO, EVEN IF YOU DON'T WANNA READ, THE PICTURES THEMSELVES ARE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS AND THAT'S ALL YOU NEED.

SO START PUMPIN AND STOP SLUMPIN,

GO COP STRENGTH TRAINING ANATOMY LIKE YESTERDAY!

BEST BOOK ON ANATOMY AND STRENGTH TRAINING
With over 20 yrs experience body building, this is the best book I have every come across regarding strength training. It's a must for novice and experts alike.

strength training great way to do it yourself
Great book, very detailed.If you are looking to find new exercises to freshen up a stale workout, this is the book.It shows the exact muscle groups impacted by an exercise so you can focus on shaping and increasing that muscle group.

Very useful
I found this book to be so informative, especially when designing your own exercises to work specific muscles. Although I'm a qualified personal trainer, this book could be used by complete beginners to strength training. I may even buy the book specifically for women, as it seems to have a few more glute exercises in there (and who doesn't want to work on their glutes!)

Strength Training
I bought this book as a gift for my cousin who is currently studying kinesiology. He said the book was pretty good, very insightful and a good index when he had questions. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (13)

Weight Training for Cyclists
Excellent!I have an extensive background in resistance training.I was a little reluctant to even buy the book since I have spent several years as an instructor and lifter.What could they teach me that I didn't already know?Boy, am I glad I jumped on this!Training for an endurance activity requires a different periodization model than I was used to.None the less, I decided to follow the program as written - and drawn!

It started out way too "easy" for some one who is as obviously advanced as me...(-;But I stuck with the script as we progressed through the 4 week cycles presented in the book.Wow!What a change in my functional strength!The program manipulates all phases of the workout to challenge the body to adapt at a rapid rate, while not wearing you into the ground.I like to ride, and when it was time to really pound on the bike the strength program switched to a maintenence mode - which allowed me to keep the gains I had made in the winter.

I am looking forward to getting going this winter!

This book is great for novices to experienced lifters.You will benefit whether you are a racer or just a weekend hack like me.Can't recommend it enouhg!

Excellent reference for cyclists
This book was a great reference tool for me as I developed my training plan this year. As a marathon runner I had seen great strides in my development when I added weight training to my training. I've switched from marathon running into cycling and wanted to understand what exercises I should be doing to help improve my cycling but most of what I knew was running-specific. This book did a great job of explaining the different areas you need to work and which exercises to do and when to work them into your training plan. Others have reviewed this book and said that some of the ways exercises are diagrammed or explained are potentially dangerous.

Before I try any new exercises I always check them with a trainer at my gym to make sure I am doing them correctly as anyone should do. This isn't a change from anything I normally would do, but based on some negative reviews on this site I feel it is a good step to check that I am doing everything correctly.

Buy it if you are trying to improve your cycling and don't know how to add weight training to your routine.
Don't buy it if you aren't serious about cycling and willing to spend time in a gym weight training to improve your riding.

Good for newbies to fitness
I encourage anyone who isn't very active to get this book, especially if you're interested in cycling. But for someone that's got years of experience in the weight room, this book won't help you so much. I bought it because I'm new to cycling, but the exercises in it are standard, with nothing really new to help you performance-wise.

Basically it can be summed up with lunges, squats, etc., with enough upper body and ab/lower back work to keep you balanced, all of which can be found in any exercise book. I'm kind of disappointed, as I thought it would be more sports-specific, but like I said, it'd be great for newcomers to fitness and cycling in general.

plenty of misinformation in this book
that this book gets such great reviews is proof of how little the general public knows about weight training.many of the pictures and instructions for lifts is wrong, which is potentially dangerous.among the worst is the power clean which shows an atrocious way to set up, and a dangerous way to catch.deadlift setup is also wrong.

but nothing compares to the idiotic way the authors treat the squat. recommending athletes to engage in qtr and half squats is at irresponsible and possibly negligent.its far more dangerous than a full squat (do a force diagram) and does very little in the way of building strength bc the muscles are not stretched to the proper extent to force an adaption.

if you want weightlifting advice, i would suggest getting it from powerlifting or olympic lifting books.

Excellent book for weight training
Hi all

Excellent book for weigth training, some movements that I never tried and many advices new for me even after 15-20 years of biking, good decision

Saludos ... Read more

Product Description
A properly executed strength or weight lifting regimen can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, stabilize your blood sugar, reduce the risk of heart disease, increase your strength, and more. Weight Training For Dummies, Third Edition, is packed with all the information you need to start your own personalized weight training program and get yourself into peak condition fast. You’ll find out about:

• Circuit and resistance training
• 20-minute weight training routines
• The newest and best weight training equipment
• Combining weight training with other exercise
• Gender differences in weight training goals and routines
• Specific approaches for baby boomers and seniors just starting out
• Using weight training to address specific health conditions
• Preventing injuries
• Weight training for children and teens

If you’re getting pumped about weight training, don’t delay. Buy Weight Training for Dummies, Third Edition today, and you’ll be in shape in no time!Amazon.com Review
Any large bookstore has a few shelves of books about exerciseand fitness. Usually they fall into one of two categories: basic booksmeant for people who've never exercised before, and bodybuildingmanuals meant for people who do nothing but. Weight Training forDummies is just about the only book that spans the knowledge gapbetween the two groups. It has plenty of easy-to-understandinstruction for complete beginners, but there's also a lot ofinformation for those who've been training a while. In fact, someveteran gym rats may be startled by the authors' extreme skepticismabout nutritional supplements and some popular classes offered in manygyms. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (77)

Poorly structured
Useful information but poorly structured. The "how not to do it" section actually precedes the "how to" section! Also, it should have been designed so that the photos appear on the same page as the instructions even if that means wasting a little white space starting a new page for each exercise.

More than my money's worth!
I got my hands on a copy of Weight Training for dummies at a ridiculously low price. Books like this, with nothing but unbiased information, are great for building your knowledge and creating your own opinions. Thanks!

Excellent basic book
This is an excellent book for beginners, and covers most of the basics. Well organized, easy to read and easy to refer to later on again.

decent overview
Useful overview of weight training, though more photos would have been useful, especially in describing how to do the specific exercises.More discussion of the way one can train with multi gym devices would have been helpful as well.

for women
this book is for womenin one of the chapters it tells you that you cannot lose weight by excersing with weights this book after reading it is pretty much designed for women by women and is pretty much useless to men ... Read more

Product Description
An innovative approach to weightlifting, emphasizing increasing strength along with muscle size--from a renowned strength coach and nationally ranked powerlifter, and a veteran fitness journalist.

Most of the 23 million American men who lift weights do so to get bigger; unfortunately, many of them are going nowhere with watered-down bodybuilding routines that don't help them actually get stronger. Eric Cressey's cutting-edge four-phase program, featuring constant progression, variation, and inspiring goals, keeps you focused on increasing strength along with muscle mass, helping you achieve the fittest, most energetic, and best-looking body you've ever had--with fewer hours at the gym. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

Great Book
Very detailed workouts with pictures to demonstrate what is needed.Love the foam roller work and mobility exercises.

I have searched 16 years for this book!
This book is the best book out there, period.

I've tried everything from Weider, Arnold, New Rules of Lifting, Vince Delmonte, Men's Health and several other things.And by try, I mean giving the programs their full term and followed all of the advice.They all failed where Maximum Strength succeeded.

You have to buy this book if you want no BS results.

Must have
If you are serious about your workouts then you need to own this book. I own other books on lifting weights and body building, but this one is different. It puts the emphasis on becoming stronger and if you do the workouts exactly as written, you will do that. I have just completely my first 4 weeks on this 16 week program and I feel much more balanced and stronger already! This is a total body work out, not just staying in the gym for an hour or more at a time working out single body parts, which to me can get a little boring. Eric Cressey knows his stuff. Buy this book!!

Variety is nice.
I was looking for different exercise ideas. This book has a lot of interesting exercise variations.
Well written. This is actualy the second time I bought this book. I purchased it about 18 months ago and was using some of
the exercises. Recently was looking for the book again and couldn't find it, so I ended up buying it a 2nd time. So you could say I would buy it again!

Fantastic
If all you did was follow the foam-rolling and mobility work from this book, you would see great results in flexibility, pain-reduction, and injury prevention.I can't recommend this book enough for anyone who ventures into a weightroom with any amount of frequency. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

The name says it all! Leah Garcia really does "Make it Easy".
Leah Garcia hits one out of the ballpark with this easy to follow training gude. I used to walk into the gym and wonder where to start. Now, I bring Weight Training for Women to the gym with me and follow the program to get in a full body workout -- in much less time than ever before. Thanks for creating a wonderful resource, Ms. Garcia!

This is where the P90x guy learned to workout
I was author Leah Garcia's first personal training client in Boulder over 10 years ago.She was coming off a career as one of the top ranked mountain bike racers in the world.She was an expert on muscle confusion, periodization and proper nutrition long ago.I thought I was in decent shape for an almost 40 year old until I moved to Boulder and met Leah. She transformed me and my body in a short amount of time.We worked hard...I couldn't say no to her when she demanded one more rep...I loved it when she spotted me doing squats...and the other members of the gym enjoyed watching...her, not me.I learned so much about how to eat, when to eat, and what to eat to go along with the workouts.I still do what I learned from her all those years ago and I still enjoy great health, but live in KC instead of Boulder.I guarantee if you purchase the book and do exactly what she says and make it a lifestyle, you will be happy, fit, and healthy for years.You will enjoy her enthusiam for fitness no matter what age group you are in. I am buying 10 to give to wife and friends.It's about time she wrote this book!

Easy to read, informative, beautiful pictures
There are a lot of books on weight training but this is the first that hits a home run with it's straight forward, easy to follow content, images and layout.

The book is rich in explanation while maintaining an elegant simplicity that anyone can follow. It is the first, no the ONLY weight training book I wanted to browse like a coffee table book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Very Helpful
Our family is new to weight training & we found this book very helpful.It is clear & easy to understand & the pictures help make sure you have the correct form for the exercises.Would recommend!

Just what it says!
This book does provide basic instruction for a beginner with weight training that is easy to understand. It provides visuals of each exercise that follows the written instruction. It helped me add some exercises to my routine of using weight equipment at the gym.

good condition
I recieved it about 2 weeks after I placed the order, a little bit late. But the condition is very good.

Training workbook
I would highly recommend this book. It's easy to use and follow and gives clear instructions with pictures showing exactly how to do each exercise.

Basic but Complete
I purchased this book sight unseen.I was a novice in weight training.This book demonstates that one does not need a lot of special equipment to benefit from weight training: a few dumbbells, a chair and a mat are all that is required to begin.

The book explains, and shows in pictures, how to properly perform each technique.The muscle(s) involved are shown or explained for each exercise.It has a section for absolute beginners and an intermediate section.Both are helpful.My limited experience has shown that I must carefully review the basics often to ensure that I am getting the benefits and avoiding the possible injury pitfalls.The section on the importance of stretching is great.

This book is helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Wrestling is the most comprehensive and up-to-date wrestling-specific training guide in the world today. It contains descriptions and photographs of over 80 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide. This book features year-round wrestling-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other wrestling book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book was designed for wrestlers of all weight classes and skill levels to increase power, quickness, flexibility, and stamina. By following the programs in this book you will be able to maneuver around your opponents effortlessly and pin them more easily. You will be able to maintain a high intensity throughout the entire match without ever running out of energy.

Both beginners and advanced athletes and weight trainers can follow this book and utilize its programs. From recreational to professional, thousands of athletes all over the world are already benefiting from this book and its techniques, and now you can too!

As an added bonus, this book also contains links to free record keeping charts which normally sell separately for $20. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Nothing Innovative for Wrestling Specifically
I am a wrestling coach and father to three boys who love the sport. I was looking for a book to give my wrestlers an advantage over their competition...geared more towards the off season and what we can do as a team to make a jump up to the next level. What I found in this book was nothing new to anyone who has any sort of weight training experience. It does contain some useful information, and for someone who is looking to educate themselves about weight training for wrestling or football or other similar sports, this book will definately help. But I was looking for something a bit more innovative and specific to wrestling. I was disappointed.

weight training for Timothy
This was a gift, so I cannot review it, but knowing Amazon.com from past purchases for myself, I have no question it is good.



The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Wrestling

Good exercises
Has great exercises in it. Within a month I have already started to see and feel a gain.

absolutely necessary for those trying to build programs.
I just received the Ultimate Guide today and the second you open the book it's packed with knowledge. very specific for the twists and turns you will encounter with your workout programs, what works together with what to get the best results. ABSOLUTELY A MUST FOR THOSE TRYING TO BUILD A PROGRAM. ... Read more

Product Description
Getting into shape is actually quite simple.

Here is what you need to know!

Eat wholesome, natural food 75% of the time.
Eat 5-6 small meals each day.
Drink water.
Always eat breakfast.
Have a protein shake 1-3x per day.
Follow a proven weight training program.
Do a little cardiovascular activity that you enjoy.
TO LOSE FAT RIGHT NOW AND FAST - USE THE REVOLUTIONARY 5 DAY FAT MELTING WEEK!
THIS SECRET HAS HELPED 1000'S OF CLIENTS LOSE FAT(NOT MUSCLE) AND KEEP IT OFF FOREVER.

That's it!

Then why doesn t everybody follow this plan?

Because the plan is simple but in our fast paced society we are constantly confronted with junk food, fast food, new diets, old diets, workout gimmicks and a stream of fitness fads with little time to do any of them.

As most of you have discovered, diets and crazy workouts do not work, especially over the long term. Why? Because they do not work in the first place, or they demand a change in lifestyle so dramatic that you give up and go back to your old habits.

Weight Training Workouts and Diet Plan that Work will change your life!

IT IS THE TOTAL PLAN

It's simple. It's fast. It Works.
It will get you into shape forever! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Great book that works
A really well written and laid out book that WORKS! I am 4 and a half weeks in to the 12 week program andseeing real results. I look better now than have in over 10 years.

A Godsend!
I am the mother of 2 little ones (I also watch a 3rd) and my husband works late nights most days, so needless to say my days are rather hectic. I've been unable to drop the weight I gained with both pregnancies...that is until now. Mr. Orvis has given me hope. I needed a plan that was laid out for me. A "Do This and Eat That" sort of plan, and I got one! I'm not able to take the time to look through recipes, plan meals, grocery shop, cook and then plan my workout as well. I'm exhausted just thinking about all that work. This book lays it all out for you. Step by step in a 12-week, day-by-day format. Nice and easy. I'm also grateful that there are a lot of repeat ingredients so that I'm not buying half the store when I shop, but yet the menu is varied enough so that I don't get bored.
If I have a little extra time, I can make a more flamboyant meal. Example: One meal calls for baked fish, steamed brown rice, and steamed vegetables. If I don't have much time I can throw a frozen filet in the oven while I microwave steam in the bag brown rice and broccoli. OR I can take a little extra time and use a great fish recipe and add broiled asparagas and seasoned whole wheat couscous as an accompaniment.
The workouts are progressive and challenging. I love working out, the day in and day out of eating correctly is the hardest part for me. Exercise is just one hour out of my day. One very important hour, however.
Alas, I hear the baby calling...

The bookstore lady review
Running a book store I have spent alot of time reviewing many of the books that come into the store, especially the weight loss style books. This book is exactly as it is presented. It works! I am in my 50s and have been working out for 30 years. This has been the most effective program. The low carb week is difficult but it is only for 5 days and you will get results from the weight lifting. I have been weight lifting most of my life and I am a hard gainer. This has produced some great results. The best I have ever had and best of all this is not a complicated program with difficult food to prepare. I highly recommend this for all ages. You won't be disappointed.

Weight Training Workouts and Diet Paln
This a good book for basics about weightlifting and a good diet plan to coincide with your workouts.

Great Book for a Great price
I started working out a little over a 1 1/2 years ago after not working out for 11 years and having lots of weight to loose. I worked out w/ a personal trainer for 2 months and then did it on my own for 8 months and I just didn't feel like I wasn't getting the best work out. I went to amazon and got this book and used it w/my own diet and loved it! I haven't been bored and I have learned a lot and have been challenged along the way. I switch every 12 weeks between this book and his #2 workout book and love them both. I get done each day and I'm exhausted in a good way. It's like having a personal trainer but not the cost!! ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Swimming is the most comprehensive and up-to-date swimming-specific training guide in the world today. It contains descriptions and photographs of over 80 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide. This book features year-round swimming-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other swimming book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book was designed specially for swimmers to increase strength, speed, endurance, and stamina. Not long after you begin following this guide you will cut seconds off of all of your strokes. Swimmers of all skill levels will be able to finish without running out of gas and will be able to swim at record paces until the end of the meet.

Both beginners and advanced athletes and weight trainers can follow this book and utilize its programs. From recreational to professional, thousands of athletes all over the world are already benefiting from this book and its techniques, and now you can too!

As an added bonus, this book also contains links to free record keeping charts which normally sell separately for $20. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

DON'T Do IT!!!!!!!!!
A complete waste of $10!!!!!IDK what the author's swimming background was, hope he is not coaching age group swimmers!

Do not waste your money.
The book is a pathetic collection of cuts and pastes, very poor quality black and white pictures, and a bunch of pages filled with meaningless charts. Its a rip off.

weight training
This product would be good for someone who did not know the basics about dryland, but for someone with a solid background in weight training, it offered nothing I did not already know."Ultimate" isa misnomer, a better title would be "Basic Fundamentals of Weight Training".The approach was very old-school, I was looking for more updated training techniques.I found "Complete Conditioning for Swimming" by Dave Salo to be far superior.

Excellent!!
I strongly recommend this book. I've been using it for just one month and I see the improvement in my swimming workouts!!

GREAT SWIMMING BOOK
This book is an excellent training guide for the swimmer at any level.I have been swimming for many years and after reading this book I have taken my skills to a higher level.I feel much stronger in the pool and my endurance has really increased.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to anyone who loves to swim. ... Read more

Product Description
We’ve beefed up … with all new photos.

Both newbies and gym rats will want to get their hands on this updated edition. Now with an easier-to-use format, this guide gives each exercise a full 2-page spread, adding over new 300 photos. Included are additional exercises for all major muscle groups (incorporating bands, balls, and other non-traditional equipment), a section on bringing the gym experience home, and up-to-the-minute information on taking supplements.

-Earlier editions of this book have sold extremely well

-Includes a 2-color interior, oversized trim with more than 300 photos

-The International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association estimates that the U.S. commercial health club industry generated $12.7 billion in total revenues in 2003 (+6.0%), despite an overall flat economy

-A national study conducted by American Sports Data, Inc., found that the number of health club patrons climbed 6% to 59.4 million people in 2003, and U.S. membership is up 62% from a decade ago ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

insightful
Bought this for my teenager, the illustrations really helped him to figure out which exercises work which muscles.There is also info on nutrition.

weight
Not bad for bookmarking for future reference!
When you have to start somewhere, these are great!

Never received book!
I've been waiting for over a month and never received my book despite being billed for it on my credit card!I attempted to contact the seller twice and never even received a response!

For Beginner Lifters
This beginner's guide to weightlifting provides the basics for you to get started lifting.Also included are some common mistakes made in the gym.

Perfect for the beginner.
This book provides fantastic easy to use information for the beginning weight-lifter.If you are more advanced, you may already know the information in this book--though it sheds light on faulty techniques commonly seen in the gym. ... Read more

Product Description
Weight training is one of the fastest, most effective ways to lose fat, improve muscle tone, and strengthen bones. It also helps guard against osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease. Weights for 50+ shows how easy it is for anyone — at any age — to get started with weights. It teaches exercises that are suited to varying ages and degrees of strength, including super-easy, easy, intermediate, and advanced.

The program in Weights for 50+ focuses on the use of small free weights (starting at just 3 lbs.), and includes stretches and release moves — everything readers need to design a personalized weekly exercise plan. Weights for 50+ also describes proper training methods and explains how to achieve specific goals by varying the workout and carefully monitoring the number of repetitions. Last but not least, the author shows how to have fun and enjoy a workout for staying young. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This book hits all the body parts!
We love all of Dr Knopf's books. This is one of the best. Weight's For 50 takes you through motions, angles, reps, progressions of exercise and gives you the reasons to change your old habits, if you have even established habits at all. Within two months (or less), you will be on track and living healthy. If you have recovery issues, WF50+ will help you focus towards healing and resolution. Do not buy other authors who happen to publish books for college kids, then reword the text for the 50+ crowd. Dr Knopf has a long history and long list of success at his university, his studios and with the groups of adults he actually works with every single day. Dr Knopf provides a realistic hands-on approach, which is so much better than other authors and books who really do not care to serve the 50+ exercise crowd.

Great instruction
I bought this book for my husband who just turned 60 this spring.He is no stranger to working out, especially since he was in the army many years ago.He was very fit and muscular and is a mechanic by trade so he is also very strong. He has also never had a problem with being overweight.A few years ago, he was very sick and lost a tremendous amount of muscle mass.Since we already had free weights here at home and exercise bands, this book seemed appropriate.When I gave it to him, he jumped right in and started using some of the exercises.There has been a marked improvement in both his muscle tone and mass.I catch him studying the pages to find yet another exercise that will improve "his guns".Since he is not a "gym" person this has been a godsend.His posture is improving as well as his confidence.He stated that he looks forward to the day when he will no longer look like a shriveled up old man. :) ... Read more

Product Description
This book provides the most thorough, comprehensive and safety-minded guidance on exercise technique. It is targeted at gym members of all ages and levels of experience -- from fitness trainees to hardcore bodybuilders, male and female. The book will teach readers how to become their own expert personal trainers on exercise technique. ... Read more

Product Description

If you’re ready to walk the walk and talk the talk, Fundamental Weight Training is your guide. Learn the basics safely, effectively, and in less time. Over 100 exercises with photo demonstrations are included and supported with step-by-step descriptions for use in the gym or at home. Every aspect of a beginning weight program is covered:

Customer Reviews (3)

Provides an easy program for strengthening and toning
David Sandler's FUNDAMENTAL WEIGHT TRAINING: 102 EXERCISE TO START TRAINING provides a survey of the basics of weight training, using over 100 exercises paired with photo demonstrations and step-by-step descriptions. From stretching routines and steps to developing your own program, this provides an easy program for strengthening and toning.

Great fitness book
Week 1:I'm sore.

Each of the chapters on specific muscle groups offers a variety of exercises, some on machines and some with free weights.Each also offers advice on how to use the exercises at the gym and at home.There's sufficient variety and suggestions for variations to cover a wide range of workout needs.

Exercises are illustrated with clear photographs and fully explained.I feel comfortable performing them.I really like the models of both genders and varied ethics backgrounds.And I like that the author doesn't talk down to me--an average fitness seeker.This is not a book just for serious lifters.

Week 2:Still sore, but not as much.

It's alot more than a collection of exercises.Fundamental Weight Training showed me how to put together a more challenging workout for myself.There's a helpful exerciser-finder chart.And it's concisely and clearly written.

Week 3:I expect I'll be a little sore.But looking forward to the benefits of this first workout I've programmed for myself from Fundamental Weight Training.And to the future workouts I will be able to develop from the material in this book.

Great basics for a Beginner
Fundamental Weight Training is a wonderful book for those new or inexperienced with resistance training and who are looking for an introductory and basics book not filled with pictures of over-muscled gym monsters or picture-perfect models. With 102 exercises, each with photos and detailed explanations, this book demystifies any misconceptions the reader may have about lifting a little iron.

The first few chapters introduce some of the basics of weight training, including the types of resistance training, gym protocol, language, and beginning stretches. The bulk of the book then devotes a chapter to each of the general body parts, i.e., chest, back, legs, glutes, etc. etc. Finally, to round things out, the book offers up sample programs and routines and also encourages the student to develop their own program based on their personal fitness goals.

Overall, this book does a great job of removing any stigma or intimidation associated with weight training, debunks many of the misconceptions, and presents each point in a clear, easy to understand format that will serve as a perfect tool to assist the reader to better health and physical appearance. ... Read more

Product Description
With heart disease and diabetes topping the list of health hazards for women, strength training effectively reduces the risks by burning calories and bringing down body weight. Featuring two programs for all ages and levels of ability, Strength Training for Women offers a sensible, workable plan that every woman can follow for life, whether at home or in the gym. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

Great workout, especially customized for women
Although I have no problem growing old, one thing I refuse to accept is my body looking untoned and out of shape.Once one passes the 40th year mark, muscle and bone structure start to "get lost" somewhere in between slouching flesh.Enter Joan Pagano, and her targeted, customized workout she presents us with in her excellent book "Strength training for women".

Ms. Pagano is not only a fitness instructor but has worked with entities like the American and Canadian osteoporosis foundations, as well as SHARE, a group of breast and ovarian cancer survivors in the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.Her career started while she designed customized workouts for women with the disease, as well as for women wanting to fight osteoporosis.For me in particular, this hit home, as my mother died of breast cancer, and I must admit it scares me to think about it but I have to face the fact that in a few years, I may have to deal with it myself.Then again - and God willing - I may not.

Nevertheless, and after having looked through several workout books, I decided on this one due to the fact that my specific goals were to build a bit of muscle, endurance and tone my body throughout.Although I do not follow the book fully when I work out, it has made me aware of a myriad of things that for years I have been doing wrong, for instance, the breathing patterns one should adopt while performing squats or push-ups (such as inhaling during exertion, not the other way around).

The book is divided into three main sections to target the main parts of the body women generally need to work on: lower, upper and core.For each, Ms. Pagano offers simple but effective exercises and techniques that can be mostly done at home, sometimes including tips for using specific machines while at the gym.What is very good about this book are the pictures, of excellent quality and polished printing, which are characteristic of every DK Publishing book.Prior to starting the suggested work out routines, the reader is presented with a PAR-Q test - which should be answered openly and honestly - in order to ensure good health with a clean start.The book closes with four suggested routines to target specific areas of concern, and includes a resource list to purchase the limited equipment that is pictured throughout.It even includes specific exercises to be performed when travelling, in the event one may not be in ready access to a gym (guess what I'm including in my packing list next time I go away?).

I must admit that after the first time I worked out at the gym using the suggestions pointed out in this book I felt a considerable difference.My muscles "burned" in a way like they never had before - it felt good, but not painful.The exercises for the core workout are amazing, and I do not know whether it is that I really need to build good definition in my middle area, but I noticed the difference immediately after my very first routine.I can confidently say that if one follows the routines regularly the results can only be outstanding.

great explanations
This book like most has pictures of the exercises, however, it also has pictures showing which muscles are being used for that particular exercise.So if you are trying to build certain ones, you know which setsto increase or decrease. That is great for strength building.

Useless ...
If you have ANY experience in strength training; this book is a complete waste of time and money.

great book
I don't have much to add to what others have already said. This book has really helped me get into shape. The exercises are very easy to follow, the color photos really help. I like that she points out where you should be feeling it for many of the exercises. I also love that she includes easy, medium, and advanced exercises for each muscle. I find her tips very very helpful. A couple of times I just didn't feel much effort and I went back and read the detail under the exercise and was able to do it properly. Her explanations are very clear, so that you do the exercises most effectively and also don't strain other muscles in the process. I'm so happy with my results! In just one month, I have become much much stronger than I have ever been before. I'm giving this book to two people this Christmas, and her other book "8 weeks" to each of my sisters. Highly recommended!

excellent training book for the price
I recently went to Borders to find a training book and looked at every book in the store and there was nothing quite like this.It is layed out well, has the different target groups, smaller photo references with the page numbers for particular exercises and simple, understandable instructions on the exercise.This is a great book for those who wish to learn a full range of exercises and the stretches are excellant too. ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Martial Arts is the most comprehensive and up-to-date martial arts-specific training guide in the world today. It contains descriptions and photographs of over 80 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide. This book features year-round martial arts-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other martial arts book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book is the most informative and complete resource for building muscles, speed, and stamina to enable the body to excel in judo, karate, aikido, kung fu, jujitsu, taekwondo, kempo, muay thai, and all other martial arts forms. The book provides martial artists with an abundance of easy to follow training techniques needed to be effective in the martial arts, such as flexibility, joint stabilization, balance, and muscle development.

Both beginners and advanced athletes and weight trainers can follow this book and utilize its programs. From recreational to professional, thousands of athletes all over the world are already benefiting from this book and its techniques, and now you can too!

As an added bonus, this book also contains links to free record keeping charts which normally sell separately for $20. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Good Sart
All of the books in this series are nearly the same which can be a bit annoying.However, I view any weight-training programs offered as just a start rather than as the end all of what to do.

Value of the book
I thought that this book would have been more robust, the exercises in the book are good, just nothing ground breaking. May want to save your dollar if you are an experienced martial artist!

The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Martial Arts
It is an interesting fast view of weight training for martial arts ... Read more

Product Description
The ultimate workout guide. Simple, tested, proven weight training routines.

12 week program with week-by-week workouts all planned out. Just like having your own personal trainer for a fraction of the cost.

Includes 3 detailed photos of each of the 40 best weight lifting exercises ever invented. Showing the full range of motion so you will never perform an exercise incorrectly again.

Start today on your new body. Its fast, easy and only takes an hour or two per week. GUARANTEED! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Great Guide
If you are like me and enjoy going to the gym, but your ultimately goal is not to be a body builder, this is the book for us. It is simple and straightforward. It keeps me on track and guides me on the floor. Over all I am very pleased with it.

Weight Training Workouts That Work
I purchased this book from Amazon after reading about the importance of increasing muscle mass to boost your metabolism in "You On A Diet"by Dr.Rozien and Dr.Mehmet Oz.Although I have had a set of dumbbells and an illustrated pamphlet of various exercises for some time,I have never taken it very seriously.I am currently reading both books and intend to start my weight lifting program in about a week.

Good for a beginner
This is a great book for a beginner but if you have been lifting for awhile do not bother.Also - my 15 year old outgrew the book after two months in the gym.

Great book for a great price
I started working out a little over a 1 1/2 years ago after not working out for 11 years and having lots of weight to loose. I worked out w/ a personal trainer for 2 months and then did it on my own for 8 months and I just didn't feel like I wasn't getting the best work out. I went to amazon and got this book and used it w/my own diet and loved it! I haven't been bored and I have learned a lot and have been challenged along the way. I switch every 12 weeks between this book and his Volume 3 workout book and love them both. I get done each day and I'm exhausted in a good way. It's like having a personal trainer but without the cost!!

I should have known better...
Avoid this trainer!I made the mistake of purchasing his books without previewing them.Vol 1 was full bad examples for a first time starter or even an experienced person. You risk the real possibility of serious injury if followed. (The authors "disclaimer" for the squat is absurd. The squat should never be done without a safety cage or spotter. Period!) I've been working out for many years and have read many books on fitness. I should have known better than to purchase books without previewing them at a bookstore. It's sad that these type of books are on the market. I bought these for a gift and after reading them, decided they were not suitable for anyone to follow.I could give more detailed examples, but space is too limited. There are good trainers and there are bad. Avoid this one. ... Read more

Product Description
The 6-Week Strength-Training, Fat-Burning Program for Women

A strength-training program especially for women that will produce results in workouts of just 12 minutes or less-from the coauthor of the bestselling BodyChange

When personal trainer Wini Linguvic teamed up with one of her high-profile clients, Montel Williams, to write BodyChange, the book made The New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists, climbed to #1 on Amazon.com, and sold over 200,000 copies. Now she tailors her precision body-sculpting methods just for women in workouts that integrate the "flow" and stretching of yoga to produce the even more impressive real results of strength training. Finally, an expert women can turn to for a program designed to create the fabulously fit, lean, long, strong body that today's woman yearns to achieve.

o Features beautiful, large full-color photographs of the author doing each exercise, accompanied by detailed instructions for completing each move
o All exercises can be done at home with hand weights and an exercise ball
o Specific workouts focus on firming key trouble spots such as abs and core, butt and thighs, or upper body ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Anyone can do this!
This book is really simple, has multiple levels for all users and is laid out in an easy-to-use, user-friendly way. The pictures are very visual, Wini's tips for breathing and things to keep in mind while performing each exercise is so helpful, and the concept is very understandable. It's definitely do-able - yet challenging! I definitely recommend this for anyone who is just beginning strength training or is looking for a new routine to add to their existing options.

I can't say enough about this book!
As Wini says in her intro, this book is about working out smarter, not harder.This book guides you through four 12-minute strength-training workouts per week and also advises you to do three additional 20-minute cardio workouts per week to strengthen your most important muscle, your heart.There are three levels of workouts--basic, intermediate, and challenge, and if challenge is too easy for you, then surely you already know how to keep in shape and don't need this type of book anyway.The workouts can all be done at home with just a few pairs of dumbells, an exericse ball, a mat, and a decent set of workout clothes.It adds up to just 108 minutes per week, a totally doable amount of time for even the most busy among us.

I was a little bit skeptical at first.I thought an hour on my elliptical was surely better than 20 minutes.I thought I was getting enough strength training through the resistance settings on my elliptical.But, I also have to admit that it was awfully hard to get motivated to actually do that hour on the elliptical.Even when I only did 30 minutes, my workout routine was sporadic at best.But I told myself I was exercising (I was, sometimes).I told myself I was eating right (I was, sometimes).I told myself it was enough (it wasn't).Once reality finally reared its ugly head and I knew I had to make some changes, I began looking for something that I could do regularly, not just for a month or a year but for the rest of my active years.Wini's book seemed like it might fit the bill.

The exercises are well-photographed and well-described, with Wini herself demonstrating each exercise and explaining what to watch out for.The routines will take longer than 12 minutes when you are first learning the exercises, and in the interest of full disclosure, I will say I haven't completed a workout in 12 minutes yet--it's more like 15-20 minutes, but it's still a short, intense workout.Once you know how to perform all the exercises, you can use the "At A Glance" pages, which show smaller pictures of all the exercises you will perform in one routine, all laid out with no page turning required.Personally I have bookmarked all three of the basic routines so I don't have to waste any time flipping through the book.Wini's writing style is friendly and encouraging, with little affirmations placed throughout the book, things like, "Start from where you are.It is the only place you can."So true!

I have now been doing Wini's basic fat-blasting program for four weeks, plus walking and doing 20-minute workouts on my elliptical.I happened to catch a glimpse of myself in my bathroom mirror this morning, wearing only my underwear, and I did a double-take.Not only am I already able to do more reps with better form, not only is my daily routine getting easier and less tiring, not only are my clothes getting looser...I could literally see the difference in my abdomen.Now, do I look like Wini after just four weeks?No, of course not.I think I can safely say I will never look like Wini!But I am so pleased with my progress.I highly recommend this book!

UPDATE: I am seven weeks into this program now, and I was able to move on to the intermediate workout after just one six-week cycle in the basic program!Basic was difficult for me at first--I thought I'd be stuck there for at least a year.I am also following some of her nutritional recommendations, particularly recording everything I eat, eating "closer to the source", and increasing my water and fiber intake.It's not a diet--Wini is right in that diets set us up for failure by being far too restrictive--it's making some healthy changes I can live with.I feel better, I've dropped a dress size, and who knows?Maybe I'll even be able to graduate to the advanced routines someday!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
So I got this book 5 months ago, but then started grad school and didn't get started until this year (2010) -- so sorry I put it off so long.The workouts in this book are wonderful and so effective.I completed the first 6 week track last week (did the "fat blasting basic" track first) and I'm amazed at the results after only 6 weeks.Just to give some background - I'm in my late 20's, not overweight, but terribly out of shape and starting to feel the changes that come with age (slower metabolism, slowing increasing weight, etc).I wanted to halt the weight gain before I became overweight, but I also wanted to get in better physical shape and look better as I got older.

The first 3-4 weeks were the hardest because I've never done a regular workout regimen (used to go to the gym sporadically and used other books and videos but not with any commitment), so getting used to regularly working out is tough and it takes some time before it's a habit and before you really want to do it.But I stuck to it and never missed a workout (Wini makes it all so easy, you just have to decide to start doing the workout and she's guides the way).Now I look forward to my workouts!I never thought I'd be one of those people but I'm lovin' it!However, one "warning" -- these workouts have NEVER taken me only 12-15 minutes.Always takes around 30, which is totally fine with me!Who can't afford to give 30 minutes, 4 times a week to better health and a stronger body.Perhaps I'm just slow or something.

This really is the full package.Great strength training... great stretches (I have a separate stretching book for dancers and many of these are incorporated into Wini's program already, I was so impressed) and both are so important for changing your body.I really can't say enough to express how happy I am with this book, with Wini, and with the amazing changes in my bodyover the past month and a half.I've already started the next 6 week track - this time with the core focus.I highly recommend keeping the logs as she suggests because it's a great encouragement to see how much progress you've made and how much stronger you've become.Get it, stick with it, and enjoy the results!

love this book
I just finished my 18th week of workouts and wanted to write a review to say how much I loved this book.The workouts were short and fun, and I was able to do them every week without missing a workout, even on vacation.This is the most toned I've been ever!

good book for sure!
I was looking for a range of exercises to try, and this book did a great job showing them to me! ... Read more

Product Description
The Complete Idiot's Guide(R) to Weight Training, Second Edition, Illustrated will be updated to be even more useful to those looking for an approachable, beginner's guide to lifting weights. This book will be revised in The Complete Idiot's Guide's new illustrated format, whereby photos and lines are given just at much attention as the easy-to-read text. Some people learn by reading, others learn by seeing. The Complete Idiot's Guide(R) to Weight Training, Second Edition, Illustrated will appeal to both groups. The book will include multiple exercises for all of the major muscle groups; all new photos for each exercise, depicting the beginning, midpoint, and ending positions of each exercise; new photos depicting the most common mistakes in executing various exercises, so that readers can learn from other's mistakes and not their own; new two-color line illustrations for each paragraph, showing the reader which muscles are involved with each exercise; coverage of all of the things readers need to know before they get started, including nutrition basics, stretching, weight training etiquette, and proper attire; and fitness programs based on the readers fitness goals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A good foundation for beginners
While not prescribing any specific diet or workout regimens, this book gives anyone who wants to start a fitness program that includes strength training all the tools they need to develop their own routines.
The authors, who come from power lifting and endurance sport backgrounds, recommend an approach that is similar to the one advocated by people like Wayne Westcott, Matt Brzycki,Dan Riley and Ellington Darden, in other words, low volume, high intensity with slow, controled movements. They do discuss other approaches, such as multiple-set training and plyometrics and come down against them, but don't flat-out say "Our way is right; every other way is wrong," instead giving the pros and cons of different techniques.
I also like that their nutrition advice is very sensible, advocating good, basic nutrition rather than fad diets or supplements.
While the target audience is newcomers to strength training, more experienced trainees can still benefit from it, picking up some new techniques, learning about competitive lifting or just getting a refresher course on the basics.
The best thing about the approach they recommend is that it's one that can easily be adapted into your life with your other interests.

good book to start with
Joe Glickman, one of the authors of this book, appears to have given the first edition of the book a glowing review on this site, unaware that his identity would be revealed ("I stumbled upon this book," blah blah). Anyhow.

I started weight training using this book, and advice from gym attendants at the gym I go to. I found it was more than sufficient to begin with. There was some bad advice in the first book that has since been corrected -- they've replaced the back extension machine (AKA herniator) with the back extension bench. And in this book there are some cautions that simply aren't true. For example, good mornings, stiff-legged deadlifts and bent rows aren't dangerous if you use good form and never use a weight you can't handle. There simply is no replacement for stiff-legged deadlifts or good mornings in strengthening the hip extensor system in a functional way, at least none that aren't as advanced or "dangerous" in nature.

My main beef with this book, however, is that it does not come clean about its bodybuilding bias. Everywhere the authors recommend 8-12 reps as the ideal. They could easily explain that different rep ranges are ideal for different purposes, and that the 8-12 range is NOT ideal for building strength or endurance, but rather for adding muscle, which is what bodybuilders want to do. If you practice a sport, you may actually want to develop strength while adding as little muscle as possible, in which case you would be aiming at reps in the 1-6 range; if endurance is your goal, as in much physiotherapy or corrective exercise, then reps in the 15-20 range should be your target.

The authors are dogmatic about the necessity of training to failure. Luckily that never made sense to me so from day one I didn't follow their advice, and I've made very good progress. Never but never do I aim to train to failure. Failure might occur, but it is not the target. The stress on the nervous system means extra recovery time and impedes strength development, even if it promotes muscle growth.

In general, the authors ignore the evidence that strength depends at least as much on neurological factors as on muscle growth. This is why they can so off-handedly dismiss the idea of functional strength, and believe, despite the evidence, that anything which makes a muscle bigger improves its function in the same way.

The book also perpetuates myths, like that you shouldn't squat below parallel. There's simply no credible evidence for it and people shouldn't be afraid of ass to the grass squats if they have good form (back NEVER rounded). In fact the stress on the knee is greatest precisely when the thighs are at parallel. Likewise, lunging with knee beyond the toe is not intrinsically dangerous. Nor are leg press or leg extensions intrinsically safer than squats -- in fact, there are many arguments for the opposite.

With these caveats, though, I can recommend this book as giving sound advice to start on a weight-training program. I've also looked at "Weight Training for Dummies" and it seems equally good. Sooner or later, though, if you're serious, you should read more credible sources on strength training theory, like Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning by Baechle and Earle; Supertraining by Mel Siff; or The Science and Practice of Strength Training, by Vladimir Zatsiorsky. ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Hockey is the most comprehensive and up-to-date hockey-specific training guide in the world today. It contains descriptions and photographs of over 80 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide. This book features year-round hockey-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other hockey book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book will have players increasing speed, strength, power, agility, and stamina while reducing chances of injury. This book guarantees more velocity and accuracy on slap shots, more power on checks, and more endurance making it possible to give it your all until the final whistle.

Both beginners and advanced athletes and weight trainers can follow this book and utilize its programs. From recreational to professional, thousands of athletes all over the world are already benefiting from this book and its techniques, and now you can too!

As an added bonus, this book also contains links to free record keeping charts which normally sell separately for $20. ... Read more

Product Description
Take the guesswork out of strength training and understand the details of proper technique, weight loads, and reps. The no-nonsense approach of Weight Training: Steps to Success has guided more than 175,000 readers to their strength training goals, step by step—and it will do the same for you!

You will develop through a thorough, progressive approach to strength training with either free weights or machines. Learn which exercises target what muscles and how to perform each one correctly and safely. Then determine the amount of weight and the number of repetitions and sets that you should lift in order to achieve your objectives. Finally, develop a workout and program that fit your interests and training preferences.

Whether your goal is improving muscular endurance, building strength, increasing muscle mass, toning, or enhancing body composition, Weight Training: Steps to Success will help you achieve it. With more than 30 exercises explained and illustrated, along with guidance on how to approach introductory workouts and create a tailored training program, it’s no wonder this is the book thousands of strength training enthusiasts use to get the most out of their workouts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Dated Beginners Guide
Disappointed is about the only word that comes to mind.The book is written for complete novices (trust me, you know more than you might realize, which will be painfully obvious once you open this book.). Aside from the lengthy overview of the basics, you get hand drawn images of imaginary people doing really basic moves.Yay. And the whole "set up your own routine" is clunky and rather limited given the scope of exercises provided.Do yourself a favor and avoid this title.Instead, pick up The Abs Diet Get Fit Stay Fit Plan, which is much more complete, modern, and useful.

One of the better exercise books
This really is a well thought out book, if your getting into weights (i.e. from home) then this is great, does not tell you everything, but really does explain the basics, exercises and posture.

Learn To Design Your Own Weight Training Programs
I'm fortunate to have a brother with a master's degree in exercise science and a lot of experience in strength training, as he's always designed my weight training programs for me. But being the self-reliant kind of person that I am, and not wanting to impose too much on my brother's time, I asked him to tell me what one book he would recommend to someone who wanted to learn how to design their own weight training program. He immediately recommended Weight Training Steps to Success. After reading this book, I understand why he recommended it so highly.

The authors first explain the physiology behind weight training and give a detailed orientation on weight training equipment. They then take you step-by-step through learning abasic weight training program, choosing appropriate exercises for each major muscle group. They place great emphasis on taking things slowly and learning proper form for all the exercises before tackling heavier weights for training.The steps for performing each exercise are clear and detailed, and they provide a simple procedure for you to determine with what weight you should start training for each exercise.

After you have mastered the basic training program, they move on to discussing how to design your own training program based on your specific goals (strength, endurance, hypertrophy, or a combination). Their coverage of periodization is the most simple and practical I've ever seen, and it is one of the major reasons my brother recommended this book.

I had some experience with weight training before reading Weight Training Steps to Success, but I had just been doing what I had been told, not really knowing why I was doing what I was doing.I certainly didn't know what to do next after I had reached a certain point.Now I know the whys and hows, and will be able to design my own training program as I continue to progress.This book is also perfect for the absolute weight training beginner, as it assumes no knowledge or experience whatsoever. In short, this book is the perfect place to start if you want to learn how to design your own weight training program.

Excellent book!
After digging through piles of books at the library about weight lifting we finally come upon this one and immediately went out and purchased our own copy...

This book is *excellent* for those beginning weight training.It's explanations of things are down-to-earth and simplified without being "dummy-fied".

For once I don't feel lost reading a weight training book
I like to research any new endevor, before I commit to a course of action.As a beginning weight "trainee", out of all of the books I've read about this subject, this was the most clear, concise and comprehensive.It gave me all of the information I needed to not only tailor my own program, but where and how to begin, (i.e. how to calculate a good starting workout load, how many reps, etc...)The book takes you through the basics, but is flexible enough to fit anybody's particular preferences and resources.While a few more exercises would be helpful, there are plenty of them layed out to get a good program started. ... Read more