Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Golf Past 40 is the most comprehensive and up-to-date golf-specific training guide for adults over 40 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 who are looking to stay in shape and sharpen their game. This book features year-round golf-specific weight-training programs designed specifically to meet the needs of golfers over 40 and is guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other golf book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book enables golfers past 40 of all skill levels to add extra yardage to their drives and irons without having to buy the latest technology in golf!By following this program you can develop the flexibility and strength required to eliminate fatigue and increase distance with every club in your bag. With stronger and more flexible muscles, you will not only hit the ball farther but you will have better control over all of your shots throughout the round. Most importantly, you will reduce your chances of injury and be able to play 18 holes without any problems!

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 (1)

muscles for golf
this book goes counter to what most golf experts say.it seems to promote bulking up.bigger muscles do not translate into hitting the ball farther.the opposite is usually true. ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Cycling is the most comprehensive and up-to-date cycling-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 cycling-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other cycling book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book will have cyclists of all skill levels achieving quicker times with less of a chance of injury and more energy for going up hills and riding on tougher tracks. By following the programs in this book, you will increase your lower body strength, endurance, and overall speed dramatically.

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 (2)

Good details
I bought this book for my husband.It has a very concise and detailed presentation on what to do when.There are also pictures showing the workout and that helps, too.It's hard to not make progress if you follow the plan.My hubby has been following it and is seeing improvements just weight training 2x per week.

Ultimateweignt lifting for cyclist
To be in shape hammering strong on pedals is important to train with weight lifting. This book is the best guide to be in shape when bycling is not always possible and/or you want performe always at the best level...Try it! ... Read more

Product Description
Achieving your physique, strength or fitness goals hinges on the bedrock of correct exercise techniques. This guide will teach you how to use perfect exercise technique. Whether you're a hardcore bodybuilder or a fitness trainee, male or female, beginner or very advanced this book is for you. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

Not the greatest
Not the best book on technique. Lots of wasted space on exercises you'll never perform. Some iffy advice...deadlift with an overhand grip, bench with a flat back, etc. There are much better books in the genre that teach better advice on more pertinent lifts. Seriously, will you be doing lever forearm work or ball squats in the near future?

Inferior to Starting Strength
I originally would have given this book four stars as it has fairly good descriptions of a lot of exercises, but then I read Starting Strength which is much better written and covers the most difficult exercises (full body free weight) in much more detail.When there is a similar book that is so much better, I can only give three stars.

Review by former Physiology Teaching Fellow (6.0!)
I am a former physiology Teaching Fellow, biochemist and personal trainer.Now, I'm empoyeed in the psychology field, but at one time I was very involved in this area.I have had some injuries along the way including a back, neck and wrist.I worked in a gym and I understand the potential to get injured from accidents and bad technique.I also understand how strength imbalances and misinformation can result in injury down the road.This is the context from which I'm writing my review.

First of all, I can't praise this book enough.If I could, I would give it a 6.0!For starters, it is well-organized, dense with useful accurate information and encouraging in tone.It is also honest, realistic and offers the reader high value for a relatively low investment.

In my opinion, this author and the author of Starting Strength: A Simple and Practical Guide for Coaching Beginners are the two best in the field bar none.I particularly like Stuart McRobert, however, because you will learn many valuable things from any of his books no matter what your level is.You will also learn a lot about what is and isn't possible based on your genetics and how to move forward if you are a hardgainer.

In reality, I think that one or two of Stuart McRobert's books is all you need.Most of his books are equal to three or more of other authors and all of his books are easily readable.You can see more of my recommendations on my listmania list under this category.

It is truly rare to see such an honest, balanced approach within this genre.It also rare to see so much well-organized and simple information all in one place.As I said... I feel this book goes beyond a 5.0, especially when compared to similar books on the topic.In a nutshell, it's the practical nuts and bolts of training without going over the top, exaggerating or not backing up what is said.

Definitely in the top ten of weight training books
I read all the reviews about this book and they sounded impressive. Went ahead and placed the order and it took me more than six months before I could lay my hands on it, since it was out of stock. This bookwas worth the wait. Very thorough and insightful and makes a lot of sense. You gain so much knowledge that you can't help feeling like an expert. My approach to weight training nowadays is more practical.

Excellent resource, the best book I have read on weight training
I can't really say enough good things about this book.No, it's not perfect, but it's heaps better than most of the books on weight training.This focuses specifically on safety and technique, not on routines or dieting.The author is currently putting out a new book with revised directions from this book and all the training/dieting info in one handy package.I can't wait to get it.A bit expensive but I'd rather spend forty bucks on reliable, one-volume info than waste my time and money on countless less helpful books and magazines.

Helpful photos, not only of good form but also common mistakes to avoid.
Clear explanations, almost excessive pointers about what do keep in mind as you do each exercise.The author is super-orthodox about safety and form, which may put off a lot of young guys, but if you've had a single back injury you will really appreciate his point of view.It's the type of thing that you don't want to think about until you've been there and suffered! ... Read more

Product Description
This popular text is a comprehensive, practical guide to developing a personalized weight-training program with both free weights and machines. Weight training concepts and specific exercises are grouped by body region, and many photographs, illustrations, diagrams, and figures demonstrate proper technique and form. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

OK Book
Not as good as the Dummies series which has better written and illustrated books on this subject.

well written and comprehensive
This book has just about all that you can ask of a book on basic weight training; programs, techniques, principles, cautions, etc.It's also well-organized, printed on acid-free, recycled paper, andhas several useful appendices, as well as a glossary and a comprehensive index after the text section.If you can buy just one weight training guide, this is a very good choice.

Weight Training 101
In his 3rd edition of this book, exercise physiologist Tom Fahey , continues to present the basics of weight training and offers the latest information from some sports medicine and exercise physiology research.The book is simple and concise.It is recommended for the person who has limited or even no weight training experience or knowledge but who is interested in startinga weight lifting routine.

Chapters include information on muscle development, exercise mechanics and specfic chapters that will help you develop different areas of the body such as chest & shoulders, arms, abdominals, neck and back,and lower body.In addition toexercises with free weights, Fahey also includes routines using Universal Gym and Nautilus type equipment. A chapter on nutrition includes information on diet and performance, steroids and eating disorders.

This is a good primer fordeveloping abeginner's weight training program.

Best Book Yet
I recently boought this book and read it in one sitting on a flight.It is the best I've seen yet.Not only does it have great weight training guidance with various kinds of equipment (barbell, dumbell, & various machines) but it gives variations and clear cautions.In addition it has the best nutrition & lifestyle discussion and getting started section I've ever seen.It also discusses the difference between strength, power and ensdurance and how to achieve them.Simply trhe best yet.

Not worth it
Well I bought this book thinking it would be informational and helpful, but in fact it was a waste of money! The pictures are poorly illustrated, and they did not include variations of the exercise. Spend your money on abetter book! ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Baseball is the most comprehensive and up-to-date baseball-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 baseball-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other baseball book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book will have players increasing arm strength, bat speed, and overall quickness and power on the diamond, leading to an increase in batting average, on-base percentage, steals, and overall performance. You will build the strength and power needed to hit the ball out of the park and you will build the stamina and endurance needed to go strong until the final pitch.

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 (1)

Nothing new was learned...
Information and exercises are very basic, nothing new....All info in this book can be found on-line at different web sites... ... Read more

Product Description
Written by Bill Pearl, a four-time Mr. Universe, and widely regarded as the best general book on weight training available, Getting Stronger contains specific strength training programs for 21 sports as well as general conditioning. The book includes more than 100 one-page fitness programs that can be performed by simply following the illustrations, while each lift is keyed to a section with specific instructions for that lift. The 20th anniversary edition includes new sections on nutrition, supplements, injury rehabilitation, stretching, and equipment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (62)

did not receive the item we paid for
It has been over a month since we ordered and paid for this book and we have not yet received it.Taking the time to get this resolved with customer service is such an inconvenience.I won't be ordering from Amazon again anytime soon.

Another must have reference
I bought this book along with Bill Pearls' "Keys to the Inner Universe", and I am glad I did.Primarily, I wanted it included with all my recent purchases of some of the major books on budybuilding to have in my personal reference library.The attributes I can extoll are that it has alot of basic excercises easily line drawn and explained for basic barbell/dumbell usage which is important to me since I live and work too far from any "gyms" to make use of them, along with sport specific exercises, and what is really important for folks, the all important stretches.So many folks could have thwarted lifelong injuries if they would carefully study, this book for instance, I have talked to many who have learned lessons the hard way.I specifically would like to point out the stretching exercises shown in this book, nothing I hadn't learned while serving in the armed forces, but there are folks who don't have any training in stretching, which is essential to avoiding injuries.
Besides all the benefits of the book, hey, its'a a Bill Pearl specific book, and a good companian to have with his Encyclopedia "Keys to the Inner Universe".

AmAZING Book!!!
I take this book to the gym with me every time I go - not just copies of certain pages, but I lug the whole damn thing with me, LOL!That's how useful a reference it is!I was looking for a book that would have a variety of exercises for the chest and abs, especially lower abs, as those are hard to get to (for me, anyway).Holy wow, this book completely exceeded my expectations!

There are SO many different exercises for each muscle group - the book is well-organized, providing clear drawings rather than photos (I find these more helpful than photographs, actually) and directions for each exercise.While some of the exercises I couldn't do when I first bought this book a year ago, it was still a good purchase because I learned the CORRECT way to lift weights right from the start.The gym I go to actually uses the drawings from this book to illustrate different exercises on the back of each member's progress sheet.When I recognized the drawings as being from this book, I had to check it out.I'm so glad I did!

This book does just what it says, and more.It's excellent information for both men and women.Nothing trendy, no gimmicks, just good solid information.

One more thing- in addition to the instructions on exercises, there are also programs for just about everyone - from the beginning exerciser to the advanced, to those who would like become competitive bodybuilders, to athletes (including programs for everyone from gymnasts to football players!)

Also are very informative chapters on nutrition, vitamins & supplements, aerobic exercise, injuries (including an exercise program for recooperating!) and much, much, more.The chapter on the history of bodybuilding was interesting as well.

Now, I'm even thinking of getting Mr. Pearl's 'Keys to the Inner Universe', that's how impressed I am with this book :)

So in summary, if you're looking for a good book on weight lifting, no matter what your fitness level, GET THIS BOOK!

Unsurpassed for Exercise Diversity
As I have been educating myself more on Strength Training and Fitness, I have read quite a few books. The high marks and reviews that Bill Pearl's Getting Stronger are without a doubt warranted. The book is written in a detailed, comprehensive , yet very easy to follow manner. There is a huge glossary of different exercises for every body part, which will give you plenty of options to keep your workouts fresh and new, which will further stimulate hypertrophy. Also, another selling point is that this is not just a Bodybuilding Reference, it contains numerous Sport specific workouts..There is detailed workouts for 21 different sports, which is great for cross training, and getting an idea of how athletes from different sports train. Also, there is workouts with only Dumbbells,Machines, Electronic,as well as Free weights.

Truthfully, this book is the real deal. Even though it has been almost 25 years since it first graced the shelves, the information is timeless. I spent less than four dollars(including shipping and handing!)and it couldn't have been spent any better.

Easy to read and understand
I found that this book was exactly what I was looking for. It gave me new ideas for my workout routine. The pictures are easy to follow. I love how it has the different sections for various athletes. ... Read more

Product Description
Weight training has become a popular way to get in shape and maintain good health. People of all ages are now interested in weight training and recognize the benefits of weight training to achieve and keep a healthy body. Teach Yourself VISUALLY Weight Training will be an information-packed guide to getting started with a weight training routine and then customizing the routine to constantly meet the readers' needs. The book will cover all the basics of weight training, but will also include more advanced techniques and exercises. Teach Yourself VISUALLY Weight Training will also provide supplemental information about nutrition, setting up a home gym and more. Teach Yourself VISUALLY Weight Training will contain full-color photographs of exercises for every major muscle group, along with clear, step-by-step instructions for performing the exercises. Useful tips will provide additional information and advice to help enhance the readers' weight training experience. Teach Yourself VISUALLY Weight Training will be packed with information useful to people who are just beginning to make weight training a part of their health regime. For people who have been weight training for some time, the book will provide a refresher course on proper form and will present new exercises readers can add to their routines.

Teach Yourself VISUALLY Weight Training should include sections on:

• Why you should lift weights.
• Considerations for joining a gym or working out at home.
• Appropriate clothing and equipment for weight training.
• Step-by-step instructions with full-color photographs for performing exercises for the back, chest, shoulders, arms, abdominals and legs.
• Designing a basic workout.
• Warm-up and stretching exercises and considerations.
• Information on aerobic and cardiovascular training.
• How to achieve proper form and minimize the risk of injury when weight training.
• Easy-to-follow instructions for advanced training techniques, such as supersets and breakdowns.
• Information on supplements and nutrition.

Customer Reviews (13)

Simple and effective!
Great book with many recommendation for exercises, diet and equipment. Every exercise is illustrated well and the models are not bodybuilders that help to establish realistic goals.

Does what it says on the cover
This is an excellent book that packs a lot of information into a simple, readable format. Some things are just better illustrated than described.

This book is a great introduction to weight training. It shows you rather than telling you. The exercises are clearly described and illustrated. The correct technique is described, Helpfully pitfalls and bad practice (usually poor posture and poor positioning) are also shown as a warning.

This book will help anyone doing weight training to do it well, effectively and avoid injury

very nice
Nicely illustrated and useful book for beginning and experienced lifters.Good photos of correct and incorrect postures as well as tips for success.

Definitely a good one to have around as a reference

Workout endlessly and get nowhere
The graphic design of this book is impeccable. Also, the book's binding and readability are fairly decent.

The major flaw of the book is its shallow approach to weight training. The girl pictured on the book cover and inside is anorexic are represents poor image to fit females, despite her beautiful hair. Working out with 3-pound dumbbells is counter-productive. She should have been instructed on gaining muscle mass with adequate protein intake in her diet and proper general fitness training prior to indulging in isolated exercising of individual muscles. Also, the picture of the man perfroming barbell leg-lunges depicts a flawed technique where the lower back is rounded, which led to the limited backward exntension of the rear leg.

Exercising each region of the body by weights requires endless training with minimal outcome. It is a frustrating and futile way of teaching people how to workout with weight. The book is divided into many chapters addressing regional exercises with total disregard on the modern emphasis on sports-like training as a practical and efficient way of altering physique and building healthy and robust musculature and lung and heart fitness.

The book falls into this category of media published by wealthy individuals whose experience and knowledge with proper fitness planning is questionable at best. Beginners of weight training could make greater progress with simple exercises such as running, push-up, and chin-ups. These three compound exercises, besides emphasizing the major muscle groups of the thighs and shoulders and exquisitely workout the low-back, they also enhance the cardiovascular function, which improves general health and fitness.

The best weight training book ever!
This book is great for anyone who is just starting a workout routine or who wants to learn how to get the most out of their workout.The book is broken down into sections for each part of the body and it shows in full color the name of the exercise, exactly how to do it, and what *not* to do.It also shows the primary and secondary muscle groups that each exercise target.It covers free weights, machines, exercise balls, stretching and has sections for diet and setting up a workout routine.
A must have for anyone serious about weight training.
... Read more

Product Description
Opening up the weight room to everyone, this hands-on manual reps and "getting ripped" covers weight-training machines, injury prevention, supplements, and much more. Original. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

TCIGTWT is a winner!
I am an amateur health enthusiast who bought this book to take my home workouts and weight training knowledge to the next level and was not disappointed. This book is an easy to read, plain talking guide with a superior explanation format; cock full of solid knowledge regarding work out technique; body facts and the science of health through weigh training and ongoing fitness development. I fully explains such key factors as: proper preparation before, during and after, body movement and lifting techniques, a complete A to Z on the "How To" and "Don't Do This", regarding technical exercises with a constant goal of improving ones body and mind through weight training. I keep this book handy in my small home gym and refer to it constantly,to keep my interest engaged while I continue with my overall fitness plan. A real winner!

S R Hoyt

Well thought out
I am not quite as enamored of this book as some other reviewers, but it is good.One author is a powerlifter, which both adds some amusing stories but occasionally gives this book an odd slant.I wish they would have fleshed out their weightlifting routines a bit more instead of just providing a skeleton - I am a bit lazy like that.Despite the above comments, the authors do a good job providing information without the hype.

Perfect Start, Proven Results
After many years of doing very little exercise, I returned to the gym about a year ago.I purchased this book 3 months later and read it cover to cover, an enjoyable read.I continue to use the book as a reference to add additional and change exercises on a regular basis.Having followed some of the sample routines they provide, I can attest to a significant increase in strength and in general well-being. There are enough details and variations to satisfy someone just starting or getting more serious about lifting.I recommend this book - and thank the authors.

Great introduction/reference for weight training
I'm glad I started with this book...it's well organized and very thorough. Covers all the essential things a person should know to get started in the weight room. It's also going to stay on my shelf for a long time as a reference, because it gives good tips on form, exercises, etc., as well as for other things that might pop up. you will probably want more info as you get more into training, but this book will continue to be of use as a reference.

Wonderful resource
I got this for my husband who is build like a horse, very active, but entirely unatheletic. I wanted to work out again and he never had but wanted to try. He learned alot about how wieght training works and is thrilled with the results (say Arnold!. I still refer back to it regularly to update our workout. It is simple and has all the info you need to get started whether you have lifted before or not. ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Racquetball and Squash is the most comprehensive and up-to-date racquetball and squash-specific training guide in the world today. It contains descriptions and photographs of nearly 100 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide.  This book features year-round racquetball and squash-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other racquetball or squash book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training.  This book will have you increasing strength, quickness, agility, and endurance, which will lead to more powerful and precise backhands, forehands, and serves.  Following this program will allow you to compete with all of your energy from the opening serve until the final point.

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
Written from the premise that optimum cycling performance demands total body strength, this book informs the serious cyclist on how to increase strength with weight training, as cycling alone cannot completely develop the muscle group used while riding. The authors identify and simplify the most current scientific information on strength training, answer questions about exercise and technique, and explain how to design a year round training program. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

A Great Beginner's Guide
This book is an invaluable resource for those just getting into cycling.It also makes a great reference tool for the advanced cyclist.

Just what I was looking for
This book really changed my cycling performance, it's great for cyclists and also for everybody else.

Very generic.....
This book offers no real insight other then the standard thoughts like cyclists should do high repetitions with low weight so as not to build bulky muscles.Other standard thoughts include varying your workout over time to constantly stress your muscles so they don't become too accustomed to one particular workout routine.The author references his personal training program available via his website one too many times for my taste. When reading the book you get the feeling that the "cycling" aspect of the book seems more the result of a search and replace operation in a word processor versus a book really geared towards cyclists.

If you haven't spent much time in a gym lifting weights then this book might be more valuable then I found it.

Perfect guide for strength training for cyclists
This book is very well laid out.It is an excellent guide for the beginner and a nice, well-organized reference for the advanced cyclist.Every part of the book is laid out in a straightforward manner and the information is right on in every respect.Whole training plans are sampled for the season, and easy-to-use charts are used to track your progress.

As a long-time cyclist and coach, the reviews that say this book is inferior are just plain wrong.Reading the book doesn't make you fitter.You have to practice what is taught in here.Additionally, the readers who pan it seem to have weight training backgrounds which likely pre-disposes them to their set ways of doing things in the gym.Bodybuilding techniques aren't cycling-specific.

Arguably this is the best book for that area of cycling that can improve your cycling the most, strength training.

Made me a climber!
I bought this book over a year ago, and followed the program as laid out by the authors.All I can say is WOW!I am now hammering guys on climbs that used to leave me in the dust.

I referred a friend to this site and was not happy to see the very negative review written by O'Toole.He and the other "bodybuilder" guy who panned the book claim to have all of this knowledge of weight training, so why did they buy the book?A bodybuilder may know his way around the gym, but I am betting that he has no idea how to write up an annual periodized training program specifically for cycling.If he did, then once again, why did he buy the book?Just to criticize it?

This is a book to inform cyclists on how to use weight training to improve their riding, and it does this perfectly.It tells you what to do, when to do it, and how to do it.I strongly suggest it to anyone who wants to get stronger in the saddle! ... Read more

Product Description
With information on strengthening and toning the legs, buttocks, abs, and back, Women's Strength Training Anatomy provides full-color, detailed anatomical illustrations of exercises for these hard-to-shape areas. What makes this book unique is that readers can see the muscles at work during each exercise, like an X ray of the body in motion.

Are there definite anatomical differences in the way men and women should build their bodies? According to the best-selling author and illustrator of Strength Training Anatomy, the answer is an overwhelming yes! Exercise variations based on a woman's unique anatomical features are also covered, helping to isolate muscles and make each exercise more effective.

Make your workouts work harder for you! If you work out to strengthen and shape your body or if you help women get stronger and more defined, this is one book you need for understanding the female form and getting the most from your exercises. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (61)

EXCELLENT!!!!
VERY VERY THOROUGH; just as good as the "male" version of this book, which I had previously before I bought this one.

"Not" Just Strength Training for Women
This is a very well illustrated book on strength training anatomy.It has three strong points.(1) It is inexpensive. (2) It shows proper technique for comon exercises in the gym that "mortal human beings" actually do.Many other books are designed with illustrations of Arnold Schwartzenager-like bodys lifting free weights the size of train wheels. If you are interested in the "Schwartzenager" version of this book get a copy of "Strength Training Anatomy" by Delavier. It is the "male " companion book to this one. It can be downloaded free, on the web, if you do a little searching on Google. (3) The best part of this book is that isshows you what "not" to do.It gives illustrations and warnings about bad technique, and how you can get hurt.

Did you KNOW?!We women have NO MUSCLES in our upper bodies!! AT ALL!!
But we have Beautiful BREASTS which this author Loves illustrated, without any covering, as often as possible!There's not a Single Muscle in a woman's upper body if you believe this book... Maybe the author is afraid that the voluptuously round, firm breasts he's had illustrated so beautifully will be marred by muscles or muscle training... NOT TRUE - but who knows why they left half our bodies out?There is ONE good fact in this book that makes it worth Skimming in the book store - he describes in detail the difference in the muscles that support the pelvis. In that same (maybe 2page) excerpt he also describes what happens during pregnancy (that your body releases a hormone that relaxes the muscles, to ultimately make birth easier- so you have to be Careful about resistance training then). VIOLA! I've saved you the cost of the book (bowing for applause) ;) The rest is crap. NOW - the original Strength Training Anatomy (targeted toward men - but the last sentence is the only pertinent difference) is Excellent. However, that's the reason I bought this POS (I thought it must be as good) - SO! I REFUSE to buy the original since I feel immensely slighted by the "little womens' version". I'll check it out at the public library to avoid PAYING anyone to print trash like this. However, if they would pay attention to the reviews and correct this book with another print that Actually accounts for Whole women (preferably wearing bras - I don't want to stair at yours anymore than you want to stair at mine) Then!... I might buy another. Till then I'll keep my bra, burn this book, and go with The Body Sculpting Bible or something similar. Good luck - save the money ;)

Get an inside view of the female muscles in action.
Frederic Delavier is well known for his books on anatomy in relationship to exercising and strength training. In this book, he gives women the inside track to their special needs.

If you workout without knowing what muscles and muscle groups you're working and how they relate to the needs of your body, you're wasting time. Part of the fun and enjoyment of fitness is knowing what it's doing to and for your body. This book is a great resource that every female exerciser should own and refer to often.

"To know your body better so that you train better, you must understand some basic concepts," Delavier writes. Then he discusses the three female body types and how fat is distributed in women and why.

Like all Delavier's books, it's laid out exceptionally well. The pictures and drawings are extremely well-done. You will not only find out what muscles, primary and secondary, all exercises work but also how to correctly do the exercises.

The book covers body weight exercises, free weights, machine and a few strength band exercises. It covers exercises for the buttocks, legs, abs and back --- all areas of concern to women.

While I would have liked to have seen the upper body included, that can be found in another book I'll discuss with you in another review. I feel many fitness authors seem to forget that women have upper bodies at all.

You will see a full view of the entire female muscular anatomy in the front of the book. In the back, you'll see the rear view. You'll also find a definition of each descriptive word used in the book from abdomen to vital respiratory capacity.

Admittedly some of the areas of the book are somewhat above the layman's level of understanding. But it's easy to look in the front of the book and find out what he's talking about. Most of it, however, is easy to understand.

Human Kinetics is known for publishing only the finest health and fitness titles and this one is certainly no exception.

The only thing that would have made it better would be if it were spiral bound.

If you're female or if you are a personal trainer who works with females, you absolutely need this book. I can't imagine training without it.

While you're at it, get Strength Training Anatomy (Sports Anatomy) by the same author.

Highly recommended.

- Susanna K. Hutcheson

A book half done, isn't the book for me
Like 90% of the reviewers of this book I'm wondering "What happened to the info on training the 'upper' half of a womans body?"And why the omission?Probably to sell more books!

I really think Strength Training Anatomy (Sports Anatomy Series) is tough to beat when it comes to a reference book for strength training or body building, for both men and women.It completely covers training the entire body and gives wonderful examples and step-by-step instructions on how to perform weight lifting movements to avoid injury.It also discusses possible injuries and what exercises can be done to avoid straining problem areas - something I love because of a bad shoulder prone to impingement and a surgically repaired knee.

But this book... "Women's Strength Training Anatomy" by the same author, seemed like an unfinished work, but more importantly I asked myself "Why bother when all the info is in the other one?"It's written and illustrated the same, and the info it does have is very good, but it seems to be an attempt to specialize that actually comes off as incomplete.

The areas of the body covered in Women's: butt, abs and legs, are all covered in the other book.My recommendation...wait for the new edition of Strength Training Anatomy to come out and buy that book instead of this one.You'll get all the info in this one, plus the stuff they omitted and should have put in! ... Read more

Product Description
Strength training is a vital addition to the healthy woman's fitness routine. Working with weights improves core stability and strengthens muscles, which in turn boosts metabolism, improves balance and flexibility, and builds bone density. Clearly illustrated with step-by-step color photos of each exercise, Total Strength Training for Women guides the beginning or intermediate student through all aspects of weight training for strength rather than bulk, and offers a progressive plan for weight training at home or in the gym, working with free weights or fixed weights. Additional coverage includes a guide to warm-ups, the main muscle groups, correct posture, and spot training programs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Extremely Thorough
Illustrations of working muscle groups coordinate with in-depth analysis of critical exercises to help you build a more complete routine.

I Need Strength Training Just to Carry This Book!
I just got my copy of this book today.From what I've looked at so far, it seems to be very clear, thorough and well-illustrated.My only complaint is that this book is oversized and heavy.It's not the kind of thing that will fit in my gym bag so I can refer to it while working out.I think it needs a better format.

Very Complete
I was surprised at the depth of and introduction to some critical exercises that even the best strength training books do not even attempt to address:things like wrist strength, pronation movements, and so forth.I felt this book really rounded out my exercises and it pictured the muscles I use so that I could build a more complete routine around all of the muscle groups I wanted to target or had been neglecting.Great book, spiral with pix, easy to take to gym.

Equipment Oriented
This book is heavily weighted toward the use of exercise machines.If you have access to them at home or in a gym, then it's an excellent book for toning and strength building.If you don't, you'll discover that, aside from the sturdy spiral format, it has little to offer the at-home exerciser interested in using handheld, wrist, or ankle weights and the Thera Band system.If the latter is more your speed, try Joan Pagano's excellent book: "Strength Training for Women."

Very thorough!
I bought this and reviewed it, and it appeared quite thorough.My friend's daughter was getting into weight lifting and wanted to learn more about it.I lent her this book and she is very happy with it. ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Golf is the most comprehensive and up-to-date golf-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 golf-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other golf book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book enables golfers of all skill levels to add extra yardage to their drives and irons without having to buy the latest technology in golf! By following this program you can develop the flexibility and strength required to eliminate fatigue and increase distance with every club in your bag. With stronger and more flexible muscles, you will not only hit the ball farther but you will have better control over all of your shots throughout the round. Most importantly, you will reduce your chances of injury and be able to play 18 holes without any problems!

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 (19)

Good weight training book, but not golf specific
I agree with the review by Mongo.This is a well written and organized book about weight training, but is not specifically written to improve golf conditioning and not very useful unless you want to engage in a serious weight training regimen.There are only a few perfunctory references to golf and there are no sections on stretching and flexibility exercised for golf.I also ordered "Golf Shape" by Reid and found it much more what I was looking for.It is 100% golf specific and covers both flexibility and strength training and has sections explaining how different exercises relate to different parts of the golf swing.

Useless for Golfers
This book has about five pages of information that is even vaguely golf-specific (pp. 9-14); the rest are how to perform weight lifting and specific exercises, with some generic diet advice. The problem is that there is almost no link between the two parts of the book, as in "This exercise will help with your grip" or "These exercises strengthen your forearms, which is important because..." While I haven't read or looked at all of them, there are 30 books by this author (listed on the back page of this one) claiming to be weight training for different sports. It looks as though the author wrote one book for weight lifting and grafted on a few pages in front and changed the title to make it seem sport-specific. In fact, there are more pages of advertising in the back of the book (six) for the author's website than there are golf-specific pages. It would be interesting to see if the same typos are in all of the books. If you're a lifter who wants to take up golf, this book may be helpful, but if you're a golfer or golfer-wannabe, this book is total waste of money.

Great Training Book, But Not Golf Specific
I've been involved in weight training at a high level for over 30 years.I took up golf later in life (late 30s) and was looking for a book that would provide exercises and routines that would help me move from pure strength-building to a program tailored for the golfer -- focusing more on flexibility, core strength and other exercises that would improve a golfer's game.This book might mention "golf" a handful of times, but is otherwise far from sport specific.That said, it's an excellent book for anyone who wants to learn about the fundamentals of weight training -- good illustrations of many of the exercises you'll see in every gym (free weights only) and a good, comprehensive collection of pre-set programs that are geared for different skill/experience levels.I've downgraded it 2 stars because the mention of "golf" in the title is completely misleading -- if you religiously followed the "strength building" routines from this book, you almost certainly wouldn't improve your golf game, which relies far more on touch than brute strength.

Over all workout
I think, the workouts listed here would help me in every area of life, not just golf. Its a great set of exercises.
Now, if I could only find the motivation required to stick to them :)

Just what I wanted
I was looking for a book that actually had workout routines to specifically target areas that would increase my golf game and this one had it. It also has pre-season and off-season workouts which are a plus. It is a very detailed book. Great book! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

book
Listed as hardcover, verified by amazon purchase was for a hardcover, contacted seller who was condescending.Would not do business with again.

great beginner book
I bought this because I got a weight set and bench cheap and wanted to learn how to use it so I could increase my strength and resistance to osteoporosis without killing or injuring myself. The book is very straight forward and has good pictures. The descriptions of some of the moves (or variations on lifts) are, for the most part, simple and easy to understand. This book gave me the confidence to start a short exercise-with-weights program and firm up my muscles. Advanced lifters will probably be disappointed, but for a total beginner like myself, it was a great starting point -- one I return to often. And the authors make sure to include women in the photos, which helped me (as a woman) feel like it wasn't just a "man thing" -- that I could do it too.

If you're too intimidated to do this stuff in the gyms, the gym staff aren't very helpful with it, or if the weights/benches are always hogged by jock types, get yourself a good used weight set and bench and buy this book. You'll do just fine. Note: having a mirror nearby can help you be sure you're doing the exercises right and with the proper positions and posture.

Good for beginners
This is a great book for beginning weight lifters and especially fellow women who'd like to begin to lift and might feel uncomfortable asking gym staff for assistance.It has pictures of exercises and the proper way tolift weights as well as specific exercises for shaping certain musclegroups.Small book, but informative and easy to read.Good reference. ... Read more

Product Description
From America's Leading Fitness Expert comes Kathy Smith's Lift Weights To Lose Weight, a 12-week guide to boosting metabolism, toning & sculpting the body, building stronger bones, & getting the body you want.Amazon.com Review
After some 20 years as a highly respected aerobic fitness instructor andhealth promoter--one who rarely uses the phrase "lose weight"--Kathy Smithis shifting her priorities. "I would never want to choose, but if I couldonly do one form of training from now on, I'd give up cardio and focus onweight training." A strong statement, indeed! The title of this, her fourthbook, suggests Smith's goal is to help exercisers lose weight. But asreaders work through the engrossing chapters on physiology, exercisebasics, and making the shift from aerobics to weight lifting, Smith saysthey'll note that weight loss is simply a pleasant by-product of the truebenefits generated by this straightforward, nonthreatening weight-liftingprogram.

Smith believes in the power of consistent, progressive exercise with freeweights and weight-lifting machines to counteract the muscle loss andslower metabolism that naturally come with age and typically cause thepounds to pile on. Her 12-week "mini commitment" eases newcomers into acomprehensive program of weight lifting and sensible eating, and includesweekly checklists for tracking workouts and meals. Large photos accompanyclearly written descriptions of more than 60 stretches and exercises, nicelyorganized by muscle group (chest, back, abdominals, and so on). Just pick agym or a room at home, and Smith will provide the routine. Advocates of herpopular fitness videos (more than two dozen to date) will appreciateSmith's natural warmth, encouragement, and intelligence throughout thismotivational book. --Liane Thomas ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

A Very Comprehensive Weight Training Book
This a wonderful volume for the beginning weight-trainer or for anyone looking to bust through exercise plateaus. The book starts off with several chapters containing tips, motivation, and useful information pertaining to weight-training including the comment that got me hooked on weight-training in the first place. (My favorite comment is when Kathy mentions the ridiculousness of people who recommend that women begin weight-training with cans of soup.) This volume contains three different levels of workout, each with its own combination of exercises. Each exercise has its own double-page spread with one page featuring photographs illustrating the motion and the opposite page featuring detailed instructions for the movement. The back of the book contains an exercise log to keep you at the top of your game and provide a handy reference to the exercises you will be doing. Several stretches are illustrated in the volume as well and will be the perfect complement to your routines. A Top-Notch Book.

excellent
I found this book to be very helpful! I loved it. I have been exercising for many years using at home videos. I actually like this book more then some of the Kathy Smith Videos I have used! I wanted to get more involved with working out with weights now that I am in my 40's. The book covers the benefits of working out with weights, nutrition and covers lots of different exercises for each muscle group.(proper form is covered and explained in detail) for the entire body along with a suggested schedule or routine for each week. I have been very happy with the routines and do them entirely at home and have seen great results.

Fresh Start
I had weight trained several years ago with good results but a bad fall down a flight of stairs led me in a different direction and I after gaining weight and loosing muscle I need to start again. This was an excellent fresh start for me.I saw results in just a few weeks and feel stronger and healthier and have now moved on to more serious weight training once again.
Kathy's book is very easy to follow and had very clear direction.Her training advice is sound and her guide to technique was excellent.Her eating plan is sensible and easy to follow and I found no problem working it into my day to day lifestyle.The amount of time spend training each week is very reasonable.

A great book for beginners or people who want a FRESH START
Also a very reasonably priced book.

Strength training is no longer a mystery
Prior to reading this book, I only used weights if they were part of an aerobics class.Now I have the confidence to walk into a weight room at a gym!Kathy teaches readers how to use weights both at home and in the gym setting.The how-to photos are very helpful.I also enjoyed the chapter on diet and was impressed by the fact that Kathy consulted with a Registered Dietitian for guidance on the nutrition chapter.I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning how to incorporate strength training into their fitness routine.

Kathyis one of the best!
I've been lifting weights for a little over a year, so have already experienced many of the benefits Kathy mentions in her book.I've lost 40 pounds and about 18% body fat by following a good diet and weight training at progressively heavier weight and added sets.Even though I am not brand new to weight training, I still found the book helpful.There is an anatomy chart, and Kathy dispels many myths about weight lifting, in particular that women shouldn't lift heavy or that they will get big and bulky from lifting.Also, there were a couple of exercises that I was not doing, so I was able to modify my current program a bit.

I tried using a trainer, but frankly have been disappointed, so I am now learning all I can on my own.Lift Weights to Lose Weight will be a book that I use.I like it much better than the accompanying video tape, which I have used briefly; it is not a very comprehensive workout.

I recommend this book to beginners and intermediates, and anyone who wants to learn more about the basic principles of weight lifting. ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Lacrosse is the most comprehensive and up-to-date lacrosse-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 lacrosse-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other lacrosse book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book will have players increasing strength, speed, and flexibility resulting in harder checks, more accurate shots, and the ability power past defenders all game long. From the opening face-off you will be able to dominate the game like never before and maintain your intensity 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

Customer Reviews (5)

Not bad, but not what I was hoping for
I am a physical therapist with a lacrosse-obsessed son.I bought this book not because I need to know how to strength-train, but because I wanted to know what muscles should be strength-trained to improve lacrosse performance.

This book has a lot of information about strength-training in general, and it gives nice specific detailed workouts ('Day 2 do these exercises', etc).But it does not tell me anything that I, as a PT, don't already know.For example, it says that for lacrosse, the upper body muscles that should be strengthened are the chest, back, shoulders, biceps, triceps.Um, yeah.That about covers everything, so - not helpful.

To improve running speed it says to do sprints.Again, not so helpful.

I would say that the author is pretty well-educated with regards to exercise physiology.If you're looking for a concise yet thorough book about strength training, with various strategies for when to train and what you could substitute - this is a good book.If you're looking for information about exactly what muscles to train for lacrosse, I feel this book falls short.

Good ideas presented
I like the way this book is put together.It lays out week by week plans for the off season as well as on season.The author also explains why certain workout techniques are suggested for different times of the year.I've read through and plan to use the routinues myself and see if if it puts me back in condition to play some over 40 ball.Until then I've reserved the final star.

Lacrosse - Why Weight Training
I found this book to be excellent for the young lacrosse player. It shows the basic techneques and how with repititions they can increase their strength but at a safe pace.

Great Lacrosse-Related Exercises
Detailed explanations accompany each exercise to help the lacrosse player train, even in the off-season.Great photos also help the explanations.

A must read for any high school or college player
This book gives a detailed explanation of every exercise and has photos that show the correct way to do the exercise. ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Cheerleading is the most comprehensive and up-to-date cheerleading-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 cheerleading-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other cheerleading book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book will have both male and female cheerleaders increasing strength, stamina, and flexibility while reducing the risk of injuries when performing stunts and routines.

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 (1)

Good help for All Stars
This is a basic skill weight training book that can help make a base cheerleader strong enough and flyer limber for their stunts in today's competitive cheerleading arena.

I think it is a great book for a high school / junior high cheerleading sponsor who wants to help her Squad in the offseason to be able to do the stunts require to compete in NCA style events for the many Cheerleading Associations.

... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Bowling is the most comprehensive and up-to-date bowling-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 bowling-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other bowling book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book will have you increasing your average by focusing on the endurance, strength, and flexibility needed most by bowlers. By following this guide you will get more speed on your rolls, more pin action, and overall higher scores and success on the lanes.

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 (5)

Weight Training Book
I'm sure this is a good weight training book but it links
very few of the excercises to actual bowling improvement.

More Bodybuilding Type Nonsense
Bowling at the top level requires good physical conditioning and unfortunately this isn't the book to provide that kind of information.Lots of isolation exercises and typical workouts from the bodybuilding era.I'm not sure if they realize most people reading this book aren't on steroids and would benefit more from a general strength and fitness program, more than they would from the program laid out in this book.Overall hugely disappointing and further perpetuating training programs that don't make sense for an athletic population.

Not a bad book
I just got this book and just read the table of contents.The first thing I noticed is that it only has 6 pages on leg exercises.I am becoming a good bowler because 50 percent of bowling has to do with having strong, quick, and flexable legs and knees.Yet he only has 6 pages on the subject of leg exercises and the reccomended exercises with legs.

Another reason why I am starting to get good at bowling is because chest mussles a long with back mussles are very important at bowling.Working on my chest and back mussles will increase my bowling greatly.Having strong chest mussles, good strong Abs, and back mussles is 25 percent of being in good enough shape to be a good bowler.

He has 4 pages of exercises on Chest exercises and 4 pages on Back exercises and 5 pages on Abs.So 75% of what you need to be in shape to be a good bowler he only used 17 pages out of a 64 page book.

Now he does have 4 pages of exercises on Biceps and Forearms Exercises.These exercises are important to being a good bowler.If I had to say about 20% of what you need to be a good bowler.So the book is a total of 64 pages and in 21 pages he has 95 pecent of the exercises that will help you become in shape to be a good bowler.

Having strong shoulders is a very small part in becoming a good bowler.I would say maybe 5 percent.Yet he has 5 pages of exercises on it.The good news is that if you want to know in my opion what exercises you need to due to be in shape for bowling all you have to do is read 26 out of 64 pages of the book.

The rest of the book while it will make a great work out program and make you in beter shape.It should not really help you in your bowling game because you are just doing exercises that really don't have to do with mussles that will help in bowling.However if you wanted a general weight lifting book these pages might come in handy.

Was it worth me buying yes because 21 of the pages are really going to help me in my bowling a lot and 5 pages are going to help me in my bowling a little the Shoulder Exercises.Is 21 pages of great help and 5 pages of little help worth 20 bucks?I say yes because it is the only book on Weight Training for Bowling out there.So I would say spend the 20 bucks and read the 21 pages and do those exercises.

Not bad
Not a bad little guide.
BTW it's cheaper to just buy it from the author's website.....just look at the 2nd page of the excerpt.

Tex McFaden's Review of The Ultimate Guide...
It's not only the "ultimate" guide to weight training for bowling, but I think that it's the ONLY guide to weight training for bowlng. Obviously, anyone could build a workout program to strengthen their body, but it's nice to have a resource provided by knowledgeable folks to make it easy for you. This guide provides an easy to ready plan, complete with pictures, to help bowlers improve their strength. The purpose is to help bowlers ultimately improve the explosive quality of the ball in the pocket, from the first roll to the last. This is most critical when bowlers get caught in a long day at competitive meets where they are sure to bowl more than three quick games. The stress of competition can easily tire a competitor physically, so physical fitness is a must. This book walks you through the stretching and the exercises and a rotation plan that uses four different training programs. It's a short, to-the-point book that may be a no-brainer to fitness buffs, but still serves as a handy reference to keep everyone, at any level, focused and fit. The rating is based on the fact that the book accomplishes its stated purpose and meets the expectations that anyone should have for this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Here’s a safe, effective, flexible whole-body training program for health, fitness, and increased physical strength. It’s a six-week program for beginners who want to get in shape and stay that way. Many beginners risk doing themselves harm by starting weight training without advice on the workout program that is best for them. Those who follow The Beginner’s Guide to Weight Training will never make that mistake. The author presents a self-assessment questionnaire to help readers evaluate their level of health and fitness, then offers expert advice on nutrition, clothing, and footwear.He follows up with information on techniques and warm-up exercises, along with a three-days-per-week program that extends for six weeks. Charts and diagrams will help readers evaluate their progress, stay motivated, and develop long-term habits for keeping in shape. More than 150 color photos and illustrations. ... Read more