A great reference book - Rated 
I originally bought this book to strengthen my right quad and work on muscle wastage before and after an arthroscopy. My post-op Physio. and this book had me back on a treadmill at 11.1kph in five weeks. There is hardly a week goes by that I don't refer to the book for information on muscle groups, nutrition, and different training schedules such as pyramids and periodisation. The quality photographic work covers exercises for free weights and gym machines, accompanied by clear descriptions of the exercise.
I would be easy to to think that this book is about body building, and no doubt it can be used for that, but its usefulness for the rest of us are the specific routines for running, football, swimming, and other sports. Anita Bean writes for one of the running magazines hence the wide view of her subject.
A brilliant book....but not quite perfect. - Rated 
This book is very easy on the eye with well presented information. This may seem like a minor point but it makes a nice change from the dull black and white pages usually found in strength training books. It provides a great deal of information and the referencing adds credibility to the text.
On a negative side I feel the author could have gone into more detail in areas. The section entitled "The workouts" isn't as comprehensive as I would have liked.
However, having read widely on the subject of strength training it's clear to me that there isn't one book offering the reader everything there is to know. This book isn't "the complete guide" as it claims to be but it is certainly a valuable resource for anyone interested in strength training.
The Complete Guide to Strength Training - Rated
The Complete Guide to Strength Training is a book intended for both beginners and seasoned strength trainers alike. The book takes you through most aspects of training, including details on performance of exercises, exercise selection, choice of routines, aerobics, diet and a brief part on modern supplements. The book also includes sections on your specific goals, be it improving your overall fitness, increasing your muscle mass or becoming more powerful. The book is well written and includes scientific journal references of relative information, which adds credibility to the author's arguments. This impressed me as, having read too many bodybuilding books for my own good, this was the first book I have read to do so. This is also the first book I have read that lays out a periodised program that can be followed for the rest of your life, incorporation a program consisting of both volume training and high intensity training. In my opinion, this is a fantastic book and is well worth a read, it is also the only book on strength training you will need to buy. If you want to make drug free gains, then follow the advice of an expert in her field and not that of a juiced up bodybuilder. If you are sensible with the authors advice and don't over-train, you will make good gains.
Good content let down by poor editing - Rated 
I bought this book to shake up my gym routine and because I was about to work overseas where I could not be sure of a decent instructor. Most of the content is pretty good and well explained, but the book is let down by the editing, in two areas that I spotted at least. Firstly while the set programmes are clear, when it gets to the section on adjusting them for body types ir does not seem to be thought through - it is recommended that an endomorph body type do 8-12 sets of major exercises but does not say how to fit all that in to a one hour gym session. Should one split the programme and if so, where? The other area is page references - throughout the book they are either set at "00" or just wrong. For instance, the endomorph is recommended to start on the foundation programme but following the page reference takes you to the maximum strength routine. Upping that from 4 sets to 12 could create some difficulties. This should have been picked up by the publisher and I hope that the next edition corrects this.
If you read any review, read this one! - Rated
I am an amateur at weight training but this book is totally invaluable. It gives clear instructions for each type of exercise with precise muscle groups that will be affected. Whatever your body type, this book is for you. Whether you just want to lose weight or gain muscle, this is it. There is a section all about nutrition and supplements, it breaks down all the supplements that work and the ones that don't. The most valuable section for me is the training schedule that is honed to each body type and is based on the outcome you want. BUY this, its a must!!
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