Bodybuilding & Weight Training Books - Page 5

Complete Book of Core Training, The: The Definitive Resource for Shaping and Strengthening the 'Core' -- The Muscles of the Abdomen, Butt, Hips, and Lower Back

Kurt, Brett, & Mike Brungardt

Amazon Price: $14.93 List Price: $21.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Hyperion Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $6.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

By comparing over 10 abs books, I concluded... 3 out of 5 stars.
14 of 14 people found this review helpful.

I purchased about 10 books from Amazon on abs in order to compare them. This one is fairly big, but there is a lot of white space on every page (you're paying for all of it). It also has confusing lay-out so that it's hard to use. If you're interested to know how it compares with other books, my conclusions are below...

If You Want to Trim Your Waistline: You can't trim your waistline without losing fat, and you can't lose fat around your waist without losing it everywhere (focusing on a muscle group like the abdominal muscles doesn't burn fat in that location, just a little bit of fat from everywhere on the body). So, if you want to trim your waistline, skip the ab workout books and go with a good, proven overall weight loss and fitness book like Bill Phillips' Body for Life. The Abs Diet is a similar program, but like all the Men's Health publications, it advertises a 6-week transformation, which is just a little unrealistic. Plan on more like 12-24 weeks to see really noticeable changes if you are fat.

If You Want Sculpted Six-Pack Abs: If you are overweight at all, see above--you can't get a six pack while you're overweight, and you can't lose abdominal fat by doing an ab workout, so go for overall fitness. However, if you are already lean, see below.

If You Want to Strengthen or Build Your Ab Muscles: If you're trying to improve for work, play, or rehab, you might consider the following books: The Body Sculpting Bible for Abs Deluxe DVD Edition contains decently up-to-date information and tells you exactly what to do and when to do it, based on a six-week fitness course. If you're looking for a similar book with more information, you can choose from The Complete Book of Abs or The Complete Book of Core Training. The Complete Book of Abs (1998) is a little out of date in terms of its dietary/nutritional recommendations, but it focuses more on exercises that develop the external abdominal muscles (the ones you see in a six-pack), including lots of variations on leg lifts, bicycle motion, and sit-ups. It will also give you more resources for creating your own program, and, if that's what you want to do, go with this one instead of The Body Sculpting Bible. The Complete Book of Core Training (2006) focuses more on the functional body core, including internal abdominal muscles, legs, etc., and includes more trendy exercises using medicine balls, exercise balls, yoga, etc. A different sort of book is Stronger Abs and Back (1997), which was written before the current fad of selling "core training," but contains the elements of core training because it gives good functional sports-focused advice. Its dietary recommendations are out of date, but it recommends a 24-week workout plan, which is much more realistic than the 6-week plans advocated by many of the other books.

If You Have Back Pain: See your doctor, and if he prescribes abdominal/core strengthening, see above.

My one-book recommendation: Body for Life.
My two-book recommendation: Body for Life + Stronger Abs and Back.
My three-book recommendation: Body for Life + Stronger Abs and Back + The Complete Book of Abs.
My four-book recommendation: Body for Life + Stronger Abs and Back + The Complete Book of Abs + The Abs Diet.

Hope this helps!!

Editorial Review:

From the author of the national bestseller The Complete Book of Abs comes the definitive book on the Next Big Thing in fitness -- core training

From the bestselling author of The Complete Book of Abs comes this comprehensive guide to a new movement in fitness: core training. The body’s "core" refers to the muscles that comprise the center of your body: the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, butt, and hips. With the increasing popularity of yoga and Pilates -- both of which depend on strong core muscles -- the fitness community has turned its focus from the abs to the core. The Brungardt brothers’ simple 9-week program is based on over 100 exercises and includes workouts appropriate for beginners and fitness enthusiasts alike. This book will help men and women of all body types and fitness levels to strengthen their core for better mobility, posture, and physique. Get ready to get fit!

Power to the People! : Russian Strength Training Secrets for Every American

Pavel Tsatsouline

Amazon Price: $23.07 List Price: $34.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Dragon Door Publications Amazon Marketplace: 39 new & used starting at $20.25

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 114 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

How to get super strong without training to muscle failure or exhaustionHow to hack into your 'muscle software' and magnify your power and muscle definition How to get super strong without putting on an ounce of weightOr how to build massive muscles with a classified Soviet Special Forces workout Why high rep training to the 'burn' is like a form of rigor mortisand what it really takes to develop spectacular muscle toneHow to mold your whole body into an off-planet rock with only two exercisesHow to increase your bench press by ten pounds overnightHow to get a tremendous workout on the road without any equipmentHow to design a world class body in your basementwith $150 worth of basic weights and in twenty minutes a dayHow futuristic techniques can squeeze more horsepower out of your body-engine How to maximize muscular tension for traffic-stopping muscular definition How to minimize fatigue and get the most out of your strength trainingHow to ensure high energy after your workoutHow to get stronger and harder without getting biggerWhy its safer to use free weights than machinesHow to achieve massive muscles and awesome strengthif thats what you want What, how and when to eat for maximum gainsHow to master the magic of effective exercise variationThe ultimate formula for strengthHow to gain beyond your wildest dreamswith less chance of injuryA high intensity, immediate gratification technique for massive strength gainsThe eight most effective breathing habits for lifting weights The secret that separates elite athletes from 'also-rans'How to become super strong and live to tell about it

Strength Ball Training

Lorne Goldenberg, Peter Twist

Amazon Price: $14.25 List Price: $20.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Human Kinetics Amazon Marketplace: 48 new & used starting at $12.20

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A weight lifter sees the light 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

This book is worth twice the price. The accompanying DVD is also worth twice the price. It's a lot of information for the money!

Background: until a couple of weeks ago I exclusively lifted weights for strength training. Then I hurt my back, and decided I needed to get some more dynamic training into my regimen. I bought a few medicine balls, and immediately hurt my back again! (In a different spot.) I ordered this book (along with Gambetta's medicine ball book) to teach me the right way to use medicine balls. I was a bit unsure about this book because I really didn't want all those stability ball exercises -- I was just looking for med ball ex's.

In the meantime I went to a few stability ball classes at the Y because I figured that they wouldn't hurt my back. I actually enjoyed them and looked forward to the book's arrival.

The exercises in the sample program look pretty easy, that is until you watch the DVD and learn the *correct* way to do them. For all you macho guys out there who think that stability balls are for sissies, well let's just say that after I completed the beginner workout, I felt like I had been beaten by hammers all over my body. But in a good way! :-)

The DVD is very professionally produced. They film the exercises from multiple camera angles, and use slow- and stop-motion liberally to illustrate the critical parts of each exercise. (My 3 and 6 year-olds were mesmerized!) There is narration during the slow/stop sequences telling you what to watch for.

Short story, I sent Gambetta's book back because it pales in comparison to this one.

By the way, today I went to the Y and it was a beautiful day (60 degrees in February!) so the place was empty. I had my choice of an empty weight room or an empty aerobics studio. I chose the studio and the stability balls! What does that tell you?

Editorial Review:

This book had 57,000 copies of the previous edition sold worldwide. It is aimed at athletes, fitness enthusiasts and professionals, as well as strength and conditioning specialists. With even more exercises and the inclusion of a DVD, this book will remain the premier strength ball training title on the market. It is the most comprehensive guide to training with Swiss balls and medicine balls to improve strength, balance, co-ordination, core stability and functional performance. It includes 110 exercises grouped by function and muscle group for easy navigation and application, and the DVD includes demonstrations of more advanced exercises, as well as a standard core training programme.

Sculpting Her Body Perfect

Brad Schoenfeld

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Human Kinetics - Model: 0736073884 Amazon Marketplace: 46 new & used starting at $12.40

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 58 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

An exercise bible 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I have the older version of this - didn't realize there was a new one, so will be sure to buy it. I love this book. It offers enough variety so that you can work every single part of your body without your muscles getting too used to one movement. Also, I have alot of spinal issues & find that there is so much variety that I can have a complete routine just like anybody else without hurting myself. I also ordered the Look Great Naked Diet book. Can't wait to get it. Great work Brad!!!

Editorial Review:

One of the most sought-after personal trainers in the United States, fitness expert Brad Schoenfeld has developed a system specially tailored to the unique training needs and goals of women.The book starts with a body conditioning programme to build an essential foundation for further muscle development. Targeted body sculpting follows, to smooth out any remaining problem areas and add definition to complete a new look.The companion DVD adds even more instruction on execution techniques, plus the reader get tips on how they can create their own combinations and workout plans.The DVD will make workouts even more effective as it can be seen in action. Viewers will learn how pacing, transitions, varying technique and effective execution combine to give the best results.

Get on the Ball: Develop a Strong, Lean and Toned Body with an Exercise Ball

Lisa Westlake

Amazon Price: $10.17 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Da Capo Press Amazon Marketplace: 69 new & used starting at $2.94

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Still shopping, but... 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I haven't purchased this book yet, but it sounds good and I might buy it, so I'll give it 4 stars because a rating is required to post a comment. To the reviewers who say the binding on the book is poor -- often when I buy a how-to book, I take it to a copy shop like FedExKinko's and have them put a spiral binding on it. If they're not busy, it just takes a few minutes, and it costs only a few dollars -- well worth the convenience of having a book that lies flat when open!

Editorial Review:

Using an exercise ball for strength and fitness may be a relatively new concept, but it's not just another exercise fad. The ball has been used extensively in rehabilitation and physiotherapy for over 30 years, with phenomenal results. Now fitness expert Lisa Westlake offers exercise buffs a simple, highly effective way to achieve a strong, defined physique using this revolutionary fitness tool. Based on the concept that working out on the "wobbly" ball forces us to use extra muscles and cultivate new skills, Westlake has developed over 90 innovative exercise techniques that will help readers achieve better muscle tone and definition as well as a stronger, healthier, injury-free body. Great for elite athletes, regular gym-goers, and determined beginners alike, Get on the Ball will show readers step-by-step how to use their exercise ball to achieve improved health and appearance. This extensive step-by-step guide is illustrated throughout with 120 duotone photographs.

Maximum Muscle: Minimum Fat

Ori Hofmekler, Marc Salzman

List Price: $34.95 By: Dragon Door Publications Amazon Marketplace: 12 new & used starting at $12.83

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

What you think -- you become. Knowledge is power. When it comes to changing your body, do you really know what to think? Cutting through the confusion of claims, beliefs and pseudo-science that bedevils modern bodybuilding, best-selling fitness author, Ori Hofmekler, reveals the untold secrets behind guaranteed muscle gain -- and guaranteed fat loss. Now, for the first time, you can unlock your true physical potential -- by understanding the fundamental biological principles of physical transformation. Once you own this wisdom, you will be the master of your body. Discover: How to turn on your anabolic switch -- and optimise muscle growth; The cellular science behind muscle gain and fat loss; How to use your own fat to build more muscle -- and other surprising secrets of modern bio-science; What you really need to know to harness the full power of human growth and steroid hormones; How to develop 'super muscle' -- a muscle packed with unprecedented power and strength; 'Muscle shifting' -- a potent new way to redesign your body; How to make insulin your friend -- in the race for more muscle and less fat; The scientific support behind the ancient wisdom of controlled under-eating and overeating -- releasing your 'inner beast' to become a metabolic powerhouse.

Fit To Surf

Rocky Snyder

List Price: $14.95 By: Emerson Pub Amazon Marketplace: 17 new & used starting at $6.29

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 25 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Right On! 5 out of 5 stars.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful.

Since I don't get to surf everyday, this book is exactly what I needed to stay in surfing shape. I have a number of other fitness related books, but none address surfing fitness. This book gave me exactly what I've been looking for. I've since given it to a number of friends and they have all told me how helpful they have found it as well.

awsome hardcore surf book 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

if your learning how to surf and want to progress in this sport then you should chech this book out. full of many different kinds of workouts and it evens plans out workouts that fit your life style....a must have to your surf collection....

Improve Your Surfing Level 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

From new surfers all the way through professional, this surfing guide will help you improve your skill. Great workouts for the surfer are included.

Editorial Review:

Fit To Surf is the surfer's guide to strength training and conditioning. This book is filled with information and photographs to help an individual: build more surfing strength, enhance paddling endurance, increase balance and coordination, reduce chance of injury, and train individually or as a member of a surf team.

Super Squats: How to Gain 30 Pounds of Muscle in 6 Weeks

Randall J. Strossen (Ph.D.)

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Ironmind Enterprises Amazon Marketplace: 10 new & used starting at $10.25

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 74 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Super squats by Randall J Strossen 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Super Squats is timeless. It gives down to earth information on the only three things that will make you bigger and stronger. They are;
1.Progressive overload
2.Getting enough food
3.Rest for growth and addaptation.

These are the cornerstones of getting big and strong and they are as true today as they have always been.

I think one of the problems with today's training magazines is that they seem to put more emphasis on food supplements and training sessions that are done by bodybuilding champions that are not only genetically gifted but also take drugs. These same bodybuilders also promote the food supplements but fail to mention the drug use.

I train people of all ages and all genetic abilities and I can tell you that using the principles laid out in super squats works!

For all begginers out there, cut through the hype and get squatting.

David Morgan

Editorial Review:

We wrote the book on personal transformation: John Doe was an ordinary guy: Had a wife (girlfriend) and while he worked (was in school) full time and had a couple of hobbies, he also wanted to be bigger and stronger. John had no special genetic gifts and no interest in drugging up; plus, he had to keep the training routine and the accompanying diet very simple as well as extremely effective. Enter SUPER SQUATS, and six weeks later, the 150-pound, somewhat shaky version of John Doe had been replaced by a 180-pound fire breather who knew he could walk through walls, because he'd just done it. SUPER SQUATS is the definitive book on the classic 20-rep squat routine . . . it's been around for almost 75 years and it's the system that turns scarecrows into musclemen. Whether you're trying to outgrow your size small shirts or are hunting for a win at World's Strongest Man, here's the winning recipe when it comes to bulking up. 112 pp.

Ironmind: Stronger Minds, Stronger Bodies

Randall J. Strossen

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Ironmind Enterprises Amazon Marketplace: 4 new & used starting at $11.25

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Not just for weight lifters 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book because I am a middle-aged newbie to the sport of lifting and thought a 5 star motivational book would serve me well. This book was written with weight lifters in mind but it's common sense wisdom applies to all aspects of life. Mr. Strossen's writing is very accessible and clear. I've read a few motivational books and this one is hands down the best. Although I come from the same town as the author we have never met and this is an honest "from the heart" review.

A quick shot of well-backed motivation 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This book is like a little devotional for weightlifters. That phrase sounds precious and fragile, but the book isn't. This is rock-solid motivational theory that will help you lift harder, day after day after day. Each short article (there are sixty in all) gives you a new tool to shift yourself into gear. This book is just the thing to start you on your way to more bulk, more power, more definition - whatever you want, this book helps you achieve it. When you're in a slump, it helps you pick yourself up. When you're moving, it helps you keep yourself going. The best thing is, it's always crystal clear that the force making this happen is YOU; the book just gives you the tools.

Buy the book. Use the tools. Grow into your goals.

Editorial Review:

Put your mind to work: handfuls of helpful strategies, ideas, and tools for maximizing your progress both in the gym and out in the world at large. Easy to read, with topic-specific guidance that is sure to boost your performance, this book just gets more and more popular as the years go by. 192 pp.

The Ultimate New York Body Plan

David Kirsch

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: McGraw-Hill Amazon Marketplace: 48 new & used starting at $7.30

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 76 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

"Initially, I went to David to reshape my body, not knowing that my interaction with him would ultimately reshape my life."
--Linda Evangelista

"I work out with David Kirsch on a regular basis, but I really see his magic when I need to get in shape quickly....Within two weeks I see huge results and feel stronger, healthier and 100 percent better inside and out."
--Liv Tyler

"When I first contacted David, I had five weeks to get in shape for my first movie role. His attitude and take-no-prisoners approach was not only inspiring, it was actually enjoyable!"
--Faith Hill

In as little as two weeks, David Kirsch's unique combination of exercise, nutrition, and motivation will help you transform your body and achieve maximum wellness. The Ultimate New York Body Plan will show you how to:

• Lose weight . . . without expensive surgery
• Increase energy . . . and burn calories
• Tone muscles . . . in the fastest time possible
• Define shape . . . for a lean, sculpted look
• Look your best . . . and feel even better
• See real results . . . that will last a lifetime