Reviews (10)

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

Good but expected somthing different...
The only reason I am giving it 4 stars is because i bought his other two books, championship bodybuild and everything you need for fat loss and most questions were answered in those books.
Not Bad
Chris Aceto is obviously a smart guy. It shows in his writing. You'll never find a bodybuilding book that is "art", but as a reference source this book is pretty good. I do have a few "cons" about this book, though: It's somewhat abivalent about the steroid issue. Some of the information in this book (though not the majority) seems to be geared toward the steroid-using bodybuilder without acknowledging it, which may be confusing to "naturals". There is almost a wink-and-a-nod about steroid use in a few of the glossary entries. However, this is not uncommon in bodybuilding books, so you'll have to judge for yourself if the information in these few entries is right for you. The other gripe I have is that this book is in need of a professional copy editor. There are numerous typos and grammatical inconsistencies. Overall, you may think I'm slamming this book, but I'm not. Dive into it with your eyes open and you can come away with some good stuff, especially about non- or low-controversial supplements like vitamins, minerals, etc. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bodybuilding & Weight Training    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Nutrition    5. Weight Training   

Reviews (4)

Awesome book!!!
This book is really good! It's funny and extremly informative. The only pitfall I think this book has is that it seems more geared towards people who are already certified. On the flip side though, it does have extremly good advice on becoming certified, taking exams, finding you niche etc...I would recommend this book to amatuers who are still in school (like me) and certified veteran personnal trainers alike :)

Useful
It is a useful book, especially for someone new to the industry.The online link is especially nice.
Crash Course in Basic Business
The basic steps for starting a business as a personal trainer presented in a concise and easy to follow format. Good business advice to avoid costly mistakes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Athletic Training And Conditioning    2. Careers - Other Specific Fields    3. Careers / Job Opportunities    4. Coaching    5. Exercise    6. General    7. Handbooks, manuals, etc    8. Personal trainers    9. Physical education    10. Sports    11. Sports & Recreation    12. Training    13. Vocational guidance    14. Business & Management    15. Family & Health    16. Health & Fitness / General   

Reviews (4)

This guy is insane...

122 Pages of Excellence
This book is THE book when it comes to grip training and becoming a well rounded athlete.Brookfield lays this book out very logically starting with a section on getting ready.He then progresses through: Advanced Lower Arm and Grip Training; Advanced Grip Challenges; and Steel Bending.No matter where you turn to this book is filled with helpful tips and ideas to get your workouts going.
The Master shares his secrets
John Brookfield IS Mr. Hands.He is also a very sharing person who will gladly help others to succeed.The Grip Master's Manual is a superb book with many unusual ideas for exercise and hand health.If you are interested in building a stronger grip, you MUST read this book.If you're not interested in building a stronger grip, you are probably not interested in performing near the top in any athletic endeavours.In a nutshell, if you want to be better at almost anything that requires use of your hands, you should build your grip and this book is a true asset.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bodybuilding & Weight Training    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Training    5. Exercise    6. Grip strength   

Reviews (1)

Not a bad investment. Encyclopedic on exercise versions and methods.
This book has extensive variations of all sorts of exercises. In the first impression, I felt that was a distraction from simplifying life for exercisers. Yet, the variation of equipments, environment, and exercises convinced me that could help people to choose among many options. One exercise of T-bar row was done with the bar anchored on a dumbbell, which made me feel uneasy. Yet, it could help people where machines are scarce. Many gyms I visited lack the T-bar row machine and the idea of using a heavy dumbbell isn't bad for a beginner. It could cause injury if the dumbbell moves, though.
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Subjects:  1. Bodybuilding    2. Consumer Health    3. Exercise    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Healthy Living    7. Men's Health    8. Physical fitness for men    9. Weight Training    10. Exercise & workout books    11. Fitness training    12. Health & Fitness / Exercise   

Reviews (11)

excellent introduction and "one-stop" reference ...
Tom Bisio has put together a concise, but comprehensive overview of martial arts medicine from the traditional Chinese perspective - a veritable goldmine of information that can be applied to the needs of anyone who's engaged in any kind of sport or performance activity. It's also very readable - easy on the eyes! An excellent value for the price.

I BROKE MY LEG
I WAS IN HOPE OF FINDING SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR ME WITH MY CONDITION, THIS MAY NOT BE IT.

almost too much info
almost too much information for a new comer but well written
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Subjects:  1. Alternative treatment    2. Consumer Health    3. General    4. Healing    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Herbal Medications    8. Medicine, Chinese    9. Sports injuries    10. Sports medicine    11. Training    12. China    13. Health & Fitness / General    14. Specific disorders & therapies   

Reviews (10)

The Fit Swimmer: 120 workouts and Training Tips
This book has really helped me improve and vary my workouts and make the masters swim class I teach more interesting.

A great training guide for anyone
Like many triathletes I had a bit of swimming in my background when I started racing, but certainly not enough to be competitive.I occasionally swam with organized groups but my consultant travel schedule made sure that was infrequent.I got a copy of The Fit Swimmer, read it cover to cover and made up about a dozen workouts from the suggested routines.The section on open water racing was particularly valuable.While training diligence was definitely part of it, this book was the #1 resource for me in competitively placing in events ranging from local races to National and Ironman distances.Ms. Brems meets 2 imperatives: she explains things simply and she gives you the tools you need to progress from a relative novice to a competitive swimmer.Like a craftsman and apprentice, she leaves it up to the reader to figure out how to best use the extensive toolset in the book.I found that creating about a dozen workouts on 3x5 cards from her suggested routines and rotating them did the trick (store them in a ziploc bag for use poolside).You can experiment with different routines to test how your body responds.I now coach people on an occasional basis, and strongly encourage each of them to read the book before we start.

Indispensable for first (and beyond) year swim coaches
Swimming is one of those curious beasts of the American atheticsports scene: vast multitudes participate (recreational, summer, competitive, etc.), but very few really know how to improve.As in other sports, many parents wind up coaching as their children get involved in swimming as there are too few coaches available.There is much to learn!Stroke technique, using the clock, training the aerobic and non-aerobic energy systems, how to author and conduct a productive and interesting workout, etc.Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Physical fitness    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Swimming    6. Swimming And Diving    7. Training    8. Health & Fitness / Exercise    9. Swimming & diving   

Reviews (16)

Mis print on book cover
The book actually contains 3 different training programs based on a 30 week training cycle.The book cover refers, incorrectly, to 12 week programs.

Inspiring and Informative
I've read a dozen or so books on triathlon. Some are more informative (like Complete Triathon Book by Matt Fitzgerald and The Triathlete's Training Bible by Joe Friel) and some are more inspiring (like Becoming an Ironman by Kara Douglas Thom), but this book strikes a nice balance between being informative and inspiring. I especially like the many tips on time management--how to work your full training program around demands of work and family. So why not 5 stars? I think the book should have been 50 pages longer and included more depth in some of the important subjects that all triathletes need to know about.
Closest thing to a shortcut
It took me years of injuries, online training plans, and ill-spent money to learn what Mr. Fink has consolidated into 280 pages. If you are an Ironman or aspiring Ironman, this book belongs in your training library.
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Ironman triathlons    7. Training    8. Triathlon    9. Fitness training    10. Sports & Recreation / Triathlon   

Reviews (3)

Get Stronger
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to get stronger without a huge time committment. The training information is cutting edge, the exercises are explained in detail, and I can do them in my garage. I was skeptical at first given the short workouts, but I am totally fatigued after each one. It definitely works, I am getting stronger each week which is sure to improve my shooting.

great advice
This is the first book I've seen that gears fitness directly to archery.The workouts are quick and effective.The pictures are self-explanatory.

Excellent Book!
I've been using the program for about six weeks now. I feel stronger and more confident with my bow and have a better sense of control. The book is straight forward and the routines are easy to understand. What I like best is that it is a short workout that I only need to do once a week. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Sports & Recreation / Archery    2. Sports & Recreation / Training    3. Accuracy    4. Archery    5. Muscle strength    6. Physical education and training    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Training   

Reviews (7)

Box like a heavyweight champ!
This is the best book I have seen for boxing training!No matter what level you compete at, this book is for you.I have really improved my agility in the ring after reading this book.I highly recommend it to anyone interested in being a better, more athletic boxer!

Yo Adrian!
If Rocky could do it so can you -- and this book is the secret how.The book (aka "the boxing bible") won't only put you on a plan to increase strength and stamina, but it will also boost your quickness and agility.After reading this book you'll be able to knockout Mike Tyson.

a boxer's bible
This book is perfect!A workout plan geared specifically toward boxing that really works!Appropriate for any level of boxing! I highly recommend this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bodybuilding & Weight Training    2. Boxing    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Training    6. Exercise    7. Health & Fitness    8. Physical education and training   

Reviews (13)

What it claims to be
I raced to win the overall expert category title in my age group in the Intermountain Cup Race Series (the tri-state race series for Utah, Wyoming, Idaho) in 2002. How? Hard work, natural ability, and this book.
It made me faster and last longer!
I began mountain biking February of this year('03).I threw up on my first ride.I raced my first race in April and came in 22nd of 24 finishers.I bought this book in May.About five months later I was flying through our local tough park, Markham maintained by ClubMud.org (believe it or not we have some decent cross country MTB parks in Florida).I went from a best single lap of over an hour to multiple laps of 45mins each.In the fall Ford Tough Series I placed 2nd overall in my category (Men Beginner 30-34).What a rush! BEST I'VE READ
Great book for putting together a training program!Most others simply aren't clear.The charts, graph and sample program schedules are very helpful if preparing for and upcoming season.Bottom line - Start with this traing booke first, you won't be disappointed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. All terrain cycling    2. Cycling    3. Cycling - General    4. Cycling - Mountain Biking    5. Exercise    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Training    9. Mountain / off-road cycling    10. Sports training & coaching   

Reviews (19)

Good info for marathon newbie
Learned a lot of new things about the marathon and strategies for completing it.With my first marathon coming up in a few months, I ordered several books.I definitely would recommend this one to others getting ready for their first.

Great book, lots of realistic advice for novices and intermediate runners
Picked up this book after running my first half-marathon and getting ready for my first marathon. It was great because it puts your fears at ease and doesn't talk down to the slower runner (I'm a 4-hour marathon runner).Good training charts.
Then Ultimate Un-Motivating Guide
I bought this book to prepare for running my third marathon and found it to be extremely confusing, condescending and un-motivating. I have been running for years and have run many races somehow this book still managed to make me fill as if I was not worthy of running. There are great marathon training guides out there but this is not one of them. If you are looking for something that is clear and inspirational try checking out The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Marathon running    2. Running & Jogging    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Training    6. Fitness training    7. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (99)

great for beginners
What...no flashy hard cover? Black and white photos, and a single picture on anatomy of the body? This book is a great example that you should not judge a book by it's cover. I was looking for a book that could introduce me into the world of weight lifting. I needed the basics in nutrition, form, breathing, and progression. This book gave me every thing I was looking for and more. This was my third book I purchased to get me started. The other publications were flashy, full of color and expensive. But this is the book I go back to over and over again. I am very happy with this book and I am progressing very well with the right know how provided here. A great guide for beginners

Excellent Book to Improve your Physique or Stay in Shape

You've gotta start somewhere...
If you're searching for books like this, chances are you are 'looking into' getting started with weights or getting back into them. One thing you should know is that no one book on the market is the be all/end all for weight training. Two broad categories of books in this field are those that present you with routines and those that focus on exercise mechanics. I like this book because it gives you enough of both to get started - which was the biggest hurdle for me. You get the exercises (w/ photos) and the proposed progression routine to follow. For all its shortcomings - I completely ignored everything it had to say about nutrition and supplements and it has given me great results - if you can follow the break-in routine laid out here for 12 weeks, your body will be prepared to move into whatever direction you want to go. That will probably mean buying more books, but at least you will have a feel for what you are looking for. If you can't get through the break in routine you prolly won't be looking for anymore books anyway - until you feel inspired again. If you have the extra cash, you should prolly pick up the "Strength Training Anatomy" book to get more specific information on the indivdual exercises. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bodybuilding    2. Bodybuilding & Weight Training    3. Consumer Health    4. Exercise    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health and hygiene    7. Health/Fitness    8. Men    9. Men's Health    10. Exercise & workout books    11. Health & Fitness / Exercise   

Reviews (104)

Excellent Book to Improve your Physique or Stay in Shape

Good comprehensive source
I've been weight training for about 10 years and like to pick up books when I'm getting bored with or need a change in my routine.This book is a great source of information and provides a variety of workout routines for varying levels.I would recommend for the novice or experienced weight trainer, but not for those just getting started with weights. Good section on weight training for pregnant women.

A gym for women
This site is the Women's Body Sculpting section of HR Fitness and its goal is to share information for those interested in Body Sculpting.Remember that if you are interested in women's bodysculpting then you are on the right page.The Body Sculpting Bible for Women demonstrates that women everywhere can rapidly meet their fitness goals.The Body Sculpting Bible for Women; featuring the revolutionary 14 Day Body Sculpting Program. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bodybuilding    2. Bodybuilding & Weight Training    3. Bodybuilding for women    4. Consumer Health    5. Exercise    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health and hygiene    8. Health/Fitness    9. Women    10. Women's Health - General    11. Exercise & workout books    12. Health & Fitness / Exercise   

Reviews (6)

Three stars
I have read many dumbbell books and free information from the internet, but I continue buying weight training books looking to improve my lifting form. The reason is I keep getting injury from dumbell training. Most books just show two pictures for the starts and the finishes and some generic descriptions of the techniques. The exception is the book by Stuart McRobert on training tips . Here are the reasons that I like this book:
Detailed and easy to read
Lots of programs to choose from and very informative. Can seem a little overwhelming at first. I suggest picking one program, sticking with it for a while and then moving on to the next.

Great book worth the read if you train or want to start training on your own with dumbbells!
Dumbbell Training for Strength And Fitness is a well-written and illustrated guide to safe and effective dumbbell training. If, like me, you've been training with dumbbells for years and prefer it to other training methods, this book will expand your knowledge base on dumbbell training and provide a ton of tips on technique you would typically get only from a very knowledgeable personal trainer. If you are just getting started, most importantly, this book will walk you through the proper technique for dumbbell training. I cannot stress enough, especially with dumbbells, the need for "safe" training for longevity and "effective" training to achieve the results that motivate you to keep training. Great book worth the read if you train or want to start training on your own with dumbbells! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bodybuilding & Weight Training    2. Exercise    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Training   

Reviews (25)

Not just for bodybuilders
The typos and poor grammar are inexcusable. If the author can't write or spell, the editor should catch the problems. But colleges are not producing bright writers and editors like they once did.
So simple it is brilliant !!!
I have been bodybuilding for 20 years. Believe me when I say there are many books out there loaded with "secrets" that you can read in any other book. Chris Aceto got it right in this book. nothing over complicated. No crazy workout routines. just the simple facts. Here is how to do it, now get in the damn and discover for yourself what works and what doesn't.
Overhyped bodybuilding book with nothing new or inventive
Aside from the numerous typos - for an overpriced book they should proof read the darn thing - this is just another opinionated book from a guy who tells you what works for him. Which may or may not work for you.
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Subjects:  1. Bodybuilding & Weight Training    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (2)

Great overview of HPI
This is a great asset to my collection of HPI books. This one gives a great overview of the process and some simple illustrations on how to implement. Very simple to read and understand. Great book to simplify the whole HPI process!

Indispensable introduction to HPI
George Piskurich has done an excellent job of collecting some of the best names in the industry to introduce the various concepts associated with Human Performance Improvement (or Technology). As the sub-title suggests; this is a "bottom-line primer on HPI" and therefore, it focuses on real-life application. At the same time, the theoretical concepts are explained in a straight-forward manner with just the right amount of detail to guide the reader through the application bits.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Human Resources & Personnel Management    5. Total Quality Management    6. Training    7. Business & Economics / General   

Reviews (11)

A Good Starting Guide for New Fitness Ball Users
Ms. Westlake provides a good how-to that covers streching, basic and more advanced exercises.There is a section on safety, which could be increased.As a therapist I recomend anyone using a fitness ball be on a padded surface and an able bodied spotter should be used initially.In other words, do not try some of the exercises on brick or rock surfaces (as pictured), until the technique is mastered - a gym mat may be more appropriate.

Pretty good book
This is a pretty good book.The only criticism I have of it is that the muscle groups worked aren't clearly marked enough in every exercise. This isn't a huge problem though.I still use the book a lot and really like the big pictures and exercise guidlines.It would be a definate asset to have if you own a body ball.

Great Ball workouts
This book is small and easy to take to the gym and use.There are great workouts in the back that you can follow according to how you want to work out that day.The pictures and instructions are easy to follow.This book is good for all levels of workouts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bodybuilding    2. Bodybuilding & Weight Training    3. Consumer Health    4. Equipment and supplies    5. Exercise    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health/Fitness    8. Swiss exercise balls   

Reviews (2)

Fitness for Boomers
As a 52-year-old who has always shunned weight training for fear of injury, I think this book is terrific, for three main reasons:
Strength Training Over 50
For an athletic 56 year old on the brink of 'going to seed', Caivano's wisdom has rescued my life from the pressures of relationships, the stresses of work, and slavery to my PC. This book is an invaluable resource for any of us baby boomers who recognize that our lives are barely 1/2 over and that our next 50 years can only be fulfilling if we continue to lead a life of active movement. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bodybuilding & Weight Training    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Exercise    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Physical fitness for middle-aged persons    8. Physical fitness for older people    9. Health & Fitness / Exercise   

Reviews (42)

Good ideas and insight
I would recommend this book to anyone whose have "sticking point" problems.

Preventing "Overtraining" with a broader "Power-Training" (Read with Caution)
"Training to failure" has never been contradicted by any modern bodybuilder. What is hotly contested is the best way to go about it. Let's face reality here for a moment. If there was "one method" that resulted in the best long term gains then everybody would be doing the same thing. It simply doesn't work that way, although HIT tries to lay claim to just that. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and other world-class bodybuilders, advocate more than one set per exercise called High-Volume Training, HVT, the traditional method of using multiple sets to train to failure by training each set to failure, resting, and then repeating the set to failure, as many times as it takes before you just can not do anymore sets for that body part. The HIT method tells us that anything more than one set per exercise, trained to failure, is not only impractical but counterproductive! It bases its assertions on athletes who perform numerous repetitions but do not consistently gain muscle mass from doing so. HIT declares that the rest period should begin the instant the set is finished and that muscle-growth production during these rest periods must not be violated, even going so far as to suggest that switching exercises to another body part is problematic because we can not avoid using the previously trained body parts in other exercises. At its most fundamental HIT is about training only one body part per workout, and working out only a few days per month. At its most reasonable HIT is about avoiding overtraining, something that is all too easy to do with HVT. Bodybuilding using the HVT system has never declared that gains are all about repetitions. Neither does HVT claim that we do not need to rest body parts. Also HVT clearly has no problem with doing more than a single set trained to failure including increasing the intensity of each set by `forced reps' (Page 64 Mentzer aiding in a forced repetition), `negative reps', `isolation training', `supersets' and `stripping methods' among a host of other intensity increasing principles. HIT is very careful not to suggest that these intensity increase methods are counterproductive (because they are not) and even integrates some of them as long as they do not mean doing more than one set, but if this means leaving the set to decrease or increase your weight volume then you are on the path to what HIT firmly calls counterproductive... but if your spotter does this for you, then that is considered okay. This book actually describes these intensity increasing principles better than most books do... in fact a whole lot better and one of the reasons to own this book. However there are lots of contradictions throughout the chapters. For instance Page 93 talks about exercises that are `too intense'. According to previous HIT explanation there is no such thing as `too intense'. If we incorporate all the various HVT intensity increasing methods into one set of HIT then is HIT not a valid argument? In many ways HIT does ask some important questions. Hypertrophy is the scientific term for the enlargement of muscle tissue caused by a specific amount of intensity needed for the hypertrophy to occur. No intensity, no hypertrophy, no gain. Why should we continue to do more sets if we manage to meet the criteria needed for hypertrophy to occur in one set? Good question. However HVT does not contradict this. HVT assures us that hypertrophy will occur by performing those multiple sets. However HIT asks why do we need to stimulate the muscle into hypertrophy more than once per exercise? Should not once be enough? Let us take this HIT fundamental one step further. Why do we even need to do one set? Why not just one rep? After all when we perform power-training exercises we can increase intensity (by adding weight) to the point where we can only perform one rep. Is this not HIT? And if a one rep power-training exercise can be considered a HIT exercise then why are weightlifters who train this exact same way not bodybuilders. In fact for the highest intensity exercise why not just get HIT by a truck and stay on a hospital bed gaining for the next few months?