Men's Health: The Book of Muscle--The World's Most Authoritative Guide to Building Your Body Reviews

• Excellent first book

  
  By A1BNM2PQE62HIM on 2004-05-25
  In many respects this is the perfect first book for someone looking to get into regular exercise. More than most other books in the genre, this one seems to have more than a modicum of scientific understanding backing it. The first sections set the tone, going over the actual science of muscles, why they get bigger, and how. The authors know their audience, though, and don't overdo the science. However, if you are going to lift weights then you need some level of understanding of what things work and why. This first section gives you that. I personally would have liked to see more scientific detail and references but understand that that probably would alienate large chunks of their target audience.

  After that primer you get introduced to the major muscles and the exercises that target them. There are also sections on diet, warming up, and stretching. While none of these sections are comprehensive, and many have been done better elsewhere, they are done well enough here that it makes the book a viable one stop shop for beginners.

  Before you rush out and buy this, though, there are few caveats.

  One, the book does not cater to the home exerciser. Depending on how well stocked your home gym is and how creative you are with coming up with replacement exercises this might not be a big deal, but the exercises DO assume access to barbells, dumbbells, and a machine.

  Two, some of the exercise descriptions are lacking detail or, in a few cases, plain wrong. The upright row, for instance, shows a form -- bringing your elbows way above parallel -- that most trainers and researchers caution against because it causes shoulder injury in many people. I would expect the world's most authoritative guide to at least mention this.

  Three, the routines provided sometimes leave me scratching my head. They give a cadence for things like the push up hold. The description of this exercise says to "hold the position for the specified period of time" yet the actual routines don't specify a period of time. Am I supposed to hold for 3 seconds or 30 or 90? Who knows?

  Four, the routines -- at least early on -- take far too long and seem more like overtraining than training. In "Phase One" King prescribes circuit training and by week three you're supposed to be doing this circuit 2-3 times per day, three days a week. I found that doing the circuit twice took me over an hour. Doing it a third time would have pushed me well over 90 minutes of exercise. Throw in warm up and post-work out stretching and you're looking at a solid two hours. This is for "beginners" and they're supposed to do it three times a week.

  Later on in "Phase One" King piles even more work on that. Not only are you supposed to do each circuit 2-3 times, you're supposed to do 2-3 reps of each exercise. In week 6, if you do the minimum number of reps, the minimum number of sets, the minimum number of circuits, all with the minimum recommended resting the whole thing will take you 93 minutes. Do that three times a week. This is for "beginners".

  While I like the workouts I think this kind of time commitment is more likely to lead to overtraining rather than useful gains. Admittedly later on it looks like King scales back the time requirements but you have to persevere through 8 weeks of workouts that are easily 90 minutes in length.
  
  

• Excellent for any Level Ironhead

  
  By A4ITSUQTV4QU4 on 2003-10-03
  Finally, Men's Fitness has gotten it right - a book that does not promise immediate results...but instead one that helps you formulate a plan, that is equal part guide to the weightroom, solid nutritional advice, and key principals for involving the mind in your workout. This is without a doubt their best book yet on the value (and IMPORTANCE) of personal fitness.

  Ian King may not be the best known name in the world of fitness, but among weightlifters, he is known for hard core, no-nonsense weight training, with functionality stressed over mere muscle mass. Along with Men's Health regular Lou Schuler, they have compiled the best muscle guide to come out of Rodale Press - and one of the best guides I have ever read.

  Along with showcasing the various muscle groups, and giving well explained details of their importance, the book goes on to spotlight various exercises for each group. What is nice about the exercise pages is that they show great variation in order to allow for full definition of the particular muscle, and also give great explanation and illustration for the exercise, allowing the reader the chance to really learn more about proper form. It's great to read a book like that that uses pictures to explain and educate, rather than to have an excuse to photograph chiseled bodies in sweaty conditions.

  This book has everything - whether you are a newcomer, or have been in the weightroom for years, you are bound to learn some new exercises, or some outstanding twists on some old favorites. And the sample programs written by King are well reasoned, and offer a creative mix of hypertrophic and endurance building routines. And they allow for customization to meet specific body part needs.

  Great book guys - this has me thinking about subscribing to Men's Health again (if only they would stop running the cheesy "pump up your sex life" articles).
  
  

• A Must-Have For Any Fitness Library

  
  By AW448H7WQV589 on 2004-06-10
  As the Fitness Editor for Men's Fitness magazine, I've read more fitness books than I care to remember. It's how I make my living. And I can honestly say that The Book of Muscle is one of the best fitness books ever written. Let me just say that I have no personal investment in this book. In fact, you'll notice that it's published by my competition. But I believe in directing the public to quality material--and this book fits the bill and then some. I have known Schuler and King personally for years, and can attest that they're tops in the fitness biz.

  Because of my job, I think I can say with some authority that the writing is superb. Schuler makes complicated physiology seem simple. But let me put it in perspective: I have a master's degree in exercise science, and I wish that this book would have been available when I was in graduate school. It would have saved me hours of boring textbook reading--and I would have learned MORE!

  Just as important, Schuler's co-author, Ian King, is known in my circles as one of the best strength coaches in the world. And he backs that reputation up with the highly effective, cutting-edge training programs that are presented in this book.

  I highly recommend The Book of Muscle to anyone who wants to:

  *Understand the science of building muscle--from the basic functions of each of your major muscles to the secrets of increasing their rate of growth.
  *Learn how to do over 100 exercises with perfect form.
  *Have at your fingertips months' worth of expertly designed workouts from one the world's leading fitness authorities, Ian King.

  So for what it's worth, consider this my professional opinion. I hope it's useful to you.

  Adam Campbell
  Fitness Editor
  Men's Fitness
  
  

• Are you kidding?

  
  By A20F6WHACP65CK on 2006-09-05
  I purchased this book based upon the 50+ positive reviews and must say, I am disppointed. I will get right down to it. When referencing select muscle groups like shoulders, this book lists EVERY exercise that effects the muscle group and not the exercises that have a direct impact. For example, for shoulder exercises it lists Bench Press. The primary muscle group for Bench Press is the CHEST with the Shoulders being indirectly affected. The Bench Press should not even be in this category. This happens over and over whne discussing various muscle groups and it can lead a beginning weight lifter to have a strong misunderstaing of strength training.
  
  The book does have great photos and a good chapter on the benefits of stretching but it needs some work.
  
  T~
  
  

• Great Workouts Make Great Gains

  
  By A2V8TGMGEFQJST on 2004-10-12
  I have had this book for about 9 months now. I recently completed the intermediate program and made great gains. I followed the nutritional advice given in the book and gained 20 pounds. 20 Pounds may not sound like much, but it is a total body transformation when you go from 169 to 190...and it is all muscle.
  
  The workouts are designed in such a way that you stress your muscles very hard and then have ample recovery time to get bigger and stronger.
  
  I ran a marathon and a week after finishing it I started this book. So I basically started from scratch.
  
  Starting I could bench press 40 pound dumbbells for a max 8 reps. After the six month intermediate workout I lifted 80s for 8 reps.
  Shoulder press went from 65lbs barbell press for 5 reps to 120lbs for 5 reps.
  Squat was the biggest improvement. Started at 65 for 10 reps. Finished at 185 for 10 reps.
  The best exercise there is in my opinion I never knew about before this book. It is the DEADLIFT. The deadlift made me bigger and stronger overall than anyother exercise. And it focuses on a common weakness for most people, the LOWER BACK.
  Deadlift start was 65 for 5 reps. Finish at 225 for 5 reps.
  
  The key to this book is that it takes you through a cycling approach. By taking you through stages with varying sets, reps, and exercises, you muscles are always in a state of shock and always responsive to the workouts.
  
  I am doing the intermediate workout again. After I complete it a second time I will advance to the advanced workout. You will never need another book for fitness. This is the best book I have EVER read and APPLIED for an extended period of time. The authors have done a wonderful job with writing. Again, the workouts are great and because of the cycling approach the author takes with the workouts, you can continure to do them and never have to switch to another program.
  
  I got very good results from following this book exactly as the authors prescribed. I am continuing to make gains in strength and size by following this book. Ian King and Lou Schuler have put out what I consider the best book ever on the topic of getting strong and gaining size. The bottom line is that you WILL get injury-free results if you follow this book.
  
  
• Too much of a good thing
  By A3KOE23N2B4YU3 on 2007-09-25
  On the plus side, this is probably the best book I've ever read on the subject of weight training. On the down side, boy, there is so much to each work out that it is overwhelming.
  
  I've been weight training for over 5 years and have used Body for Life and a number of the Men's Health training books. This volume, far and away, has the greatest number of new exercises to be used each week. In the intermediate program, e.g., there are 3 separate workouts to be alternated. Perhaps if someone has a half an hour a day to review the exercises, another 40 minutes to do them (and to tote the handsome volume to the gym), these are reasonable....but for someone who has other responsibilities, kids, job, home, this is a fairly time and concentration intensive program.
  
  That being said, I would certainly endorse this book for anyone who wants a genuinely serious, long term program. Too often, the Men's Health "Bibles" are limited programs, leaving the lifter who is committed with wondering "what next". This book provides enough variety and different routines to make it a great long term investment.
  
  
• Unrealistic for most people
  By on 2004-03-30
  This book has lots of pretty pictures and info, but if you are looking for a workout plan, look somewhere else. The "beginner" workouts take at least 2 hours to complete. This is not realistic for most people.
  
  
• Book of Muscle Rocks
  By ATPZDPXMHGUSJ on 2004-04-01
  Book of Muscle is one of the best books of it's kind that I have read and I have seen them all. It takes you on a tour of your body and gives you a road map to keeping it in the best shape possible. The text by Lou Schuler is clear and concise with a no nonsense approach that is refreshing in this world of "flavor of the month" workout and fitness books. You learn about muscles and how to maintain them for life.

  The workouts, by noneother than Ian King, provide over a year of quality, well planned routines that will keep you challenged and growing. And Ian definitely follows the less is more principle by keeping the workouts under an hour. I have been doing the Intermediate program for 12 weeks now and I am getting stronger and growing in body, mind and spirit. King also manages to keep things lively with changes in routines and innovative exercises and combinations that beat the hell out of those monotonous 3 sets, 10 reps workouts you find in the magazines.

  Get Book of Muscle. It's the best bang for the buck for the novice and the seasoned lifter.
  
  

• As good as it gets
  By A3ICEFJKCPYNVS on 2003-12-28
  As someone who has been lifting weights for 5 years, this book was originally intended as a reference manual, maybe with some new ideas on how to tweak my workouts. After 2 months, I have nothing but praise for the authors. In addition to what has to be the most authoritative book on weightlifting out there, the workouts put together by King and Schuler are soem the most effective programs around.

  A giant 2 thumbs up.
  
  

• Ian King's workout and Lou Schuler's common man style...
  By A9O7H0505L39M on 2004-04-01
  Sections include Physiology (types of muscle fibers and technical stuff), Exercises (how to perform, cautions, variations, and what they work), Prep Work (flexibility and warmups, with routines), and the Workouts (Ian King is simply amazing). If that's not everything you need to know about muscle...

  If you're new to lifting, read it twice. It'll put you ahead of many personal trainers with regard to your knowledge of muscle and training.

  If you're an intermediate level, you'll enjoy learning even more from a pair of the best guys in lifting. You'll understand more and be able to gain more from the same time in the gym.

  If you're advanced, you'll appreciate the layout (which is the best I've ever seen in a fitness book). If you know everything already, I'm Elmer Fudd. It'll be a great addition to your library.

  If you're breathing, you'll reap huge rewards from Ian King's workouts. Be prepared to be awed, humiliated, and ripped. Ian has an uncanny ability to make a light weight impossible by the end of the day.
  
  

• best book weightlifting book in ages
  By A3IA3HLJSROEYG on 2004-09-25
  I write this after finishing stage 3 of the beginner program. I don't care what anyone says about he book, the routine, the exercises. Whatever. This is THE BEST book on building muscle I have ever found. PERIOD.
  
  I have searched high and low for a book to be as complete as Book of Muscle. I searched all the shelves and found nothing but regurgitated materials or 20 year-old routine in most, if not all other fitness books. Book of Muscle is up to date with very unique approach to building muscle.
  
  The reader has everything from explanation of how muscles work, build, react to weightlifting to a full 18 month program. The best part the program is written by Ian King. One of the best strength coaches in the world. Why haven't we heard about him before? Perhaps because he works with world-class athletes more than he does regular folks. He has 20+ years of experience. This man is a trainer of trainers. The man knows his stuff. PERIOD.
  
  The majority of the text is written by award winning fitness journalist Lou Schuler, of Men's Health fame. The man is a gifted writer. He somehow manages to take complicated physiology, kinesology and makes into plain english for everyone else to understand.
  
  As for my results. I dropped 30lbs since I started the book, and my strength went up. I hate doing cardio. The circuit training took care of that. I don't know what anyone else talking about, but my circuit training took about 1.5 hours at most. This book is not meant for home gym. Try Home Grown Muscle for that.
  
  If you are looking for a very challenging, scientifically based program with a healthy dose of physiology in plain english, then this is it. I cannot praise this book enough. Schuler and King really out did themselves.
  
  One very interesting thing happened after reading through the book. My father visits a physical therapist for lower back problems. His PT was recommending the same core exercise routines that were found in the book. That amazed me. It also reassured me that my money was more than well spent.
  
  
• Olympic Athlete --- Great Book! The source - PERIOD.
  By A81WQ5MKI9ZX2 on 2005-06-16
  As a former US Olympic athlete (1992 and 1996) and playing 5 seasons in the NFL and 2 in arena football, I can attest that this book is solid and based upon true and real-world practices for professional athletics. You need more than a gym membership and a pair of gloves to build muscle, you need to understand the fundamentals of physiology, recovery, form, anatomy, nutrition and of course have a intense amount of determination, drive and dedication. While no book will include a magic carpet that will wisk you away to your training facility, this book will at least make certain that you have the tools in place to succeed when you do arrive. If you follow the methods and workout plans as laid out in this book, remain mindful of your nutrition, and stay the course, you will build the best body you have ever had, period. Unlike the flash, glitz and glimmer of the bodybuilding mags and their steriod-enhanced models and hardcore freaks, this book will allow you to construct a tight, well-defined, athletic physique that will not only improve your physical appearance, but make you much more healthy and confident as a person. It is not about building muscle to impress the world, but simply being good to yourself and living all of the life you can, while you can. Best of luck to you in your quest and pick up this book, it has the potential to literally change your life.
  
  
  
  
• Not for the home gym...
  By A2531BW6WUQSYM on 2004-04-02
  Doesn't cater to the home gym much. Many of the exercises need to be revised in order for someone with an average home gym to perform the workouts.

  Lots of pictures though.
  
  

• Apparent results, detailed instructions
  By A1U41HGF9U90XG on 2004-08-09
  I really loved this book, I've been using it for 6 weeks now, my arms are much bigger and my stomach is becoming defined. The first 6 weeks are the longest workouts, having workouts as long as 75 minutes at the end. Usually it is set up so week 1 is one set, week 2 of the routine is 1 or 2 sets, adn week 3 is 2 or 3 sets. My personal recomendation is week 1 1 set, week2 2 sets, and week3 stay on 2 sets. 3 sets is really overkill and way too much time, 2 sets of 12 excercizes still allows your muscles to be completely worn down. I really think this book is exceptionally effective. I recomend it to everyone
  ben grant
  p.s. you need to use this in a gym with a fair amount of free weigths and some machines, pretty nice gym needed
  
  
• This is the one....
  By A2GGVA6IPHAR2I on 2006-02-22
  I think the some 40+ reviewers before me said it best, this book is amazing. I dont wanna bore with the same old review about how much I enjoyed this book (you can tell that by the rating I gave it), I just wanna give you the basics. The routines in this book take a bit longer in the begginning to complete, but become progressively shorter as you continue the program, which helps with recovery and not being overtrained, a common problem among other, lesser workout books. Two of my favorite things in this is the use of "Tempo" and the variety of changing your routine slightly every 3 weeks, I mean you just havent lived until you've lifted very light weights that leave you shaking as a result of lifting them ever so slowly, again the tempo thing. The nutrition information is minimal, but I believe it gives you enough, 98% of the exercises and routines are explained very well, and the 2% thats not, you can probably figure out on your own. Last but not least, you will be comparing this book to every other workout book out there, and most will fall short, the bottom line is this book is worth your money and time, don't pass a good thing up.
  
  p.s. I plan on buying the testoserone advantage plan next, and I'll let u know how it goes.
  
  
• The Flagship of Lifting Books
  By A1ID2MG5KE03R7 on 2007-03-19
  If there is one book to have for understanding how to build muscle, this is it. Where as most workout books tend to have a marketing flavor - "We'll have you burning fat in no time...", this book takes the time to really educate the reader about the workings of the body. The explanation of the process of building muscle is superb, with just the right amount of science to help readers be informed and not overwhelmed. The book also contains a dictionary of exercises complete with detailed explanations and images. The workout programs are excellent, broken out into 3 levels (beginner/intermediate/advanced), each containing roughly 6 months of staged workouts.
  
  I'm a veteran to working out, with over 20+ years of lifting experience and found myself learning quite a bit from this book; it's a must have.
  
  
• Highest compliments, but also some caveats
  By A17FVOFZ2ZRYSW on 2005-07-12
  This is the single best physical-fitness guide I have ever read, and I've read more than a hundred such books. "The Book of Muscle" is, to sum it up, a comprehensive, how-to guide for men who want to use weightlifting for strength, definition, and overall health. It's a wonderful guide.
  
  But there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you'll need to eventually spend at least around $400 or more to purchase the required equipment for the workouts (the equipment demands get higher as you progress through the phases), or else join a gym. (This isn't a criticism of the book, just an alert for potential buyers of the text.)
  
  Next, this is a ***real*** program, which means it will demand a good amount of time and some genuine study of the text. In other words, I would compare this book to taking a (very well-taught) college class in human physiology and then going to work out with a world-class personal trainer. It is not easy, and so those people looking for miracle cures will be disappointed. Be prepared for some of the workouts to take two full hours or even a bit more.
  
  On the other hand, if you're willing to open your wallet a little bit for some equipment, and then devote six to eight hours per week over several months to carefully study and make use this book, I am certain you will be very pleased with the results. I have been delighted. I agree with the Amazon reviewer who wrote that before finding this book, his weightlifting was pretty much messing around in total ignorance. I was the same way. This is the real deal here, and a real lifetime plan stuffed with vital information.
  
  Easily a five-star book, but only for those who have the patience and energy to take this challenging fitness program on and see it through to its end. Those who do, I am certain, will be amply rewarded.
  
  
  
• TOTAL WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME
  By on 2004-06-04
  I was unimpressed by every aspect of this book.

  The writing's sloppy, the information is basic and (where it stretches) suspect, the photography is so so '70s, the design non-existent.

  Buy a set of dumbbells instead of this book. It's an infinitely better investment.
  
  

• Great book for beginner muscle building
  By A3DEU3ATG4LA38 on 2005-04-20
  Unlike most workout books, this book goes through a lot of detail to show how and why muscles get big. It gives great scientific insight about the muscles, along with great illustrations.
  
  Upon receiving the book, I started seriously working out for the first time in my life. Six weeks into the beginner's program, I am starting to notice a lot of differences in my body. All of my muscles are a lot more defined and hard. The book provides really easy information to follow, along with pictures to explain everything.
  
  The only reason I am giving this book four stars instead of five is because the exercise descriptions are lacking (in some cases, not all). For example, the supine hip extension exercise just assumes that you will be able to know how to do it wit JUST and illustration. In addition, I really don't get the purpose of some of the exercises (they are either extremely easy or difficult), but this most likely will vary from person to person.
  
  As a beginner, this is definitely a great book to get to set some sort of foundation. I found the explanation of muscles very helpful and informative. It also provides a clear and concise way of going about workouts, along with rest period and alternative cardio-work. While the book is lacking very descriptive detail (for some exercises) it is good. I would have liked to had more information on supplements and steroids (it does lack this). Nonetheless, this book a great start for anyone looking to begin building muscle.
  
  
  
• Buy this one.
  By AIV6OV1PUCEIJ on 2006-05-20
  I started working out 2.5 years ago. For the first 1.5 years, I followed advice of Lifetime Fitnesses' trainers (they're big, they're buff, they're beautiful) and got practically NO results. NONE! 1.5 years of strenuous working out and what did I have to show for it?!?? An inflated ego that had thought it gained something, but really gained next to nothing. Then I realized that I'd spent 1.5 years in the gym with nothing to show for it and decided I should dig for resources that would allow me to prove and verify myself. After all, working out is a science, and if the tests are performed correctly, should yield nearly consistent results each time (with various outcomes for specific genetic body-types, of course). I found this book to be the most systematic and thorough on the market. Instead of focusing too much on theory, it is almost entirely practical. Not only that, gives a system. It's systematic! And if any of you have pondered the nature of creation, you'll possibly have realized that a strong system never fails. Ask McDonald's, Target, the Creator, etc.
  
  Anywho.. It's been 1 year and one month since I started the program. Since I'd been working out with little results for the previous 1.5 years, I started in the intermediate section. I copied the workouts into an excel spreadsheet with 3 extra column's for Date, Weight, and Reps... in order to keep track of what I was doing and when.
  I became vegetarian halfway through the program with an emphasis on veganism (which cleared up my acne, woo!), which I thought would make it more difficult to build and retain muscle.
  Since starting I've actually lost 10 lbs, but have gained a lot of muscle. VISIBLE muscle. In fact, my family members and friends ludicrously ejaculate fervent ego-boosting praise of my acheivements. I'm not a muscle head... ability to build muscle doesn't exactly run in my family. But each month I'm getting more and more of the Adonis like stature. I estimate in 6 more months, I'll have reached my ideal physique. Well muscled, nicely defined, but not grotesquely ripped. And all on a healthy vegan diet, with few soy protein supplements.
  
  
• outstanding
  By A28O9CVK7AQSJ6 on 2006-11-06
  The book is good. Just general enough to get you started, not too detailed with diets or drug tricks (leave that untill after you get strong). The book goes into great detail of muscles and how they work, how they grow, where they are, and how do other people see them (hence the purpose of getting big). It is chock-full of pictures helping explain the workouts, and explains each excersice in detail. I bet the book would be eye candy for anyone who likes to see handsome guys with absolutly great, natural looking body definition, since the pictures are big, clear, and the subjects are photographed with studio style backgrounds (no snapshots of people at the gym here). I feel kinda weird looking at the pics, but they do motivate me to get bigger. I scaned the workout pages (they have "thumbnails" with a picture of the excersice next to the description and details of each) into my pda (or print it out) and use it to keep track of my weights, workout regimes, timing, etc. The workouts are great, i find them really effective. I', still in the second stage. I was lifting weights before with limited sucess and poor results. Since i changed to these workouts I feel better and have gained more then I have so far using no workout plan. I even stopped running and continued to thin out my waist, and my weight. So 8 weeks into it and people now notice I workout, and thats a great feeling. BTW I've added 3 more holes to my belts since.
  
  
• Overrated in my opinion
  By AGU825J7YJDJZ on 2007-04-23
  There are just too many exersizes they want you to do in this book. I don't mind doing different exersizes for different muscle groups but they've taken it to the extreme. It just gets to be too confusing. An example: In weeks 8-10 in the Intermediate program you're doing Knee-Ups, Curlups, Russian Twist, Swill Ball Alternate Leg Lifts, Chinups, Lat Pull Downs, Dumbell Lying Pullovers, Squat, Static Lunge(My Personal Favorite!), Leg Press, Barbell Shrug(Reverse Grip), Barbell Shrug and Barbell Shrug, Wide Grip. Yeah, right. Just point me to the weight room and I'll figure it out on my own if you want me to do that.
  
  There are some good, large color photos of all the exersizes which is why I gave it 3 stars and not lower but if you're looking to be inspired or want a good workout program, save your money and look elsewhere.
  
  
• Great book whether you are new to lifting or advanced
  By A3911QOCJXQN9G on 2004-01-14
  This book covers it all. From how your muscles grow, to diet, warming up, stretching, and how to do the exercises with detailed instructions and pictures.

  It also has great exercise routines for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. Definitely worth the money.
  
  

• Most informative and extensive fitness publication I've seen
  By A3AGH8KSCW9233 on 2004-04-01
  Lou Schuler and Ian King take extensive scientific information, put it in easy to understand language, and equip the average fitness enthusiast with all the tools needed to achieve his training goals.

  This book gives readers a basis in the physiology of building muscle, and then, body part by body part, gives full descriptions and illustrations of exercises to build the body you want. Excellent workouts for beginners or more advanced lifters.

  With it's pages of full colour photos and illustrations, interesting presentation, and depth of information, The Men's Health Book of Muscle is easily one of the most comprehensive fitness resources I've come across.
  
  

• BEST OF THE BEST
  By A3RE93MTG4BORJ on 2005-08-11
  An excellent,interesting,well written and professionally illustrated guide to building your body.Physiology,cardio,nutrition,warmup,stretching(flexibility),and weight training are shown to work synergistically to gain strength and build muscle.
  This book is full of helpful hints and interesting facts.For example:the squat uses the most muscles,over 250,including the biggest and strongest muscles:gluteals,hamstrings,and quadriceps;and points out that overall function exercises usually rules over isolating most muscles.
  I have a home gym and don't follow the workout programs exactly
  but generally work the suggested muscle groups and in 4 weeks have experienced prominent strength and muscle gain.I'm 59 and can't overemphasize the need to properly warm up(as does the book).I usually do 30 min cardio to raise my core temperature and have experienced no excessive soreness or injuries while doing a 60 min free weight total body workout 3 days a week.
  While the nutrition advice is excellent,one might profit from consulting a couple of other sources.
  If you can only get one book on strength training,I would highly recommend this one.
  
  
• The one source for guidance & training
  By AAHP4UR584U6I on 2006-08-29
  I often see younglings @ the gym, throwing weights around willy-nilly, doing silly things with dumbells... I cringe, but usually don't say anything - i'm not a "certified" anything in that area, and aside from years of experience, don't really have any other qualifications to offer "official" advice. plus, i don't want to come of as though i'm criticizing someone. It's all head trash, of course, but - it is what it is.
  
  If i were to offer some advice to folks starting with lifting weights, though, i'd heartily recommend this book: The Book of Muscle, published by Rodale Press and written by Ian King with Lou Schuler. In addition to going through every body part & muscle, explaining what it's for, etc., the book also provides a series of well-designed exercises for beginners, intermediate lifters, and those who have been doing it for years non-stop (that is, advanced).
  
  If gyms had libraries, this would be a must-have!
  
  On a personal level, I've been following the intermediate program for some time, and i'm impressed with the attention to detail and the methodical, easy-to-follow approach. I've definitely experienced strength gains, but also shored up the weaker muscles that are usually ignored if you're just "winging it". While i'm not yet Men's Health model material yet, i have confidence that The Book of Muscle can actually get me close! ;)
  
  The book is also good for another reason: it gives you the one source of info - something you can consult almost for any strength training need, without having to go to other sources and wonder whether what you're reading or hearing is worth listening to. Thumbs up to the book!
  
  
  
  
• Great book
  By A21FSB0S18N2LY on 2007-04-23
  I bought this book mostly for my dad who always complains that he needs to work up to compound exercises, which is partially true. This book has everything planned out for two years if you start at the beginners workout, diet and breaks included. I have started the intermediate workout because I am tired of spending hours online creating my own challenging routine, I now have an extra half hour each day. This is definately a great book, especially for beginners who are unaquainted with a majority of the exercises.
  
  
• Great Book for beginners, veterans and in-betweens...
  By A1LCS6JVUWFS1G on 2004-04-01
  This book in nicely put together, it covers ALL areas of weight lifting from basic excercises to the more complex ones, if you've been teetering on the edge of working out and being a couch potato this book will certainly give you that extra motivation to start pumping some Iron, and for those that are already committed fully this book just fuels the desire..
  
  
• Awesome and Jam packed
  By A1FQ62L1CARL3V on 2004-04-01
  I have read this book from cover to cover and I'm amazed at the sheer content and concise format in which it was presented. It reads easy so that even a novice can understand the terminology and the advanced lifter will even gain valuable information. The workouts are simply some of the best that I've ever done in my 15 years of lifting experience, and I haven't come across even one yet that can't be completed in an hour or less. Not only does the book layout fantastic workouts, but it gives the reader a plethora of outstanding exercise examples with progressive pictorals in many cases. I am now armed with some of the best information available out there regarding lifting AND nutrition. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who's serious about gaining strength, mass or just plain wanting to look good on the beach this summer. Your lifting library should NOT be devoid of The Book Of Muscle!
  
  
• A must have!!
  By A2YTLLNVGI9RHJ on 2004-04-01
  Upon reading this book and doing the workouts, I realized this is a must have book that addresses every level of weight training. I have been training for over 15 years and this book opened my eyes in many different ways.

  Not only do you get 3 outstanding 6 month training programs, but you will learn how your muscles and your body work. This will allow you train harder and smarter making your workouts much more effective and efficient! You will understand that sometimes, less is more, when it comes to your training.

  You receive diet information to help you eat the right foods to make your muscles grow. You will also gain a solid understanding of some very advanced muscle growth theories explained in a very readable format.

  I would recommend this book to anyone interested in advancing their training knowledge and improving both the look and function of your body.
  
  

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• Soldier Fuel Energy Bars, Real Chocolate, 2.29-Ounce Bars (Pack of 15).
• Tanita BC554 Ironman Glass InnerScan Body Composition Monitor Elite Series
• Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor

• Strength Training Anatomy
• Men's Health Muscle Chow: More Than 150 Meals to Feed Your Muscles and Fuel Your Workouts
• Men's Health Home Workout Bible:
• The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding : The Bible of Bodybuilding, Fully Updated and Revised
• New Rules of Lifting: Six Basic Moves for Maximum Muscle