Video Fitness

Muscle Mechanics

Everett Aaberg

An excellent reference for those wanting to learn more about resistance training and how to do it safely. The author emphasizes that the goal of resistance training is to move MUSCLE, not WEIGHT. This very sensible idea is easy to forget when exercisers (myself included!) get caught up in the desire to "lift MORE WEIGHT". This book shows that, by paying strict attention to form and focusing on the muscles and joints involved in the movement, you can get great results without going heavy. The first three chapters present terminology and definitions for understanding how muscles work, including a look at basic muscle anatomy and functions of joints. While this can seem like a daunting subject for those who aren't specialists in the field, the information is presented in a way that the intelligent lay-person can comprehend. The remaining 4 chapters give general and specific advice about exercise form and technique, presenting 73 different exercises (using machines, a resista-ball, or free weights). Each exercise was chosen for it's safety and effectiveness, and specific pointers are given to make sure the correct muscles are targeted (for example, leaning forward slightly to do side delt lifts aligns the middle fibers of the deltoids with gravity)and the moves are done safely (ie: stablilizing the spine on lying-down moves by keeping the tailbone, head and shoulder blades on the bench, shoulder blades retracted, and leaving a natural arch in the lower back, contrary to the often-used form pointer of pressing the lower back into the bench). I have begun using this book as a "weight-side";-} reference while doing my weight training routines--refering to the tips for each exercise before I do it. Though I decreased the poundage I intended to use for my first such workout--based on what I had previously used--I felt the moves much more in the targeted muscle, and felt that my spine, neck and lower back were very safely stabilized. I also have added the described external and internal rotation exercises into my shoulder routine to help stabilize and strengthen that area. FYI: The publisher of this book, Human Kinetics, specializes in books on safe and effective exercise. Their web site is www.humankinetics.com ISBN 0-88011-796-6 $19.95

Kathryn Bulver
2/15/99

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