Bill Pearl
This huge 450+ page book (it's actually 3 books in one: "Strength Training, " "General Conditioning," and "Bodybuilding") has got to be the most comprehensive resource on weight training available. Whether you're male or female, over 50 or under 18 or somewhere in the middle, competitive body builder or novice, work out at home or at the gym, prefer machines or free weights, whether your goal is to enter a body building competition, to improve your performance in a specific sport, to sculpt a better body, or simply to improve your level of health and fitness, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in weight training.
Bill Pearl, a four-time Mr. Universe, has included detailed information on virtually everything you've always wanted to know about weight training. There are chapters on getting started/weight training basics; intermediate, advanced and competitive training techniques; fine tuning; weight training for women; cardiovascular training and stretching; the architecture of muscles; injuries; nutrition (like me, Bill is a vegetarian); the advantages and disadvantages of different types of machines and free weights; etc.
Bored with doing the same 3 or 4 exercises for your shoulders again and again? This book includes detailed descriptions (with diagrams) of over 350 different exercises. Your strength workouts will never be monotonous again!
For athletes, there are detailed, sports specific weight training routines for 21 different sports (including swimming, gymnastics, cycling, tennis, baseball, running, aerobic dance, and soccer) developed together with top coaches and trainers.
And there are dozens of other weight training routines (all with diagrams, descriptions, technique tips, and training schedules) for a variety of goals--a flat stomach, broad shoulders, shapely legs, tight buns, strong back, etc.--as well as general routines geared specifically towards the beginner, intermediate, advanced, or competitive body builder; white-collar or blue-collar workers; those over 50; or those with access to only free weights or specific machines. This book offers an amazing amount of information on weight training; there really is something for everyone in here.
Darian Stanton
8/11/98
