[.ca] New Rules Of Lifting (ISBN 1583332383)

The good, the bad, and the ugly.:
I would use this book to add variety to my workouts, not to "re-define" basic strength training principles. Muscles get bigger and stronger by overloading them- it doesn't make a lick of difference whether its a single joint exercise (like bicep curls) or a compound one (like chins)- and there's nothing "new" in the scientific literature that contradicts this. The only other beef I have is the recommendation to skip the back extension machine because it will blow a disc. I have never seen that happen clinically, and in fact, it has never been reported to do such a thing in ANY published clinical trial evaluating the use of the back machine with back patients. In fact, people get much BETTER after using it according to many studies (non-believers need to check out the MedX site). What I would avoid, however, are the exercises in the book that have you bend over while twisting (like the "woodchopper" ex.). It is well known that bending plus twisting cranks on your lower lumbar discs and actually it is this type of "shearing" motion that has been demonstrated to herniate the lumbar discs in many studies. All in all, I can recommend it for a change of pace, expect nothing magical, and just be safe. Can also suggest "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff" if you've have shoulder pain or a rotator cuff problem that's keeping you from working out.

Recommended for the "General Fitness" crowd:
PRO: This book covers pretty much everything any casual gym enthusiast could want to know about training. It includes sample programs for gaining muscle, losing fat and getting stronger, as well as nutritional information to help you accomplish these goals, and exercise illustrations. In a nutshell the authors' message is that you can train your entire body using 6 basic movements: Pushing, Pulling, Twisting, Squatting, Dead lifting and Lunging. For each of these basic movements there are several variations, but they are almost exclusively 'compound exercises' (meaning multi-joint exercises) which are time efficient and allow you to use many different muscles with few exercises. Also: -The nutritional information is solid but relatively basic (they don't go into some of the fancier topics like calorie or carbohydrate cycling; nor do they discuss contest preparation if that stuff interests you) -Exercise illustrations are sufficient and don't consume the majority of the book's pages like many fitness books do. CON: By far the biggest drawback to this book is that you probably won't be able to follow the programs specifically as written if you train at a busy commercial gym. I would say that about +90% of the sets listed in the programs have you alternating between at least two (sometimes four) exercises. For example: Squats with Bench Press, or Shoulder Press with Cable Rows. While the reasons for the pairings are sound (time management, longer rest periods compared to straight sets, improved conditioning from dense workouts) I think they fall under the category of 'Fitness Porn Fantasy'. One of the two authors owns a gym which I'm certain he's designed to accommodate this style of training and, I'm guessing, probably most of the folks who train there must follow similar programs which could make them more understanding of the equipment hogging this program requires; but of the 6 gyms I've trained at over the years I think it would be very difficult, or at the very least stressful, to pull off. Also: - The exercise descriptions that accompany the pictures are somewhat barebones. - If you like a lot of single joint exercises like bicep curls, triceps cable extensions, or calve raises; you'll be disappointed with the programs because they are essentially void of them. TARGET AUDIENCE: -Anyone looking to improve their general fitness, increase lean body mass and reduce body fat; but aren't looking to become bodybuilders. -Anyone with 45-75 minutes to train 3-4 times per week -And preferably anyone who trains in an empty gym.

Get your maximum result now,:
You might think that you do it right; you might think that there's no rules. But there are.. New Rules of Lifting is easy to read and follow, complete with warming up, nutrition, and meal planning. Although it's quite basic, but the resource is useful.

Another hit for Lou Schuler!:
Like Lou Schuler's Testosterone Diet, I finished reading this book in a weekend. Lou's material is easy to read, understand and hard to put down. A great addition to my fitness collection. I love the book because Lou breaks down working out into 6 simple movements for the most efficient and effective workout. Lou also includes several plans from fat loss to increasing size and strength. The advice he offers is great and I've just begun the Fat Loss I plan.