but I really needed the next level. Don't get me wrong, it's a great book and is loaded with information. Unfortunately, the first third of the book was basic, like "this is a weight" and "these are barbells." The last third didn't really involve weight training at all, but talked about yoga and Pilates.The sections that covered actual weight training and exercise routines was very good, but not as in-depth as I would have liked. It seems to me that "Fitness for Dummies" should have covered the stretching and yoga. I would have liked to seen more on just weight training.
But, if you've never and I do mean never been exposed to weight training, then this book is for you.
I liked very much that all of the exercises are very fully explained, together with easier versions and harder versions, so that it's possible to build on a workout and make it better and harder as one grows in strength and ability.
If you are an expert weight lifter, and don't need advice, then don't buy this book! But if you are struggling to know which exercise works shoulders, which one works abs, which one works glutes or hamstrings, then it's a great investment.
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I read no less than 3 books when I start a new endeavor. For weight training (a year ago) I started with 6. After working out for a year I think this book is everything you need to get started and continue to improve. The other 5 books I bought sit unused a year later, this one I still refer to and read. It's well written, easy to read, entertaining and wonderfully organized. I like most how it tells you everything you need to know but does it efficiently. The authors didn't just write for fun.One thing I didn't agree with is that a home multi-gym should cost $1000 or more (which is what the book says). I bought mine for $300 and I don't think I'll ever need another one. There are quality home weight machines available for $400 and less EVERYWHERE.
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At most times this book is a clear and valuable guide for the novice weightlifter. But there are others when it bogs down in condescending simplicity and reveals the petty contentiousness of the co-authors.They explain that free weights are not the gift of philanthropists and that dumbbells can come in many configurations and materials. They give two examples -shiny chrome and gray steel. Ok ladies, I think I'm getting it now.
Co-authors Liz and Suzanne are not the patient sort and it doesn't take much for others at their gym to get under their muscular skin. In an anecdotal chapter on gym etiquette, they advise to share equipment with others, a common and expected courtesy. But they tell us that Liz physically removed a woman from a bench who refused to share with another member, an uncommon and hostile act that they present as humor. I don't get it. They also advise that if you find gum in the fountain, remove it yourself and if winded and taking awhile at a crowded fountain, take a drink and go to the back of the line. They offer no advice if you're lingering on the gym's toilet.
There is at least one significant error in editing. In one chapter they provide a list of exercises they'll cover, but fail to provide any information whatever on the last exercise.
How did I feel after buying the book and reading this kind of material? Like a dummy. I'm sure you will too. But I also think you'll agree with me that there's enough worthwhile material to redeem this book and make it one of the better books of its kind.
The chapters describing the exercises are where the co-authors shine. Before dealing with individual exercises, they provide simple line drawings depicting the muscles involved and explain the role these muscles play in everyday life and sports, as well as why their development is important. Each exercise description begins with cautions against performing the exercise if you suffer from certain conditions, such as back or elbow problems.
The exercise descriptions are complete and easy to follow. They are accompanied by two photos, usually showing the start and finish of the exercise. A do's and don't section helps you fine tune the exercises and avoid common mistakes.
Each exercise, laid out in a neat two-page spread, concludes with variations on the exercise and often alternative exercises to work essentially the same muscles. After reading this, I felt more self-assured in performing exercises I was already doing and confident in attempting new exercises.
Early chapters help you choose a gym and better know your way around it, or buy equipment for the home. Later chapters bring the exercises together into a beginner's program, as well as a periodization schedule that facilitates workout changes as you grow stronger and more experienced. The book is indexed, a useful feature that's often omitted in books of this type.
If it weren't for the condescension and the dreadful and insulting chapter on etiquette, this book would make for more pleasant reading. As it is, there's still plenty of useful advice from the usually lucid and knowledgeable co-authors. But here's one more bit of advice from them to mull before entering a gym or buying this book: "Don't dress like a porn star". Now what will we do with our g-strings and leather collars?
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I recently moved into the middle ranks of my Tang Soo Do (a Korean Martial Art) school, and started noticing that I was asking my body to do things it wasn't ready to and I was becoming more injury prone. I decided to take a month off and begin a weight training regimen to increase my strength and build up some of the areas in which I felt deficient.This book has been my bible for the past 45 days. It is organized in such a way that you can quickly get to the information you need without dredging through too much non-useful material. Because what is useful will vary from reader to reader, the authors give a quick run down in the beginning on how to use the book for different things, such as understanding basics, trying to ramp up an on-going routine, or looking to work a particular area.
I was looking for basics, and got a good understanding of the principals and practices of a solid weight lifting routine. I followed a couple of the sample work-outs, just to get started, and that helped me ease into understanding how different exercises work together. There was just enough science with the well drawn anatomical sketches to show me what was going on under the skin, which was a nice touch. Additionally, I leared which exercises and/or weight machines I didn't like and was able to modify the routines to fit my body and my abilities based on the book's recommendations.
The authors do a good job of giving variations of each exercise to accomodate people who are recovering from injury, have back problems, or are looking to add weight training in order to enhance performance in another sport such as running or cycling. Unfortunately, there was no section on weight training for martial artists. Perhaps in the next revision??
The book does seem to have some fluff, such as sections on supplements and how to pick a gym, but for somebody COMPLETELY new to the idea of going to a gym these sections could be of use. I did like the section which gives some examples of minimum fitness requirements for various military schools and police/fire academies. And the regular mention of good gym etiquette was refreshing.
I enjoyed the anecdotes and the enthusiastic writing style, which is part of what the Dummies books are all about. While I will probably outgrow this book after a few years of weight training, it will always be on my reference shelf and I'm sure I'll grab it down regularly.
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