Weight Training for Dummies
by Liz Neporent, Suzanne Schlosberg

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Book Reviews of Weight Training for Dummies

Book Review: Well written, interesting, and detailed introduction
Summary: 5 Stars

The authors discuss a number of different special techniques used by experienced weightlifters to continue to gain strength despite their already extremely well-trained muscles which become accommodated to the movements, which is apparently a well-known problem, so this book would be helpful for them as well. But it was also useful for my more modest goals and needs.

The authors include some chapters on other things you might not think about but that were also helpful, such as the pros and cons and ins and outs of fitness centers and health clubs, joining a health club versus buying a home gym and working out at home, and even such things as proper etiquette at the gym. Since I'd joined one for the first time just before I purchased this book, I found this advice useful as well. Last but not least, there are good chapters covering alternative methods like yoga and Pilates.

Overall, I found this a practical, well-written, useful, and informative book and well worth the money. For a very experienced lifter it might be too basic, but for me it was exactly what I was looking for.

Summary of Weight Training for Dummies

Everyone has different reasons for wanting to lift weights. Undoubtedly, many of these reasons have to do with looking better. Sculpted arm and toned "abs" have become somewhat of a fashion statement. But there are even more compelling and, ultimately, more satisfying reasons to lift weights. Here's a reminder of what weight training can do for you:

• Keep your bones healthy
• Help control your weight
• Increase your strength
• Boost your energy
• Improve your heart health
• Improve the quality of life

Lifting isn't one of those activities like, say, checkers, that you can competently engage in after a one-minute explanation. Weight Training For Dummies explains the jargon and key safety precautions you need to get started. But the book won't leave you wondering what comes next. This engaging, down-to-earth guide covers all of the following topics and more:

• Free weights and weight machines
• The immutable safety laws of weight lifting
• Avoiding and treating common injuries
• Tracking your progress
• Choosing a health club
• Finding a personal trainer
• Weight training etiquette
• Designing your workout
• Combing weight training with aerobic exercise
• Nutrition in a nutshell

The exercise section of this book demonstrates a wide variety of exercises for all your major muscle groups. Each chapter includes a muscle diagram (so that you can locate your "quads" and your "delts") and an ever-so-brief physiology discussion. Exercises are demonstrated for novices and veterans, home lifters and gym members. You will also find out how to modify many of the exercises if you have trouble with your back, your knees, or other joints.

This updated edition of Weight Training for Dummies includes a few new chapters: "Yoga and Pilates" and "Improving Your Balance and Coordination," both in the "Beyond the Barbell" section; "Advanced Weight Training Exercises"; and a few snippets of new material (such as the addition of "Don't dress like a porn star" in the "Weight Training Etiquette" chapter). Otherwise, it's pretty much the same book. If you own the first edition, there's probably no need to buy the updated version. But if you don't own the first edition of this handy and cheery guide already, and weight training is not yet a part of your fitness program, the second edition of Weight Training for Dummies will teach you exactly what to do and how to do it. --Joan Price

Bodybuilding & Weight Training Books

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