Practical Approach to Strength Training [Paperback]

Mr. Bryzcki begins by explaining the modern theory of strength development and contrasting it with some of the traditional approaches still in use today. In so doing, he explains how muscles work, how they get stronger, and how they can be injured. If you understand these things, you will understand why you should, or should not, train in a certain way. His explanation is rigorous but easy to understand, neither tedious nor trivial.

Having laid a firm groundwork, he goes on to explain how a conditioning program should be designed and structured for maximum benefit, and the various adaptations and permutations that can be made. He gives a sample program that most people could use straight from the book.

Then he proceeds to descriptions of how each exercise should be done with free weights, Nautilus, and Universal Gym machinery. He also covers a technique that uses a partner to supply resistance instead of a weight or mechanical device. This latter method is particularly useful to those who may have a physical condition that prohibits stress to specific joints, since it allows near complete isolation of the muscles being worked.

The muscles affected by each exercise are given, as well as hazards involved in a specific exercise. Cautions concerning certain physical conditions are often given, but are not always sufficient, in my opinion. However, this is a book on strength training, not orthopedic medicine, and adding them in detail would have ruined the utility of the book! People with specific injuries should have the sense to consult a medical authority about their limitations.

Some readers may be discouraged to learn that maximum potential strength is apparently inherited. They should not be. One point that the author perhaps does not make sufficiently is that only the most dedicated professional athletes ever attain or maintain their full strength potential. You can be much stronger than you believe, and you can learn to use your strength efficiently. This latter point he does make quite thoroughly.

The book has only one minor flaw: There are sometimes so many reference citations given in the text that the flow of the sentences is unnecessarily disrupted, distracting the reader. Footnoted references would have been better. Readers accustomed to academic literature will not find this a difficulty, and the book is otherwise so well written, clear, and focused that this flaw is only a minor nuisance.

Once again, a "must read," (and absorb, digest, and assimilate) for anyone interested in strength training or physical conditioning.

I first heard about Mr. Brzycki's book on the rec.running news group were it is widely endorsed. I picked up a copy and have so far been extremely pleased with both the focus of the book (oriented towards athletes) and the results I have so far achieved. Highly recommended for athletes. Bodybuilders may want to look elsewhere.

(Note on rating: as a matter of personal policy I almost never give 5 star ratings)