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#1 |
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Moderator
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Training Book Reviews
I just finished another book and figured posting training books you have read and reviewing them would be pretty cool. Here are the 4 that I remember reading.
Baechle & Earle. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, 1999 This book has an insane amount of information. Usually you would think that is a good thing, but it's not. First off, the way they lay the information out is ass backwards. Not only does the ordering of the chapters not make sense, but each chapter minus the first 2 seems to just be thrown together in random order. Typically you would get further in a chapter and look back, I found myself going forward alot because on page 36 they would reference shit from page 200. Secondly, they bombard you with so much useless information it seems as though they are just trying to show you how smart they are. They go so deep into microanatomy that you want to bang your head by the end of the 2nd chapter. Don't bother picking up the book unless you have taken college Biology and Anatomy/Physiology. I copied the later chapters as they are full of good information on programming and stuff, but the first chapters are ridiculous. I mean, do I need to know which part of the muscle microstructure doesn't shorten during a concentric action to design a program? This book is used for preparation for the NSCA's CSCS certification. A buddy of mine who is a Physical Therapist took this certification and he said that unless you memorize every word of this book, you better have at least a Bachelors in the field or take one of their seminars to pass this test. Katch, Katch, & McArdle. Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance, 4th Edition. Incredible book, laid out in a logical manner and chock full of great stuff. Ironically, I thought that this graduate level exercise physiology book was easier to follow than the NSCA book mentioned above. There is some info most casually fitness buffs would skip over like the clinical testing stuff, but for the most part an awesome book. I read this book twice I liked it so much. If you have had even just high school Biology you should follow this book pretty well. Siebert & Cotton. American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer Manual, 1998. You would think I would bash this book since I don't like ACE, but this is a great book. I would rate this a starter book because it is easy to follow, and it kind of skims the surface of all concepts giving you enough knowledge on a broad range of topics. This was the first fitness related book I read with the Exercise physiology book being second, I noticed alot of stuff the authors said in this book clicking as I was going through the second book. I would recommend this book to most anyone. Bill Foran. High-Performance Sports Conditioning, 2001. I finished this book today, awesome. I love this book. Very informative and laid out pretty well. The only thing I found off was that when they were trying to describe some closed skill movements, they didn't do a very good job. Since there was not a glossary, this could be problematic for someone who doesn't know the difference between drop-steps, split-steps, etc. Another awesome thing is that they not only give sample programs from experts in like 8 sports, they also describe why that is the way you do it so that you can have your own take on it and devise your own program. Prolly it's greatest attribute is common sense. When you read a book from an organization, they pretty much tell you to just go with your range of motoion on stuff like the squat. This book says limited range of motion with heavier weights is fine at first, but at least go all the way down with the lighter weights, that way you at least have the range of motion. Jesus Christ, finally. I will probably read this one again, just because I got half way through it 2 months ago and just picked it back up a week ago. The last part is pretty awesome, although I only read the programs for football and tennis which expedited the second half. Oh well, I will always have it as a reference. I am thinking my next book will be Speed, Agility, and Quickness by I think Juan Carlos Santana just because I have it lying around at home from when I bought the last book. So what does anyone else have? I figure since I have read 4, Pfunk and others have read about 100 and we should have a good review section here.
If sense were common, everyone would have it.
4/2007-Current 75th Ranked most popular image 1 spot behind Prince's bulge... |
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#2 |
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Patrick
Super Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: AZ
Posts: 31,695
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the follow up to the book Katch, Katch, & McArdle. Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance, 4th Edition (same authors), Sports and Exercise Nutrition, is also really great.
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#3 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Chicago
Posts: 703
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You know what else would be great Dale Mabry if you reported some interesting stuff you learned from reading these books. Learning new information on the sport is always great.
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#4 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 152
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Quote:
“Speaking generally, All parts of the body which have a function, if used in moderation and exercised in labors to which each is accustomed, become healthy and well developed and age slowly. But, if unused and left idle, they come liable to disease, defective in growth and age quickly.”-- 370B.C. Hypocrites
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#5 |
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Moderator
Moderator
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I believe the one I read was the second edition.
From what I gather with the CSCS test, although you can take it with a bachelors in anything, they want you to have a degree in the bidness. If I had a degree in the bidness, what would be the point in taking the certification? I would think a 4 year degree in the field would be more prestigious than a test you can take after a weekend seminar.
If sense were common, everyone would have it.
4/2007-Current 75th Ranked most popular image 1 spot behind Prince's bulge... |
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#6 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 152
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There is no seminar...they offer prep classes and online shit but basically its just a really hard test with no pre-req's except the BS. In general, you have to have a CSCS if you want a position as a strength coach at college level or above. Even if you have a degree in something related you still need the credentials which I think is understandable or any gym teacher, exercise phys or bio major could be a strength coach without really having a clue about proper training. I guess I'd go the other way that the credentials are more prestigious than a 4 year degree---but then again, I know some really stupid people with 4 year degrees in exercise related fields.
“Speaking generally, All parts of the body which have a function, if used in moderation and exercised in labors to which each is accustomed, become healthy and well developed and age slowly. But, if unused and left idle, they come liable to disease, defective in growth and age quickly.”-- 370B.C. Hypocrites
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#7 | |
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Moderator
Moderator
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Quote:
I personally don't think anyone without a degree in exercise phys has any business as a strength coach at the collegiate level, with athletic trainers being a possible exception. The prob with the CSCS is that you are essentially just learning NSCA's theory, which is a touch outdated if ya ask me. Look at Louie Simmons, the guy is a frickin genius and he has no certs or degrees. Pretty amazing, but he is most certainly the exception rather than the rule.
If sense were common, everyone would have it.
4/2007-Current 75th Ranked most popular image 1 spot behind Prince's bulge... |
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#8 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 152
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absolutely agree.
Speaking of Louie Simmons (and kind of getting back to the point of the thread)--have you seen any of his westside videos? he has one out called special strength or something like that...it looked interesting. |
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#9 |
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A new beginning...
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 139
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If you had to choose a good book for a noob like me, which would it be? I would like to get some good information on diet/nutrition as it applies to weight lifting and BBing. If it had some info in ref. to work outs also that would be good, but I really would like to learn more about nutrition so I don't have to keep asking emma. LOL Thanks in advance.
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#10 | |
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 147
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#11 | |
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Moderator
Moderator
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Quote:
If sense were common, everyone would have it.
4/2007-Current 75th Ranked most popular image 1 spot behind Prince's bulge... |
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#12 | ||
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Senior Member
Elite Member
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Quote:
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#13 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 198
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sorry for bumping this thread, but does anyone know anything about the older editions of Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance? they're a few hundred pages shorter, but they're really cheap on half.com, and i was thinking about getting a copy to read through.
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#14 |
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Fueled by Testosterone
Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Posts: 15,615
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http://www.ironmagazineforums.com/sh...ad.php?t=48971 (Mini Book Review: The Science and Practice of Strength Training)
I posted these a while back. I'll try to write up some more later when I gots the time.
The only time it's bad to feel the burn is when you're peeing...
Belligerent Bovine badass YouTube Videos |
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#15 | |
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Moderator
Moderator
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Quote:
I read the one published in 2000, if it is teh one written by Katch, Katch, and McArdle. Pretty good, but unless you have a pretty good background in anatomy and physiology, it is a pretty tough read.
If sense were common, everyone would have it.
4/2007-Current 75th Ranked most popular image 1 spot behind Prince's bulge... |
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#16 | |
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PISSED!!
Elite Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Our home and Native land
Posts: 2,605
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Quote:
I dont know shit about shit. What book would you recommend for a first book on training? been wanting to buy one...but don't know which one...
I love dog meat.
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#17 | |
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Moderator
Moderator
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Quote:
Probably the ACE Manual. Honestly, the stickies at the top of the page are pretty good for beginners, although there isn't much anatomy.
If sense were common, everyone would have it.
4/2007-Current 75th Ranked most popular image 1 spot behind Prince's bulge... |
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#18 |
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Moderator
Moderator
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Nutrient Timing by Ivy and Portman
Pretty good read, very short since most of the book is diets. I have been using some of the principles, particularly the during and post workout nutrition. Very basic, good read for anyone. The referencing sucks, though. NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist Manual Pretty good read, a lot of typos, but I didn't pay shit for it. Very basic stuff, but good nonetheless. I am currently reading Advanced Exercise Assessment and Prescription for an online class on cardiovascular exercise prescription, hope to finish it in 2 weeks, very technical.
If sense were common, everyone would have it.
4/2007-Current 75th Ranked most popular image 1 spot behind Prince's bulge... |
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#19 | |
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PISSED!!
Elite Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Our home and Native land
Posts: 2,605
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Quote:
what stickies? in the top of the training forum you mean?
I love dog meat.
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#20 |
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Fueled by Testosterone
Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Posts: 15,615
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Serious Strength Training by Tudor Bompa:
It was a good introduction to the implementation of periodization. It has been a while since I've read, but I don't remember him getting too deep into the science behind periodization, but focusing mostly on why he chose the distinct phases that he did. I think it provides a lot of great information for a beginner, or even a fairly advanced athlete. My only problem with the book is that it seems to promote excessive training frequency that only steroid users could handle, although they do specify that recreational/amateur bodybuilders should do less than that. As well, I thought the whole "muscle definition" phase was kind of a load of crap. Based on most other information I've read, structuring your training program like that during a cutting phase is not really the best method. Nonetheless, there's a lot of solid information in this book that can get you on the right track if you know how to apply it. The book also has some information from DiPasquale on the Metabolic Diet. Basically, it's a low carb diet during the week with high carbs on the weekend. They present some good supporting evidence and mention a few success stories using this diet. It is also very popular and jives well with the average person's work schedule, so I think it has merit. Good basic information regarding nutrient timing and the endocrine system is also glossed over, which is cool. All in all, I definitely suggest reading this book. Bompa is the father of periodization, and he seems to have developed a pretty effective system in this book.
The only time it's bad to feel the burn is when you're peeing...
Belligerent Bovine badass YouTube Videos |
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#21 |
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Fueled by Testosterone
Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Posts: 15,615
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NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training by Roger Earle and Thomas Baechle:
I don't know that this is the best place to start learning. I feel like my prior knowledge of anatomy on the micro and macro levels helped me finish this book with a more clear understanding of certain parts. Like what Dale said about the textbook used for the CSCS, I felt this was a little scattered in it's arrangement, and I did feel like I was bouncing around a little bit to connect statements and make cohesive thoughts and conclusions about what I was reading. Nonetheless, there is a lot of good information here, and I feel like it's more complete than a lot of certification textbooks might be. If you have some prior knowledge from poking around these boards, then it will probably make your reading of this text much more valuable.
The only time it's bad to feel the burn is when you're peeing...
Belligerent Bovine badass YouTube Videos |
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#22 |
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Fueled by Testosterone
Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Posts: 15,615
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Functional Training for Sports by Michael Boyle:
This was an awesome book. Even people who are practically newbs can apply the information in this book into their programs. There is a lot of great information on proper warmups concerning activation and dynamic flexibility; I ended implementing a couple exercises into my clients programs very soon after reading this. The basic structure he uses to design programs is easy to follow and sound. I design my programs in a very similar fashion. There are a lot of cool exercises put on display in this book, and there are a lot of solid and easy to follow progressions you can use to get to performing the more challenging movements. There isn't a whole lot of scientific information, though he tries to back up his thoughts and philosphies where he feels it is warranted. In fact, he almost comes off like a pompous ass some places, but I like that because it shows he's confident in what he's teaching. Everyone should read this book.
The only time it's bad to feel the burn is when you're peeing...
Belligerent Bovine badass YouTube Videos |
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#23 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 198
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