Book Reviews
Review: Strength Training Anatomy
 | Strength Training Anatomy
Frederick Delavier
USA Price : $19.95.
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ISBN: 0736060456 |
With almost a million copies sold,
Strength Training Anatomy is one of the best-selling fitness titles in the history of publishing. There is good reason for its success. Unlike other exercise books, it not only provides descriptions of a wide variety of movements, it actually shows you anatomical drawings of the working muscles in explicit detail. The artwork is really astonishing. It's some of the most beautifully drawn muscular anatomy I've ever seen. There are more than 400 full-color illustrations in total, spanning over a hundred different exercises for every major muscle group (i.e. arms, shoulders, chest, back, legs, butt, and abs). In this, the second edition, there also is some added info on common injuries associated with strength training along with suggested measures for prevention.
If there is a negative to the book it's that some of the physiology is a bit shaky. For example, the author suggests that you "lift your elbows as high as possible" in the performance of an upright row. However, this potentially can cause impingement of the supraspinatus and or biciptial tendon. He also recommends to "lift your elbows" at the finish of a barbell curl as a way to "get a better biceps contraction." Unfortunately, this will have the opposite effect as the biceps is shortened at two joints, reducing its force output. But in the overall scheme of things, these are minor quibbles. The book is generally sound in its advice and contains a number of worthy training tips.
In sum, Strength Training Anatomy is a must for anyone who is serious about lifting weights. Realize, though, that this is merely a compilation of exercises. The author does not attempt to discuss the application of these movements to specific exercise programs. If you're looking for routines, you need to look elsewhere. But as a companion book, it is invaluable to provide a clear image of the working muscles and their associated functions.
Grade: 9 (out of 10)
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