Strength Training Anatomy

Discover for yourself the magic of Strength Training Anatomy, one of the best-selling strength training books ever published! Training Anatomy, with nearly half a million copies already sold, brings anatomy to life with more than 400 full-color illustrations. This detailed artwork showcases the muscles used during each exercise and delineates how these muscles interact with surrounding joints and skeletal structures. Like having an X-ray for each exercise, the information gives you a multilateral view of strength training not seen in any other resource.

The book is broken down into seven major muscle groups: arms, shoulders, chest, back, legs, buttocks, and abdomen. Within each muscle group are multiple exercises, each comprised of detailed anotomical illustrations, instructions on performing the exercises, and key information such as variations (for specific focus on particular muscles) and warnings (to aviod injury).

Using this book, one could easily select a variety of exercises to build a total body workout program. The selection of exercises also allows for some routine variation to keep one's workout from getting stale.

The illustrations are of an exellent quality, as are the materials. The pages are of heavyweight paper, with a semi-glossy finish.

Although I rated this title highly, I did so with the understanding that it suits a very specific purpose, and is not a general purpose introduction or guide to weight training. This is an ANATOMY REFERENCE, specific to selected weight training exercises. It does not contain any other information concerning weight training, diet, exercise, etc. In fact, there is not even a brief introduction by the author, simply the reference material itself. But, in terms of its intended purpose, it is an excellent reference. If you already have some sort of "Bodybuilding Encyclopedia", you probably already posess much of the information contained in this title. Having no interest in the history, self-promotion, and general testosterone driven attitudes of many of those types of titles (as well as the phonebook sized package), I much prefer this concise book as an exercise reference.


An excellent motivator - it is frequently in my hands at 5am   April 21, 2006
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

At one point I thought I knew what I needed to know to benefit from regular weight-lifting. I'd look forward to new editions of Men's Health in order to learn about new exercises to help motivate myself. Thanks to this book, I've realized just how little I really knew, and I can get the motivation of a new exercise or a fresh workout every time I pick this book off the shelf. In fact on cold, dark, early mornings it is frequently in my hands, motivating me to get out the door to the gym before work.

I would agree with previous reviewers - the diagrams are excellent and educational. Also, the sections on weight-lifting injuries (and how to avoid them) are invaluable.

I feel like I should mention that this is the only weight-lifting book I've ever purchased - it is the first and only title I've ever needed.




See What You've Been Missing   January 27, 2002
 8 out of 9 found this review helpful

If you work out regularly, this book is for you. It shows which
exercises and which muscle groups you are presently missing, and
leads you to a more symmetrical workout.

After about 10 days, I have post-it notes on about 9-10 pages,
and some really sore spots from working the groups that I now
find I have been neglecting.

This isn't like the other weightlifting books, or "regime" manuals; this is one you need, and won't regret buying, and
it won't be gathering dust on the floor next to your workstation.


Great Anatomic Detail   April 22, 2002
 8 out of 9 found this review helpful

As a physician, I appreciate the anatomic detail and accuracy that is usually lacking in excercise books. A great reference boook for anyone interested in weight training.