Book Description
Strength training is a vital addition to the healthy woman's fitness routine. Working with weights improves core stability and strengthens muscles, which in turn boosts metabolism, improves balance and flexibility, and builds bone density. Clearly illustrated with step-by-step color photos of each exercise, Total Strength Training for Women guides the beginning or intermediate student through all aspects of weight training for strength rather than bulk, and offers a progressive plan for weight training at home or in the gym, working with free weights or fixed weights. Additional coverage includes a guide to warm-ups, the main muscle groups, correct posture, and spot training programs.
Customer Reviews:
Extremely Thorough.......2007-04-09
Illustrations of working muscle groups coordinate with in-depth analysis of critical exercises to help you build a more complete routine.
I Need Strength Training Just to Carry This Book!.......2007-02-22
I just got my copy of this book today. From what I've looked at so far, it seems to be very clear, thorough and well-illustrated. My only complaint is that this book is oversized and heavy. It's not the kind of thing that will fit in my gym bag so I can refer to it while working out. I think it needs a better format.
Very Complete.......2007-01-10
I was surprised at the depth of and introduction to some critical exercises that even the best strength training books do not even attempt to address: things like wrist strength, pronation movements, and so forth. I felt this book really rounded out my exercises and it pictured the muscles I use so that I could build a more complete routine around all of the muscle groups I wanted to target or had been neglecting. Great book, spiral with pix, easy to take to gym.
Equipment Oriented.......2006-11-22
This book is heavily weighted toward the use of exercise machines. If you have access to them at home or in a gym, then it's an excellent book for toning and strength building. If you don't, you'll discover that, aside from the sturdy spiral format, it has little to offer the at-home exerciser interested in using handheld, wrist, or ankle weights and the Thera Band system. If the latter is more your speed, try Joan Pagano's excellent book: "Strength Training for Women."
Very thorough!.......2006-11-05
I bought this and reviewed it, and it appeared quite thorough. My friend's daughter was getting into weight lifting and wanted to learn more about it. I lent her this book and she is very happy with it.
Average customer rating:
- Excellent resource on treating and preventing injuries...
- Johnson is "magic"!
- Review of, "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff"
- So far, so good
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Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff
Jim Johnson
Manufacturer: Dog Ear Publishing, LLC
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Treat Your Own Knees: Simple Exercises to Build Strength, Flexibility, Responsiveness and Endurance
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7 Minute Rotator Cuff Solution
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The Sixty-Second Motivator
ASIN: 1598582062 |
Book Description
Based entirely on research from peer-reviewed journals and randomized controlled trials,
Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff is a complete program to prevent and rehabilitate rotator cuff injuries for athletes and non-athletes alike. In less than 100 pages, readers will learn precisely how the rotator cuff works, what can go wrong with it, and then are guided step-by-step through an evidence-based program that takes just minutes a week to complete. Drawing from the latest rotator cuff research,
Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff is especially useful for those who have been diagnosed with either a partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tear, experience shoulder pain, do upper body weight lifting, play a sport or have a job that involves repeated arm motions above shoulder level, have been diagnosed with "impingement syndrome," or for anyone simply wanting a healthy and properly functioning rotator cuff.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent resource on treating and preventing injuries..........2007-09-06
This is a great book that concisely explains the anatomy and physiology of the rotator cuff including the bones, muscles, biomechanics, etc. in just enough detail for the average person to understand. It also describes how to distinguish between different types of injuries, how to approach rehabilitating them and collects a lot of rotator cuff injuries in one small volume. While the book is rather expensive for its size, it packs a lot of well-explained information into a small space.
I'm an ex-physiology teaching fellow and scientist. I thought this book was great and turned something that is often difficult to explain into something anyone who can read can understand. The diagrams are good and the book contains no unnecessary detail.
I also agree with other reviewers that while Jim Johnson isn't an expert on rotator cuffs, his book is thoroughly researched and he does have a PT credential and has undoubtedly had 15 years of clinical experience in a teaching hospital environment. This suggests he has a very good nuts and bolts understanding and hands-on experience.
Johnson is "magic"!.......2007-07-09
This is the second book of Jim Johnson's that I have bought. The first one fixed my back pains with a simple exercise to strengthen the Multifidus muscles.
The exercises in this book has significantly reduced pain and increased mobility in my left shoulder, allowing me to sleep through the night and lift my arm over my shoulder.
Review of, "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff".......2007-06-13
I ordered this book for my brother-in-law who has experienced shoulder pain and not being able to lift his arm higher than shoulder level due to a rotator cuff injury he received in the past. I recommended it to him because of the wonderful results I got using the information in this book to treat my own right shoulder pain.
Having previously read, Jim Johnson's, The Sixty-Second Motivator, and finding it very helpful, I can tell you that I certainly had the motivation to try and stick with an exercise that would relieve my painful and restricting condition. And it sounded to me like my brother-in-law was in the same boat.
I used the Sidelying External Rotation exercise on page 55 of the rotator cuff book and got great results. The first time I tried it I could only manage to raise a 20 ounce can of pineapple about half way up less than ten times. I found the detailed instruction, precautions and notes particularly helpful and feel that carefully following them was why I experienced the gradual recovery. My wife sat beside me making sure I did the exercise slowly and exactly as the book states. After about four weeks I actually worked up to fully raising the can of pineapple 20 times. Later on I increased the weight little by little and began to feel good enough to resume some of the more physically demanding activities on our small farm.
Last week I was actually able to assist with harvesting our hay and didn't suffer during or afterward from any of the shoulder pain or stiffness that I had previously experienced many times. Yes, I was careful about what I did and how I worked, but for me to even attempt to try stacking a 60 pound bale of hay was completely out of the question a few months ago. I went from shoulder pain that caused me sleepless nites and not being able to lift my right arm any higher than shoulder level, to what I consider a darned good day's work.
This book is a real bargain and indeed I consider it invaluable when I think about how it helped me. And as you can see, I heartily recommend it.
So far, so good.......2007-05-11
Just as the book promised, I had a eureka! moment the other day. I bought this book because I have been having unidentified rotator cuff problems for years (I was a baseball and now am an avid softball player). Because everyone talks about rotator cuff tears, I assumed that's what my problem was. After reading Johnson's book, I was surprised and pleased to discover that my problem was most likely simply an impingement, and that no matter what your unspecified problem it is, it is likely to improve from his exercises (he cites the studies that prove this claim). Prior to starting his exercises, it was painful to soap up in the shower, sleep or do anything where I had to reach my back. Now, after just a month of the stretches and strengthening exercises I realized all of a sudden the other day (eureka!) that I have no pain in my shoulders! My range of motion is not where it should be yet in one shoulder, but it's improving. I still have a ways to go, but I'm encouraged by my progress so far.
Johnson's book is written to help people with all severity of rotator cuff problems. Anywhere from being unable to lift an arm overhead to near full utility of the joint. He also gives you measurements by which you can judge your flexibility, which is also nice to help you figure out what "normal" is.
I suppose the question still remains: why don't you just go to a doctor, idiot? I suppose the real answer is the inconvenience of going, the cost, and primarily, just that I'm a DIYer type my nature, and like to fix things on my own when I can.
The only reason I didn't go to 5 stars was because I got the impression from the book that Johnson is really just a guy (in the field) who reviewed some studies and came up with a program. Now, that's a great way to go about things, but I would not call him an *expert* on rotator cuffs. On the plus side, that does make him very easy to understand, as opposed to some of the surgeons out there who have written on the subject.
Average customer rating:
- Strength training in 15 minutes a day
- A sane and great program
- Short on load-volume, chin-ups, dips, and barbell exercises
- suggestion
- Leaner and Stronger
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Lean, Long & Strong: The 6-Week Strength-Training, Fat-Burning Program for Women
Wini Linguvic
Manufacturer: Rodale Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Exercise & Fitness
| Health, Mind & Body
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| Personal Health
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Strength Training for Women
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Fit Not Fat at 40-Plus: The Shape-Up Plan That Balances Your Hormones, Boosts Your Metabolism, and Fights Female Fat in Your Forties-And Beyond
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Sculpt Your Body with Balls and Bands : Shed Pounds and Get Firm in 12 Minutes a Day (With Your 3-Week Plan for Fast, Easy Weight Loss)
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Sculpting Her Body Perfect
Accessories:
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Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor
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Luna Bars, Nutz Over Chocolate, 1.69-Ounce Bars (Pack of 15)
ASIN: 157954956X
Release Date: 2004-12-09 |
Book Description
Lean Long amp; Strong is a tailored strength training program created just forwomen. Each workout, designed to be completed in just 12 minutes a day,incorporates synergy sets, a combination of precision strength trainingexercises with specially chosen stretches.Now top personal trainer Wini Linguvic tailors her precisionbody-sculpting methods just for women in workouts that integrate the "flow"and stretching of yoga to produce the even more impressive real results ofstrength training. Finally, an expert women can turn to for a programdesigned to create the fabulously fit, lean, long, strong body that today'swoman yearns to achieve.o Features beautiful, large full-color photographsof the author doing each exercise, accompanied by detailed instructions forcompleting each moveo All exercises can be done at home with hand weights and an exercise ballo Specific workouts focus on firming key trouble spots such as abs and core,butt and thighs, or upper body
Customer Reviews:
Strength training in 15 minutes a day.......2007-01-09
I have been very impressed with this book. The strength training only takes 15 minutes a day and you can do it at home with only an exercise mat, exercise ball and 2 free weights. There is no excuse not to do it when you can do it at home in 15 minutes. She incorporates stretching with the weight-lifting - so you feel better afterwards. I would recommend this book to men and women. My husband has also found the workouts helpful.
A sane and great program.......2006-11-30
Here's what I like about this program:
1) It is designed for women, meaning that it has exercises that hit our trouble spots: e.g. inside thighs.
2) It can be done at home. This is essential for some of us. (note to some reviewers: barbell exercises require a spotter for safety.)
3) It's designed for those of us who are not already in great shape.
4) WIth all the variations, you could easily do workouts from this book for a long time.
5) It fits into my schedule.
6) It's all laid out, so all that is necessary is to pick a program and follow along.
7) The author incorporates stretching, which has been found to increase gains from strength training.
8) The eating advice is sensible.
I've just started it, so I will do my best to check back in, in six weeks, and let you know how it worked for me :).
Short on load-volume, chin-ups, dips, and barbell exercises.......2006-06-12
"No one dies from weak biceps" is my favorite sentence in the entire book. Also, the foreword is very eloquent and concise. The book photos and printing style are superb as well.
As a 20-year personal trainer, the author's experience has evolved along the normal path many athletes follow. First, she discovered the great potential of strength training and how it empowers women to lead healthy lifestyle. She has gone through the various phases of repulsion, attraction, and finally obsession with a sport long viewed as men's territory. Now, she appreciates the value of being long, lean, and strong. That helped her have great and effortless everyday living. Second, she realized that she must rev her heart in order to endure long and monotonous activities. That took her to aerobics. She realizes right away that although aerobics is vital to the health of the lung and heart, aerobics does not build up muscle mass. Third, she discovered yoga and ventured into flexibility training.
The three phases of evolution of personal trainers and athletes took 20 years of her life in order to experience their rational significance. Yet, the author claims that you could change your life with only 12 minutes of strength training, four days per week, in addition to 20 minutes of aerobics, three days per week. That is an unrealistic proposal. Furthermore, she suggests that if you do the aerobics and the strength training in the same day then you should split them into two sessions. That is also impractical, since all the exercises in the book are very low on load-volume. The last promise of achieving apparent body change in 21 days is equally bogus.
The common belief that unmotivated people would be stimulated to engage in exercise if promised short and easy routine is simplistic. Change in health and fitness requires commitment to consistent exercising and discreet eating, drinking, and sleeping mannerism. It is not worth it that professional trainers or educators attempt to delude people with false hopes. Reasoning with others in realistic fashion strengthens the mutual trust and supports them in coping with the tortuous challenges of learning to exercise wisely. It is much wiser to exercise three days a week than seven days as the book suggests. Training 4 days with weights and 3 days of aerobics would leave very little time for relaxation, even if the exercise load is sub-minimal.
The major shortcomings in the book are:
1- It starts with crunches on an exercise ball, followed by back extension. No sane person should start exercising from the core. People should be advised to perform total warm up, toe to head, before exercising the abdominal or lower back. Otherwise, serious neck or spinal injury could ensue due to contracting major and strong muscles on cold start.
2- There is only one deep squat pose on page 154, the rest of squat and deadlift exercises are partial and extremely low on resistance. The lack of heavy and deep squat and deadlift results in the characteristic flat butts and loss of lumbar curvature. That is attributed to unduly weak glutei, hamstrings, and spinal erectors. The flat lumbar curve and wasted buttocks and quadriceps are early signs of osteoporosis. Bone density at the lumbar spines is the primary index for gauging osteoporosis.
3- There is no single barbell exercise in the book. No dips. No chin ups. No running or jumping exercises. Those are the golden standards of strength training.
4- The photo of the author on the book cover is more feminine and pleasant than the inside photos due to change in hairstyle and posing in side profiles. That shows gloomy facial expressions. In addition, many of the ball exercises are repeated redundantly for no good reason.
5- The book's theme revolves about the regional anatomy of legs, core, and arms. Those regions are exercised on four levels of difficulty: basic, intermediate, challenge, and express. That renders exercise a quite challenging activity. The book is missing a single focus that links all the pieces of the puzzle along one goal.
Mohamed F. El-Hewie
Author of
Essentials of Weightlifting and Strength Training
suggestion.......2006-03-20
I think this book is wonderfully well written and well thought out. I do have one suggestion which is to take the book to your local Kinkos and have the binding cut off and three hole punched. This allows for moving the six week programs around to suit your needs at the time. I did this for $1.50 which added greatly to the user friendly aspect of the book.
Leaner and Stronger.......2006-03-03
I bought this book thinking it would be just like all the rest of the strength training books out there. I am glad that I was wrong! This is one of the best books for women especially those who do not have time or want to go to the gym for strength training! I recommend this highly!!!
Average customer rating:
- Women must read this.
- Detailed anatomical guide to weight training
- Excellent source of information
- Womens strength training anatomy
- An incredible reference manual!
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Women's Strength Training Anatomy
Frederic Delavier
Manufacturer: Human Kinetics Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0736048138 |
Book Description
With information on strengthening and toning the legs, buttocks, abs, and back, Women's Strength Training Anatomy provides full-color, detailed anatomical illustrations of exercises for these hard-to-shape areas. What makes this book unique is that readers can see the muscles at work during each exercise, like an X ray of the body in motion.
Are there definite anatomical differences in the way men and women should build their bodies? According to the best-selling author and illustrator of Strength Training Anatomy, the answer is an overwhelming yes! Exercise variations based on a woman's unique anatomical features are also covered, helping to isolate muscles and make each exercise more effective.
Make your workouts work harder for you! If you work out to strengthen and shape your body or if you help women get stronger and more defined, this is one book you need for understanding the female form and getting the most from your exercises.
Customer Reviews:
Women must read this........2007-07-23
An excellent guide to people wanting to take over their workouts. Nice explanations about fat in women and how to train those particular areas. Simple language and beautiful illustrations will provide you the required information to know how to move yourself when performing an exercise, what you can vary, how and what to avoid. Some technical language is used. Highly recommended.
Detailed anatomical guide to weight training.......2007-06-22
This book is nice if you're serious about weight training. It is very helpful to see what should be moving and how it should be moving. This book is not really to teach you how to do exercises.
Excellent source of information.......2007-05-25
The book is a great tool. It is very concise and easy to understand. Very helpful for any woman trying to target areas.
Womens strength training anatomy.......2007-05-22
Well I really would like to review this book, it seemed excellent and I had heard really great things about it - even from my gym instructors.
However after over a month I still havent received and now I have to haggle with Amazon about it. Boo !
An incredible reference manual!.......2006-10-04
I work out regularly, and when doing strength training, I frequently have questions about which muscles I am working, whether I am performing the moves with correct form, etc. This book, designed specifically for women, is an excellent strength training reference manual. It focuses specifically on the areas which tend to give women the most difficulties, the abs, back, legs, and buttocks (including the hips).
If you check Amazon's "Look inside this book!" feature, you will see that the illustrations are incredible--clear and superbly detailed (although, like another reviewer mentioned, I do think that the female models should have been more appropriately clothed at times). The use of color helps the reader to easily see which muscles are being worked, and the use of labels provides quick identification of each individual muscle. In particular, I appreciated the close-up shots, as these served to highlight exactly how certain parts of the muscular/skeletal system perform; I also especially liked the female versus male anatomy comparisons. The text which accompanies the drawings is concise as well as easily understandable.
Although I sought out this book for the purpose of better understanding my body's movements during exercise, for those wanting to use this book to build their own lower body strength program, it would be excellent. The author provides full-page descriptions of each exercise, often offering several different versions of the exercise on subsequent pages as well as variation insets on the same page. Other within page insets offer form tips, including some illustrating what NOT to do. The exercises are mainly gym-style, using various machines and other equipment which you would find in a typical fitness center, but some of the exercises require no equipment, and alternate methods for working each muscle are always given.
I agree that this book would have been even better with the inclusion of upper body, yet I found it to be more complete than the author's companion work which does address full body (Strength Training Anatomy). Highly recommended as an extremely valuable addition to any woman's fitness library.
Book Description
With heart disease and diabetes topping the list of health hazards for women, strength training effectively reduces the risks by burning calories and bringing down body weight. Featuring two programs for all ages and levels of ability, Strength Training for Women offers a sensible, workable plan that every woman can follow for life, whether at home or in the gym.
Customer Reviews:
Great book.......2007-08-23
I showed my physical therapist this book and he said it was a good one. There are excellent easy to follow pictures and instructions for all the exercises. Explanations of what body part each exercise works, how to get started and when to increase.
Outstanding.......2007-08-16
This is one of the best books I have ever seen on training. The pictures are excellent. They really show you how to do the exercise. You can train at home or at the gym with them.
Great for my once-a-week, at-home work out!.......2007-08-13
I've been walking 45 minutes a day, every day, for some time to lose weight. After reading in so many places about the benefits of strength training, and not knowing where or how to start, I stumbled upon this book. After perusing the entire book, I was a bit overwhelmed at the choices...
Then I got organized...
I started with the full page spread of the human body that lists exercises by body part and gives the page number on which the exercise is found. (I think it is pages 14 and 15 - but I don't have the book with me right now...you'll be able to find it) In the upper right hand corner of the right hand page in a text box is a listing of in what order you should perform the exercises (i.e. Large muscle groups to smaller muscle groups) I highlighted each muscle group a different color, then found on the body display each exercise that I could do in that group and highlighted it the matching color.... For example, I highlighted Leg/Thigh green in the list of muscle group order, then I highlighted all leg/thigh exercises listed by the body that I could do green and so on for each muscle group, changing colors for each group. (When I say I highlighted the ones I could do, I mean that the book incorporates different equipment such as weights, bands, balls, and gym machines - I don't have any gym machines or bands at home, so I didn't highlight those particular exercises - so, if I add equipment, I can go back and highlight more exercises.)
Anyway, this has proved a great way for me to organize and expedite my workout. My workout goes like this: I walk around the house for 5 minutes to warm up, then get out my weights and this book and can quickly move from one exercise to the next, thanks to the highlighting, then I cool down by walking 3 minutes, then stretch.
I'm just beginning to realize the benefits of strength training so I can't rave about what this book as done for me...yet. If you are just starting out, or looking expedite and organize your workout, I recommend this book.
Great Book!.......2007-06-01
This book is extremely helpful! It helps you through the gym and home workouts (with or without free weights). Its great for when you're traveling as well and don't have access to the gym. The pictures make it extremely clear how the exercises are supposed to be done. Simple, easy, and effective. Exactly what I was looking for! Definitely worth your $10.
Great Moves.......2007-04-09
Both beginners and veteran weight trainers can benefit from the exercises in this book. You'll also find out why certain exercises target certain muscle groups.
Product Description
A complete guide to Kettlebell Exercises and training. Strength training for men and women. Contains over 250 pictures with complete decription and details of 50 kettelbell exercises. Sample workouts to follow and how to structure a workout are included. Tip boxes and arrows to point out expert trainer advice.
Customer Reviews:
GREAT Kettlebell guide.......2007-03-11
Lisa Shaffer's book was the first book I bought on kettlebell training.
Since then I have been training with kettlebell's several times a week for the past three years and this book still serves me as a handy guide. Not only is Lisa incredibly knowledgeable about exercising with kettlebell's, she also stands behind her products and is sincere in her training approach. This book is one of the best out there, great photos, detailed explanation of the exercises and well designed ketlebell circuits.
Great training resouce!.......2006-05-31
I am a personal trainer and I specialize in kettlebell training. I use this book on a regular basis when designing my client workout programs. The exercise descriptions are easy to follow and are well illustrated. I also highly recommend the new DVD that goes along with this book.
Excellent material on kettlebell exercises.......2006-04-11
I'd seen one of my instructors with this book and decided to get it. I take classes and needed a little help in polishing up my techniques. This book is excellent! It has the exercises organized from Basics to the different types of exercise(push, pull,core and leg) as well as the level of difficulty for each exercise. The pictures are in color and very easy to follow. There's also a detailed plan for those ladies who wish to do kettlebell during pregnancy.
The book is very well written and I saw some things I was doing wrong. My classes have quite a few students so the instructor can't always tweak everyone. If you go to her site, she also offers a video of the exercises, though for now I prefer the book.
It's definitely worth the price and gives great information for someone really wanting to get into kettlebell.
The Best for Kettlebell Training.......2006-02-13
Kettlebell training is an old form of Russian exercise that is rapidly catching on in the U.S.
The thing is, kettlebell training is SO different from conventional Western exercise that you need some kind of personal instruction to get started.
Of the kettlebell books & videos out there (and there are getting to be a LOT of them), Lisa Shaffer's is just about the best.
I've had the pleasure of attending a training seminar with Lisa, and her book is much like she is...friendly, professional, thorough, and easy-to-understand.
Her suggestions on how to design your own effective kettlebell training program are worth the price of the book all by themselves.
Lisa's book and a k-bell or two...all you need to "Get In the Best Shape of Your Life."
Customer Reviews:
Interesting but only for gym-goers.......2005-01-19
Though others have complained about the writing style, I didn't find it as annoying as the fact that you need to go to a gym to do all the exercises - thus the rating of 3 (sorry).
My favorite book on women and exercise thus far.......2003-12-04
I have been exercising and lifting weights, on and off, for nearly 20 years. I find that I keep coming back to this book when I need to recharge my workout. Most recently, I came back to it after the birth of my second child. I decided it was time to get the baby fat off and get strong so I could keep up with my toddlers. Granted, I returned to Weight Watchers as well, but in five months, I've lost 41 lbs and, thanks to Karen's book, have gained a tremendous amount of strength and stamina - not to mention some visible muscle definition.
You really DON'T need a gym to use this book. I work out in my basement, with a barbell, bench, set of dumbbells, and my ancient NordicTrak ski machine (for the cardio). I can usually complete a good workout in about an hour and 15 minutes, during my youngests's naptime. I like Karen's example workout routines and the variations she suggests. I really only do 3 or 4 different weight exercises each day, with 25 min. cardio (5 days, with 2 rest days), and yet have seen dramatic results. I guess I want to encourage those who DON'T or CAN'T go to a gym, to get this book anyway. You can get tremendous results with very humble equipment, especially if you are starting from square one. And Karen often gives dumbbell variations for many exercises. (One-arm rows can be done with dumbbells instead of a low-cable, for example). I've accomplished far more than I ever expected without ever setting foot in a gym.
I like the motivational aspect of her book, although I agree with the other reviewers that some of her language can be a bit melodramatic (hence, the four stars instead of five). Nonetheless, she keeps me going - doing SOMETHING - even on days when I can't do all I planned to do. And, I've let go of that irrational "ideal" body that we see on the magazine covers all the time. I have crow's feet around my eyes, and that tell-tale bulge in my belly from bearing my children. But I also have shapely arms and legs and the energy to play "swordfights" with my four-year-old and carry heavy bags of groceries without gasping for air.
I totally agree with the others about her advice on proper form and technique, as well. And, although I've never had serious back problems, the nightly dull ache in my lower back that had plagued me before and during my pregnancies and beyond, is now completely gone.
This is a terrific book for all women who lift weights, however experienced you are (or not), but I think it is especially valuable for those who have never tried weight-training, perhaps because it seemed too intimidating. This book explains WHY weight-training is so important, ESPECIALLY for women, and tells you how to do it safely and effectively.
A Classic!.......2003-11-16
I would recommend this book to any woman interested in weight lifting. It is the best book I have ever read on posture and form in weight lifting. Thanks to this book, I have improved my posture and the problems I had from scoliosis. After I had been weight lifting for 9 months, I went to a party and ran into friends who hadn't seen me in since I started the program. They couldn't believe it was me because my posture had changed so dramatically. They thought I had become taller! Even though I'm still the same size I used to be, my clothes fit better than they used to. And the pain caused by my scoliosis has improved to the point where it doesn't affect my everyday life. Karen's book is THE basic book for any woman to read who wants to begin weight lifting. Although only basic exercises are covered in the book, they are described well with tips on form and posture. The author does a good job of making weight lifting seem accessible to the average person. Reading this book helped me navigate the gym at my local health club with ease.
GREAT FOR BEGINEERS.......2003-03-12
Overall, this book has a lot of valuable information to offer. I've been working out consistently now for over a year and would recommend this book to those in search of understanding the basics. The author does a great job addressing the proper form to utilize during each workout. Furthermore, there are plenty of workout routines for all major muscle groups so you don't have to worry about getting bored with the workouts. Karen even lays out workout routines for beginners, intermediates, and even the advanced audience. This was perhaps my favorite feature of the book. The book also discusses the importance of a balance meal and offers a few example recipes, also an excellent feature. Perhaps the most annoying element of this book was the flowery word usage. Karen has a strong understanding of fitness and does not need to resort to "flaky" words. But if you can get past this, the book's a great read!
the price is right.......2003-01-13
I agree with most of what the other reviewers have written. I like the book because of the different presentation of the geometry of several exercises. Andes actually draws lines on photographs to show proper body alignment, gravitational forces, and path of dumbbells during an exercise. She does it with great effectiveness. It's an idea I intend to use myself.
I, for one, am not at all bothered by the author's waxing poetic. What it is they say about attitude? I don't think the reader should feel obligated to have a spirtiual experience in every workout, but approaching training as something more than drudgery seems reasonable and healthy.
I haven't read the entire book yet. I bought it thinking it might be worth recommending to my clients (I'm still looking for a text that is error free). I checked to see what Andes had to say about the Leg Extension exercise. This is a controversial, but frequently employed exercise. It is controversial for several reasons. One is that it puts a lot of shear force on the knee and if overused or used with resistance that is too heavy, it can damage the knee. This critical fact is not mentioned. Another feature of this exercise is that the distal fibers of the vastus medialis (internus) muscle that attach to the superior medial patella are not emphasized until the leg is almost straight (the last 10 to 20 degrees according to the MANUAL OF STRUCTURAL KINESIOLOGY by R.T. Floyd and Clem W Thompson). This, unfortunately, is where the shear forces are the greatest. If the exercise does have merit, it may be that it does work the rectus femoris well. Better than squats even. According to the magnetic resonance images (MRI) in TARGET BODYBUILDING (a text I do recommend) leg extensions, old-fashioned Hack squats, and sissy squats work the rectus femoris very hard. Interestingly, all of them work the entire quadriceps really well, but have no hamstring involvement to speak of. I believe also that these exercises are all not recommended by several trainers because of the potential for knee damage. Andes does not include these facts in her discussion of the leg extension exercise.
In general, though, this appears to be one of the better resistance exercise books. I intend to read it all and flag the best parts for future reference.
Book Description
Strength Training for Beginners gives women of 35 and up a chance to look and feel younger, tone up, reverse symptoms of osteoporosis, and increase energy, all through a simple, scientifically sound, strength-training program that can be easily incorporated into even the busiest lifestyle. Whether you're a bona-fide couch potato or a more active fitness buff, you'll find it easy to follow these exercises, which are cleverly laid out in large print and in full color, step-by-step photographs, in a unique spiral-bound, stand-up package that can be conveniently placed on the exercise mat or a table top.
Starting with simple warm-up stretches, the program includes a series of shaping, toning, and flattening exercises, with and without simple weights, all of which can be performed at home and easily modified for beginners and older women. Each exercise is accompanied by important information on the exercise's purpose, the correct technique, and how to customize the movement if you suffer from weak or swollen joints. With just two sessions per week, research has proven that you'll be on your way to looking and feeling as much as 20 years younger!
Book Description
Ready for an individualized approach to working out that produces better results? Strength Training for Women delivers with information tailored to the way your body works and responds to training, and the specific tools you need to reach your goals.
More than simple descriptions of exercises and training programs, this book explains why the exercises are important and which training program is right for you. You'll gain insight into how the female body responds to training and come away with six sample programs and more than 102 exercises to train every area of the female form. In addition to helping you gain strength, the programs provided will help you burn fat, build strong bones, and prepare for competition.
Maximize your genetic makeup and unique physiology to build muscle that will add strength, boost metabolism, improve bone density, and give you the lean, muscular look you want without the big, bulky look you don't. Start using Strength Training for Women now to break through frustrating plateaus and cater to the special needs of your body.
Customer Reviews:
Try a Change of Pace and Grow.......2007-06-23
I have been weight training for 25 years. All these years I've been doing standard bodybuilding exercises, with the standard bodybuilding number of reps. This book recommends we try something different for a while. I've been trying the "Strength Training" exercises now for six weeks. I am seeing changes in my body for the first time in years! The abdominal exercises are different from what I'm used to, and the leg exercises too. (Not only squats and leg curls, but one legged squats, lunges, and step- ups).
My body is responding so well to this change of pace. This book has sections on bodybuilding, strength building, bone building...take your pick and try something new for a while. This lady knows what she's writing about. Highly recommended!
Strength Training for Women.......2006-11-04
Initially, I thought this book was going to be very good. I am a personal trainer and I am always looking for new ideas and perspectives. I think that there is alot of good general information in this book, especially for the general public. The exercises and workout programs are also good for most people, although I doubt most people are looking for a competitive level exercise program. However, I think that someone who is looking for something new or innovative to add to their workout routine is going to be disappointed.
Great book!.......2006-10-29
I bought this for my own personal use, I'm not a trainer. It makes putting your own workout programs together so easy. I'm seeing the results and it has helped my body to get stronger and helping to rehabilitate my knees!!
Strength Training for Women by Lori Incledon.......2006-07-24
Excellent, refreshing view of strength training. Am very familiar with the subject but am glad to be reading some new thoughts and ideas. Am enjoying the book.
Strength Traning For Women.......2006-02-01
Will help me in getting into better physical condition and strengthen my legs.
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Strength Training For Women
The Body Sculpting Bible For Abs: Women's Edition
Lean, Long & Strong: The 6-Week Strength-Training, Fat-Burning Program for Women
