what would ya'll suggest ? I'm not looking for a workout. I want to learn about nutrition, what the body goes through in recovery, and the effects of different types of workouts on the body. Any suggestions?
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Of Mice and Men... I mean, umm... I haven't it read it personally, but I hear that Book of Muscle is pretty good, and Testosterone Advantage Plan is possibly even better.
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Well, since he posts here I might as well give him a plug. I love the book of muscle. It really helped me out and you will learn so much about what your body needs as well as many workouts w/ great photos.
On the consumer side, "Book of Muscle" is great, but a book on nutrition would be a good complement.
For example, "Nutrient Timing", by Ivy and Portman, discusses not only the Nutrient Timing principle, but also the roles of carbohydrates, fats and proteins as energy sources and as participants in many other physiological processes. John Berardi, of Scrawny to Brawny fame, contributes to this book. Besides, it's short, to-the-point, very well written, and inexpensive.
If you are not interested on workout plans, perhaps a book like "NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training" could help. With its professional, yet accessible, tone, I find it useful not only for personal trainers, but also for enthusiasts who want to know more about how their bodies work and how to improve it through training. It presents a good overview of physiology, adaptations to anaerobic and aerobic exercise, biomechanics, psychology of sport, modalities of exercise, exercise technique, nutrition, etc.
For a thorough discussion of resistance training (Isometrics, Dynamic Constant External Resistance Training, Variable Resistance Training, Isokinetic, Eccentric Training, etc.), "Designing Resistance Training Programs" by Fleck and Kraemer is an excellent choice. Its text, however, has a markedly scientific tone.
Originally posted by Esteban: Just one book? Tough!
On the consumer side, "Book of Muscle" is great, but a book on nutrition would be a good complement.
For example, "Nutrient Timing", by Ivy and Portman, discusses not only the Nutrient Timing principle, but also the roles of carbohydrates, fats and proteins as energy sources and as participants in many other physiological processes. John Berardi, of Scrawny to Brawny fame, contributes to this book. Besides, it's short, to-the-point, very well written, and inexpensive.
If you are not interested on workout plans, perhaps a book like "NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training" could help. With its professional, yet accessible, tone, I find it useful not only for personal trainers, but also for enthusiasts who want to know more about how their bodies work and how to improve it through training. It presents a good overview of physiology, adaptations to anaerobic and aerobic exercise, biomechanics, psychology of sport, modalities of exercise, exercise technique, nutrition, etc.
For a thorough discussion of resistance training (Isometrics, Dynamic Constant External Resistance Training, Variable Resistance Training, Isokinetic, Eccentric Training, etc.), "Designing Resistance Training Programs" by Fleck and Kraemer is an excellent choice. Its text, however, has a markedly scientific tone.
If it's really one book to understand the overall picture in depth more than the usual B&N tome, then the "Essentials . . " would be it. But, it's a textbook, so it's not a consumer read.
On an even heavier side, Supertraining is perhaps the king of the realm, but it's a think and dense read. But, as far as training (athletic oriented, not bodybuilding, really) it's IT!
This is what he has to say about "Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning" (Baechle, Earle), which is a book very similar to "NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training":
"This is the core text used by the very credible National Strength and Conditioning Association. The book outlines exercise science, biomechanics, physiology, nutrition, testing and evaluation, exercise technique, program design, and weight room organization. If you only had one book in your library, this would be a good choice."
The book recommended by Chris, "Supertraining", is also included in Berardi's list.
I found book of muscle to be good as well, I just bought a copy. Although I did find the workouts a pain in the ass. They are huge and can enclude 12-16 exercises in circiut style, very difficult for the beginner im afraid. (IMO)
The diet info is solid and echos TAP (which I also own). The book is made up of great information regarding muscles and gives some excellent information to the noob.
Chris that Supertraining book sounds interesting but it starts at $160.00! I think I am leaning toward The Essentials. I may check the library too for supertraining though I doubt it will be there. Thanks again guys.
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Originally posted by C&C dad: Chris that Supertraining book sounds interesting but it starts at $160.00! I think I am leaning toward The Essentials. I may check the library too for supertraining though I doubt it will be there. Thanks again guys.
I don't own it yet, but I've gotten it via interlibrary loan. It's dense and big, but top notch. Your library should be able to get it for you from somewhere else. I think the current edition is 6th edition.
For some reason, Amazon has some weird pricing for that book at times. It's usual price is something like $60. Do a google search -- a know I've come across it for sale at a few fitness sites. Perform Better has it for $60; it shows the 6th edition cover, but it says 4th edition. I bet they just didn't update the listing. You can always call/email and ask, of course.) (Of course, some of these titles are available from amazon via here. ) (is that in good taste? )
EDIT: OK, check out here for more about supertraining:
C&C dad, which of the "Essentials" books are you considering buying? "Essentials of Personal Training", or "Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning"? I think that both books cover roughly the same topics, but "Essentials of Personal Training" is newer (2004) and focuses on training for health and fitness, while "Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning" (2000) has an emphasis on sports performance enhancement. Both are priced the same. I have only read the P.T. book. Perhaps Chris could comment on this.
Here is the Table of Contents of the S.T.C. book; you might want to compare it with that of the P.T. book (link in one of my previous posts) if you still haven't done so.
Esteban I had considered the P.T. book but the S.T.C. book actually sounds a little more interesting to me as I am more curious about sports/athletic training.
Thank you for the links Chris $60 is much more reasonable. My only concern with this book is that since most of my knowledge so far has come from here or places like the pages of Mens Fitness Supertraining may be a little over my head. What do you think?
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Originally posted by C&C dad: Esteban I had considered the P.T. book but the S.T.C. book actually sounds a little more interesting to me as I am more curious about sports/athletic training.
Thank you for the links Chris $60 is much more reasonable. My only concern with this book is that since most of my knowledge so far has come from here or places like the pages of Mens Fitness Supertraining may be a little over my head. What do you think?
Supertraining can be a bit of a "thick" read. I agree that the "Essentials" would be easier to get through. It is a textbook, so can be a bit dense in info (particularly the physiology chapters), but the rest of the stuff after that eases up. It would help lay a good, overall foundation of knowledge across all of the areas related to strength & conditioning. With your interst in athletics (mine, too) Supertraining seems to be an eventual, necessary read. A worthy goal would be to do the Essentials over the course of a few months or a year and then graduate on to Supertraining for the next couple of years.
C & C: I am currently preparing for my CSCS exam, and I have been keeping a 'blog' of my experiences in studying (using the Essentials of strength training book) over at MH...take a look, I think that it would be a big help to you in deciding if it's appropriate for your goals:
You'll find that we also discussed some other books that I found to be informative in the thread as well, to give you some other ideas. Enjoy, and I hope it helps!
I have only read a few but the Scrawny to Brawny is excellent. If you don't do the training, you can use the tests to find your weaknesses and the nutrition part is A#1.
After I subscribed to the list, I received information on ordering the "Supertraining" book and other books authored by Mel Siff.
"Supertraining" by M.C Siff
ISBN# 1-874856-65-6
sixth editon
$54.95
In case you are not interested in joining the list, here's the ordering information I received (keep in mind that I'm only forwarding the information; I haven't verified the validity of any of it):
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For postage information to your part of the world, please contact Lisa at SupertrainingLLC@aol.com We are now able to accept payment online using the "PayPal" service. To do this please contact us at the following e mail address with your request for ordering: SupertrainingLLC@aol.com
Upon receipt, we will send out a "Paypal" request for money, which comes with instructions for its usage. Paypal is able to accept payment in many currencies and also accepts most major credit cards. If paying by check or money order {in American Dollars}, please make them payable to: SupertrainingLLC@aol.com
If you have any questions regarding the content of the book please contact David Driscoll at david@supertraining.com.au
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This site contains more information on Dr.Siff's work.
Also, since I'm interested in the Supertraining book, I e-mailed the Perform Better store, as Chris suggested, a few days ago. They confirmed that they have the 4th edition of the book, not the 6th.
Keep in mind that Supertraining is a bitch to read. Especially without a backround in antatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. I have a pretty hard time getting through a lot of chapters. Thats not to discourage anyone but just to warn you.
Another good book would be The Science and Practice of Strength Training by Zatsiorsky. My next purchase is going to be Science of Sport Training by Kurts but I can't say anything about it yet because I don't own it. Heard good things though. All of these books are at www.elitefts.com, I go to them for almost everything I need, especially books.
Danny
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