Practical Programming for Strength Training

Both of Mark Rippetoe's major contributions to strength training literature are now in their third editions. Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training - 3rd Edition has established itself as one of the premiere pieces of literature for anyone interested in getting stronger, and now the 3rd edition of Practical Programming has joined it. The 2nd edition was full of wonderful information regarding the stress/recovery/adaptation cycle of strength training. Simply put, the more you do something (say, squat or deadlift), the better you become at it, and changes in programming (frequency, set/rep schemes, etc...) are required to further progress. New to the 3rd edition is an impressive amount of detail on how to go about the necessary changes in programming as a lifter progresses. The book contains its largest upgrade in chapters 6-8. With the assistance of Andy Baker of Kingswood Strength and Conditioning, programming for the novice, intermediate, and advanced lifters is covered in amazing detail. For the novice, the basic principles of the Starting Strength method are discussed as well as a fabulous real world example of a properly executed linear progression. New to the 3rd edition is an extensive look at how to elongate and squeeze every drop of usefulness out of a linear progression. It details resets, stalls, and recovering from the mistake of increasing your lifts too quickly. All of these scenarios are backed up with biomechanical details of the human body. Additionally, new to the novice section is a detailed account of the "advanced novice" lifter as well as specialized diet and training tips for the particularly overweight or underweight trainee. The Intermediate section has received the largest upgrade of all. While novice programming allows for progress from workout to workout, intermediate programming stretches out progress over a week to week basis. Though Rippetoe discussed his "Texas Method" style of programming in the 2nd edition, it prompted a lot of questions about variations and alternatives to the demanding programming. The details of the Texas Method are contained in 30+ pages of the most important, effective writing in strength programming literature. Broken into four phases, the amount of detail contained here is staggering, and should hopefully answer any questions and address all problems trainees may have with this very complex programming. Also included are "split routines" spread over four days, as well as a Heavy-Light-Medium system popularized by coaching great Bill Starr in the 1970's. The advanced chapter delves into periodization, or the structuring of training schedules beyond a week to week basis. The book makes very clear that this programming is for ADVANCED lifters who's progress on a week to week basis has stalled out completely. At this point, a strength athlete will be at the point where they are ready to specialize in a certain realm of athletics. Specific training details for powerlifters, MMA athletes, and Olympic weightlifters are described in exhaustive detail. Most recreational lifters will never reach this level, but its inclusion here is extremely welcome. The final chapter will prove extremely useful for current strength training coaches. It includes specific training details for females, youth, and an extensive section on older (35+ years) lifters. Simply put, Practical Programming 3rd Edition is required reading for anyone who has a desire to achieve their maximum potential in the weight room. Buy it, read it, read it again, and get stronger!

This book is excellent !!! The author describes in details the 3 levels of trainee experience as Novice,Intermediate and Advanced and what conditions should be fulfilled to belong in each one.He discusses the principles that need to exist in order to increase strength and why different level of athletes need different training programs.He will also go one step further and explain the difference between Force,Strength and Power analyzing them with scientific formulas.He will tell you what is the importance of each one in sports and why Power is so important or how to improve it.This book is adressed to anyone involved in competitive sports or just need to improve his performance.You can use it at any level you are and progress.Some things are repeated many times but not in a boring way as other books for just full the empty pages.It seems that this kind of repetition helps with understanding of the details without needing to turn back the pages and search for related info to clear things up.I would say that one full reading of book is enough to make things clear and just get back from time to time to refresh or focus on specific training programs as time and progress goes by. Almost all of the training programs are based on barbell training and he gives many examples with actual weights for better understanding.The training programs are very well written but there is some kind of confusion with reps and sets in some tables.It seems the reps have been confused with sets and vice versa,but if you read comprehensively and comprehend the principles you will find out the little mistakes (sometimes you will read 3x5 or 5x3 and actualy will mean the opossite of each one).He discusses the history of Periodization models and analyzes the most important ones that have proved their efficiency through the years.Many variations of each model can help build your own program for your specific needs of sport but not in a confusing way like other books.I have read Brawn for example and was very confused with training programs of that invisible author (It was most like saying do this,do that,do anything you like and drink a gallon of milk...something will work!) I have also read the Starting Strength book from same author and was amazed with the detailed offered to basic barbell moves.Mark Rippetoe seems a brilliant man that knows what is talking about and is not trying to sell you another book full of BS to get rich.Always on point with real life experience as trainee and coach for so many years and always expressed in a simple but comprehensive manner for the average reader.More experienced and smart people can absorb more out of his writing though and maybe can search for more info on specific aspects based on other sources.

Des variables basiques lors des séances (choix d'exercice, répétitions, récupération, ...) à la programmation de ces séances en fonction du niveau d'avancement de chacun (novice, intermédiaire, avancé), ce livre couvre toutes les bases de la musculation (en dehors de la technique d'exécution des exercices, vue dans le livre Starting Strength 3ème édition)

Molto utile. Pie o di suggerimenti e pratiche di esercizi

El libro presenta de forma clara los conceptos necesarios para desarrollar un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza que permita avanzar desde una situación de falta de entrenamiento a conseguiruna buena forma física. Lo he utilizado para planificar mis entrenamientos desde comienzos del mes de septiembre y estoy viendo más evolución que en años anteriores. El libro es realmente recomendable, aunque gana enteros combinado con Starting Strength, otro libro del mismo autor en que se describen los movimientos básicos que desarrolla en este libro.

Let me save you some time and money, this book advises you to squat, squat, squat, squat, squat, squat, squat, squat, ad infinitum,,,, If you are a professional football player, or sumo wrestler I recommend this book.

O livro é bem didático e muito completo!!! Você consegue facilmente navegar pelos capítulos e encontrar com rapidez o que procura