Anatomy for Strength and Fitness Training

From the illustrations to the detailed explanations this is a superb guide. Found it as one of the best read for showing in great detail the muscles involved in essentially every possible core exercise. If you are serious about resistance training or want to learn more this book is it. Not overwhelming just GOOD John Gregory Vincent [...]. The "CURE" for the Common Workplace

The muscles fascinate me. And when I plan my workouts, I like to plan them according to the needs of my muscles. For example, if my back is bothering me, I try and plan exercises that will soothe and strengthen my back muscles and not further injure them. If I want more strength in my upper body, I want to train the muscles that will help me accomplish this in the fastest, most efficient manner. That's why I find this book so helpful. The book shows you all of the muscles that a person uses in most all compound and isolated weight bearing exercises. Also you'll find the muscles used in yoga and stretching, fitness in general. So it's a book for everyone. Exercising without knowing what you're doing, what muscles you're working, is not a good idea. It's more fun and more productive when you understand what muscles you're working and exactly how to work them to get the most benefit. That's why you need this book. There are other books on muscular anatomy. But I find this one to be the best. You'll discover how often and for how long you'll need to workout to accomplish your own unique goals. You'll also learn how to deal with injuries. I was a bit surprised, however, that the book failed to give modifications for many of the exercises. Unfortunately, most books of this type have the same failing. I guess it's expected the reader will know the modifications. Fortunately, I do. I hope you do to. If not, you need to invest in a book that shows the different modifications for those with injuries or limitations. I suggest you read at least the first part of the book. Then you can skim the rest if you like. But carefully read the information about the muscles and exercises you're going to do. It's not a book you'll necessarily want to read cover to cover. And, you won't necessarily need to. But you will want to refer to it often. So always keep it handy. Keep in in your gym bag or your workout room and use it when planning your workouts for the week. The exercises in the book are mostly using your own body weight or simple free weights. Only a few use machines. So you can select the ones you want and for which you're equipped. This is an excellent reference and I highly recommend it to you. - Susanna K. Hutcheson

I find this book useful on two levels. On one level, I have used it to deepen my own knowledge and make sure that I am targeting where I wish. On another level, it has allowed me to show my teenage son exactly which muscles are being worked by which exercises. I like the author's emphasis on functional strength.

I finally have a source that really gets to the insides of what makes muscles work and how to improve my workouts!