Ironmind: Stronger Minds, Stronger Bodies

I bought this book because I am a middle-aged newbie to the sport of lifting and thought a 5 star motivational book would serve me well. This book was written with weight lifters in mind but it's common sense wisdom applies to all aspects of life. Mr. Strossen's writing is very accessible and clear. I've read a few motivational books and this one is hands down the best. Although I come from the same town as the author we have never met and this is an honest "from the heart" review.

As the title implies, this book discusses the mental aspect of weight training. The book contains sixty short stories that provide a theme on helping you set and achieve goals, how to set your mind to lift heavier weights, how outside sources can interfere with your training, etc. All of the suggestions provided can be used in every aspect of your life. A wonderfull read and is a must have in any weight trainee's library.

I believe Yogi Berra said something to the effect that "90% of the game is 50% mental." Strossen explores the mental aspects of weightlifting and weight training and guides the reader to a mindset for success. Strossen's analysis is literate, readable, entertaining, and educational. Having trained with weights for the better part of four decades, I have fallen into many of the errors Strossen discusses. I only wish I had read "Ironmind" at the beginning of my training career rather than the end. Strossen quotes an interview of Buster Douglas shortly after Douglas defeated Mike Tyson. Interviewer: "Buster, you kept him at bay with double left jabs, you leveraged your height advantage and kept tagging him with rights, you tied him up, you maintained that delicate balance of constant pressure [etc., etc., etc.] Was that your strategy? Is that what you planned to do?" Douglas: "I planned to whip his ass." Douglas had the cultivated a mindset for success, and "Ironmind" can help you cultivate it, too, not only in athletics, but in almost any field of endeavor to which you apply its principles.

This is a truly excellent book, I recomend it to anyone who has less than stellar mental toughness. The articles in this book help you achieve new levels of performance. This book will not only help you with your weight training, it will help you in any situation that requires mental strength, stability and confidence. Furthermore, it was a pleasure to read. If your looking for a unique way to improve your training, this is what you've been looking for.

I have read many books from front to cover, IronMind: Stronger Minds, Stronger Bodies does exactly what the title implies. If you are looking for excercises for your mind, then this is the book that you want to purchase. Because, look no further, this book will answer all the questions that you may have to the quality of its contents.I am an arm wrestler, new to the sport, if I didn't purchase this book, there's no telling where I would stand as a competitor. After reading the book, I have learned total mind control. I don't look at my competitors in this sport as who has the biggest reputation or who has the strongest arms, I look for ones with the strongest mind control.Buy the this book, what are you waiting for? You do want total mind control don't you?