Joe Weider's Ultimate Bodybuilding: The Master Blaster's Principles of Training and Nutrition

This is a comprehensive, fully illustrated, fully described, and straight to the point reference on exercises, principles of training, programs, and nutrition for serious bodybuilders and anyone looking to gain muscular mass without injuring himself. This book is useful for anyone, no matter how much time you have being lifting weights. It has dedicated chapters with information and tips for novice, intermediate and advanced bodybuilders.

Yes, I've read quite a few: Ironman's Encyclopedia, Arnold's Encyclopedia, Power Factor Training, Bodybuilding 101, and while most of these books do provide great advice, the ultimate game plan for mass and strength is printed in this book, waiting to be read by the confused bodybuilder, like I was. From what I've read in this book, the training principles like the flaming "supersets" and the blood-gushing "giant sets" can be easily found in this book and I have had excellent results with mass/strength gains from other Weider Principles. What makes this terrific encyclopedia unique is that you aren't reading any other pro bodybuilder's routine that supposedly makes you gain great mass because it did for them. Not like that here. Weider has split the sections of the book into beginner, with appropriate training principles and great advice on how to increase resistance (weight) within a reasonable amount of time; an intermediate bodybuilder section about supersets/confusion/instinctive principles; the advanced bodybuilder with double split programs and the Tri-Set Principle with even more, like the Resto-Pause Principle--extreme way to pump up your biceps, especially in the motivational advice of Weider. I also love reading the bodypart sections. You'll read Mike Christian's way of training the back and chest, Samir Bonnout's philosophy of building bigger biceps. They tell you like it is. There's a very fine line between a bodybuilder who loves to change routines often and a bodybuilder who sticks with it like Arnold and Larry Scott have. I chose to go back into the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" routine, where if a certain exercise works for you at a certain weight/reps, stick with it! If not, follow Lou Ferrigno's intriguing way of varying reps/weight/princples and exercises. You can't decide until you read Weider's principles and advice! From what I've read, Joe Weider is probably one of the most traditional bodybuilding professionals out there, his advice isn't like the "that's too good to be true". No. His advice has been used by professional bodybuilders from the mid 1960s up to now. It's working for me, and it should for you too! Really, you will figure out the perfect routine for yourself, all in this book!

As someone who has actually been tossing around the iron for longer than I personally like to admit (try 1960 on for size), I have always found this particular book to be a wonderful reference book for the practicing bodybuilder, one he or she can employ to solve persistent problems, answer a technical question, or browse in search of alternative exercises working a particular muscle group from a specific angle. For example, the fact that each exercise emphasizes not only how to correctly perform the exercise, but also stresses which aspects of the muscles are most stressed, hence which are likely to most benefit from regular use of the exercise in a complex routine. There are many aspects of the book which could use to be revised to improve it, such as its reference to newer machines and new technology in general is a bit lacking, and it also is a bit dated in that it trades heavily on Weider's long association with famous bodybuilders of the classic period of the 1960s and 1970s. For old horses like me, that is neat, but it may not play well to some of the younger enthusiasts. Yet the fundamental facts found in the book are still quite credible, and the fact that it is a paperback issue you can actually drag along to the gym with you is to its credit. I recommend it for the reasons I mentioned, although I would also suggest you purchase a copy of Arnold's own version of a how-to manual, as well as Bill Pearl's superb "Keys To The Kingdom". The more recent Iron Man version is also an excellent resource, especially for the intermediate bodybuilder ready to spread his wings and intensify his workout. Enjoy!

I personally thought this book was a real winner. I have read this book many times cover to cover, yes this takes a while. I use it for reference all the time. It spells out exactly what and how to do all exercises. It also contains great photography of the stars in action. This also contains much information, many pages, great pictures, and pure content for the price. The only other book that is comparable is Arnold's Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding.

As an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist, I have to give this book a high recommendation. The beginner will get a good introduction to physique development. The more experienced will get ideas for adding variety to their programs. The photos are a bit misleading for the beginner - you'll never look like that unless you use drugs. However, all the technical information is good, and I like the presentation. This book is a real bargain!