Anabolic Primer: An Information-Packed Reference Guide to Ergogenic AIDS for Hardcore Bodybuilders

This book is pretty much what its title promises: a discussion of many forms of anabolic (muscle-building) agents and procedures. It's a bit dated now, but still contains a lot of useful information, and is a standard source I consult when I am learning about something. That said, it is a "primer": it contains basic information, and it should probably never be the only source you consult, unless it is for a well established and thoroughly researched agent like creatine monohydrate. I would recommend this book for any beginning or intermediate weight lifter. One thing that puzzles me about the design of this book is that it begins with a discussion of anabolic steroids. I didn't know much about steroids before reading it, so I found this informative. The authors' position is the now-conventional "We don't recommend steroids, but it's a personal decision" line, which makes it an odd way to begin the book. Who begins a book with something you should *not* do? Why not highlight safe alternatives? While I appreciated the information, I am not a user, and if I was, I would definitely read some source other than this one, which is too elementary for someone who needs dosage, cycle, manufacturer, and product identification information. While I can see why a primer would need to discuss steroids, at least in a cursory fashion, I don't see why they led off with the book's weakest point. All in all, though, I find this a good book to have on my shelf.

This book deals with steroids on a very general basis. The information about other substances such as fat burning supplements is generally very well done. They're a lot of pictures, but they highlight the topics well. Overall its useful for its information on things other than steroids.

Needs to be updated. If they updated it somehow it would be better

This text is an excellent source of information on virtually all of the anabolic substances available today, as well as some that aren't available. The even-handed treatment of controversial substances and their advantages and disadvantages shows that the authors have really done their homework. There is plenty of information here that I haven't seen in any other weightlifting books, and it's all up-to-date. On the down side, I felt that the book had far too many pictures. As with all books of this genre, you have to put up with the finger-pointing at the "medical establishment" and their supposed ignorance of, or apathy towards, any of the burning issues facing bodybuilders today. Having said that, however, I would still heartily recommend this text to anyone who is curious about any of the pharmacological and natural aids available to bodybuilders from novice to pro.