The Great Dumbbell Handbook: The Quick Reference Guide to Dumbbell Exercises

This book helped me out quite a bit when it came to exercises and how to do them. This book coupled with "Strength Training Anatomy" is a must. The two in tandem give an extremely complete guide to building up the arms, upper, and even lower body. This book is for beginners or people who want to get back into lifting but have forgotten a lot of techniques. I cannot say enough how valuable this book is but I can offer some proof. This book is so good that my girlfriend's father, who lifts constantly, calls me up to ask for recommended techniques. It is so good, even, that I am having to purchase it a second time because one of my so-called friends has stolen my first copy from me. Trust me, if you are looking to get into or back into lifting, then dont pass this book up.

After reading some of the reviews, I went ahead and ordered this book since it hit on what I needed - a guide for dumbbell exercises. After receiving the book, I was overjoyed how well it was designed and laid out, the index color-coded by muscle group, and even the muscle reference guide. I have to say this is a wonderful book for a very good price. It may be small in size, but comes across mighty in message delivery how dumbbells can make a difference.

This is NOT a thick box. Just 64 pages of clear, well defined illustrations. Simple exercises which can be easily done. This book is meant for beginners. Very useful book to have.

I am a housewife with little chance of making it to the gym (we share one vehicle and my husband commutes)- this book has been such a treasure. It has a great muscle chart and easy directions with bold, clear illustrations of each exercise. Extra equipment is kept at the bare minimum- they use only dumbbells and a simple bench- you could adjust this around a chair if you don't want to go garage saling for a used exercise bench (this is what I am going to do- you can get them for $20-50 sometimes used!). The bench is not used but for a few of the exercises, so you can just use the stand alones!This is simply the best purchase I have made this year in regards to learning a new way to fitness.

For the person who wants to get back into shape and has neither the time, budget, nor inclination to go to the local gym, but wants to do something at home, this book cannot be too strongly recommended. It is especially suited for novices and is full of excellent information and suggestions. I tried the author's advice to start with 2 1/2 pound weights in each hand and am now up to 10 pounds each after about 5 weeks. I have had no injuries, excessive soreness or fatigue or any other problems. His recommendations on duration, pacing, lifting techniques, frequency and intensity are very sensible. If you follow his program, you have a very good chance of excellent results. He rightly points out that any exercise program should have the prior input of a physician.