Starting Strength (2nd edition)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 320 pages
• Published by: The Aasgaard Company
• Edition: 2nd Edition October 21, 2007
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0976805421
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0976805427
• Book Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Weighs: 2 pounds

Product Review
I was able to check out the new greatly expanded edition of Starting Strength from Mark Rippetoe and Lon Kilgore, a book which I have wholeheartedly endorsed since it was first published and could not recommend more strongly. Essentially the new edition makes the book a complete reference for someone involving themselves in weight training (rather than a work more geared to coaching). It goes well beyond the comprehensive coverage of the core lifts that made the first so useful and gives a remarkably complete picture. Between this and Practical Programming - that's a near totally complete resource that will likely serve 99% of people for their entire training career. I'd recommend this book to anyone involved in weight training from a brand new novice in the gym for the first time to a refer and see improvement almost immediately, andence manual for a fairly seasoned coach. I know I've said a lot of positive stuff in the past about Mark's work but really - take a look at my site and what I've tried to doMark essentially wrote the books that I'd have written had I the time and did about as good a job as I think anyone in the world could have (and certainly better than I could have managed). Very impressive stuff. --Madcow, 5 x 5 Training page

Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training by Mark Rippetoe and Lon Kilgore is now out in a 2nd edition. Unlike some 2nd edition books, which merely include a new preface in the way of revision, this is a majorly substantial update and expansion of what was a great tome to begin with. The material in the original, 2005 edition is included, but there are lots of new graphics and additional chapters of valuable material beyond the initial release. Another subtle, but important difference, is that the focus of the book has been altered, from being coach-focused to being lifter-focused. Throughout the book, there's an encyclopedia of practical tips you can put into your training program -- right now -- and see improvement almost immediately, and -- significantly -- you will understand why it helped you. This attitude, which is reflective of the broad experience and insight of the authors, will serve this book's readers for years to come. Five key exercises are covered, squat, bench, deadlift, press and power clean, as well as assistance exercises. For each, there is in depth explanation of rules, recommended equipment, and the elemental points of proper lift performance. Some of the graphics are simply the best we've ever seen when it comes to illuminating the real essence of a given lift. (one example: a clever 'yin-yang' representation of the relationship between the power clean and the deadlift another example is the photo series showing the value of squatting with a board in front of your shin). If you have the first edition, you will not be sorry you got the 2nd. If you get the 2nd edition, you'll wish you hadn't gone 3 years without the first one. --Mike Lambert, Powerlifting USA

Jim Wendler, Elite Fitness Systems
"I honestly believe that this book should be in everyone's bookcase, office or gym bag." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: Starting Strength (Paperback) I am a physician and a trainer. I came from a middle distance running background. After medical school I continued to run but of course never got to the point where my fitness was at the level that it was when I was competing in college. I started adding strength training using mainly Olympic Weightlifting. While I was certainly gaining strength, it was not happening as fast as I would have liked. About 5 months ago I purchased Starting Strength. The book is very detailed, but unlike most books on training, it does not put you to sleep. It holds your interest through the plain language, and often funny, explanations of what should be done and also why it should be done. I used what I learned in the book to modify my training, and I saw results fast. Lifts such as the Deadlift that had been giving me problems based on the form training I got from other sources improved quickly. My leg strength improved rapidly as I began squatting correctly. I did not focus on the bench press as much as the other lifts, but my strength there improved as well. Exercises that were not directly related to the training found in the book, such as pull-ups, also had big improvements. One of the biggest improvements to my performance was my improved running speed. Although I was spending less and less time running, and more time on strength, both my distance running and my sprinting have improved dramatically. The explosive speed that I had back in college has returned. It is amazing what doubling your leg and back strength can do for your overall fitness. I am in the best shape of my life. I have also used what I learned extensively when I train other people. I have yet to come across a problem with form that is not addressed in the book along with a method of fixing it. I am also able to tell my clients why they should do something so that they understand the importance and will remember it. By using the cues that I learned in the book, I am able to see someone on the far side of the gym doing something that could be unsafe and correct it before there is an injury. I can't express enough how much reading the book has improved my confidence in my ability to train strength movements. So far I have not been at a loss at how to correct a problem. There is always a drill available that can be used to effectively address an issue. This book also increased my appreciation for the slow lifts and encouraged me to emphasize them more when I train other people. The short and long term results have been fantastic. Every day I fix someone's form on a squat or deadlift and have people say things like: "It is so much easier this way. Is it allowed?" I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who trains any type of athlete, including distance events, and to anyone who is interested in improving their athletic abilities or even just their basic functionality. It is true when the authors say, "Physical strength is the most important thing in life." Comment | | (Report this)