training

As a long-time lifter I was amazed at how much this book taught me. It delves into details that I never realized existed, but does so in a way that is easy to read and understand. This is the first exercise book I purchased new and I certainly waited for the right one!

The book is essentially divided into two parts: a detailed review of the body and the actual workouts. The body section is filled with neat illustrations that fully describe the body's musculature and give the what, where, how and why of resistance exercise. The workout section is further divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced programs, each several months long.

I was so impressed with this book that I considered starting at the beginner workouts despite my lifting experience. I decided on the intermediate and love it, and look forward to the advanced program. The workouts take about an hour, some less, some a little more, but the variety and structure is so challenging you'll want more.

In short, this book has everything a fella could possibly want for beginning or improving his weight lifting program.

Sections include Physiology (types of muscle fibers and technical stuff), Exercises (how to perform, cautions, variations, and what they work), Prep Work (flexibility and warmups, with routines), and the Workouts (Ian King is simply amazing). If that's not everything you need to know about muscle...

If you're new to lifting, read it twice. It'll put you ahead of many personal trainers with regard to your knowledge of muscle and training.

If you're an intermediate level, you'll enjoy learning even more from a pair of the best guys in lifting. You'll understand more and be able to gain more from the same time in the gym.

If you're advanced, you'll appreciate the layout (which is the best I've ever seen in a fitness book). If you know everything already, I'm Elmer Fudd. It'll be a great addition to your library.

If you're breathing, you'll reap huge rewards from Ian King's workouts. Be prepared to be awed, humiliated, and ripped. Ian has an uncanny ability to make a light weight impossible by the end of the day.

As the Fitness Editor for Men's Fitness magazine, I've read more fitness books than I care to remember. It's how I make my living. And I can honestly say that The Book of Muscle is one of the best fitness books ever written. Let me just say that I have no personal investment in this book. In fact, you'll notice that it's published by my competition. But I believe in directing the public to quality material--and this book fits the bill and then some. I have known Schuler and King personally for years, and can attest that they're tops in the fitness biz.

Because of my job, I think I can say with some authority that the writing is superb. Schuler makes complicated physiology seem simple. But let me put it in perspective: I have a master's degree in exercise science, and I wish that this book would have been available when I was in graduate school. It would have saved me hours of boring textbook reading--and I would have learned MORE!

Just as important, Schuler's co-author, Ian King, is known in my circles as one of the best strength coaches in the world. And he backs that reputation up with the highly effective, cutting-edge training programs that are presented in this book.

I highly recommend The Book of Muscle to anyone who wants to:

*Understand the science of building muscle--from the basic functions of each of your major muscles to the secrets of increasing their rate of growth.
*Learn how to do over 100 exercises with perfect form.
*Have at your fingertips months' worth of expertly designed workouts from one the world's leading fitness authorities, Ian King.

So for what it's worth, consider this my professional opinion. I hope it's useful to you.

Adam Campbell
Fitness Editor
Men's Fitness