Best weight training/body building books???

[yeahbethany]

I'm looking for inspiration! Does anyone have any recommendations for weight training resources? I"ve got a lot of experience weight lifting, and cannot afford a trainer right now.

My goal is to gain muscle mass and lose fat (isn't that everyone's? )

[Ptrish In Tennessee]

hi yeahbethany !

have you read Steve Arlin's Raw Power? just a suggestion... also the hubby found alot on Frederick Hatfield's website... www.drsquat.com anyway, good luck in your search !!

Ptrish

[yeahbethany]

Thanks ptrish! I'll have to check out the drsquat website. I've looked through raw power. I guess I'm more looking for less of a raw book and more of a weight training book though. i guess stephen arlin just doesn't speak to me...

I'm considering "the body sculpting bible for women" by james villepigue. it seems to be fairly comprehensive and a good resource. except for the nutritional advice, but most weight training books have that issue, so I'm inclined to just overlook that.

does anyone have other suggestions?

[GoingRAW]

Hi YB,

This is a great website. Same thing w/ the book, just skip the nutrition section. I have done the w/o in the body sculpting bible for men, only b/c I believe that you can see greater results lifting heavier and similar to men.
I think that they only put out 2 books, b/c women are scared of getting big and masculine, which is not possible. Just my 2 cents.
Hope you like this website and good luck w/ your training, GR

http://www.stumptuous.com/weights.html

[VeggieGirl]

Lemme tell you - I just came across one of the best fitness books ever. And I'm way into fitness.

It's called "The Miracle Seven" and it can be bought at www.bronzebowpublishing.com. It is based on the philosophy that "You ARE your own gym" and incorporates exercises that are safe and natural for the body, much like many of the strength/flexibility exercises I used to do as a gymnast. You are basically using your own body's resistance, thinking deeply into the muscles and contracting them fully as you perform each movement, which they outline very clearly. And since it requires NO equipment, not even a gym, you can do them anytime, anywhere, and 20 minutes a day is all it takes. It's a lot of fun and will kick your butt without injury. Hubby and I have been doing it for a couple of weeks and I can already see results.

The guy and gal who wrote the book have awesome bodies and this system is all they do. Check it out!

VeggieGirl

[VeggieGirl]

P.S. I should expand a bit - this book is really about 'functional fitness' - building strength, flexibility, speed, endurance, coordination, and balance. I lifted weights for 14+ years and as anyone who visits a gym regularly can tell you, you can either hurt yourself, or easily build out of proportion (think 'chicken legs' for guys!) But I really love the system in this book (can you tell?) because it really honors your body - male or female - and builds your body much like gymnasts, who have incredible strength-to-body ratios, flexibility, and muscle tone/definition. Anyway... have fun :)

[yeahbethany]

That sounds like a cool idea/interesting concept, Veggie Girl! I'd love to check it out...

Would be good especially for when I don't have access to a gym. Usually I just skip my workouts, and it would be nice to have some exercises I enjoy.

[SamL]

If this is still your chosen path, and you've not found anything that's fit your particular need yet, why not purchase Arnold Schwartzneggar's Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding.

The proof is in the pudding, I believe his advice will get results.
The nutrition side of things is the only part that doesn't agree with totally raw. The high need for complete protein that aids the muscle repair and growth.

His advice is about the science of bodybuilding that would serve both male and females.