Customer Reviews

Musclemac Encyclopedia Of Bodybuilding

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is very general about working out in general. Its more like a Reader's Digest of alot of body builders tips and hints about working out. The book contains some essential information about workout, the nunber of sets, what exercises to do, how to work the muscle and how to become a successful body builder. But, they are too general, it doesnt go into very specific detail. And to be honest, it doesnt really tell me something that common sense can not tell me. It doesnt go into detail the key to success in body building. I would suggest Arnold's Encyclopedia, Arnold Education of a body builder. These two books are great guides for going in depth about working out and setting the right mental attitude. Would not recommend this book to anyone.

When I ordered this book I all so ordered 'Strenght Training Anatomy' by Frederic Delavier. I assumed that the exercises in the book would not be explained thoroughly and some were not. Over all the book was excellent. I purchased the book a while ago and still use it. The book is broken down into sections, books within the book as they call them. Book 1 is first reps. Explains how to exercise and a lot of basic terminology. Book 2: Getting Started -- is exactly that, everything from biology to the beginners level lifting. The sections are broken up so you can read about the level that you are at and stop. Once you feel you are ready to go from beginner to intermediate, read on in the book. Lots of pictures, if you need them for inspiration. Great book, covers a lot more than just lifting weights. Covers all aspects of bodybuilding and health, both mental and physical. Truly a must for those that are not just into bodybuilding, but weight training as well. It has allowed me to understand a lot more about the human body and the sport. There is all so a section exclusively for female lifters.

I bought two books: "Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding" by Gerard Thorne and Phil Embleton (made from magazine Musclemag's articles), and "The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding" by Arnold Schwartzenegger. I read both books very thoroughly. They are both very informative and good for bodybuilding practicioner. I guess it would be interesting to compare these two.

The books are full of pictures and poses, far more than necessary.

Musclemag's book is more like real encyclopedia, with a lot of diverse articles covering every possible aspect of bodybuilding; If you would like to read about everything in bodybuilding this is the book for you; the book lacks some consistency because it is compiled from different articles published through a long time period; in that book you will find some exercises explained and some which are not explained at all, what makes the book much more suitable for advanced bodybuilder than for a beginner; the strongest aspect of the book is the bodybuilding practice of the greatest bodybuilders in the world, explaining their principles and routines which is invaluable for advanced bodybuilders but can be interesting (or missleading) for beginners; the photographs are mostly boring because there are too many of them which do not illustrate too well what the author said.

Arnold's book seems to be the honest opinion of generally the most famous living bodybuilder in the world nowadays. In the book all exercises are explained; photographs are not put just for Arnold's fame but also they exactly explain what the author said, much better then Musclemag's photographs; the book is more of narrow scope when compared to Musclemag's; it has less scientific approach than Musclemag's but is more practical; it lacks the completeness of Musclemag's in food and other compartments, but is not boring. Actualy Arnold says the same things as Muslcemag's book.

I think this would really help you to choose between the two books. Wish you all fun in your training and life!
solair.eunet.yu/~slavne

Gerard Thorne's MuscleMag Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding is a fantastic book for those who are advanced in the sport of bodybuilding, or for those who are just beginning. This book gives you the history of bodybuilding, the who's who of the bodybuilding world, diet and exercises to maximize your muscle growth. Everything you ever needed to know about bodybuilding is in this book. I give it 5 out of 5. With the constant change in the bodybuilding world, in diet and exercise, I hope they come out with a new (updated) edition soon.

It is a very good book for the begginer! It can be very helpfull for the advanced in the area!.... It worths it's money.....sure! I reccomend it to all who have to do with bodybuilding! Even to trainers with years of experience! I am also trainer in a Gym....and I will reccomend it to my clients too! .....ofcourse if you make a good search and you want spend this amount of money only one time .....then search to find more books... it prepares you for bodybuilding....but cannot expertise you!

I have read a lot of bodybuilding books. This book is the most complete and cover very detailed information on bodybuilding. It is more scientific than these arnoid and weider's books. This book includes a lot of different ideas rather than only one person's experience. The content of training and nutrition is excellent and the final chapter of 'question and answer' impresses me. It provides reference to overcome the commonest problem that many bodybuilders encounter.But I disappoint that this book do not describle the content of periodization. Anyway, the book is a essential reference in your library.

Very good book, full of information. This book covers all aspects of Body-Building. Updated info. about Diet and nutrition. A must have for those who want to geat big.

Overal this book covers a lot of information, diet, nutrition and equipment. What I didn't like is the excessive pictures of bodybuilders posing. The book could be 1/3 thinner if the useless pictures were eliminated.

Musclemag is an awesome magazine for those interested in fitness or bodybuilding. I think they should think about featuring different fitness models though, instead of always using the same girls. I also feel there should more practical pictures of people who train hard "naturally". Great info. though. To all those in the fitness business, it's a tough lifestyle, but staying healthy is worth it,I do it myself with my strength coming from the LORD. Praise the Lord and God Bless!!

An easy to follow guide for excellent gains in the gym. This book provides an extensive reference for any beginner looking to improve their muscle mass. If you are new to bodybuilding, I would definitely recommend this book.