Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training is the new expanded version of the book that has been called "the best and most useful of fitness ...
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Dec 28, 2008
Jeff
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I have been lifting weights on and off since the eighth grade, and I was under the impression that I have been using good technique for most of that time. I considered myself quite knowledgeable about form, safety, and proper biomechanics. I was wrong. This book is clearly the work of two whip-smart men who've devoted decades to the teaching of weight lifting. It is funny, well-illustrated and written plainly. This is not to say that the material has been diluted for easy consumption; plan on (
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Oct 06, 2011
Christopher
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Starting Strength is a great resource for anybody interested in getting stronger. And as the author notes, everybody should be so interested: "Exercise is not a thing we do to fix a problem - it is a thing we must do anyway, a thing without which there will always be problems. Exercise is the thing we must do to replicate the conditions under which our physiology was - and still is - adapted, the conditions under which we are physically normal."
The book contains detailed desc More...
The book contains detailed desc More...
Feb 18, 2010
Mark
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I've been lifting weights half-assedly for years, using bits and pieces of techniques I've picked up watching other people and vague memories of classes in high school and college. Suffice to say, Starting Strength is a huge eye opener. I ripped open the package as soon as it got delivered and spent about 6 hours just devouring it like I would a good thriller. It feels like it's granted me an epiphany, and I'm sitting here wondering how/why I wasted so much time over the years doing isolation
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May 08, 2011
Héctor
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As an engineer, I like knowing how something works before trying it. So when I wanted to get "fit" I embarked on a internet-wide search for the best resources online. This book was overwhelmingly recommended by many people through many different and diverse internet forums. With such endorsements I HAD to buy it. Now, if you heed the people in any gym, they will tell you that learning to lift weights with a book is useless and you shouldn't do it. Well you MUST buy and read this book.
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May 21, 2011
Oliver
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This book--quite possibly the most stylishly-written training manual in existence--constitutes the Principia for the weightlifting set. Although I've been exercising for years, it wasn't until I read this book--and I mean really read it, as in proceeding through it word-by-word and diagram-by-diagram--that I realized how little serious thought I've actually brought to bear on one of my favorite activities. It's a great book for that very reason, but at the same time it should leave the interme
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Mar 30, 2009
Aaron
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The ultimate guide to the fundamentals of weight training. If you want to be stronger, this book is an absolute must. Mark Rippetoe does a very good job of mixing physiology and exercise science - how the body works - with practical information - how to get results in the gym. For each exercise, he discusses common mistakes and how to fix them. In discussing bad form, he is also very clear on what is truly dangerous and what is only inefficient, which I was very grateful for. Recommended 10
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Apr 16, 2010
Cullen
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This is a fantastic resource for the beginner to strength training, especially for those like me, who are doing it for their health and would rather not get injured. Rippetoe's style is easy to follow, and his tone emits a manly, serious sort of good humor ("If your gym does not provide bumper plates, it is time to find another gym.") The safety-first perspective of the book is obvious: fifty-plus pages on the squat alone? Oh, yeah. No messing around. Plus, it really hits home the impo
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May 08, 2010
Mark
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"Physical strength is the most important thing in life. This is true whether we want it to be or not."
The opening sentences of this book sound ridiculous, until you find out that many age-related conditions (lower metabolism, higher body fat %, stooped posture, difficulty carrying groceries, etc) can be prevented or even reversed by strength training. I am not making this up - look up "sarcopenia" for more info.
I'd heard overwhelming amounts of pra More...
The opening sentences of this book sound ridiculous, until you find out that many age-related conditions (lower metabolism, higher body fat %, stooped posture, difficulty carrying groceries, etc) can be prevented or even reversed by strength training. I am not making this up - look up "sarcopenia" for more info.
I'd heard overwhelming amounts of pra More...
Sep 09, 2009
Dustin
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An absolute MUST-READ book for anyone looking to incorporate barbell work into their workouts. Takes some vicious (and well-earned) jabs at the current flood of fad machines that have taken over the modern globo-gyms, and discusses reasons why the machines (Nautilus, Body Masters) just don't work.
What makes this book fantastic is that Coach Rip not only teaches the correct movements in fantastic detail, he also teaches how to coach the movements, in almost microscopic detail. An unb More...
What makes this book fantastic is that Coach Rip not only teaches the correct movements in fantastic detail, he also teaches how to coach the movements, in almost microscopic detail. An unb More...
Jun 21, 2010
Vhalros
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This is pretty much the best book for beginning barbell training I've ever read, any one interested in strength training should at least give this a look over. It covers five basic exercises in detail squats, bench press, over head press, dead lift, and power clean. It is full of tiny details on form that even more experienced lifters may have overlooked (there are about fifty pages on how to squat, and its actually all useful information), and is probably the next best thing to a competent pers
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Jun 26, 2011
Aneel
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Solid information about weightlifting. Establishes a theoretical foundation, then explains how to do a small set of very effective lifts in exhaustive detail. Tells you what to do, and why, in order to increase useful strength. Definitely the best strength-focused program I've ever used.
The area where this book is weak is "programming". It describes a basic program (schedule of which exercises to do how often), but doesn't detail when to start modifying it.
The area where this book is weak is "programming". It describes a basic program (schedule of which exercises to do how often), but doesn't detail when to start modifying it.
Jul 25, 2011
Alnewitt
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Simply the best book on strength training ever. Rip's approach to programming is no nonsense and to the point, any beginner with the sense to follow Starting Strength will get great results. His detailed analysis of the lifts means even the most seasoned lifter will learn something. Should be mandatory for people new to the weight room, anyone who is interested in being healthy and strong needs to read this.
Jan 05, 2010
Meika
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This is pretty comprehensive and detailed with regards to kinesiology information, so if you've got the knowledge to comprehend it, it's a good resource. But it also makes the basics accessible for the beginning lifter with minimal background knowledge. Occasionally, there are all caps "DO NOT DO THIS" snippets to catch anyone whose eyes have glazed over the technicalities.
Jan 04, 2012
Rob
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Hands down the best novice weight lifting book there is. The book covers 5 complex, but essential lifting exercises which anyone who doesn't want to waste their time in the gym should master. The barbell squat, deadlift, bench press, overhead press, and power clean are covered and brokendown in vast detail. And because of the complexity, they require this treatment. And once you get them down and do the program, in 6 months you will become stronger than 90% of the people in a commercial gym
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Jan 02, 2012
Ron
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Single best book on strength training that I've read. Would be great for beginners to read this before their first day in the gym. May be even more valuable for people who have been training for a while. Here's how the body works, through basic exercises, in layman's terms.
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Jul 13, 2011
Calvin
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Lots of good information. The organization doesn't seem to be well thought out, but the info is solid and has been invaluable. Coupled with the Starting Strength Wiki and youtube videos for technique, this book will set you up on the right path for strength training.
Jan 12, 2009
So far I've learned proper technique and form of the squat and front squat (I skipped ahead a bit to read front squat). I have learned a few new things in this regard. I have also learned a couple of new things on the Bench. Now on to Deadlift!
Mar 08, 2011
Patrick
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The definitive book about learning the basic barbell lifts. I really wish I'd been able to learn from this guy back in my teens and twenties. Can't recommend it highly enough.
Aug 25, 2009
Celeste
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Totally amazing. Super in-depth, incredibly well-written, easy-to-understand but not dumbed down. It's everything (and I do mean EVERYTHING) you could ever want to know about the lifts that it covers. Want to know why a full-squat is actually better for your knees than a partial squat? Or exactly what the correct pulling motion is for a deadlift, and the body mechanics behind it? This book has so much information in it, you couldn't possibly absorb it in one reading. I'm looking forward to finis
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Mar 04, 2009
Laree
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Absolutely outstanding work! I'll be referencing this regularly. In fact, just ordered the companion dvd that was just released.
Dec 25, 2011
Cee
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Probably the best book I've ever read on weightlifting. It convinced me to stop using machines and actually use barbells.
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Aug 19, 2010
Marisa
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An essential if you Crossfit. But just a generally well written book on the mechanics of particular movements.
Dec 21, 2008
R
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Most complete book for starting and intermediate lifters. If you want to start or restart, get this book.
Jan 31, 2011
Greg
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Though some of the prose is dreadful to read, this may be one of the most comprehensive guides on the fundamental strength lifts: back squat, deadlift, front press, bench press and power clean. I would highly recommend it for both beginners and experienced lifters. His explanations include the biomechanics, the benefits, pitfalls and tips for every lift. It could not be made more clear, in my opinion. The end of the book also includes a number of supporting exercises to do to help with the prima
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Jul 12, 2010
Matthew
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The definitive guide to basic barbell training, and a must read for anyone who is serious about training.
Oct 02, 2011
So far it's helping immensely with my form in a way no amount of watching youtube videos would
Feb 19, 2012
Ben
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Really dry, but a great reference for learning correct form and technique.
