The Westside Barbell Book of Methods

I purchased three copies of this - one for me and two for friends. I'm a recreational weight trainer and collector of weight training books with enough experience to know that there are a variety of training strategies that can enhance progress. Simmons enumerates many although some of the explanations of how to implement them and why they work could benefit from a rewrite and/or more detail. In spite of that, I know this to be one book I will not wind up donating to the public library. It is a keeper. Like other reviewers have stated, it is not for beginners or an introductory text so to speak. What is important is that Simmons tells what works for strength athletes who have achieved elite status For myself, I found the discussion of isometrics very encouraging. I do a lot of isometrics because they are arthritis and joint friendly. Simmons spends a few pages on isometrics. His details plus the isometrics section in DESIGNING RESISTANCE TRAINING PROGRAMS would convince anyone to give isometrics a try. On the other hand, Simmons is primarily interested in using isometrics to build maximum strength so he uses brief -- around six seconds or so -- contractions. An advantage of brief contractions is that there is little hypertrophy. I have found that longer contractions -- 40 -100 seconds -- even at sub-maximal force can results in hypertrophy, probably because of the effects of occlusion. Occasionally, Simmons tries to offer mathematical explanations, but his proofreader fails him. Kinetic energy winds up being equal to one-half mass times velocity rather than equal to one-half mass time velocity squared. Knowing the sad state of US math education I think even though anyone who made it through high school algebra and/ or high school physics could understand why plyometrics -- to his credit Simmons correctly says that the originator of plyometrics called it shock training -- works. Simmons does list the book SUPERTRAINING by the late Dr. Mel "kinig of the 200-word sentence" Siff and it has a detailed description of plyometrics along with the vocabulary associated with it such as "serial elastic component". Incidentally, reading SUPERTRAINING is considered a rite of passage for strength coaches and the like. There is little mention of drugs so if you're looking for doses, etc. look elsewhere. What is enlightening is the number and severity of injuries Simmons mentions -- including his own. From reading this one might get the impression that ruptured patellar tendons are a badge of honor. Well, I guess they might be better than brain concussions. Anyway, I think that a few mathematical examples of how much force is necessary to reverse the direction of a falling weight or one that is being accelerated downward by gravity or by gravity and also by huge rubber bands might help to explain the choice of light weights for speed work. Also, things like muscle spindles could be explained in a couple of sentences and would add to the discussion of the stretch reflex. In summary, if you have a good background in training and remember your high school physics you will get more out of this than someone who is a rank beginner.

this book was unbelievable. it added new concepts that are just not in the mainstream of american weightlifting. and all these concepts are proven methods that have produced world class athletes. if you are looking for a book for exercising this is it, and if afterwards you want more books hes got a book list in there for you. its all in al one of the best fitness books ive ever read.

Louis Simmons was ahead of his time.

My husband can’t put down and hates to read

Good information in here, nice introduction to west side. There are tons of typos, contradictory statements, word for word copied page to page. Things that are annoying but easy to look past, if you can do that this book is valuable. If you’re an English teacher it’ll drive you nuts.

Exactly what I expected. More information on types of training never hurts to know.

It's a good book..My son loves it. He is sharing it with his friends.. And they are very impressed with the book.

JUST what the hubby wanted! He doesnt put this thing down, EVER! Thank you for the great and speedy service

Just wow