Jim Stoppani's Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength

Wow, this book is a breath of fresh air! It's like the author sat down with me over a cup of tea (my favorite!) and gave me the lowdown on feeling fantastic, inside and out. It's not just about dry facts; it's written with such warmth and genuine care that I felt instantly connected. I've read a lot of books on this topic, but this one is different. It's practical, yes, but it's also incredibly inspiring and motivating. The author's approach is so encouraging, and I found myself not only learning a ton but also feeling genuinely excited to make positive changes in my life. It's like having a supportive friend cheering you on every step of the way. If you're looking for a book that will empower you to take charge of your well-being, without feeling overwhelmed or judged, this is it. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to feel their best, live their best life, and maybe even discover a few new things about themselves along the way. I can't recommend it highly enough!

Strong work from a knowledgeable author on the secrets of strength and mass gains for the male or female body-builder, multi-sport athlete, or one who seeks general fitness. I encourage a potential buyer to try the sample (Kindle) to review the expansive Table Of Contents, and read the first two provided chapters to enjoy the quality of writing--a true pleasure to read--and to appreciate the overall content of this book. Some might be reluctant to purchase the book for $15, but, with no advertising, no BS, just straight science-backed information, this nearly 600-page tome has the "meat" of at least 30 bodybuilding magazines--maybe more. Lovely and worthwhile to find it all in one place. I appreciate that Jim has a science background (even if this fact is over-touted online, in particular the kitschy test tubes and food-colored water on some of those videos--silly!), but there is no questioning the fact that he backs up his opinions with facts in this encyclopedic book. MOst books, including classic such as Arnold's encyclopedia, are anecdotal evidence based on the one man's experience. While Stoppani does share his experiences, it is refreshing to find actual citations to scientific studies within the text; the author appears to be a man on a mission to find scientific truths, rather than relying on anecdote or myth. Finally, I can attest that this book (other than the first fifty pages or so) is not a simple re-hashing of basic information that anyone who has hung out at a gym for three-months would know; it is an advanced program of fitness routines, specific exercises, and nutritional advice for those who already know the basics, but who want to take it to the next level. Pleased with the purchase. I appreciate the Kindle format for my Paperwhite, iPad, and MacBook, as the photos, figures, and charts are displayed well. I had thought that I wanted the paper version to allow flipping to pertinent sections, but one reviewer mentioned the cheaply thin paper (tsk tsk, Human Kinetics Publishing) and I wanted this book in pristine form for life. Some books stink in Kindle format, but this one is readable and excellently formatted by a professional publisher (Human Kinetics, Champaign, Illinois) and not just a Kindle self-published mess. The copy here is clean, as are the photos and images, and pleasing to the eyes and mind. Enjoy! Thanks, Dr. Stoppani.

Typical Dr. Stoppani awesomeness! I've been lifting for a year so I've still got tons to learn. But what I have accomplished and learned so far is based on factual information. No bro science. This book is a great resource. Tnis book is filled a bunch of different lifting routines to accomplish different goals. It is also full of great nutrition info to obtain this goals. There is also a section that shows and explains tons of different exercises. Stoppani has developed systems to gain muscle and burn fat at the same time using some amazing techniques that are based on factual data. Ya have to dedicate yourself to see the results ya want. You have to eat certain amounts of certain foods at specific times. Ya gotta use the right supplements also. In the gym, ya gotta dedicate yourself to the gym and the programs. If ya do, you'll be amazed! As previously stated, I've been lifting for a year. I stumbled into lifting after following some bad diet advice. I went from 240 to 200 in two months. My body freaked out at the sudden weight loss and started preserving fat (its fuel source) and started burning muscle. So I quit that diet, and started lifting according to Stoppani's routines. Within this year, I've gained weight and an insane amount of muscle mass. Now I'm back up to 240 but it's mostly muscle. I didn't follow his nutrition regiment as well as j should have (a bit of dirty bulking). As a result, I've got a bit of fat to burn off, so I'm currently doing his Supershred 8 to burn fat and again gain muscle. I should clarify that I'm 6'1 so 240 isn't a huge number for me. Check this book out, it's a wonderful resource at a very affordable price.

I just purchased and received my copy of Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength-2nd Edition. I am a Strength and Conditioning Coach, USA Weightlifting Coach & a Powerlifting Coach and I have read Jim's first book, Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength, and consult it regularly, I found it full of valuable information on training for just about any goal you want to accomplish. It has many aspects and variations. Most of which I am familiar with so I understood everything he spoke about. It is a matter of picking what will work best for you. The 2nd Edition has added information and resource to pull from that were not in the first book which makes the 2nd Edition a more complete book on Muscle and Strength Training. The exercises are well defined and there is a decent explanation of how to perform them, although there is not a lot detail about technique or form. A great book to have in your library if you are a strength coach and if you write training programs for athletes for strength and conditioning. A good resource for sound result producing workouts & program. My only petty (actually I am extremely annoyed) negative comment is that the book is printed on tissue paper. Human Kinetics is getting progressively worse with the quality of books they are printing. The pages are so thin that you can see the print and pictures on the opposite side of the page as you reading it. That is ridiculous and absurd. It is a 578 page book and is so flimsy that it is hard to hold while reading, unless it is setting on a desk or table. Human Kinetics did a horrible job, an unacceptable job of printing the book........ John.

This is a *must-read* for strength and conditioning trainers, athletes, and Pre-athletes. It’s got a gigantic amount of useful information and presented in clear and easy to read formats including well drawn graphs and well done photos. I cannot imagine how he managed to pack so much into one book and also get as ripped as he is. Perhaps he went a bit overboard on the tat’s which tended to keep me skeptical, but I was completely unfair there, it’s a genuinely great book (and woefully rare works extremely well in Kindle format!). I would say as a Gym owner and certified strength coach that there are 3 giant authors you must not pass up. One is Mark Rippetoe, Starting Strength (really, it’s the “Talmud” of barbell training), next are Pavel’s books on Kettlebell training, and 3rd is Jim’s book here. There are many other great writers of note: Dan John, because he is just so much fun to read (though I just don’t believe the goblet squat he raves about is worth doing, sorry), Michael Lewis does a very good job, lessor known perhaps but brilliantly thought through is Angelo Grinceri’s book on dynamic cable work (Intrinsic Strength Training) , Michael Boyle is your go-to guy for functional training, even Jim Wendler deserves honorable mention for giving many people a useful year long program, but the among these: the first 3 mentioned are the most powerful and life altering. Don’t pass them up.

This is my first review. I am a 47 year old firefighter and have been actively lifting weights since I was 16 years old. This book was like seeing an old friend that I had not seen in a very long time. I started out with "Weider" principles, but through the years started changing. Everyone out there has a better way to train. I started to get "paralysis from analysis". I would start a program, then read about something that was "better" and I would switch again. My wife would always smile as I would tell her I found "the program", all the while she knew I would just switch again after reading another book or article. Dr. Stoppani "Knows his stuff." ALL OF IT! There is no perfect program out there, but there is a perfect program for whatever your goals are at this time. They are in this book. I keep this book by the bed stand, and read or re-read something every night. It is that good. Look up Dr. Jim Stoppani on you tube. He is the real deal, and his training advice is priceless. I have read other reviews that stated this book lacked nutrition advice. I'm glad it did. Nutrition is a complex complete subject all by itself. When Dr. Stoppani comes out with:" The Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding Nutrition", I will be one of the first to buy it. I stumbled onto Dr. Stoppani on bodybuilding.com. The article was "Stop Training Like an Idiot!" Check it out, and you will want to know more. Best in Health

I just got into bodybuilding over the past few months and this is an excellent book to get into things. I supplemented it with everything I've read on blogs and bodybuilding forums. You would expect to have supplements shoved down your throat, but Jim gives you the clear cut science and he tells you how to get the same effect using generic or everyday items, so its not a big ol' commercial. He has several workout plans for different levels of experience. He also explains WHY you do certain things. For someone who is learning, this was GREAT. My only beef with this book is that diet section. He does have some detail, but its very short compared to the rest of the book. It also can be unclear in some sections on how to approach for different weights, particularly with the meal plans. However, if you read between the lines you can quickly figure out what he is getting at with his advice. By the way, all of his "shortcut" programs are here.

This is a must have for anyone who truly wants to understand the proper exercises to get the most out of your muscle and fitness. I would say it is a complete guide. I found it more informative than any of the personal training certs that if have received. I have always been a fan of Jim Stoppani. and found his programs to be very informative, this book takes it to another level. I see a lot of comments that say this is good for people who train and teach, I agree... however this book replaces the need for a teacher. It is an education in itself. I was very happy with the quality of this book, and felt that the cover and pages were what I expected from a paperback. I could not be more pleased with this purchase and will buy copies to gift out as well.