Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Extraordinary
Those who claim that this training method isn't working, must be doing something very wrong.Perhaps haven't they even tried it(?) Anyhow, I have tried all sorts of training routines during the years, with some progress. I have studied magazines such as FLEX, Musclemag etc,and put in a tremendus amount of work in those training routines. Still, my bench press 1rm was just 200 pounds, and I didn't look very impressive at all. After ten weeks, following the static contraction workout, I have added 70 pounds to my 1rm bench press (full range), and my body actually starts to appear as a bodybuilding physique. I would like to thank Pete Sisco and John Little, for writing this book, wich has helped me to achive results, that would have taken me several years to achive if I had trained as before. Why not have a look at the gains I have made in these ten weeks. All exercises are measured in full range before and after ten weeks: Shrugs:270 pounds to 470 pounds Squats:220 pounds to 300 pounds Bench press:200 pounds to 270 pounds. But just don't take my word for it, go ahead and try it!
Rating: - Bold training theory, certainly worth a read
This book discusses and gives guidelines to a training protocol called static contraction, where an arbitrarily heavy weight is neither lifted nor lowered, but held at the "strongest" position of an exercise.Although, truthfully, static contraction is not a new concept (authors such as Mike Mentzer has been backing it for years), the authors goes into length to discuss the theory behind it. Therefore, the first half of the book offers a good introduction to exercise physiology, high intensity theory, and the biology of the muscle. What's particularly interesting is how they discuss various aspects of static contraction and showed studies that help explore those issues. While the authors admit that more research needs to be done, their candidness gives the reader a better understanding. Finally, the book lists a program and has a Q&A section. It's an excellent presentation of their theory. However, there are flaws to this book. Two, which is common with bodybuilding books, are the oversized font and needless pictures of probably nonnatural BBers. Also, I strongly agree with their dietary recommendations, which seem to counter much of the existing research without offering a solid counterexplanation. Otherwise, it's a great read. If you're interested to know more, feel free to ask.
Rating:  - Excellent training program, but incomplete presentation
If it were possible, I would rather give this book two ratings: One for the training program, and one for presentation. The idea of static contraction training is very good, and it's scientific basis is thoroughly explained in the book. And, speaking on my own personal experience, it works! But sadly, the book is not as complete you would hope. There is not a word about warming up, for example. The authors explain in detail the training program and the exercises used, but there is only a couple of alternative exercises to replace the ones detailed in the book, and the authors have not given any instructions on how to perform these exercises.However, the scientific background of the training system is exellent, and you save the price of the book by just reading the information about supplements and the marketing hype. All things considered, I would give the trainig system 5 stars, and the book only two of three. So, four stars in an acceptale compromise.
|
