Weight Training For Dummies - Softcover

Neporent, Liz; Schlosberg, Suzanne

Softcover

ISBN 10: 076455168X ISBN 13: 9780764551680

Publisher: For Dummies, 2000

Synopsis

It's only natural for a beginner to be baffled by the equipment and the lingo of weight training. In this book, you'll find the knowledge and confidence to start a weight training program, either at home or at a gym. Weight Training For Dummies describes more than 150 exercises suitable for rookies and veterans alike. This edition also updates you on the latest in weight training equipment, Web sites, videos, research, and gym classes.

Everyone has different reasons for wanting to lift weights. Undoubtedly, many of these reasons have to do with looking better. Sculpted arm and toned "abs" have become somewhat of a fashion statement. But there are even more compelling and, ultimately, more satisfying reasons to lift weights. Here's a reminder of what weight training can do for you:

• Keep your bones healthy
• Help control your weight
• Increase your strength
• Boost your energy
• Improve your heart health
• Improve the quality of life

Lifting isn't one of those activities like, say, checkers, that you can competently engage in after a one-minute explanation. Weight Training For Dummies explains the jargon and key safety precautions you need to get started. But the book won't leave you wondering what comes next. This engaging, down-to-earth guide covers all of the following topics and more:

• Free weights and weight machines
• The immutable safety laws of weight lifting
• Avoiding and treating common injuries
• Tracking your progress
• Choosing a health club
• Finding a personal trainer
• Weight training etiquette
• Designing your workout
• Combing weight training with aerobic exercise
• Nutrition in a nutshell

The exercise section of this book demonstrates a wide variety of exercises for all your major muscle groups. Each chapter includes a muscle diagram (so that you can locate your "quads" and your "delts") and an ever-so-brief physiology discussion. Exercises are demonstrated for novices and veterans, home lifters and gym members. You will also find out how to modify many of the exercises if you have trouble with your back, your knees, or other joints.

About this title

Review:

Owning Weight Training for Dummies is like having two knowledgeable and entertaining personal trainers into your home. The authors, Liz Neporent and Suzanne Schlosberg, authors of the popular Fitness for Dummies, are both fitness professionals who walk (lift, run, bicycle) their talk. They explain the basics of weight training simply, then take you through every step to setting up your own program and doing it properly. Whether you have free weights (dumbbells and barbells), a home machine, or access to a gym with many machines, you'll get an introduction to safe and effective weight training, plus descriptions, technique, and illustrations of dozens of exercises designed to target all major muscle groups. And just in case this is the only fitness book you buy, the authors include some information on cardio exercise, stretching, and other exercise options. Best of all, the book is motivating, easy to understand, and fun to read.

This updated edition of Weight Training for Dummies includes a few new chapters: "Yoga and Pilates" and "Improving Your Balance and Coordination," both in the "Beyond the Barbell" section; "Advanced Weight Training Exercises"; and a few snippets of new material (such as the addition of "Don't dress like a porn star" in the "Weight Training Etiquette" chapter). Otherwise, it's pretty much the same book. If you own the first edition, there's probably no need to buy the updated version. But if you don't own the first edition of this handy and cheery guide already, and weight training is not yet a part of your fitness program, the second edition of Weight Training for Dummies will teach you exactly what to do and how to do it. --Joan Price

From the Publisher:

Discover how to:

Customize a program to suit your lifestyle Use free weights, fitness bands, and more Build strength with Pilates and yoga Improve your balance and coordination Track your progress with handy fitness logs

About this edition

• Publisher: For Dummies
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 076455168X
• ISBN 13: 9780764551680
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 432