Bodybuilding: A Scientific Approach

This is the first book to gather scientific findings about progressive resistance training and to translate them into relevant and understandable training advice. Author of Powerlifting: A Scientific Approach and an editor for Muscle & Fitness magazine, Dr. Frederick C. Hatfield has written an invaluable book that analyzes training systems and techniques, progressive resistance exercises, nutrition and diet regimens, bodybuilding psychology, and muscle-growth pharmacology in light of actual scientific findings. Whether exploding misconceptions concerning isolation exercises or heavy-duty training; explaining the causes of overtraining, muscle soreness, muscle growth, and muscle shaping; or providing a pictorial history of bodybuilding (along with a history of certain bodybuilding principles), Bodybuilding: A Scientific Approach addresses the real concerns of the serious bodybuilder in a language that can be readily understood. Through use of recent research, charts, graphs, tables, and photos, Dr. Hatfield delivers vital, new information no bodybuilder--male or female--should be without.

• Rare photographs of early bodybuilding contests
• Listings of winners from all major contests
• Advantages and disadvantages of free weights and exercise machines
• Vitamin and mineral charts listing best sources of nutrients for bodybuilders
• Pros and cons of steroid use
• Efficacy ratings of ergogenic aids
• Latest research findings on relaxation and tension control techniques

Frederick C. Hatfield, PhD, has authored over a dozen books, including Aerobic Weight Training, and scores of research reports and articles.