Book Review - The Science and Practice of Strength Training
Science and Practice of Strength Training (2nd Edition)
Author: Vladimir M. Zatsiorsky & William J. Kraemer
Author: Vladimir M. Zatsiorsky & William J. Kraemer
ISBN # 0-7360-5628-1
Reviewed by: Donna Hutchinson
If you are looking for a book that focuses on athletes and does not oversimplify strength training methods then you will enjoy reading the Science and Practice of Strength Training. The book is extremely comprehensive and focuses heavily on the biomechanics of strength training. So much so in fact, that if you do not have a good grasp of biomechanics and physics you will be lost amongst the graphs and formulas. You need an excellent foundation in biomechanics to fully appreciate its content. Therefore the book seems well suited for coaches and advanced personal trainers.
The first three chapters are dedicated to basic concepts of training theory. I use the term basic rather loosely as there are many studies, tables and formulas to navigate. With all the research presented in these chapters you will undoubtedly gain a deeper understanding of the how and why’s of program design.
The next four chapters deal exclusively with methods of strength conditioning. This is where the information from the first three chapters ties into the actual design of programs. The book does not offer cookie cutter scenarios and this was intentional. The authors stated that they believe strongly in individuality of program design for athletes so they were careful not to offer much in the way of sample programs. They prefer the reader to use the information presented and adapt it to their athletes in developing their sport specific programs.
The last three chapters were dedicated towards strength training for women athletes, young athletes and senior athletes. Compared to the first half of the book, these chapters seem overly simplistic with no new information being offered. I would have expected the same level of detail in the last chapters as there were in the first. These chapters may serve as a review of these topics and a good refresher.
Overall, The Science and Practice of Strength training is an awesome resource book for those looking to train athletes and really understand the underlying principles guiding their program design.
This text is published by Human Kinetics (www.humankinetics.com)
Reviewed by: Donna Hutchinson
If you are looking for a book that focuses on athletes and does not oversimplify strength training methods then you will enjoy reading the Science and Practice of Strength Training. The book is extremely comprehensive and focuses heavily on the biomechanics of strength training. So much so in fact, that if you do not have a good grasp of biomechanics and physics you will be lost amongst the graphs and formulas. You need an excellent foundation in biomechanics to fully appreciate its content. Therefore the book seems well suited for coaches and advanced personal trainers.
The first three chapters are dedicated to basic concepts of training theory. I use the term basic rather loosely as there are many studies, tables and formulas to navigate. With all the research presented in these chapters you will undoubtedly gain a deeper understanding of the how and why’s of program design.
The next four chapters deal exclusively with methods of strength conditioning. This is where the information from the first three chapters ties into the actual design of programs. The book does not offer cookie cutter scenarios and this was intentional. The authors stated that they believe strongly in individuality of program design for athletes so they were careful not to offer much in the way of sample programs. They prefer the reader to use the information presented and adapt it to their athletes in developing their sport specific programs.
The last three chapters were dedicated towards strength training for women athletes, young athletes and senior athletes. Compared to the first half of the book, these chapters seem overly simplistic with no new information being offered. I would have expected the same level of detail in the last chapters as there were in the first. These chapters may serve as a review of these topics and a good refresher.
Overall, The Science and Practice of Strength training is an awesome resource book for those looking to train athletes and really understand the underlying principles guiding their program design.
This text is published by Human Kinetics (www.humankinetics.com)
posted by Donna Hutchinson @ 1:45 PM
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