“Base Strength: Program Design Blueprint” condenses over 100 years of strength training wisdom into one simple and concise book. Chapter One starts by building a crucial understanding of the relationship between stress and adaptation. Then, we cover the topic of stagnation, identifying the few big factors that cause progress to stop before breaking down the specific steps to preventing plateaus.
“Base Strength” includes clear instructions on scheduling workout splits, clarifies the exact methods of weekly progression (with dozens of examples for squat, bench press and deadlift), gives multiple callbacks and comparisons to other popular programs and concludes with 10 example programs, each one completely fleshed out with main exercises, accessory work and progressions for both Base and Peak phases.
There is also an added BONUS chapter on programming for Strongman events that work just as well for GPP and general sports conditioning as they have for my preparation for World’s Strongest Man.
George (verified owner) –
Imagine going into a gym, getting to talk to the owner who is also a competitive athlete. Listening to his knowledge and views based on his many years of experience. This what this book gives you.
It is an excellent book for those that want to get past the just hitting the gym phase and are ready to get serious. It doesn’t go for one size fits all, but gives various programs models and how to implement them.
Even though I’m more of a powerlifter, did enjoy the bonus section on Strongman Progressions.
Jeffrey Richardson (verified owner) –
This book does an excellent job of breaking down programming! I am coming off of running 5/3/1 and was looking for something else when this book dropped and I can’t wait to try some of the pre-fabbed programs. The book reads really easily and Bromely does a great job of communicating concepts, ideas, and examples. 10/10 would recommend!
Dan Hodge (verified owner) –
If nothing else, this book serves as a quick reference guide to different training methods. There is a ton of info here that explains why things work and also why they stop working. Even if you aren’t looking for new programs (of which the book has several) I would highly recommend it as an informative text to better understand your current program.
Andrew (verified owner) –
Bromley is a very down to earth writer and easy to understand, while still providing great information on programming for strength athletes.
He outlines the principles of programming and then provides several different example programs at the end, which is really helpful in getting a better understanding of the principles he tried to explain earlier in the book. It’s a great buy for anyone trying to understand the nuts and bolts of putting together a program.
A. Siciliano (verified owner) –
I follow Alexander on YouTube and he is extremely knowledgeable. This book explains the different ways to program so you can taylor your own self written powerlifting program to your specific needs but even better it has several classic pre made programs (that alone is like getting 7 books in one). This is not a 101 book but it’s like chem 301 very advanced. It’s like a bible of powerlifting. Bromley is one of the biggest names on YouTube and he is exceptionally logical and intelligent.
Jonathan Joseph Bowers-bone (verified owner) –
Read it, and built a programme to last. Had great success making and running the programme to increase capacity and strength in squat, bench, deadlifts.
Derek (verified owner) –
Programming for strength has always intimidated me. This one book has taught me so much, that I now feel completely comfortable with programming. I loved this book. I had an erection the entire time I was reading it. Thank you Alex
Leroy Vigil jr (verified owner) –
Great literature, very smart approach to training, I’m currently running the powerbuilder program and I will say this, the first week of training if you run it properly your gonna get floored from the volume if your not use to it. Honestly if your a person who loves to hit the pig iron or plans to do a meet definitely a good book to have.
Mr. Matthew G. Jones (verified owner) –
I have followed Bromley on YouTube, but I wanted to see the ideas written out, where I can think about them in more detail. I found this book does a nice job explaining training plan principles and also has quite a few actual plans you can plug into.