Increase strength, build mass, burn fat, and define your muscles. With full-color anatomical illustrations, step-by-step instructions, and training advice, Bodyweight Strength Training Anatomy is the authoritative resource for sculpting your physique without free weights, machines, or expensive equipment.
Targeting all muscle zones and primary muscle regions—arms, chest, shoulders, back, core, thighs, glutes, and calves—Bodyweight Strength Training Anatomy presents 156 of the most effective bodyweight exercises that can be performed anytime, anywhere. With expert advice from renowned strength trainer Bret Contreras, you’ll learn how to modify, combine, and sequence exercises to ramp up your routine and avoid plateaus.
In depth yet practical, Bodyweight Strength Training Anatomy takes you inside every exercise through stunning anatomical artwork that reveals primary muscles worked along with the relevant surrounding structures, including bones, ligaments, and tendons.
Whether you are just beginning your quest for a better body or simply seeking a proven approach for training at home, on the road, or on the go, Bodyweight Strength Training Anatomy is a one-of-a-kind resource that you’ll refer to again and again.
SB3 (verified owner) –
Great resource, but a bit basic. Covers the fundamentals well. Some of the suggestions for advanced variations are fairly large jumps in level of effort. All the … Anatomy books are great, if you already have a knowledge of programming. Otherwise they are only so helpful for those looking to begin working out, or developing their own training routine. Also not crazy about the author’s suggestion of using tables or desks for bicep curls or inverted rows, but if there are no other options, you do what you gotta do.
anne (verified owner) –
The ends and outs of using your own body weight for strength training are well explained. Each exercise is also accompanied by a chart which shows you which muscles are being used. Another excellent thing about this book is that all the exercises are rated from easy to more advanced. The author then covers high intensity strength training as well as high intensity aerobic training which is now the current rage. Diet and weight loss are explained too. And something commonly over looked that this author points out is, that if you are exercising a lot you are going to be more hungry, but if you want to loose weight you are still however going to have to limit your calories! The book ends with charts and valuable information on how to design your own exercise routine.
The Evil Fluff (verified owner) –
This is a surprisingly well written guide to body weight fitness. Easy to comprehend fitness terms and clear visuals of muscle activation of the most basic exercises all beginners should be focusing on, makes this book a golden nugget in a saturated market of fitness books.
At the time of purchase, this book was really the only one that was worth the money. Bret Contreras is an exceptional fitness instructor and really knows his stuff!!! Would recommend to novices starting out in fitness or someone looking for a refresher on what proper technique should look like and what muscles should be activated.
Tara Johns (verified owner) –
This is an excellent book if you want to know some of the science behind effective weight training. It is easy to read and has helpful diagrams that depict the muscles targeted by the different exercises. I am finding it to be quite a useful resource for setting up a weight training plan for myself. As a woman, I appreciate the notes and tips that are specific to male and female bodies and musclature.
Thomas M. (verified owner) –
I picked this book up because I was getting fed up with the inconsideration of people today in the gym hogging equipment while talking on the phone or watching videos all the while sitting on the machine asking them kindly if I could work in and being told to f-off! Love this book! If anyone says you cant build muscles using your bodyweight turn on a gymnastic contest and tell them that!
JJ (verified owner) –
This is one of the best bodyweight training books available. Period. I’d recommend this, as well as You Are Your Own Gym and Your Body Is Your Barbell.
I’m learning a bunch of new information and some new moves. And I’m always referencing it.
In-depth. Just get it. You won’t regret it.
David E Vergara (verified owner) –
Great book for basics
Mr. Ian (verified owner) –
This was a good book to have around during lockdown. Body weight exercises are a good foundation for a successful training program.