Bodybuilding is a science in itself, and understanding the theory behind the practice is equally as important.

So brothers, lets share our knowledge on 'must read' and recommended books! I'll start off with a couple:


Rippetoe's Starting Strength
I don't think Starting Strength needs any introduction, Mark Rippetoe's a well-known authority in deadlifts and squats.

Strength Training Anatomy by Frederic Delavier

Really awesome book, with detailed anatomical illustrations and explanations on the various bodybuilding exercises, as well as the mechanics and form for each.

1. "Power To The People", Pavel Tsatsouline

Pavel T. was a coach to the Russian military, but now works in the US as a consulting coach to special forces and author. In this book intended for an audience interested in keeping fit but not engaging in bodybuilding, he introduces an super abbreviated program comprising of only two lifts: the deadlift and the long-forgotten side press. His ideas are unique to his book; you won't see a repackaging of conventional bodybuilding wisdom here. He advocates never, ever going to failure; he shuns sarcoplasmic hyperthropy ("jiggly, jiggly" was how he described it); he shows ways of building strength without getting big, but also how to get big if that is your focus through very high volume (but never to failure).

2. "Practical Programming", Mark Rippetoe

The must-have title to accompany "Starting Strength", it picks up where SS left off. The theory behind programming is explained in great detail; this is followed by programs for the novice, advanced novice, intermediate and advanced trainees.

I remember "Scrawny to Brawny" being a fairly good, intuitive read, but I lost my copy years ago so my memory on this may be suspect.

Here's some of the materials I'm trying to finish reading:

- From the Ground Up - Dan John
Written quite humourously. Mostly about shot put and oly lifting.

- Building the gymnastic body - Cristopher Sommer
Guide on how to do gymnastic movements and how to progress from one exercise to the next.

- most of Pavel's stuff. Some of his stuff are not explained very clearly. It's hard to imagine what movement he is trying to explain.
- Built for Show, Nate Green.
- some old Ross Enamait stuff, mostly for boxers.
- No Nonsense Muscle Building, Vince DelMonte
- Scrawny to Brawny, J Berardi

P.S. you guys want mods to ban this thread kah?
If you want it, just PM the person privately. Don't ask, don't tell.

Also, totally not related to bodybuilding, but this is probably the most unintentionally hilarious book cover ever made:

just downloaded Strength Training Anatomy.. nice book weh! hahahha

Another addition, Brother Iron, Sister Steel by Dave Draper.

The style of writing is more of a conversational, slightly rambling tone, but if you get past that you'll find alot of good insights.

Google books preview

i'm looking for a beginner book that covers most the knowledge of weight training..

e book ?? how big is the size bro ??

edit : finished download..it's 22MB...

This post has been edited by diablokun: Nov 15 2009, 02:56 PM