The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding

"when i bought this book(december 2006) i had high hopes. i like many others thought that because arnold had a terrific physique he obviously had superior knowledge than anyone else in the bodybuilding world. im fairly ectomorphic, skinny, small jointed etc, so i wanted to build myself up to a respectable size, so i got started on the routine in the book and what happened? i did 4months solid of 6 days a week every week and had pretty much nothing to show for it, mainly just reduced bodyfat due to long workouts and anyone who thinks its because i didnt work hard enough is wrong. overtraining is what comes to mind when i think of this book. i respect arnold alot because of what hes acheived, but the advice in this book in totally worthless unless your taking loads of steroids like many idiots do. not long after quiting the arny routine i stumbled across the works of mike mentzer(who i had no previous knowledge of)and it seemed pretty radical when i read his book(1 set to failure, short workouts etc)and part of me thought it wouldnt work even though he explained it so well and was scientific and logical. well what can i say i started doing routines from mentzers book(hit training the mike mentzer way)in may 2007 and in a year ive packed on 25 pounds of muscle from 1 workout a week, 20 mins a workout. many might jump to defend arnolds book, but ask yourself this- how much are you gaining? are you gaining regularly? are you using steroids to aid recovery? have you got amazing genetics so you can gain doing any routine? its funny how many people think they know how bodybuilding works just because they were already blessed with a great physique, ive got a mate who trains haphazardly and gains fairly easy and he thinks he knows it all but when you talk to him its quite clear he knows nothing. if your a hard gainer and you follow the arny routines you will sooner or later start to get smaller due to overtraining. so in a nutshell i dont rate this book at all purely because the "advice" is crap for any natural bodybuilder. "
~ Written on 2008-06-09

"I am not a bodybuilder but this book is not just for bodybuilders. This book is for anyone who works out and wants more information on weight lifting, strength training, or body building. It is for anyone that works out with weights. It is the best book I have on the subject, and I have several shelves devoted to exercise, fitness, training, etc.

This 800 page book is divided into 5 smaller books. Book 1 is an Introduction to Bodybuilding and includes everything from the evolution and history of bodybuilding to equipment you might need to get started. Book 2 is called Training Programs, and includes basic training principles, stretching, basic and advanced programs, and using your mind to really focus and work your muscles to their fullest. Book 3 is called Body Part Exercises and teaches a lot about anatomy as well as including full descriptions (with pics) of almost every exercise under the sun that will work each body part. Book 4 includes everything you might want to know or need to know about competitions, and Book 5 covers Health, Nutrition, and Diet.

This book has helped me immensely! Although I haven't followed Arnold's recommended specific routines, I have learned so much from this book I have been able to bring to my own workouts. It is surprisingly interesting, well-written, and completely informative. I have learned so much more about proper form, specifics regarding nutrition, and new exercises I had not tried before. And, although it is called an "encyclopedia", the truth is, it's a book that is fun to read-- there is such an abundance of information here that make the book very difficult to put down.

The book is paperback, but it's very well made. The binding has withstood a lot of reading and bending-- the spine and pages are still intact. The book is illustrated with many helpful black and white photos and the pages are high quality with only a little gloss-- very easy to read. "
~ Written on 2008-05-06

"This book transformed by approach to working out. before i had no goals and no structure. now every workout is intense and i ache the next day. a real gem of a guide on bodybuilding"
~ Written on 2008-04-07

"ive been bodybuilding training for 16 years now and only finally brought this book thats been around ages, i would give it 5 stars but could do with a little more on nutrition. Its simple and easy to read or use as a quick reference check for certain exercises you may not be sure on. Best thing about this book is it contains all the old school bodybuilding exercises which are quite simply the best for sculpting your body into great shape and putting on size...buy it! you wont regret it."
~ Written on 2008-03-06

"I have had this book for a few years now, and I still use this book as a reference. It is also a very enjoyable and information packed cover to cover read. It breaks down each body part (there is nothing you wont find in here, from calves to serratus to trapezius and everything in between) it explains a huge variety of exercises enabling you to get the most out of youe dumbells or gymnasium. "
~ Written on 2008-02-03