Maximum Strength: Get Your Strongest Body in 16 Weeks with the Ultimate Weight-training Program

"I got this book after training with madcow 5x5 and achieving 1.5xbw squat. The book is aimed at intermediate lifters with free weight experience.

The book is well laid out with photos and descriptions of the exercises. The 16 week program is split into 4 1 monthly phases, with volume/intensity ranging from low to very high within a phase. I have found the variety of new exercises refreshing. Some I have never come across. You will get strange looks; pull throughs especially. There are 4 workouts a week 2 upper body 2 lower body. The shoulder girdle receives special attention strengthening underdeveloped parts. The routines take approximately 45mins to complete.

I have also really enjoyed the low rep work. If you are used to a lot of volume work this program can look light weight. However the low rep work has worked for me and as a result I am getting stronger and consequently bigger.

I have always been poor at chin ups and pull ups and have avoided them doing various rowing instead, however this program has made them a favorite exercise. I purchased a dipping belt to hang weights off to increase the resistance. Previously no amount of bicep work would cause my biceps to grow and they were lagging. However I am most impressed with the carry over from the chining which has seen an increase in bench pressing.

I also found the single leg work useful and challenging. The core and abs work has worked well form me. The dragon flag raises are particularly challenging for me.

I progressed well with 5x5 but found the lack different exercises caused a degree of muscle imbalance and staleness. This book has been money well spent and I have a great deal of admiration for Eric Cressey.

Negative points are the photograph of scapular push ups is wrong as it shows the elbow flexing. I did not do any of the energy work outs so I can't comment.
"
~ Written on 2008-10-04