tulio's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed McGuff's concept of Global Metabolic Conditioning, where the authors use the theory of cellular respiration to explain why High Intensity exercise is aerobic and anaerobic, and that long after you are finished with exercise the body is still stuck in a cycle of recycling aerobic byproducts, which is equivalent to be doing aerobic exercise. That's an entire new perspective to me, and explains why I don't get winded anymore from a flight of atais after years of doings squats.
They managed to convive me why High Intensity Training is the best way to go.
As a negative point, I found the book lacking in references, many claims found in the book were unsubstantiated.
They managed to convive me why High Intensity Training is the best way to go.
As a negative point, I found the book lacking in references, many claims found in the book were unsubstantiated.
ildottore's review against another edition
4.0
Never thought a book about workout and metabolism could be so gripping. Best book I've read on these topics so far, it completely changed the way I work out and the results didn't disappoint.
linorosa's review against another edition
4.0
The idea of training 12 minutes a week is tempting, but sounds like infomercial garbage. However the book backs it up.
The gist of it is you work out once (or twice) a week by doing 5 exercises. Each exercise has one set, and it should be done as slow as possible. Aim for 45 to 90 seconds and adjust for the next time to stay on this range. Progress is measured by the time under load (TUL) and weights used.
It goes very deep into the science of movement, metabolism, fat loss, but I wish there was a bit more practical advice on the programs themselves. Some of the explanations are better than I've read anywhere else.
Some ideas that stuck:
- Fitness should be defined as being limited to not impact health. There are programs that look more efficient, but have long-term health effects.
- Running, cycling will not make anyone lose weight. Also, they only train for that specific activity (no wonder why running on a treadmill feels so much different than on asphalt)
- Good machines are better than free weights. First reason is because they're safer. Second is because our bodies aren't equally strong on the full range of motion of exercises. Good machines discount for that, making each exercise "easier" on the part that our body is weaker, and thus improving the efficiency of the exercise by removing bottlenecks.
The gist of it is you work out once (or twice) a week by doing 5 exercises. Each exercise has one set, and it should be done as slow as possible. Aim for 45 to 90 seconds and adjust for the next time to stay on this range. Progress is measured by the time under load (TUL) and weights used.
It goes very deep into the science of movement, metabolism, fat loss, but I wish there was a bit more practical advice on the programs themselves. Some of the explanations are better than I've read anywhere else.
Some ideas that stuck:
- Fitness should be defined as being limited to not impact health. There are programs that look more efficient, but have long-term health effects.
- Running, cycling will not make anyone lose weight. Also, they only train for that specific activity (no wonder why running on a treadmill feels so much different than on asphalt)
- Good machines are better than free weights. First reason is because they're safer. Second is because our bodies aren't equally strong on the full range of motion of exercises. Good machines discount for that, making each exercise "easier" on the part that our body is weaker, and thus improving the efficiency of the exercise by removing bottlenecks.
davidr's review against another edition
5.0
This is a very interesting book about an approach to strength training. The approach is to perform a small number of high-intensity resistance exercises for a short duration, about once a week. The exercises involve slow repetitions to the point of muscular failure, and then holding the weight against resistance for about ten seconds, even after further full repetitions are impossible. The idea is (1) to break down the muscles to a significant extent and then (2) to give the body an adequate time to recover.
The authors are firmly against performing "aerobics" exercises just for the sake of improving fitness. They give well-researched reasons for their opinions, and well thought-out scientific explanations.
Up until today, I have been performing moderately intense strength training about twice a week. I intend to try the approach described in this book, to see if it improves my results.
My only complaint about this book is the picture of the deadlift exercise. The guy doing the deadlift shows terrible form--there is no excuse for this.
The authors are firmly against performing "aerobics" exercises just for the sake of improving fitness. They give well-researched reasons for their opinions, and well thought-out scientific explanations.
Up until today, I have been performing moderately intense strength training about twice a week. I intend to try the approach described in this book, to see if it improves my results.
My only complaint about this book is the picture of the deadlift exercise. The guy doing the deadlift shows terrible form--there is no excuse for this.
oznelson's review against another edition
5.0
Simple science-based workout ideas that are easy to fit into my schedule and produce results.
bionicjulia's review
5.0
An excellent, well-written book on the not-much-discussed method of training known as high intensity strength training. The book explains the science and biology behind this training method, and also provides practical advice on how to use the technique. Learnt shedloads from it - this is for anyone who wants to improve their health, maintain a lean physique and increase their strength - basically everyone!
enemieslist's review
4.0
Incredibly detailed and science heavy. Didn't have much success with the protocol, however. Maybe went too heavy and did too much other work...
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