I've just bought the Insider's Tell-All Handbook on Weight Training Technique by Stuart McRobert. This book is all about how to lift weights safely. It is essentially a coach-in-a-book but contains nothing about how to design a weight training program, as that's covered by its companion volume, Beyond Brawn.

The books is divided into 3 parts: an introduction to weight lifting basics, which is essential reading for newcomers and useful revision for the more experienced, a step-by-step description of the techniques and an in-depth explanation of the importance of good form when lifting weights.

McRobert's advice in the introduction is straightforward and pragmatic. He stresses the importance of finding the approach to training that works for the individual, rather than trying to force people into a generic training program, and aspiring to realistic goals. There are no promises of superhuman athleticism in just 20 minutes a day or a Schwarzenegger physique in 6 weeks (if ever).

The list of techniques described is concise and to the point. It includes every technique most people are ever likely to need to use. Most of them are compound exercises, although a few isolation ones are thrown in to keep the bodybuilders happy. McRobert excludes exercises which he considers to be too difficult to describe in print and require hands-on coaching, such as Olympic lifts, and exercises which may cause injury, such as the pec-deck and upright row.

The descriptions of how to perform the techniques make up the bulk of the book. They are clear and comprehensive with references to commonly made mistakes. Photographs (modelled by the obligatory 'Charles Atlas' type) complement the detailed text well.

The section on form explains why by far the most important objective of anyone who lifts weights should be to avoid injury. Overall, an extremely good book which I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who lifts weights.

Other books by Stuart McRobert

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