About
the author : Kelso is a long-time strength coach, writer for PLUSA
(Powerlifting USA), Ironman, Hardgainer, and author of the Kelso Shrug System.
Tale
of the Tape:
The
writing
As
the publisher, Randall Strossen Phd, states on the advertising blurb, Kelso's
book is "good old basic powerlifting advice wrapped up in a funny tale".
That
pretty much sums it up. Written in the style of John McCallum (author of Keys
to Progess) and much aped by strength writers such as Brooks Kubik and Mike
Thompson - Kelso beats a familiar path to strength training wisdom. You kind of
image him telling it, rather than writing it, whilst wearing a stetson and chewing
tobacco whilst sitting on a rocking chair on the porch. The howdy pardner
style that didn't appeal to me at first - I just wanted to cut through the story
telling crap and get the info straight up. However, it is brilliantly done and
this book has really grown on me over the years. Everytime I go back to it, I
discover something else good.
The
routines
"the
more days per week called for and the more complex the routine, the less likely
you will be able to stick to it, and the more likely it is to have been designed
by and for drug users, Yes that remark will infuriate a lot of people. Sorry about
that" - a typical wisdom packed gem from Kelso.
Although
there are only 12 routines in the book they are all good - including four variants
on the classic 20 rep squat routine...."this classic method that has turned
mice into monsters for about 60 years is so simple that most trainees never give
it a chance".
It's
all basic, abbreviated stuff that anyone who's read any of the McRobert books
will be familiar with. Like McRobert, Kelso advocates weight training just twice
a week - perfect for time-strapped cross trainers who's valuble time and energy
must be shared with other disciplines.
"
I believe no routine will do much good unless it's given a fair chance to produce
results, and that means sticking to it for three to four months"
However
most of the routines aren't really focused on competitive powerlifting as such,
more on basic all round strength. Which, as we all know is a good thing.
Also, if you used them as prescribed, that is, give each routine 3-4 months, then
you have years of training mapped out for you.
What no techincal powerlifting instruction?
Nope.
Precious little. If you are looking for tips on how to deadlift sumo style, or
maybe copy Ed Coan's hybrid deadlift style or learn a J trajectory lat-tensed
bench you won't find it. If you're looking on advice about the best bench shirt
or squat suit to buy then you won't find that either. For all those tips on competition
performnce you're better off looking elsewhere. But that's OK. This book is about
building strength, not demonstrating it.
Conclusion
This
is a book that offers a LOT more than it appears to at first glance.
It's not so much a
book about powerlifting as about general size and strength. Any athlete into weight
training will benefit. Kelso's
humourous way of packing great info into a texan parable can be frustrating at
first, and runs the danger of the information not being taken seriously. However,
stick with it, it's a brilliant little book. Recommended. Bigtime.
