Amazon.com
Owning Weight Training for Dummies is like having two knowledgeable and entertaining personal trainers into your home. The authors, Liz Neporent and Suzanne Schlosberg, authors of the popular Fitness for Dummies, are both fitness professionals who walk (lift, run, bicycle) their talk. They explain the basics of weight training simply, then take you through every step to setting up your own program and doing it properly. Whether you have free weights (dumbbells and barbells), a home machine, or access to a gym with many machines, you'll get an introduction to safe and effective weight training, plus descriptions, technique, and illustrations of dozens of exercises designed to target all major muscle groups. And just in case this is the only fitness book you buy, the authors include some information on cardio exercise, stretching, and other exercise options. Best of all, the book is motivating, easy to understand, and fun to read.

This updated edition of Weight Training for Dummies includes a few new chapters: "Yoga and Pilates" and "Improving Your Balance and Coordination," both in the "Beyond the Barbell" section; "Advanced Weight Training Exercises"; and a few snippets of new material (such as the addition of "Don't dress like a porn star" in the "Weight Training Etiquette" chapter). Otherwise, it's pretty much the same book. If you own the first edition, there's probably no need to buy the updated version. But if you don't own the first edition of this handy and cheery guide already, and weight training is not yet a part of your fitness program, the second edition of Weight Training for Dummies will teach you exactly what to do and how to do it. --Joan Price
Book Description
It's only natural for a beginner to be baffled by the equipment and the lingo of weight training. In this book, you'll find the knowledge and confidence to start a weight training program, either at home or at a gym. Weight Training For Dummies describes more than 150 exercises suitable for rookies and veterans alike. This edition also updates you on the latest in weight training equipment, Web sites, videos, research, and gym classes.

Everyone has different reasons for wanting to lift weights. Undoubtedly, many of these reasons have to do with looking better. Sculpted arm and toned "abs" have become somewhat of a fashion statement. But there are even more compelling and, ultimately, more satisfying reasons to lift weights. Here's a reminder of what weight training can do for you:

• Keep your bones healthy
• Help control your weight
• Increase your strength
• Boost your energy
• Improve your heart health
• Improve the quality of life

Lifting isn't one of those activities like, say, checkers, that you can competently engage in after a one-minute explanation. Weight Training For Dummies explains the jargon and key safety precautions you need to get started. But the book won't leave you wondering what comes next. This engaging, down-to-earth guide covers all of the following topics and more:

• Free weights and weight machines
• The immutable safety laws of weight lifting
• Avoiding and treating common injuries
• Tracking your progress
• Choosing a health club
• Finding a personal trainer
• Weight training etiquette
• Designing your workout
• Combing weight training with aerobic exercise
• Nutrition in a nutshell

The exercise section of this book demonstrates a wide variety of exercises for all your major muscle groups. Each chapter includes a muscle diagram (so that you can locate your "quads" and your "delts") and an ever-so-brief physiology discussion. Exercises are demonstrated for novices and veterans, home lifters and gym members. You will also find out how to modify many of the exercises if you have trouble with your back, your knees, or other joints.
Download Description
Now featuring new quickie, core, and other specialized workouts Fight flab, build strength, increase flexibility, and sculpt your body! No matter what your age or fitness level, weight training has many health benefits. Featuring illustrated step-by-step exercises plus tips on equipment and specialized workouts, this friendly guide shows you how to get started and get results - at home or at the gym, using free weights or weight machines. Praise for Weight Training For Dummies ""A fun, easy-to-follow guide. . . . You'll never be intimidated by a weight room again."" Peg Moline, Editorial Director, Shape ""Takes you step-by-step through setting up your own gym to developing a training program."" Self ""One of the easiest-to-understand, best-illustrated guides to important strength exercises we've ever seen."" Men's Fitness ""Solid, comprehensive, and fun. . . . Photos illustrate more than 150 pages of exercises.""Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Introduction.

PART I: Stuff to Know Before You Pick Up a Weight.

Chapter 1: Tools of the Trade.

Chapter 2: How to Avoid Dropping a Weight on Your Toe and Other Safety Tips.

Chapter 3: Testing Your Strength and Tracking Your Progress.

PART II: Weight Training Wisdom.

Chapter 4: Joining a Gym or Exercising at Home: Which Is for You?

Chapter 5: Choosing Your Guru: Trainers, Videos, and Exercise Classes.

Chapter 6: Weight Training Etiquette.

PART III: The Exercises.

Chapter 7: How to Read the Exercise Instructions.

Chapter 8: Working Your Back.

Chapter 9: Working Your Chest.

Chapter 10: Working Your Shoulders.

Chapter 11: Working Your Arms.

Chapter 12: Working Your Abdominals.

Chapter 13: Working Your Butt and Legs.

Chapter 14: Advanced Weight Training Exercises.

PART IV: Designing Your Workout Program.

Chapter 15: Designing a Basic Workout.

Chapter 16: Expanding Your Repertoire.

PART V: Beyond the Barbell.

Chapter 17: Yoga and Pilates.

Chapter 18: Whipping Your Heart and Lungs into Shape.

Chapter 19: Stretching: The Truth.

Chapter 20: Improving Your Balance and Coordination.

Chapter 21: Pills, Powders, and Potions: Nutrition in a Nutshell.

PART VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Educate Yourself about Weight Training.

Chapter 23: Ten Myths and Misconceptions about Weight Training.

Chapter 24: Ten Major Weight Lifting Goofs.

Chapter 25: Ten (G-Rated) Things You Can Do with Latex Rubber.

Chapter 26: Ten Weight Training Deals and Duds.

Index.

Book Registration Information.