Stuart McRobert - Build Muscle, Lose Fat, Look Great, 2nd Edition

Bodybuilding is the most productive form of exercise, for men and women. Heres why: It builds strength, develops muscle, strengthens bones, improves overall fitness, increases the bodys caloric consumption, helps control bodyfat, improves posture, slows the effects of aging, increases resistance to injury, and transforms physical appearance.

No other single form of exercise can produce all of these benefits. Thats why bodybuilding is the most important element of the programs in this book. And its supplemented by other forms of exercise, to produce a complete program.

BUILD MUSCLE, LOSE FAT, LOOK GREAT

Beware of fads and gimmicks

Some methods claim to produce maximum benefits from just 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per week. This is not supported by science, and usually ignores cardio training, and stretching. A greater investment is required to obtain the full benefits from trainingbut not the excessive time commitment thats common among trainees in almost all gyms.

The 2nd edition

The most important change for the second edition is the new Chapter 17an especially important part of the book. In addition, Chapter 19 has been revised, as have some of the most important sections of exercise technique in Chapter 12. And many smaller changes have been made throughout the book.

Two reviews of this book

For over 20 years Stuart McRobert has been a voice of reason and honesty in a field usually devoid of both. Through hundreds of articles, HARDGAINER magazine, and his earlier books, Stuart has advocated sensible, safe training that produces good results for typical people. And Stuart has kept learning, and evolving his approach.

BUILD MUSCLE, LOSE FAT, LOOK GREAT is likely the most complete, comprehensive guide to safe, effective, and healthy training. It surpasses McRoberts other books by representing his evolving and more scientifically based ideas about effective training, put together in a very readable and enjoyable package. In many respects, the book puts science into practice so that all readers can move toward optimizing their training and abilities.

The book is well-written, and easy to read. And it was written by someone who has paid his training dues. Stuart guides us through his own transformation from a person who was obsessed with the minute, inconsequential details of training, and whose life was utterly dominated by bodybuilding, to a person who seriously trains yet has a complete, balanced, and full life.

This wonderful book features lessons for effective training and for life.

Richard A. Winett, Ph.D. is the Heilig-Meyers Professor of Psychology at Virginia Tech in the USA, where he directs the Center for Research in Health Behavior and the Clinical Psychology program. Dr. Winetts primary interests are in disease prevention and health promotion. He has published almost 200 peer-reviewed articles and studies, and has received about 13 million dollars in funding for his research, primarily from the National Institutes of Health. An avid bodybuilder and lifter, Dr. Winett has been training for over 45 years. He publishes the MASTER TRAINER, available from www.ageless-athletes.com, which emphasizes health, fitness, and bodybuilding, combining science with practical applications.

BUILD MUSCLE, LOSE FAT, LOOK GREAT is for all trainees, both men and women. Stuart shares his extensive experience in an easy-to-understand way. His recommendations are thorough, practical, and easy to apply. And his emphasis on safe, effective yet time-efficient training allows you to maximize your progress while avoiding injuries.

This strength, muscle, and fitness book provides all the instructional tools you need in order to transform your body. It will take you through all aspects of exercise, including strength training, cardiovascular work, and stretching.

Very importantly, Stuart explains how to modify training according to your training experience and any physical limitations or other special considerations you may have. And this is a drug-free, total fitness approach. By following his step-by-step guidelines youll avoid common training mistakes, and see consistent, safe progress.

Conventional methods of training usually promote high-volume routines that commonly lead to overtraining and excessive time in the gym. And programs touted by elite bodybuilders and athletes dont take into consideration the concerns and limitations of most trainees. But Stuarts program is totally different.

Following McRoberts expert advice is like having your own personal trainer. For example, using detailed descriptions and hundreds of photographs he shows you correct lifting mechanics and superior techniquethe cornerstones of any high-quality training program.

Be inspired to train correctly, make real progress, and see results fast!

And Stuarts highly effective, low-volume, low-risk program shows you that its possible to achieve your fitness goals in a practical way without your training dominating your life.

Rachael E. Picone, MS, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science from Rutgers University, and her Master of Science degree in exercise physiology from The University of Massachusetts. She has two decades of diverse experience including cardiac rehabilitation, health education and promotion, sports and leisure management, and personal training. She has also worked as a strength coach, and has participated in competitive bodybuilding and mountain biking. Ms. Picone is a recognized speaker and author, and has contributed to MAXIMIZE YOUR TRAINING: INSIGHTS FROM LEADING STRENGTH AND FITNESS PROFESSIONALS (Masters Press, 1999) and THE FEMALE ATHLETE: TRAIN FOR SUCCESS (Wish Publishing, 2004). She resides in New Jersey, USA.

Abbreviated training works!

When done correctly, abbreviated training produces great results from much less gym time than most people believe is required. Abbreviated training is highly effective for strength training, muscle-building, body transformation, and fitness training in general.

The results youll obtain from abbreviated training depend on your goals, your heredity, your age and gender, the form of abbreviated training you employ, and how well you apply yourself to your training and recuperation. Here are examples of the results:

Ive trained for about 25 years. For most of that time Ive been a personal trainer, and Ive worked with thousands of clients. I can summarize the formula for successful body transformation in four words: abbreviated training done correctly.

No one has written about abbreviated training done correctly more thoroughly, carefully, and responsibly than Stuart. Follow the guidance given in this book, and forsake all the hype and bull thats rampant in the exercise world. Then youll give yourself the best chance possible to achieve your goals for body transformation.

Ian Duckett, Body in Design Gym, Leeds, England

Since devouring the revelation of BRAWN, Stuarts first book, Ive trained in an abbreviated mannerfor about 15 years. As a result Ive made consistent progress but while still having the time to emphasize career and family pursuits. At 220 pounds bodyweight Ive squatted well over 500 pounds, bench pressed nearly 400, and deadlifted 600, while competing drug-free and without support gear. These lifts are the result of my decision to paddle against the mainstream, while embracing the abbreviated training that Stuart promotes.

Chuck Miller, Nutter Fort, WV, USA

Ive been training for 26 years and I continue to be amazed at how effective abbreviated training can be when its done correctly. Ive long since reached my potential for building muscle mass. Even though Im now busier than ever with my family and work, I was still able to lose a lot of bodyfat. Im now strong, muscular, and lean, with sharp absa condition I couldnt achieve even when I was in my twenties. And I did this with very little time spent in the gym.