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


Men's Fitness
One of the easiest-to-understand, best-illustrated guides to important strength exercises we've ever seen.


Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Solid, comprehensive, and fun...Photos illustrate more than 150 pages of exercises.


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.


From the Publisher
Discover how to: Customize a program to suit your lifestyle Use free weights, fitness bands, and more Build strength with Pilates and yoga Improve your balance and coordination Track your progress with handy fitness logs


From the Back Cover
"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 Praise for Weight Training For Dummies"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 Covers the hot new trends in strength training Whether you want to body build, sculpt your physique, or simply preserve bone density, this guide's for you. Loaded with step-by-step instructions and photos that show you proper techniques, this book will help you meet your fitness goals, from using free weights to buying the best equipment. Discover how to:Customize a program to suit your lifestyleUse free weights, fitness bands, and moreBuild strength with Pilates and yogaImprove your balance and coordinationTrack your progress with handy fitness logsGet smart! www.dummies.comRegister to win cool prizesBrowse exclusive articles and excerptsGet a free Dummies Daily e-mail newsletterChat with authors and preview other booksTalk to us, ask questions, get answers


About the Author
Liz Neporent is the author of Fitness Walking For Dummies and is on the board of the American Council on Exercise. Suzanne Schlosberg is a contributing editor to Shape magazine. They coauthored Fitness For Dummies.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This second edition of Weight Training For Dummies, updated with more than 30% new material, takes you through the basics of strength training and identifies the tools of the trade-from free weights and machines to bands and other accessories-as well as how to get the most for the money when buying the equipment. This friendly guide includes: New chapters covering the latest trends in strength training-from Pilates and yoga to advanced weight training Updated photos and illustrations that demonstrate proper techniques for using free weights, machines, and resistance bands Information about how to improve flexibility, balance, and coordination The inside scoop on designing a balanced program based on individual lifestyles, abilities, and fitness goals

About the Authors:

Liz Neporent, M.A., (New York, New York) appears frequently as a fitness expert on CNN, CBS News, and ABC's The Home Show. She is the author of several titles including Fitness Walking For Dummies and Buns of Steel: The Total Body Workout.