Product Description

Most of the 23 million American men who lift weights do so to get bigger; unfortunately, many of them are going nowhere with watered-down bodybuilding routines that dont help them actually get stronger. Eric Cresseys cutting-edge four-phase program, featuring constant progression, variation, and inspiring goals, keeps you focused on increasing strength along with muscle mass, helping you achieve the fittest, most energetic, and best-looking body youve ever had-with fewer hours at the gym.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #74628 in Books
• Published on: 2008-04-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Customer Reviews

Good introduction to PL stye training
I got this book after training with madcow 5x5 and achieving 1.5xbw squat. The book is aimed at intermediate lifters with free weight experience.

The book is well laid out with photos and descriptions of the exercises. The 16 week program is split into 4 1 monthly phases, with volume/intensity ranging from low to very high within a phase. I have found the variety of new exercises refreshing. Some I have never come across. You will get strange looks; pull throughs especially. There are 4 workouts a week 2 upper body 2 lower body. The shoulder girdle receives special attention strengthening underdeveloped parts. The routines take approximately 45mins to complete.

I have also really enjoyed the low rep work. If you are used to a lot of volume work this program can look light weight. However the low rep work has worked for me and as a result I am getting stronger and consequently bigger.

I have always been poor at chin ups and pull ups and have avoided them doing various rowing instead, however this program has made them a favorite exercise. I purchased a dipping belt to hang weights off to increase the resistance. Previously no amount of bicep work would cause my biceps to grow and they were lagging. However I am most impressed with the carry over from the chining which has seen an increase in bench pressing.

I also found the single leg work useful and challenging. The core and abs work has worked well form me. The dragon flag raises are particularly challenging for me.

I progressed well with 5x5 but found the lack different exercises caused a degree of muscle imbalance and staleness. This book has been money well spent and I have a great deal of admiration for Eric Cressey.

Negative points are the photograph of scapular push ups is wrong as it shows the elbow flexing. I did not do any of the energy work outs so I can't comment.

after 4 months of training
Start aka packing day

broad jump: 74 inches

squat: 110 kg

bench press: 77.5 kg

deadlift: 140 kg

3 rep chin up: 5 kg + bodyweight 68 kg


after aka moving day

broad jump: 85 inches

squat: 140 kg

bench press: 92.5 kg

deadlift: 160 kg

3 rep chin up: 15 kg + bodyweight 70.6 kg

If you want to be strong, functional and healthy, this is the book!
I've been reading Eric Cressey's online articles on T-Nation and his website for some time now, and already have a couple of his DVDs and Ebooks so had high expectations upon ordering this book. Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get serious about strength training, whether you simply want to get strong, play sport or look good, this book will serve you well.