Book Reviews: Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training
A few people wrote in asking what “Basic Barbell Training” is and if it’s a new book by Mark Rippetoe (they noticed the new white cover on it). The answer is “yes and no”: it’s pretty much a revised edition of the original Starting Strength book, with more illustrations and a new chapter on assistance exercises. It also has more detailed analysis of the five core exercises that are taught in the first edition. If you already own the Starting Strength book, I would say you don’t need to get this book just yet. Stick with what you have learned in the original and if needed, perhaps rent the second edition at your library to save a few dollars if you want to know what’s new in Basic Barbell Training. Of course, if you haven’t already purchased either copy, I highly recommend you do so now for your own sake in getting the best out of your workouts (if you’re a beginner to weight training).
The second book by Mark Rippetoe is Practical Programming for Strength Training, targeted towards people who are moving onwards from the beginner’s strength training routine (and entering the intermediate stage). It features chapters on periodization and advance techniques on strength training for people who can no longer move up in strength on the original routine. I will be writing a few articles on the intermediate book as soon as I finish reading it and putting it to use.
Please note that the above is a review and is considered an opinion. This site and its reviews and opinions have nothing to do with Mark Rippetoe, Lon Kilgore or The Aasgard Company.