The Physics of Resistance Exercise

This is probably the best, most useful workout book I have read on the subject and and I have incorporated many of the recommendations pointed out by the author Doug Brignole. The book explains the various exercises for each muscle group in terms of levers (bones) and force generators (muscles). He shows the optimum exercise for each muscle group based on the most efficient (and safest) method to engage that muscle through a full range of motion with the force at the beginning of the movement (where the muscle is strongest). I would say Brignole has a bias against the classic heavy compound exercises (deadlift and squat) and favors isolation exercises such as leg extensions, sissy squats for quads. It all depends on your goals, if you are a committed power lifter you will likely find the book objectionable. If your interest is to increase strength and minimize injury and do it in the most time effective manner this is invaluable.I have two criticisms with this book but mention them with the hope that Brignole addresses then in an update. This book is such a valuable addition to the workout literature that I think these will only make a great book greater. The first criticism is Brignole gets a little sloppy with the detailed physics. In fairness he does acknowledge that he simplifies his arguments by eliminating the trig. For example if the resistance comes from an angle other than perpendicular to the exerted force. In a similar vein when a resistance is on a lever (lifting a weight) he gets sloppy with the calculations of the force needed to move the resistance. The concept is explained, just maybe a little more rigor in a side bar. My other criticism is that he does not have enough cited references to the original literature. In some chapters he has references, but many do not have the references.In conclusion, if you lift weights this is the best $50.00 you will spend. I thank Mr Brignole for putting this together.

As a Physical Therapist, I have to say that he makes a lot of sense regarding length tension relationships of muscles and how to take your back out of a lot of exercises that typically cause significant shear stress on the back.I don’t fully agree on compound lifts for stabilization because many of my clients need to learn core stability while holding a load. How to lift things around the house and avoid injury. This is a great book for bodybuilding and avoiding injuries in the gym. If you are already injured then I would avoid some of the back extension exercises and getting your elbows fully lateral from the shoulder while exercising the pecs, but those are relatively minor compared to the injuries we see from people performing powerlifting exercises... especially without working up training mechanics.Knees over toes needs to be worked up toward as well since most people have pain there. Additionally, this is not a rehabilitation book - it is geared toward developing muscle.McGills big 3 is a good addition for core stabilization and some muscles that I feel are important are the anterior tib, lower trap and wrist extensors for balance. I have learned quite a bit from this book and I highly recommend it to anyone focused on optimal muscle building while preventing most exercise related injuries.

Talk about a book that will take you some time to digest. On and off I've been a personal trainer for 18 years and this one kind of broke my brain in the best ways. Having learned all traditional Olympic lifts, CrossFit for a couple years; I had completely quit using barbells (other than for landmine drills) because no matter how safe you would try to practice sooner or later clients would end up injured.I've had a new client that I have used the Brigg 20 exclusively and I've never seen such good newbie gains. The book has the deep science to back up the claims but when you get down to it is really easy to get clients mind around the 20 moves. The book is approachable if you have a lot of knowledge but I would definitely not say this is the first book around fitness you should try. This system is definitely my go-to for a personal trainer who is going to put together something for their clients that covers 90% of the population.For the folks who think they still need that 5x5 or body parts split you should get this book and add a couple exercises from it to your routine and see what it does. This is truly the best fitness book I have ever purchased that synthesizes a post barbell society.

The book has lots and lots of useful information. I probably should have read the description closer as it mainly for body builders, whereas I am more interested in lifting for health and strength.Still, great book for body builders.

I met Doug before he passed at a Natural Power lifting convention in Las Vegas. I was intrigued by his knowledge & his education on anatomy & biomechanics on youtube, as it relates to bodybuilding. I first read his book, which is no easy feat to understand, and takes time, but after I finished, I had a clear understanding on how the body works & through Doug’s’ Biomechanical principles you can put more percentage of load onto the target muscle, and minimize your risk to injury. I highly recommend Dougs’ book to physical therapist, Dr’s, and personal trainers. I also talked to Moe, And got certified through Smart365 As one of Doug’s certified trainers. Read this book!!!!

I love what Doug has done with the mechanics (a branch of physics, not physics in its entirety) aspect of resistance training. I do wonder, however, about his recommendations (not really in this book) about volume being the key to results. I get the feeling, from his defense (or lack of detraction) of performance enhancing substances, that he was another 'enhanced' bodybuilder - so I take his volume / frequency / intensity recommendations with a grain of salt.

At last a book with scientific/ biomechanical principles. Great results without the injuries.

Muy interesante. Un punto de vista muy original con respecto al ejercicio,

Man kann dieses Buch nicht hoch genug loben. Es erfordert einiges an Mut und Überzeugung sich in einer von unzähligen Trends bestimmten Industrie gegen den Strom zu stellen und rational, nüchtern und wissenschaftlich fundiert, also plausibel darzulegen, welche Bewegungen sowie daraus abgeleitete Übungen effektiv und vor allem gesund sind. Der Autor betrachtet hierbei Fitnesstraining mit dem Ziel einen ästhetischen Körper zu entwickeln. Nichtsdestotrotz ist dieses Buch auch für in der Physiotherapie und Rehabilitation tätiges medizinisches Personal äußerst interessant und vor allem lehrreich.Ich bedaure dieses Buch nicht schon eher gelesen zu haben. Zahlreiche gefährliche, schädliche und ineffektive Trainingseinheiten wären mir erspart geblieben.

The best bodybuilding book ever. Doug is a genius in the world of muscle building and anyone who has trained for years without learning from him is really missing out. I have trained for 15 years and thought I knew it all like most in the gym, but now I will never do heavy inefficient exercises again, Im so glad i waited for the paperback version of this book, i wish every personal trainer out there had to read this book before they go out and teach!

I've been an avid bodybuilder since I was 1974, this book has squashed many of my prior beliefs. Never one to rely on dogma, I now understand many exercises I deemed as "must do's" are far from ideal. In fact, some--like overhead presses--always caused me shoulder impingement. But I never knew why. Same with rows, which never felt quite right. I've built up to far in excess of bodyweight, but still struggled. Likewise with chins, the "go to" back-builder. Having popped a rib years ago (pain I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy), I'm now better educated why these are far from the ultimate lat builder.I highly endorse this to ANYONE who lifts weights. Knowing what's good or bad, most of all BEST! makes a world of difference on productivity and longevity. Doug deserves high praise for this goldmine. I wish I'd have had this book/knowledge years ago, it would have saved me from numerous injuries I've suffered over time.