The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding

Brian? · 21-05-2008 12:21AM #1

I was having a look on Amazon at this book by Arnie as a colleague told me it really helped him when he started off. Most of the reviews are positive, but I always read the negative reviews just in case.

Here's an example of the negative:

By A Customer

God, some people are so stupid. The routines posted in this book which I used to consider useful are utter crap! These routines are useless for anyone other than those sad losers who take ridiculous amounts of steroids. You see foolish young kids spending hours in the gym doing useless exercises like tricep pushdowns and dumbbell flyes. It's sad that when people see a genetic wonder who is juiced to the gills they think he knows how to train properly. If you want next to no results, by all means follow the "advice" in this book. I foolishly read books by Stuart McRobert and John McCallum which have given me a naturally well developed physique and strength without spending hours in the gym or spending my cash on WORTHLESS supplements. The ideas in Arnold's book are at the root of bodybuilding failures.

Is this the words of a bitter man or should I give the book a miss? Anyone here own it?

Brian

Hanley · 21-05-2008 12:25AM

Whoever wrote that review is an idiot.

Brian? · 21-05-2008 06:36AM

Hanley wrote: »

Whoever wrote that review is an idiot.

Fair enough, I would have assumed as much but there another 6 or 7 on there saying the same things.

Is it worth a read then?

mack1 · 21-05-2008 09:34AM

I agree with Hanley, just bought the book myself there 2 weeks ago and I think it's excellent, has certainly helped me a lot.
One of things I've found most interesting is the mental ability required and how it is applied to what is the most physical of persuits - always Anrie's strongest characterisitc I've though.
I'd highly recommend it.

davyjose · 21-05-2008 09:39AM

briankeating wrote: »

Fair enough, I would have assumed as much but there another 6 or 7 on there saying the same things.

Did any of them win Mr.O seven times?

Size=everything · 21-05-2008 09:42AM

Well I mean the guy does have a point doing 2-3 hour long sessions when you are not on a boatload of roids is going to be counter productive.

Al_Fernz · 21-05-2008 11:57AM

Size=everything wrote: »

Well I mean the guy does have a point doing 2-3 hour long sessions when you are not on a boatload of roids is going to be counter productive.

I'd agree. Take a look at this whopper of a routine: http://www.trulyhuge.com/news/tips63jb.htm.

I've never read the book so I can't comment on the content. However AFAIK back in the day bodybuilders would give false training and nutrution advice to throw off their competitors.

For example, I heard that Arnie used to say that he never drank milk "it is for babies" - when in fact he did etc.

Hanley · 21-05-2008 12:02PM

Lets not forget the RIDICULOUSLY overinflated measurements. 22 inch arms? My hole.

Just cut the sets in half on that link and you've a good workout. I always interpreted it as 5 or 6 sets TOTAL. Like 2 or 3 warm ups, then 2 or 3 work sets.

mack1 · 21-05-2008 12:13PM

Hanley wrote: »

I always interpreted it as 5 or 6 sets TOTAL. Like 2 or 3 warm ups, then 2 or 3 work sets.

Yeah this what he says in the book, 5 sets total, including warm-ups.

OK, gonna stop referring to "The Book" I sound like a Jehova's Witness!

The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding

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