Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe is a comprehensive guide to strength training. It provides detailed instructions on how to perform the five basic barbell exercises – the squat, deadlift, bench press, power clean, and press – as well as how to program them into a strength training routine.
The book is bursting with information about nutrition, equipment selection, and injury prevention - perfect for both beginner and experienced lifters! It's designed to help you build strength, improve form, and reach your fitness goals - what could be better?!
Rippetoe argues that barbell strength training is the fastest and most effective way to increase muscular strength for most average people in the shortest time period. While Rippetoe is not against other forms of training (like using dumbbells, kettlebells or body weight) he argues that compound movements using the barbell are the easiest and fastest way to show gains.
While the program is generalist by nature, Rippetoe does provide several modifications for women and follow-on programs for readers who find that their initial strength gains have waned after staying on the program for a significant amount of time.
