I am taking a break from updating you on the progress of my phone train clients this week (blame it on Thanksgiving). I thought instead I'd let you see this great review of The Purposeful Primitive which has just appeared in the latest issue of Exercise for Men Only:
Reviewed by Rich Fitter, Exercise for Men Only
First of all, this is a fun book to read and one I thoroughly enjoyed. The Purposeful Primitive was filled with practical fitness information, wit and wisdom. If you have an interest in reading about the exploits of history's strongest men, this is your book. If getting stronger as fast as possible is your goal, this text can tell you how.
Author Marty Gallagher is a former Masters World Powerlifting Champion, who also coached the U.S. team to a victory at the 1991 World Powerlifting Championships. A fitness writer for nearly 30 years, Gallagher has had over 1000 articles published, and is renowned for his ability to explain the intricacies of strength training in the simplest of terms.
The first 10 chapters are devoted to legendary strongmen, whose training philosophies and methods are discussed in great detail. This approach gives readers a look at the diverse paths to success taken by these giants. This tome reinforces the fact that there is not one universal method for getting stronger, and by relating to one of these legends, you may discover a training routine that suits you.
In the nearly 400 remaining pages, the author delves into the topics every man must understand to get the most from his workouts - nutrition, cardiovascular exercise, mental approach, workout structure and proper exercise performance. Each topic is discussed at length, and Gallagher draws upon his vast experience as a coach, researcher and through discussions with experts in each field.
The chapters on mental preparation were particularly interesting, much of them discussing Eastern philosophy, positive thinking and visualization. The mind/body connection is a topic often overlooked in most other fitness books, but The Purposeful Primitive discusses it thoroughly. Much of what is covered can not only be applied in the weight room, but also at home or work. It will help you design a mental plan for success in all your endeavors.
Nutrition is always a hotly debated subject and the book uses two nutritional heavyweights - John Parrillo and Ori Hofmekler - to show the diversity of the subject. Gallagher shows how two completely different approaches to diet and nutrition can be applied to the reader's goal of building a stronger, leaner body. Very interesting stuff!
The chapters devoted to strength training pull no punches. Gallagher is clearly a free weight man and shows readers how to build functional strength that will benefit them in everyday life. His exercise descriptions are detailed and clearly depict how to safely get the most out of weight training's most valuable exercises.
Few books can explain how a man can achieve his best physical condition, (without coming across as bland or overly technical) as The Purposeful Primitive can. Readers will be amused at many of his gym anecdotes, enthralled with feats of strength, but most of all learn what they need to know to succeed in the gym.
Reviewed by Rich Fitter, Exercise for Men Only
First of all, this is a fun book to read and one I thoroughly enjoyed. The Purposeful Primitive was filled with practical fitness information, wit and wisdom. If you have an interest in reading about the exploits of history's strongest men, this is your book. If getting stronger as fast as possible is your goal, this text can tell you how.
Author Marty Gallagher is a former Masters World Powerlifting Champion, who also coached the U.S. team to a victory at the 1991 World Powerlifting Championships. A fitness writer for nearly 30 years, Gallagher has had over 1000 articles published, and is renowned for his ability to explain the intricacies of strength training in the simplest of terms.
The first 10 chapters are devoted to legendary strongmen, whose training philosophies and methods are discussed in great detail. This approach gives readers a look at the diverse paths to success taken by these giants. This tome reinforces the fact that there is not one universal method for getting stronger, and by relating to one of these legends, you may discover a training routine that suits you.
In the nearly 400 remaining pages, the author delves into the topics every man must understand to get the most from his workouts - nutrition, cardiovascular exercise, mental approach, workout structure and proper exercise performance. Each topic is discussed at length, and Gallagher draws upon his vast experience as a coach, researcher and through discussions with experts in each field.
The chapters on mental preparation were particularly interesting, much of them discussing Eastern philosophy, positive thinking and visualization. The mind/body connection is a topic often overlooked in most other fitness books, but The Purposeful Primitive discusses it thoroughly. Much of what is covered can not only be applied in the weight room, but also at home or work. It will help you design a mental plan for success in all your endeavors.
Nutrition is always a hotly debated subject and the book uses two nutritional heavyweights - John Parrillo and Ori Hofmekler - to show the diversity of the subject. Gallagher shows how two completely different approaches to diet and nutrition can be applied to the reader's goal of building a stronger, leaner body. Very interesting stuff!
The chapters devoted to strength training pull no punches. Gallagher is clearly a free weight man and shows readers how to build functional strength that will benefit them in everyday life. His exercise descriptions are detailed and clearly depict how to safely get the most out of weight training's most valuable exercises.
Few books can explain how a man can achieve his best physical condition, (without coming across as bland or overly technical) as The Purposeful Primitive can. Readers will be amused at many of his gym anecdotes, enthralled with feats of strength, but most of all learn what they need to know to succeed in the gym.
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