New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding – Review
February 25th, 2008 by Paul JohnsonThis book is written by Arnold Schwarzennegar in 1992, as a updated version of his original 1985 Encyclopedia book. The book is very comprehensive as it covers 800 pages in great detail on bodybuilding history, diet and nutrition, weight training routines, competitions, injuries and their prevention, supplements, all with Arnold’s commentaries. In the training section, he gives various routines based on your goals, whether beginner or advanced. There is a lot of photos of bodybuilders performing many different weight training excercises. The hall of fame section shows pictures of the various bodybuilders of the past. Arnold also talks about many of the bodybuilding champions he faced.
There is some quality content in the book, but I don’t think this book should be used as a tool to develop a training routine and especially supplementation advice. We have learned a lot in bodybuilding in the last 15 years, making this book a bit outdated. Overall I recommend The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding, mainly because of Arnold being the author. If someone else was the author, It wouldn’t have been as interesting of a book. If you want a book that is more autobiographical of Arnold Schwarzeneggar, then you read my review of Arnold’s other book Education of a bodybuilder
You can purchase The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding
I am an ardent fan of Arnold.I have seen his nostalgic life- his childhood,workouts,movie career and politics in history channel. Really this man is humble and hard worker.I love to read his book.
The updated version of the book is from 1998, not 1992.
I still got my copy, without the cover page, but with all the great information. He is the master.
I think it’s the best book on bodybuilding that’s out there right now. The book isn’t even close to being out dated. everything that is in that book is still being put into practice today by bodybuilders all around the world. Not to mention that arnold’s advice and workout methods are consistantly quoted to this day in the most popular bodybuilding magazines dozens of times a year. I’d like some concrete examples of this statement about being out dated. I like to see a shirtless profile of the whoever made that statement too. I’m willing to bet that statement wouldn’t sound all that convincing if we could.
is there any difference between the paper back and hardcover version when it comes to content
Patrick, I’m not sure if there is any difference. Usually people buy the hardcover because it lasts longer.
i really enjoy to read…..
After not working out for 2 years, after lifting weights for over 20, never been big or ripped I’m going to take a punt on this book.
WHY?…I’m a small business owner, successful, don’t earn much but do understand one thing. Core principals come from people who’ve tried, tested failed and succeeded, you just look, listen learn and add or subtract to suit your needs.
The human body hasn’t changed that much in the past 2 centuries.
I’m sure I’ll find somewhere in this book a place for me myself to fit. As would most people who can benefit from just lifting weights in a structured repetitive regime.
Now that my life is comfortable I want to be big in physical stature. It’ll take a couple of years then 10 of maintenance….Thanks for your reading, now I’m going to start mine.
Alex
Evel Cycles Melbourne Australia
Thanks for the great recommendation!
The intitial bigginers program worked well for me for 3 months. I did some minor changes to 1. work around aquiered injuries & 2. to shock the body every fortnight.
The diet section was suplimented by looking for an online body weight x protein, carbs, fats needed calculator to make it more finite.
Further reading led me to add multivitamins care of Mr Rocco Oppedisano & Spirulina courtesy of a PT Andy.
Mr Schwarzennegars’ methods for beginners are simple and effective in my sumation, though I could be wrong. I have seen positive results in lifting capacity from for eg: 20kg squats to below knee level to now 95kg at 3×5. The rest is comparable.
It’s all up to hard, consistent work both in and out of the gymnasium.
One of the hardest things to train your neurones to do is eat every 2 hrs. Took me 2 months.
Good luck.
I think this is a great book as far as posing, sculpting, and history is concerned… but the “beginner” routine is going to be too much for the vast majority of beginners out there.
wow nice info man.
this book is not out dated at all. science may have made progress & learnt more about human body in the past 15 years but i’m a professional & i know many others including jay cutler still use the book for reference.
I have to say, this book is my bible. I really think it’s a great resource and I refer to it often.
Arnie says “I still will be a bodybuilder. I love it. I love the feeling in my muscles, I love the competition, and I love the things it gives me. I have never really had to work in my whole life.”
please send “arnold bodybuilding book”
please send the new encyclopedis of modern body building
I totally agree, I grew reading Arnold’s workout advice and I doubt the bodybuilding world has improved on his standard. After your review I definitely want to grab a copy of this book!
Thanks, Derek
Great book, I got it back in the 80′s and have used it as a reference ever since.
This is the bible of bodybuilding – period. Anyone seriously trying to build muscle should throw away all other reference books and use this one religiously. My only small criticism, is the lack of ‘warm-up technique’ information.