I started lifting weights 4 years ago. I started reading Starting Strength (2nd edition) by Mark Rippetoe 15 months ago, and I started training according to his guidance 12 months ago. If anyone ever asks me when I started seriously training, that will be my answer: 12 months ago.

I shouldn’t have to promote this book; just look at the reviews on Amazon. At the time of this writing, the book gets 166 reviews, 159 of which are 5 stars. 7 reviews are 4 stars. No 3-star review. No 2-star review. No 1-star review. Can you find any other book on training with this level of reputation?

Read any book on training for muscles, and you will see the same principle: do big compound exercises: Squat, Deadlift, Press, Bench Press or Dips. Those exercises are the core of any training program. If you wanna get big, if you wanna get strong, if you wanna be functional, you must do these exercises. You think that they are only for these crazy huge football players? You are wrong. These exercises turn you into football players! My legs used to be all sticks and bones. I started out Squatting 115 pounds, now I am doing  3 sets 3 reps 305 pounds. All in less than 8 months. My legs are even a bit too muscular now.

The contribution of this book is to show you what REAL training is all about. You are trying to become much stronger and bigger than what you naturally are. And you are an ectomorph! Training is no laughing matter. Of course it doesn’t have to be difficult either. This book will help you train professionally, save your energy while gaining massive strength every workout. No it is not a joke. It is possible. You just have to learn HOW to do it.

Do you keep a notebook just for logging in your reps, sets, weights and rest time? Do you know EXACTLY what you are going to lift, how heavy, how many reps, sets even BEFORE you walk into the gym? Do you know how often you should squat? Do you know how much strength gain you can expect of your body? Do you know what to do if you get stuck at the same weights for a month (not to mention years)? Do you know the techniques for Squat, Deadlift…? If you say no to any of these questions, you need to read this book. There are BIG gaps in your knowledge of training.

Progressive weights with good form. ‘Starting Strength’ will show you the science of training. Consistency, discipline, determination. You will never overtrain yourself again. You will never get stuck at the same weights again. You will never have to do some crazy hard exercises without seeing any gain ever again.

If you want to run faster, jump higher, read the book. If you want to stand in a concert with your girlfriend sitting ON your shoulder (no, that’s too easy, with TWO medium to heavy weights people sitting on your shoulder), read the book. If you want to lift crazy heavy objects easily without worrying about your poor back, read the book.

Do the right exercises. Lift massive weights. End every workout session quickly. Feel fresh after every workout. Read Starting Strength (2nd edition)

Note: this book is mostly about the techniques of the exercises. It is imperative that you follow the guidance closely to prevent injury. The sets and reps range and the frequency of training in this book is to help you gain strength quickly. You should get to a certain strength base on these exercises before working on gaining muscle (same exercises but different rep/set range and nutrition needs). Don’t worry, it is not long. Only 3 months and you will be twice or three times as strong as you were at the beginning.

RECAP: Progressive weights with good form is the key to training. This book teaches you the form and the science of gaining weights every workout session.

"Starting Strength" is your Bible for training, 9.0 out of 10 based on 1 rating