Rippetoes Starting Strength (2nd Edition)
Rippetoes Starting Strength (2nd Edition)
For those of you who are unfamiliar Mark Rippetoe was a state level powerlifter and has been part of the US strength training scene over 30 years. Whilst an average athlete, he has a nack for coaching other trainees of average stock.
The book is aimed to teach both lifters and coaches how to teach what Rippetoe considers the core lifts - the squat, bench, deadlift, overhead press - along with the power clean, dealing with both how the lift looks and feels for athletes looking to get stronger. Note I didnt say powerlifting and Olympic lifting? this is aimed at those who are yet to specialise, aka 97% of the lifting population.
The book begins with an in depth walk-through of the squat - Rip's teaches a hybrid between a high bar squat and a powerlifting squat (thus a low bar, narrow stance squat). Whilst some are going to bitch (high bar vs low bar, narrow stance vs legs splayed like the village whore) Rip's hybrid gives a conventional squat which is great for most novices to start on.
Rip deals with important elements of the squat which are often ignored in online 'how-tos' - descend, the concept of 'hip drive' and where the lifter should be focusing whilst performing the lift (straight ahead or slightly down). Also dealt with are minor queues such as 'straight wrists' which allow the novice to start off on the right foot, and experienced lifters a cue or two to help improve their efficiency or stay safe in the gym.
Next come the bench, deadlift and press. Very little is notably different to how most of us would learn the lift, except that in the bench Rip teaches his users to adopt a natural arch to avoid shoulder injuries, and his knowledge of lifting mechanics are obvious, being the first person to note that the 'scapula being behind the bar' as many powerlifters advocate is anatomically impossible.
In the 5th chapter the power clean is dealt with, and here comes my criticism - Rippetoe subscribes to the speed work bs like many in the strength training world do. This for me is a load of crap - muscles either get stronger or they dont (for those who want to debate check out Talmant measuring lifts with a tendo unit, its clear the logic fails). I'd argue anyone interested in powerlifting, bodybuilding or general fitness would be probably better served doing a bent row due to equipment and skill restrictions.
Rip also has his own biases - eg, the 'hooked grip' in the deadlift and use of shoes when lifting, something many in the powerlifting community and myself do not share. Try to focus on the 95% Rippetoe gets right with such things rather than the bs.
Finally Rippetoe also deals with a lot of general knowledge, including a chapter dedicated to performing other key lifts (partial movements, pull ups, front squats and other movements we'd consider essential), equipment (belts, shoes, dress, the function of different barbells and general gym equipment), a beginners program and a minor excursus on how to deal with nutrition (Rips famous GOMAD method, strictly for underweight teens).
All in all this is a must buy for any lifter who does not have adequate access to a coach, and is the first practical book I've seen dealing with the slow lifts.
9.5/10 , must have.