“Learn how to build your own weight training programs, how to effectively and safely schedule your week of workouts, and more,” states the back cover of Brittany Noelle's book, Weight Training for Women: Exercises and Workout Programs for Building Strength with Free Weights.
~ What ~
This one-hundred-and-eighty-two-page paperback targets women who are looking for a starter guide to weight lifting and working out. After an introduction, the book is divided into ten sections that contain complete body exercises and workout programs, followed by a glossary, resources, index, acknowledgments, and the author's biography.
The first chapter explains how to plan your work-out program while the second chapter discusses the equipment and exercise environment. The next seven sections cover glutes and hamstrings, quadriceps and calves, chest, upper back, lower back, abdominals and obliques, biceps and triceps, and shoulders. The programs involve total, upper, and lower body workouts regimens.
Each chapter on the targeted body area begins with an explanation and what to do before lifting. One-to-two-page directions start with a warm-up, followed by several exercises, and one or two stretches. The instructions have a title, explanation, and numbered directions, often ending with lift safety, making it easier/harder, and at-home tips with simple-to-follow illustrations. The programs offer both weekly scheduling examples and warm-up, workout, and cooldown suggestions.
~ Why ~
With the coronavirus forcing my gym to shut down, I do not have access to my circuit weight machines so this is a timely book. I love that so many of the exercises mimic those I do daily with pilates. Including the three-to-five days-per-week examples are helpful for the beginner or novice.
Some of the notable exercises are World's Greatest Stretch, Glute Bridge, Pretzel Stretch, Butt Kicker, Lateral Lunge, Standing Quad Stretch, Scaption Plank, Bent-Over Row, Farmer's Carry, T-Spine Rotation, Dead Bug, Tricep Kickback, Wall Angel, Upright Row, and Cross-Body Stretch.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like to exercise or stretch may have no interest in this beginner's book. Others may not have bar or dumb bells to do some of the exercises. Some may prefer working out with others or watching a video instead of reading a book about it. Those with health or body issues should contact their doctor before attempting to work out.
~ Wish ~
Having osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, I wish the book stated which exercises would be best to do since I have been told not to bend forward or put stress on my lower back. I wish there were some way to know calories burned per exercise, but that may be impossible.
~ Want ~
If you want a book that concentrates on working out with and without weights for women, this is an excellent, to-the-point read that can be referred to often.
Thanks to Callisto Publisher's Club and the author for this book that I am under no obligation to review.
