I own several strength training books by Delavier and all are terrific. Things that I love include: the line drawings of the anatomy showing exactly which muscles each exercise targets when done properly, the quick reference icons at the tops of the exercise pages showing which muscle groups are worked, and the photographs which step you through each exercise.

This book is all about arms and man, there is a lot of information covered. There is a good section discussing goals and setting up your workout, then there is a detailed section about anatomical quirks and pathologies that can develop. This is followed by specific arm exercises and a small section of workout programs geared for a large variety of sports (my sport of rowing is even included!).

You can't go wrong with a Delavier workout book. The information is accurate and informative and the exercises are not based on fads so this book can be a staple reference for years to come. ( )

About 7 months ago, I started going to a gym and working out with a personal trainer. A very new activity for me, although I have kept up race-walking for over 25 years. My untrained arms are relatively quite a bit weaker than my trained legs. So, I was intrigued to have been sent this book for review.

This is quite a comprehensive book on a somewhat narrow subject. There are quite a few anatimical type drawings, as well as real pictures of people doing the various suggested exercises. The author understands well that people have differnt anatomies and that not all exercises work for everyone. The introudction section is well thought out. Delavier suggests that you determine your primary goal in developing arms muscles, and this will affect your workouts:
a) Increase arm size,
b) Increase arm stength for strength sports,
c) Cardio work in endurance sports,
d) Increase explosivenss and endurance.

Delavier goes through ones possible weak areas as well as pathologies that might affect ones workout. This then leads to beginner and advanced exercises, and then how to put together workout programs. Racewalking is not mentioned by Delavier, but for me an overall and corrdinated fitness seems like a good idea. I haven't yet shown the book to my trainer at the gym I go to. ( )

Awesome book for details on building your upper body! Great sports specific recommendations, pictures, exercise details, etc. Highly recommended for anyone interested from serious body builders to novice beginners. ( )

Delavier's "Anatomy for Bigger, Stronger, Arms is an excellent reference book for both the seasoned trainer (and personal trainer) and the novice lifter or athlete who wants to learn arm exercises to help specifically in his or her sport.
The book liberally uses photographs and excellent illustrations to not only demonstrate the various exercises but also to give the physiology and kinesiology behind the movements as well.
The book opens up with a very informative "20 Steps to Developing Your Arm Workout Program" which covers such things as 'How many arm workouts should you do each week?' and 'How many sets of arm exercises should you do for each muscle?.
After an informative"Weak Areas and Pathologies Section" the book gets into the meat (no pun intended) of the matter ith "The Exercises" and "Arm Workout Programs".
As previously mentioned, there are programs designed for developing your arms for specific sports which I feel is something that sets this book apart from others in the genre.
Bottom line. I consider this an excellent reference work and feel it should easily find a place in the libraries of a myriad of different types of physical fitness enthusiasts. ( )

This exercise book is extremely detailed and comprehensive, with excellent illustrations, photos and diagrams. It begins with FAQs ("20 questions") and then covers weak areas/injuries, beginning/advanced exercises, and ends with workout suggestions for every goal or sport. Free weights, bands and other types of easily obtainable equipment are emphasized. Very highly recommended for beginners, advanced weight trainers and also for anyone who wants a handy reference guide available. ( )