Modern Trends in Strength Training: Volume 1, Sets and Reps (Second Edition)

I have the 5th edition and I love the book. Poliquin does go into different training methods, and set/rep schemes that add variety to your workout, but he doesn't elaborate on it. I wish he did this, but I'm stuck trying to piece together some of his advice. He does give you a great basic overview of what sets/reps are needed for each strength training period.Based on his unfinished thoughts and brief overview of training topics, I would give the book 4 stars, but because of the 12 different workouts in the back of the book, I will give it 5 stars and say its worth it's weight in gold. If someone could add 15-30 lbs on each of your maxes in 40 days, after you have been working out for a solid 2 years, wouldn't you want to pay big money for those workouts?? I would and that's why I recommend this book. Btw, the patient lifter combo did add that on each of my maxes. He doesn't give any studies, but he does produce gold medals and champions. I'll listen to him.

This is an excellent text as it is a practical manual - you can test the methodologies here. The data in the book is backed up by the analysis of Poliquin's athletes over an extended period of time with multiple advanced athletes at the top of their game.Methodologies are presented based on their effectiveness and what is required to achieve similar results. e.g.theses athletes needed to complete "X" amount of reps at "X" percentage of your 1 rep max to elicit an improvement in strength etc.There are very few books around with this type of data presented in a clear an concise style. If you picked this book up for in depth theoretical information I would suggest Mel Siff's book Super-training which has a lot more scientific data - if however you picked the book up to apply the knowledge within then you will become extremely knowledgeable over time with the advanced practical methodologies present within.  Supertraining

I felt absolutely ripped off. Having read many of his columns and Poliquin Principles, I found Charles to be very informative and thought provoking in the past. But this book is nothing more than a brochure disguised as a book. Most of his ideas were either already well known or highly questionable. Also, he did not even attempt to explain the theories behind his ideas or provide any scientific references. This is simply a way for him to make more money. Stay away. Don't waste your money.

Charles is at the top of his field and has a concise and to the point way of sharing some of his trade secrets. Anybody invoved in the field of strength and conditioning should read this book.

This book only leaves me wanting the upcoming volumes. I almost wish Coach Poliquin would retire and just write more books!

These books are like gold dust... Depth of knowledge, priceless.