I think this is quite possibly the first time I have ever created a thread in the "off-topic" area
Anyways for anyone that is interesting in getting down to the gym whether it be weightlifting or body building then I highly recommend the following book:
MUSCLE "The world's most complete guide to building your body"
Written by Ian King & Lou Schuler
Cost £20.00 or $33.00 or 22.6 euro
I have trained on and off for some years however since January 2011 I wanted to do it again properly and get focused. I wanted to learn more about the subject and get fresh new inspiration and drive and therefore I researched books and subsequent reviews.
Top of the list were this book (MUSCLE) and a Gold's Gym book. I opted for MUSCLE as it is written in conjunction with Men's Health which is a leading UK fitness and well being magazine that a buy.
Currently I weigh 15st 2lb and 6ft 3in tall and whilst I have reached my optimum weight I am now in a position to really build up muscle. I signed myself up to a beginner 6 months program from the book and currently I am in week 9 of 26 weeks.
A summary of the contents:
* A introduction to muscle and the science behind it
* A chapter concentrating on eating the right foods (protein, menu's etc)
* An exhaustive guide to ALL the free weight exercises with tips on form and alternatives grips and which muscle group they target (200 pages +)
* 2 chapters on stretching, flexibility and breathing
* 3 x 6 month programs (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)
It's awesome! It teaches you about "tempo" weightlifting (e.g. 313 = 3 seconds up, 1 second hold, 3 seconds down, or 311, or 515) and much much more!
The book pushes you but does not adopt the "train to failure" method of some school of thinking i.e. train until you can't train anymore. It highlights the need for rest in between sessions to allow the muscle's to grow properly - the cycle is to go 3 times a week and every 7th week you take the WHOLE week off lifting. It is broken down into 4 stages of 6 weeks effectively and each stage and sub-stage turns into different routines to stimulate your muscle to grow more effectively...
It works on small but key muscle groups to start because it recognizes the need to build up muscles that will enable you to push the KEY lifts more effectively as you come to the latter stages of the program. By KEY lifts I mean SQUATS, DEAD LIFT & FLAT BENCH PRESS.
So doing this routine does require discipline and good time management, I go at 0630 GMT (0730 CET) 3 times a week before work to ensure I can get to all the weights and machines I need before it gets too busy, plus it then frees up time in the evening to enjoy the other loves of my life including my fiancee and TOPSPIN / ITST
Baggy
I <3 JC 
