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A review by metropolis
Bigger Leaner Stronger: The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Male Body by Michael Matthews
5.0
TLDR - See The Verdict
Bigger Leaner Stronger is comprehensive guide to physical fitness and nutrition for men which (as the title alludes to) is focused toward building strength and lean muscular mass. The author also has a similar book which is focused on women’s fitness — Thinner Leaner Stronger (which I may review at a later point).
The Case for:
Mathews provides the reader with a crash course in the rudimentary science and approach needed to fully understand the principles of effective strength training routines and the relevant nutritional requirements. This is a title that should be suitable for most beginners, and intermediate readers looking to solidify and expand their knowledge — and could easily form the entire basis for a trainees fitness & lifestyle approach. The training routines and advice included are largely derived from Mark Rippertoes’s famed ‘Starting Strength’ manual — which is a book that would compliment this one well.
Matthew’s approach is rational, well reasoned and supported by both solid research and experience. One of the key triumphs of the book is the systematic way he cuts through so many of the myths, the smoke & mirrors, and the scamming which can be all too common within the fitness industry. Matthews has effective answers to most of the questions budding trainees could have.
The Case Against:
The plainly scientific approach used from the start, should be appealing to many readers. However, there will likely by some that are put off by the unapologetically technical approach that the focus on the science sometimes entails. This is only a very minor point — but those that like their manuals overtly dumbed down for digestibility may find the approach a little dry.
The Verdict
Bigger Leaner Stronger is simply one of the best comprehensive guides to male training, for general strength & lean mass, currently available. It's a no non sense guide that doesn’t shy away from explaining some of the scientific/technical aspects that are fundamental to the topic. The manner in which Matthews cuts through much industry BS is admirable and the guide is a one stop solution to becoming grounded in all the basics of the field.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Bigger Leaner Stronger is comprehensive guide to physical fitness and nutrition for men which (as the title alludes to) is focused toward building strength and lean muscular mass. The author also has a similar book which is focused on women’s fitness — Thinner Leaner Stronger (which I may review at a later point).
The Case for:
Mathews provides the reader with a crash course in the rudimentary science and approach needed to fully understand the principles of effective strength training routines and the relevant nutritional requirements. This is a title that should be suitable for most beginners, and intermediate readers looking to solidify and expand their knowledge — and could easily form the entire basis for a trainees fitness & lifestyle approach. The training routines and advice included are largely derived from Mark Rippertoes’s famed ‘Starting Strength’ manual — which is a book that would compliment this one well.
Matthew’s approach is rational, well reasoned and supported by both solid research and experience. One of the key triumphs of the book is the systematic way he cuts through so many of the myths, the smoke & mirrors, and the scamming which can be all too common within the fitness industry. Matthews has effective answers to most of the questions budding trainees could have.
The Case Against:
The plainly scientific approach used from the start, should be appealing to many readers. However, there will likely by some that are put off by the unapologetically technical approach that the focus on the science sometimes entails. This is only a very minor point — but those that like their manuals overtly dumbed down for digestibility may find the approach a little dry.
The Verdict
Bigger Leaner Stronger is simply one of the best comprehensive guides to male training, for general strength & lean mass, currently available. It's a no non sense guide that doesn’t shy away from explaining some of the scientific/technical aspects that are fundamental to the topic. The manner in which Matthews cuts through much industry BS is admirable and the guide is a one stop solution to becoming grounded in all the basics of the field.
Rating: 4.5 Stars