Starting strength is one of the best books for a beginner to barbell training to read. It breaks down each of the big six lifts, as well as copious amounts of information on biochemicals, recovery, form, etc in an easy to read format with lots of illustrations.

It is primarily for beginners to barbell training, but I think that anyone who trains with a barbell would benefit from reading it.

PRO:

  • Explains the basic mechanics behind each of the six lifts

  • Has a ton of information on strength related subjects such as recovery, diet, etc

  • Has a lot of illustrations to help demonstrate the points

  • Goes into discussion on the ways one can do an exercise, and the best way to do one, as well as discussion about important small details such as grip, chalk, etc.

CON

  • Can get long. the mechanics of a lift isn't really the most interesting thing in the world, and there is a ton of information packed into the book. I recommend taking it one chapter at a time so as to maximize retention.

  • This isn't really a con, but I had to put it in here because I knew it would come up: I know that a lot of people have problems with his GOMAD (Gallon Of Milk A Day) program to gain weight. You have to understand that this program is aimed at people who have problems gaining weight due to not eating enough in the first place. If you eat enough as it is, fine. GOMAD is one of the best rapid weight gaining programs out there however, and people seem to forget that its main purpose is weight gain.

This is one of the best books a beginner to strength training can read, with copious amounts of information in an easy to read and well illustrated format. I am going to rate this a 4.5/5.