The most acclaimed and comprehensive book on becoming an accomplished weightlifter ever written. This 550+ page book, with more than 400,000 words, covers virtually every element of the sport of weightlifting – just look at its Table of Contents*:
Introduction
Chapter 1 – The Technique of the Snatch and Clean and Jerk
Chapter 2 – Teaching and Learning Weightlifting Technique
Chapter 3 – The Development of Strength, Power and Flexbility
Chapter 4 – Selecting Weightlifting Equipment and Using it Safely and Effectively
Chapter 5 – Assistance Exercises for the Snatch and C&J
Chapter 6 – Putting It Together: The Training Plan
Chapter 7 – Building the Mind of a Weightlifting Champion
Chapter 8 – Competing Like a Champion
Chapter 9 – Special Training Considerations for Women, Masters and Young Athletes
Chapter 10 – Nutrition and Weight Control
Chapter 11 – Preventing and Dealing with Injuries and the Use of Restorative Methods
Appendix 1- The Rules of Weightlifting
Appendix 2 – A Short Course on Anatomy, Physiology, Mechanics and Biomechanics
Appendix 3 – Training On the Snatch, Clean and Jerk: A Key To Athletic Excellence
Appendix 4 – Selecting An Athlete and Selecting A Coach
Epilogue
Annotated Biblography
Index
*This book was written over a seven-year period in the 1990’s (finished in 1998). While most of the material has stood the test of time, some sections are outdated. Much new information has emerged in sports science since the book’s publication, so if Appendix 2 were rewritten today it would be different, although most of the basics remain the same. Similarly, the rules of weightlifting have changed in many ways since the book was published, so while many of the rule fundamentals haven’t changed since then, quite a few have (e.g., the bodyweight categories contested, permitting one kilo increases in the weight of the barbell and using bodyweight as a tie breaker), so you should not rely on what is presented in that section as the final word on the current rules, which are available at iwf.net or usaweightlifting.org.
