Book Reviews
Weider System of Progressive Dumbbell Training
Reviewed by George R Weaver
MODERN authorities on physical development agree that in order to develop the muscles of the human body in size, shapeliness, and strength, they must be exercised against gradually increasing resistance. One of the forms in which this resistance may be supplied, is the adjustable plate-loading dumb-bell. But to obtain the best results from a pair of dumb-bells, a modern, comprehensive course of training is essential. Now at last, in the Weider System of Progressive Dumb-bell Training , we have what I believe to be the best book yet published on the subject of dumb-bell exercise for muscular development. For this is not a chart of exercises with a few pages of instruction. It is a book of 52 large pages (6 by 9 inches), containing 64 excellent illustrations. most of the illustrations are photographs, posed for by Santo Leone, John Gallagher, Tony Sansone, Barton Horvath, Ed Theriault, and others.
The system presented in this book is divided into three general courses, comprising 36 exercises, all the exercises being scientifically arranged, and the courses themselves being progressively more difficult, so that the pupil is taken gradually and without strain from the primary phase to the most advanced stages of dump-bell training. Some instructors, in order to impress readers with their knowledge, bewilder their pupils with hundreds of exercises, many of them of inferior quality. The Weider System does not make this mistake. It contains only the best dumb-bell exercises for every part of the muscular system, carefully selected on the basis of expert knowledge and long experience. The student of this course will not waste any of his time and energy on movements that are not result-producing. Very important also is the fact that this course solves the problem of developing the large and mighty muscles of the legs and lower back, with the relatively light weights (in comparison with a barbell) that dumb-bells afford.
The Weider System does not stop with its three general courses, however. It contains also a number of supplementary exercises for the advanced pupil. It has a section on the leverage dumb-bell, introducing exercises that have never appeared in any previous book. It has a section on exercises with the Iron Boot. All these sections are fully and clearly illustrated. In addition, special value attaches to the section on specializing for increasing the size of stubborn muscles, especially of the forearms, upper arms, and calves. The method described in this course can be guaranteed to develop the utmost limit of muscular size in these parts of the body.
But the Weider System does not stop with exercise instruction alone. It contains advice on training, breathing, relaxation, sleep, reducing weight for those who are fat, and a section on food for muscle-building. It also contains two large pictures of the famous Farnese Hercules, front and back views, with a chart indicating all the important muscles of the body. In conclusion, I can heartily recommend this course as the best of its kind, and an indispensable item for every dumb-bell exerciser.
A Review of the Course by Dr. Frederick Tilney
I can't help getting enthused about Joe Weider's NEW course of PROGRESSIVE DUMB-BELL TRAINING for several reasons.
The Course is gotten up in the form of a beautifully printed book, on heavy coated paper which does full justice to the dozens of photographs with which the Course abounds. it is well printed in clear type, easy to read and follow. Each exercise for every part of the body is named, has a full page to itself, and clearly illustrated. There is no possibility of misunderstanding anything.
The Course is really COMPLETE...everything of practical value regarding Dumb-bell training is included. Its thoroughness astonished me. Although complete, it is also concise and to the point. There is no long-winded rigmarole to find out how each exercise is to be performed. There are no pages of needless padding. It tells exactly what to do and why - in the fewest, simplest words. Everything is crystal clear.
Most of the exercises are illustrated by actual, photographs of the World's most muscular and perfectly developed men, and their pictures serve as a guide and inspiration to you, indicating what can be accomplished in beautiful body building by these special type of result-getting exercises. A few of the illustrations are drawings to show the various body-positions during a given exercise, making it so easy to follow even without reading the descriptive text.
So that the Student of this Course can quickly see at a glance just what muscle or group of muscles are being exercised and where each of these muscles are - beautiful photographs of the front and rear views of the famous statue of the Farnese HERCULES are included. Every muscle is numbered and given the correct name. These charts are far more practical for the MUSCLE-BUILDER than the usual anatomy charts showing the muscular system.
Many persons are under the impression the use of the dumbbells is only for building the biceps. This Course shatters such an idea. It shows how ALL parts of the body can be greatly benefitted by the aid of dumb-bells Every Muscular Giant uses dumb-bells. Barbell training develops great STRENGTH, but it can be said that DUMB-BELL TRAINING builds a BEAUTY of MUSCULAR DETAIL which every body culturist desires; so persistent DUMB-BELL training should form a vital and important part of the Exercise Program. It is a Course you'll be delighted with. It gives you all and more than you expect. It's an investment you can't afford to do without, and I most heartily recommend it to everyone interested in better body building, in keeping fit and vibrantly healthy. There are quite a few other surprizes in this DUMB-BELL Course which I'll leave you to discover for yourself. My advice is - GET IT!