Maximum Strength by Eric Cressey

If you've been lifting weights to build bigger muscles and following traditional weight lifting techniques, you might want to read this book. As author Eric Cressey notes, most men who lift weights do so to get bigger, not stronger. But, by focusing strength with techniques such as maximal effort training and speed lifts, you save time and build strength, all while building muscle. Eric's 16-week program includes 4 phases, each with different goals, and includes a variety of exercises and training methods. This is truly a unique program and perfect for advanced lifters looking for a serious challenge.

If your goal is to build strength, you'll have no better coach than Eric Cressey, a well-known strength coach and powerlifter with an impressive education in exercise science. He also has tremendous passion for weight training, which he makes clear when he says, "When I was a little boy...I dreamed of being the strongest man in the world." This dream prompted him to try different types of training while exploring the difference between building muscle with bodybuilding techniques, and building strength with powerlifting techniques. This is a distinction most men never make, which can lead to disappointing results. He makes a strong case for focusing on strength, saying that "[m]aximal strength training has its place in the training programs for bodybuilders," and that it's more time-efficient, functional, motivating and, potentially, a better way to build muscle.

The Program

The program lays out 4 phases: Foundation, Build, Growth and Peak. Each 4-week phase includes a program with different strength exercises to maximize each goal. You'll recognize many moves such as box squats, deadlifts and lunges, but he also includes unique moves such as single leg squats and cable backhands.

You get detailed instructions for each exercise and a complete schedule, along with cardio recommendations and basic nutrition advice. You'll need plenty of equipment, however, including Olympic barbells, dumbbells, a squat rack and even a foam roller for your warm-ups.

This an excellent program, but if you're used to traditional lifting, you may find some techniques (such as the explosive speed deadlifts) and oddball exercises (such as the Walking Spiderman) unusual -- maybe even weird. If your goal is to build strength, though, this is an excellent program as long as you're ready to work.