Target Bodybuilding

By Per A. Tesch

High-level strength training programs have advanced almost as fast as technology itself over the past decade. In Target Bodybuilding , Per Tesch combines the two to present weightlifting techniques that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revealed to be most beneficial for muscle building and sculpting. The book begins with an explanation of the MRI technology and how the information acquired from it takes the guesswork out of training. Tesch then provides a brief anatomical overview, focusing most on the major arm and leg muscle groups that will be targeted in the exercise section that follows. A total of 60 lifts are included for the biceps, triceps, thigh, and calf muscles. Two large photos showing the starting and lifting positions are shown for each lift. Instructions for proper lifting technique accompany the photos. On a facing page, an enlarged photograph of the specific muscle group and body part is complemented by a description of the muscle function involved in the lift. Paired with this information is a large MRI scan showing the amount of activity generated in each muscle involved in the lift. At the end of the book, Tesch explains how to develop a successful bodybuilding program. He also provides a number of tips for beginning, intermediate, and advanced trainers. Take the guesswork out of training. With the help of MRI technology, Target Bodybuilding goes inside the body to show the best techniques for building and sculpting the muscles.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0880119381
• ISBN13: 9780880119382
• Release Date: October 1998
• Publisher: Human Kinetics
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.0" x 0.4" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Return of the arm blaster

This book revives the art of the armblaster and brings it back into the mainstream where it belongs. This author uses the MRI to prove that this and other equipment are not antequaited, but rather something that needs to be a part of everyone's workout.

Myth-Busting, Scientific Look at Best Exercises

How many times have you heard that squats are best for quad development, or that nothing builds big guns like dumbbell curls? Well in Target Bodybuilding, Dr. Per A. Tesch completely blows away these myths and more by combining the technological prowess of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with an in-depth look at staple bodybuilder exercises.Dr. Tesch had a number of bodybuilders perform standard exercies with strict form -- 5 sets of 10-12 reps to failure. Then he used an MRI machine to examine cross-sections of the muscles used in the exercises, analyzed the results, reported his findings in Target Bodybuilding.The results are absolutely phenomenal. For each covered exercise, readers get to see exactly which muscles are used and to what degree they are used, giving them godlike insight into what exercises are best for developing a bodybuilder physique. No more guesswork, no more personal conflicting opinions of what works and what doesn't -- Tesch takes the mystery out of the subject and allows you to see with your own eyes exactly how each exercise affects your muscles.I have only three complaints: The book has a few typographical errors (bearable, but still), it is a bit repetitive, and it ONLY analyses exercises for biceps, triceps, quads, hamstrings, and calves. You won't find any coverage of lats, delts, or chest exercises -- three of the most important exercises to any bodybuilder. But the book is so extremely useful, that even with these defects, I still give it 5 stars out of 5. Pick up your copy today!

Indispensable

Although the technology is not altogether new, the information presented has fascinated and educated all of my clients who have read the text. A much welcomed tutorial in designing RT protocols for the limbs. My clients want more. Believe it or not, these are neophytes to weight training.

excellent use of medical technology applied to bodybuilding

Eureka, finally a proof, by medical technology(MRI), that certain exercises produce more results. Previous "theories" have dealt with pretty much what has worked for the author, but not necessarally for the general populace. This book is very informative for someone who is trying to build specific muscles of the arms and legs. I wish this principle could be used for the back, chest and shoulders. With the information in this book, you can design a workout for the arms and legs with exercises that will give you the maximum benefit.

Eliminate the scattergun approach to execise selection.

This is an expanded version of Tesch's groundbreaking book MUSCLE MEETS MAGNET. Over the years hundreds of resistance exercises have been devised. Part of the motivation for the proliferation of exercises was the often intuitive belief that since each body part had many muscles and most muscles had mutiple heads, then mutliple exercises would be needed to produce complete development. Per Tesch uses MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)not only to prove beyond doubt that the intuition was correct, but to examine how various popular execises for the upper arms, thighs, and calves affect (or don't affect)individual muscle groups. If you are beginner, this book can help you take giant strides toward becoming an expert. Just the knowledge that will allow you to replace redundant exercises with ones for more complete development is worth several times the price of the book. Even if you are an advanced bodybuilder you'll still pick up some new information as well find out why certain execises seem to work for you. Each exercise is illustrated by photographs and a cross sectional diagram of the upper arm, thigh, or calf based on an MRI which shows portions of muscles that recieved greatest stimulation. The Table of Contents makes it easy to locate each exercise. A Muscle Use Guide and actual basic, intermediate, and advanced body part programs are included help the reader to design his or her own programs. While this book doesn't take on the popular buns and abs groups it is a great addition to any bodybuilding library.