Essentials of Strength Training & Conditioning

I was just wondering if anyone had read “Essentials of Strength Training & Conditioning” by Thomas R. Baechle. A friends of mine told me he heard it was a pretty good book. I was just looking for a little more input. Is it worth reading?

It’s okay, if you’re looking for a general textbook. The best reason to read it is if you’re planning to take the CSCS exam, so you can tell them what they want to here.

I agree with Flash. It’s a very generic textbook. Some of the information is factual, while other information is questionable. If you are going to write a CSCS exam, it’s a must.

In other words its suspect.

What books do you have that you are currently referring too?

Some of the sections are great…some are poor. I would look at the adaptations section only and leave the plyo information for the garbage performance centers.

Clemson’s right. The plyo/speed sections are pathetic. But I don’t think anyone on this forum would rely on the Essentials book for their speed training anyway.