And in a similar vein, I'd recommend both Practical Programming and 5/3/1. The first is great to get a more thorough understanding on what is learned on SS and help's you understand how to modify your routines for maximum gains. 5/3/1 Has in my opinion been one of the best plans for the moment you stall on SS and need something more advanced. This stuff builds not only your body, but your strength and does heaps for your confidence which I believe is as important.
Re:Ask HN: Best book you read in 2011
by ghshephard on Tuesday December 27, 2011 @11:51AM
(#3396315)
Starting Strength was definitely my best book of 2011. I went from a reasonably out of shape cube denizen who strained at a 125 pound low bar back squat to a 300 pound low bar back squat in just seven months. Rippetoe makes it very clear how any idiot can pick up a lot of strength in a very short period of time. Great Book.
Re:Ask HN: Best book you read in 2011
by Aramgutang on Tuesday December 27, 2011 @05:21PM
(#3397692)
Absolutely. In fact, Starting Strength was the next book I picked up after the 4-Hour Body, and it was immensely useful and motivating. If I could still edit my comment to mention Starting Strength, I would.
Before SS, my martial arts instructor always chided me: "Crazybear, don't power through the disarm. There are lots of guys bigger than you. Get the leverage right."
Now he tells newbies: "Don't power through the disarm, it won't work on a guy like Crazybear. Get the leverage right."
It's a simple how-to guide to getting strong. Just follow the program he gives and you become stronger - it's time tested and works well for pretty much everyone. Be really careful with deadlifts, particularly if you have back issues.