Weight Training by Design: Create Your Own Individualized Workout Plan Using the Revolutionary BAM Superset System.

Weight Training by Design: Create Your Own Individualized Workout Plan Using the Revolutionary BAM Superset System Greenwald D, Miller E. New York, NY 10121, McGraw Hill, 2005, paperback, 272 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-07-145888-3, $18.95.

This book, written by 2 athletic trainers with a background in exercise physiology and anatomy, introduces the Balanced Antagonistic Muscle (BAM) Superset method. The BAM Superset essentially combines exercises for opposing muscle groups. According to the authors, this exercise method will improve the efficacy of a person's workout, as well as reduce delayed onset muscle soreness and reduce the risk of injury.

The book's targeted audience is the general public. The authors state that their goal is to "provide a road-map for you to effectively design and perform your own individualized workout." By keeping the text simple and by using plenty of pictures, tables, and illustrations, the book appropriately caters to its target audience.

The book is well organized and easy to follow. There are 11 chapters, a glossary, a product information section, and an index. The first 4 chapters cover topics such as cardiovascular training and diet, common technique errors, posture, ergonomics, and stretching. The depth of coverage of these subjects is limited and simplified. Chapters 5 through 10 depict specific exercises for different body regions (chest, upper back, shoulder, and so on). Once again, the subject matter is limited to exercises that complement the BAM Superset method. Chapter 11 is dedicated to program design, using the previously illustrated exercises for demonstrations. The information in the book appears to be up to date; however, there are no references to literature. In addition, the subject matter is narrow, the book sticks to the BAM Superset method, the method utilizes limited exercise equipment, and the method has limited variation. No scientific data or references are presented to support the validity of the authors' claims about the efficacy of the exercise method or its ability to prevent soreness and injury.

Physical therapists will not find this book relevant to their daily practice. As stated above, the book is geared toward the general population and is focused on a narrow subject. The practical application of this book will be limited to anyone who is interested in fitness and weight training. The notion of using an alternate training method, alternating antagonistic muscle groups, is important in the context of overall training program design and merits further study. There are no references to support this notion, however.

Daniel Rovny, PT

Kessler Rehabilitation Centers

Riverdale, NJ

Rovny is a Regional Director for Kessler Rehabilitation Centers. He specializes in management of orthopedic mechanical disorders and athletic performance enhancement.