Maximum Strength: Get Your Strongest Body in 16 Weeks with the Ultimate Weight-Training Program Paperback – May 13, 2008

Eric Cressey's "Maximum Strength Program" is a good, basic program for building raw strength and increasing joint mobility & health. As a Personal Trainer, what I found unique to this program is Mr. Cressey's emphasis on joint health and proper prep for heavy work. Too many other programs sold concentrate almost solely on the "lifting/exercise" portion alone and do not address the importance of soft tissue work and training in a balanced fashion. This is not one of those programs. It is scientifically sound, musculoskeletally balanced, and periodized for results.I hold two very minor differences with this book, one which is more programmatic and the other which is more business-oriented; neither of these personal differences are very meaningful however since they do not detract from the ability to attain significant strength gains in 16 weeks - hence the reason why I kept my review rating to 5 stars:1.) Mr. Cressey's periodization model is much shorter in length than what I am accustomed to using with clients. He varies overall workload on a weekly basis, whereas I tend to vary such on a much longer block of time - typically 6 weeks, give or take 1-2 weeks depending. The short-block emphasis is good for more intermediate-to-advanced lifters who probably are not used to waving their intensity so drastically, while I have found the long-block emphasis good for beginners and those who really wish to hone in on certain fitness goals at certain times of the year. Those with orthopedic challenges may find that extending the block-lengths (from weekly to biweekly, monthly, or even a bit further) in the beginning will help to provide more time and room for postural corrections and rebalancing than just simply starting off with weekly variances. Again, not a big deal and there are many different training variations with which to work, but for those who find that a weekly undulation may feel a bit "harried" or rushed there are other methods of periodizing the program which can work as well.2.) Just from a purely marketing standpoint, unless Mr. Cressey has plans of unveiling a "Maximum Strength For Females" book in the near future, I would like to state that despite the book's blatant emphasis on the male gender, this program is suitable for males OR females who wish to develop maximum raw strength. The references throughout the book to the male gender may have developed out of his experience that the vast majority of his clientele interested in maximum strength development are male, however keeping it so characteristically male-centered has probably been a turnoff to some potential female readers. To any females reading this review, please do not allow that to happen. This book will help you just as much as any man (if not more so given the average tendency of males to acquire and exhibit strength moreso than females).In conclusion, great job Mr. Cressey on a workable, intelligent approach to maximal strength training! 5 stars was easily deserved on this one.

I have nothing for praise for this program. Before my first experiment in the lifting world I had ran and I did regular body weight exercises. However, I wasn't satisfied with the results of all my efforts. So I began to lift weights, and despite my lack of knowledge and my pitiful technique, I initially saw fairly satisfying results. As Cressey mentions in his book, it doesn't take much for a complete newbie to get gains in the weight room. However, needless to say, I plateaued quickly, and I found that my shoulders were beginning to feel a soreness that was more than just a muscle burn.Then, I found Maximum Strength. I found the program pretty intimidating at first, as prior to beginning the program I only had about six months experience of weight training. I've read several reviews that stated that this program is for more experienced lifters. Well I'm hear to say, that while relatively fit, I was certainly not an experienced lifter, and the program worked wonders for me. Not only did I start seeing gains again, but the soreness is gone and I'm much more flexible than before.Here are my before and after results.Packing Day: BW of 154lbs at 5'7Broad Jump: 86"Box Squat: 225 lbsBench: 185 lbsDead Lift: 290 lbs3RM Chin-up: BW + 40 lbsMoving Day: BW of 158 lbsBroad Jump: 92"Box Squat: 250 lbsBench: 210 lbsDead Lift: 345 lbs3RM Chin-up BW + 50 lbsThis is a fantastic program for beginner and veteran lifters. The exercise descriptions helped me correct my form on several lifts. Poor form was probably the main contributing factor to the soreness I had felt. I feel better than ever before and, thanks to Maximum Strength, I'm equipped with knowledge that will stick with me for as long as I lift. Highly, reccomended. Also would recommend visiting [...]. He's very down to earth despite all his accolades and success, and has even responded to an email I sent him. There are several articles on his website that work as an excellent supplement to maximum strength.

I like the book overall, but there is too much cable work here. It's designed so that you could do it all with a home gym but how many people actually have cable attachments at home? Maybe I can substitute other exercises but I like to be able to follow a workout to the letter so there's no doubt I'm doing it right.Otherwise, great book. All safety concious, form correct, do-able exercises.No outrageous claims, no stupidly difficult routines. Just science based plans for strength gain.edit: I am 3/4 done with the program and am making significant improvement in the deadlift and bench. However, my back squat has gone way down. There isn't much back squat in this book, but front squat instead, and well, I kind of suck at it and am forced to use half the weight I was using for the back squat. I know the significance of the front squat, but if I do this plan again, I'd do back squat instead and save the front squat for "off" days, using light weight.As the commenter on my review stated, you can do the cable work with bands. That has worked fine for me.