Hey guys,

to day I have a first book review on 36Pounds.com for you!The book is called Super Squats: How to Gain 30 Pounds of Muscle in 6 Weeks
and is written by Randall J. Strossen. I read it last week and loved it. It shares my view of training in the sense that you need to train with basics-first routine, keep it simple workout hard and you will succeed. Book is a short read, about 100 pages of content only, writing style is nice and easy to understand, like a very experienced gym buddy talking to you and just giving advice.

Book starts with brief history of squats and strongest guys in the world. Squats played huge part in their training and author advocates (like I do, the use of squats for everyone!!). It gives proof that basics-first routines work, they worked when there were no supplements and less equipment, it will definitely work now. Author and I share the same view about training and routines (Keep It Simple, Stupid!) so that’s why reading it was big pleasure for me.

Later on Strossen writes about the Routine itself and how to do the main exercises. Explains them nicely and provides two routines (one for skinny guys who may find the original routine too taxing).

I do have to say that this book wont be liked by people who chase the latest trend or fashion in training. It’s old school. But the advice works!! It’s for people who want simple and uncomplicated approach to training.

The main thing in this book is the concept of Breathing Squats. And boy do I want to test them out!!!!

Breathing squats is performing a set of 20 reps with a weight on the bar that you can usually lift just for 10 reps. Imagine that! What kind of challenge that is! It doesn’t really matter how long it takes you to finish the set, but you have to complete 20! After first 10 you will have to stand still and take a few deep breaths and get another rep. Then few deep breaths again, another rep. The closer you are to 20th rep the more deep, full breaths you have to take (therefore term Breathing squats).

When asked about breathing squats Mark Rippetoe said in one of his interviews:

Rippetoe: This isn’t something I dreamed up. Strossen’s written about it. Perry Rader’s old programs from the ’40s and ’50s involved 20-rep squats. 20-rep squats are not a beginner’s thing, because beginners can’t possibly do them correctly. But for an intermediate lifter who wants to take six or eight weeks and grow some legs, 20-rep squats do a marvelous job.

Most people can’t deal with that for a long period of time. But it’s terribly useful for short periods of time.

Attention: Breathing squats are not for newbies!!! Just like Rippetoe said!

Now, to learn more about them and the routine, buy the book, which is not an expensive investment, yo can get it for about 12 bucks on Amazon here – Super Squats: How to Gain 30 Pounds of Muscle in 6 Weeks
!

Verdict: Wonderful read. Should be in most of the trainees reading list! I strongly suggest you buy this book and read it. I am sure you wont regret it if you eat enough and do the routine with breathing squats. I, for sure, will start doing breathing squats and keep you updated on the progress!

Cheers,
Adrian

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