FURTHER BRAWN: I love this book! Its strength is that most of it is written in Q&A format. What this does is allow Stuart McRobert to cover a range of subjects that concern the reader but which might not work as part of a more generalized book on training and nutrition.

A sampling of subjects Stuart discusses, often in depth, includes John McCallum's "Keys to Progress series"; a comparison of the effects of 20-rep squatting and aerobics; "hard aerobics"; using the 20-rep protocol on exercises other than the squat; Super Slow training; psyching up for training; vegetarianism; suggested ingredients for liquid meals; PAGES on the pros and cons of food supplements; training dogma; and plenty more.

This book really is an extension of BEYOND BRAWN. What Stuart is doing with these books is equipping the reader with the knowledge he/she needs to become his/her own expert trainer. Better put, Stuart offers the knowledge in as clear and concise a manner as I believe it's possible to do; it remains for the reader to apply it.

As with BEYOND BRAWN, FURTHER BRAWN emphasizes flexibility within a framework. That "framework" is a tripod approach to training success: effective, progressive training; adequate nutrition; and proper rest and sleep. The "flexibility" element centers around a body of knowledge and collection of approaches that can keep a self-training barbell enthusiast busy his entire training career without impeding his progression. Once the principles are mastered -- the tripod, applied with an overall focus on poundage progression -- success is given its greatest possible chance.

Stop wasting time. Stop letting precious months and years slip by, focusing on unproductive approaches to bodybuilding. Pick up this book and APPLY it. Educate yourself so that you know what published material is trash, and what is treasure. Then, get moving on realizing your potential and living out your dream!

Second review, by Richard A. Winett, Ph.D., Blacksburg, VA, USA
Published in MASTER TRAINER, June 2001

After his excellent books, HARDGAINER magazine, and online contributions, it is easy to wonder if Stuart McRobert can have anything new to say about training. Indeed, he does and FURTHER BRAWN is one book you should purchase, read and study, and then apply McRobert's keen insights about training and, indeed, about life.

This 320-page book very interestingly revolves around 230 questions, and while many readers may not be interested in every one of them, it is likely that at least half, if not more, will be relevant to any reader. The reasons are very simple and a real credit to McRobert.

Stuart McRobert has not rested on his laurels, and most importantly, his overall philosophy and approach has continued to evolve. This is demonstrated in a number of ways through the types of questions in the book, and McRobert's responses.

A good term for McRobert's approach is "holistic." He is not just focused on adding 10 pounds to the bar, or seeing if you can gain half an inch on your arm. First and foremost, McRobert's focus is on safety. A series of injuries, and certainly a major injury to the lower-back, makes everything else about training a moot point . . .

But for this reader, the most intriguing parts in this book are the sections on the importance of cardiovascular training; the role of sleep in recovery, progress, and most importantly, health; attention to a healthy diet that can be easily sustained; and the need to steer clear of many of the supplements that have flooded the market.

If that is not enough, there are even more important sections in this book that deliver a very clear message. McRobert believes that training should be a priority in a person's life, but it is only one priority. Over the years, maintaining a focus on what really matters -- family, friends, work, community involvement -- will go a lot further as far as a meaningful life than the singular and obsessive focus on the next workout. The irony, as McRobert points out in a number of places, is that such a broader life and active participation in most cases will lead to even better training.

Third review, by Stephen Gardener, London, England 
Published in MUSCLE MOB

Those of you who are long-time readers of MUSCLE MOB will know that I am something of a fan of McRobert's writings. Bought and paid for and in my possession are the original BRAWN and his INSIDER'S TECHNIQUE books. Sent and signed by the author, I have BEYOND BRAWN and now this tome, FURTHER BRAWN.

Take it from me, when I received this book I emailed Stuart and said "Cheers." I was going to treat myself to this book. That's right, and you can take that to the bank as a recommendation of Mr. McRobert's work.

"Now, what has Stuart done in this book that makes it worth adding to the set?" I hear you ask. Well, the first chapter alone is a "hot one." In it he covers every aspect -- perhaps a little controversially -- of what he feels is wrong with most training schemes, information and how most if not all muscle magazines propagate this by selling supplements that may not work, by having "new and improved" training routines every month, or worse of all having the routines of a champ whose genetics allow him to get away with a kind of physical abuse that would knacker a typical trainee in no time.

While it does go on a bit -- it's a rant and a half, let's be honest -- it makes ya think. Have I, as a publisher, been guilty of some of the "sins" mentioned? Buy the book, read it and tell me.

The rest of the book adds more color and detail to the already instructive reference works that form the BRAWN series, made up of the many questions asking for more detail . . . in fact, some 230+ questions. Part of the book includes his "Golden Fleece" -- this could almost be a mantra, that we so-called devotees of the Physical Culture lifestyle ought to be [repeating] before entering our places of training . . .

While there are many good and entertaining writers in our field of interest, few will be considered by me as having created the very basis of what should form your collection. Stuart is one such person. Make sure you have Stuart's other books before you buy this one, and then treat yourself!

RECOMMENDED.

Order your copy today!

Click on the links below to read what people are saying about our other products!

• Beyond Brawn

• The Insider's Tell-All Handbook on Weight-Training Technique

• The Muscle & Might Training Tracker

• Hardgainer Magazine

• Brawn

Back to the Futher Brawn Book Page