Finally, a research-based book that covers all facets of optimizing the development of muscle and strength. Jim Stoppani's Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength, Second Edition, is a comprehensive training guide and reference that provides

* definitions of key terms and concepts;

* evaluations of equipment options, including TRX, BOSU, and kettlebells;

* explanations of the role and importance of each muscle group;

* latest nutrition information for losing fat and increasing muscle mass;

* presentations of the best exercises, including body weight, for adding strength and mass; and

* descriptions and examples of many types of workouts and programs and their effects.

Choose from 381 exercises presented for 13 muscle groups and the whole body. Proper technique for each exercise is tailored to the type of resistance used, be it free weights, weight machines, or body weight. Plus, each of the 116 training programs is rated according to workout duration, the projected time frame for achieving measurable results, level of difficulty, and overall effectiveness.

Past Muscle & Fitness senior science editor Jim Stoppani covers each topic in detail. His advice will help you conquer any problem or plateau you encounter. So build your knowledge base to build a better body. Jim Stoppani's Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength is the ultimate resource for pinpointing and achieving the results you're seeking.

Jim Stoppani, PhD, received his doctorate in exercise physiology with a minor in biochemistry from the University of Connecticut. After graduation, he served as a postdoctoral research fellow in the prestigious John B. Pierce Laboratory and department of cellular and molecular physiology at Yale University School of Medicine, where he investigated the effects of exercise and diet on gene regulation in muscle tissue. For his groundbreaking research he was awarded the Gatorade Beginning Investigator in Exercise Science Award in 2002 by the American Physiological Society. From 2002 to 2013 Stoppani was senior science editor for Muscle & Fitness, Muscle & Fitness Hers, and Flex magazines. He is currently the owner of the JYM Supplement Science and jimstoppani.com.

Stoppani has written thousands of articles on exercise, nutrition, and health. He is coauthor of the New York Times bestseller LL Cool J's Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle (Rodale, 2010) as well as Stronger Arms & Upper Body (Human Kinetics, 2009) and PrayFit (Regal 2010). He is also coauthor of the chapter "Nutritional Needs of Strength/Power Athletes" in the textbook Essentials of Sports Nutrition and Supplements (Humana Press, 2008). Dr. Stoppani is the creator of the popular training and nutrition programs Shortcut to Size and Shortcut to Shred, Dr. Stoppani has been the personal nutrition and health consultant for numerous celebrity clients, such as LL Cool J, Dr. Dre, Mario Lopez, and Chris Pine.