BOOK REVIEW: Lower Body Training

Title: Lower Body Training

Author: Jason Brown

Publisher: Human Kinetics, ISBN: 9781718206878

Details: Paperback, 264pp

RRP: AUD$56.90 OR $37.71 when you use the code AFN2020 at the checkout to SAVE an additional 10% off already discounted rates HERE.

Reviewed by Tony Boutagy, PhD, AEP, AES

A problematic behaviour common to most personal trainers is an over reliance on favourite (and often limited) exercise choices. We build a library of tried and tested exercises and ‘play it safe’ by prescribing them to clients, repeatedly. We all are guilty of it at some stage in our professional lives.

The solution to this challenge is the new book by Jason Brown, Lower Body Training. This new publication provides three primary services to trainers: 1) it outlines the theory of training the lower body effectively, creating balance and explaining how to get the most out of leg sessions; 2) it details a huge range of lower limb exercises, with technique advice and recommendations on loading/volume protocols; and 3) it explains application of the theory and exercises into goal-specific programs.

With a diverse educational background, Jason Brown is a real thinker when it comes to applying different, sports-specific methods of training to the fitness industry. For example, Lower Body Training includes an extremely good summary of the teaching of the late powerlifting extraordinaire, Louie Simmons. Applying these Westside methods outside powerlifting is often – understandably – beyond the comprehension of trainers, but Brown artfully explains key points and demonstrates how the exercises, methods (bands, chains and more) and programming principles can be used by everyone.

Another highlight of the book is the exercise spectrum, detailing movements that range from those better suited to beginners and correcting left-to-right strength imbalances, all the way through to maximal strength-suitable exercises and those that develop power. Exercises suited to developing muscle hypertrophy are also included in the compendium of exercises covered. This information is critical for busy personal trainers who are looking to prescribe an interesting and diverse range of exercises that correspond with their clients’ ability levels and training goals.

Lower Body Training is an excellent resource for personal trainers to improve exercise selection, variation, and progression with some fantastic training methods and programming recommendations. Highly recommended.

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