BOOK REVIEW: The M.A.X. Muscle Plan 2.0

Title: The M.A.X. Muscle Plan 2.0
Author: Brad Schoenfeld
Publisher: Human Kinetics, ISBN: 9781718207141
Details: Paperback, 280pp
RRP: AUD$53.25 OR $35.77 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

Professor Brad Schoenfeld is widely regarded as one of the world leading experts in the field of muscle hypertrophy. His textbook, The Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy, 2^nd edition, has set the standard and benchmark for the most highly regarded scientific text on the subject. Having been a personal trainer, a coach, a drug-free bodybuilder and now, contributor to close to 300 scientific publications exploring the many facets of muscle hypertrophy, Dr Schoenfeld is uniquely qualified to provide profound and practical information in his writings. So, naturally, when he publishes a popular level book on the theory and practice of muscle growth, it becomes required reading for all trainers and interested members of the public.

The book opens with two chapters outlining the theory underpinning muscle growth. Dr Schoenfeld has amassed a considerable academic publication record on the theory of training, and, in my opinion, this is the best popular-level summary on the training variables and periodization for muscle growth ever written. It is easy to understand, scientifically-based and provides the foundation of the programs to come.

The next three chapters cover strength exercises for the entire body, with useful start and finish pictures and Brad’s training tips to perfect and get the most out of every exercise. Having been both a trainer and a researcher who has conducted investigations on the optimal way to perform movements, these chapters are highly practical in terms of explaining the correct execution of resistance training exercises, especially if you have been confused by the myriad differing opinions out there.

The other major practical part of the book is the programs Dr Schoenfeld has on the introductory phase, to ease the muscles into the rigors and demands of the more intense training to come. Then he periodises the programming into a strength phase, a metabolic phase and finally a muscle growth phase, each having their own unique emphasis, focus and differing use of training methods.

Other chapters in the book cover the art and science of warming up, nutrition for muscle growth and the role of cardio and HIIT. The book concludes with a useful question and answer section from the most common questions Brad is asked.

I cannot recommend this new book from Professor Schoenfeld highly enough. It is the perfect balance of theory and practical programming from the world’s leading authority on muscle growth. There’s a lot of opinions in this space, but none as qualified to speak as Dr Brad Schoenfeld.

• Bio

Network

Network is an education subscription service that offers a broad range of upskilling courses for fitness and wellness professionals. Established in 1987, Network has played a pivotal role in the continual evolution of the fitness industry.