Principles of Muscle Building Program Design

Usually I'm pretty skeptical of highly stylized fitness books like this one, in my experience the more focus put onto how the book looks means less consideration was given to the actual content. However, I was incredibly impressed with the amount of good foundational information given in this book. The book very clearly states on the cover and within the pages that it's primarily intended for beginners, whichever kind of beginner you might be. I've been a personal trainer for a few years and it's always nice to get a refresher on the basics. I really like that this book doesn't include major barbell lifts in the workouts like many other training books because most beginners don't have the knowledge, experience, or technique to safely perform them. I also really liked that the workouts are written in a way that allows the reader to decide which exercise of varying complexity per muscle group to do, as opposed to other books that just give a static workout with no real wiggle room. All in all, I think the content in this book is a great read for anyone wanting to learn or get a refresher on the basics of hypertrophy programming!

Buy this book. Everyone from an absolute beginner to professional trainers will find this helpful in developing their own hypertrophy specific workout programs. There is a great deal of information in this book presented in an organized, easy to understand way. I have a high bar for books on fitness and this is excellent. If you know Nick's work, you've likely already ordered this. If not, check him on on Instagram. He is the real deal. There are no shortcuts or magic answers but if you want one book to start you on your transformation or keep as a reference, this is it. My only gripe is that he hasn't built a gym near my home yet!

I just got your new book and I wanted to say both congratulations and thank you both....Congratulations on another published work and Thank you for again doing such a fantastic job of covering things from the largest to smallest detail in a well worded, informative easy to use format. Your books alone provide enough usable information to take the average gym goer to a level of knowledge in programming, technique and application that exceeds 90% of the trainers I see in big box gyms. Even as a seasoned trainer I am enjoying a fresh take on some familiar concepts and a deeper understanding of the “why” behind may things.

You will not significantly change the architecture of your body if you do not lift weights and get in a calorie deficit. This book is a must own if you are just starting out. It is a “bible” of weight lifting for the beginner. I turn to it at least 3x a week as a resource. Excellent book,

To me it is very basic. I know, that's the premise behind it - but I was expecting to find things I didn't know already. I skimmed through it and haven't really picked it up since.That said, I follow UpFitness every day and love their advice. They are at the top of their game and I think the most trusted out there. They are always transparent and up front. Their results with their clients speak for themselves.If you are starting out - this book will get you doing lifts the "right" way at the start - which is great. If you've been lifting for a couple years and get results - it may seem less than what you are expecting.

I’ve been training for a long time, and I’ve been a personal trainer for 5 years now. Nick Mitchell has given me a great perspective on training methods for the best part of those 5 years. He is the PT guru and his new book is simple to follow. I’m applying Phase 1 to myself and it has reinvigorated my own training. Can’t wait to help my clients with Nicks methods.

I had been exercising with a decent frequency for about a year, with only modest gains. This book gave me the tools to better plan my workouts, and taught me how to objectively evaluate my progress. Well written. Love the detail with which they describe proper technique.

It is a good start for lifters and it has a lot of information, it talked a bit about periodization but only for beginners.It will be nice if the book had a section for training for intermediate or advanced lifters. I am a personal trainer and I benefit it from it for sure but I expected more.