Not all methods are created equal, and the more you look into an exercise philosophy or method, the more problematic it becomes. This is what Brian D. Johnston has done, with Mike Mentzer's Heavy Duty, the Weider System, Fleck & Kraemer's periodization, and Paul Chek's Functional Training. Brush up on your critical skills with this extensive book.

"Possibly the most important thing to be learned from these critiques is the importance of logical thinking when attempting to determine the value of any idea put forward. Such a way of thinking will be of great benefit not only in athletic training, but also in every sphere of life." Dave Smith, Ph.D.

Mike Mentzer's Heavy Duty II

System Analysis explains why and how a person can train too little, and the philosophical short-comings of the Heavy Duty II method of consolidation. Included are theoretical errors behind the method, why Heavy Duty is nothing more than a 'spin' of the old FITT Formula, Mentzer's misinterpretation of the General Adaptation Syndrome, why training to failure is not always enough, Mentzer's misunderstanding of aerobic vs. anaerobic, Mentzer's contradictions in regard to theory vs. practice, why increasing lifting proficiency does not always mean an increase in muscle mass, Mentzer's exaggerated claims on average gains achieved with Heavy Duty consolidation training, and more.

Fleck & Kraemer's Periodization

System Analysis challenges the beliefs and recommendations of two NSCA experts, and explains why the various 'components' of periodization are both irrational and impossible to implement, mistaken identification and understanding of 'sport specific' training, the dangerous implications of some training directions within a periodized model, the various examples that discloses the 'modest' knowledge of exercise science held by the authors, and more.

The Joe Weider System

System Analysis takes no exception to the Weider Dynasty, the one group/individual who has influenced bodybuilders more than anyone or anything else. Weider books are rife with contradiction; so much so, in fact, that nearly half of the 50-page critique discloses those contradictions. System Analysis also explains how Weider uses exaggerations to appeal to his readers' emotions, Weider's misunderstanding of basic exercise concepts and principles, his 'inventing' of concepts and renaming of terms to make them his own 'creations,' the extreme exaggeration of training protocol that would cause serious illness to anyone who tried to sustain them long enough, and much, much more.

Paul Chek's Functional Training

System Analysis goes after this modern-day hoopla with both barrels. Considered the best critique in the book, extensive information is provided on the subjects of motor learning and neurological functioning to disclose the irrationality of this individual's teachings. Sections on ability, primal patterns, equilibrium and balance in exercise, skills, motor learning, information processing stages, the learning process, human information processing, sensory contributions to motor control, principles of simple movement, specificity concepts, and transfer of skills all serve to support the book's arguments against the conflicting and contradictory recommendations of Paul Chek. In fact, Mr. Chek references two books to support his contentions, yet those two books uphold an opposite view!

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