Intro: In this book, Mark explains why someone should use barbells instead of machines to build solid muscle and strength.

A basic overview of the book: In this book, the author explains that the reason to use barbells is that they unleash the strength of our bodies and the movements are aligned with our natural body movement. Here are the top exercises he talks about in the book:

• Squats: It is the best full-range motion exercise. Mark explains that the active recruitment of the muscles of the posterior chain causes hip extension—the straightening out of the hip joint from its flexed position at the bottom of the squat. It strengthens the glutes, hamstrings, and adductors, helping us push, pull, and jump. The low bar squat is more effective compared to high bar squats because it activates more areas of the lower body.

• The Press: Mark defines the press as “a movement performed while standing, whereby a weight is extended to arm’s length overhead with the use of the shoulders and arms only.” The press is a very important exercise for the upper body. This movement starts at the feet against the ground, and we feel the pressure in the hips and legs. This exercise not only grows the shoulders but also strengthens the abs, back, and arms. The shoulder plays a very important role in our strength and flexibility, so we must train it properly.

• The Deadlift: The deadlift requires the production of force from a dead stop, which is why it is called the deadlift. It is one of the most dangerous exercises, but its effectiveness is very high. It requires a lot of strength. It targets not only the lower body but also the abs, intercostals, obliques, and all posterior muscles of the upper and lower back. The key point to remember is maintaining a tight back.

Recommendation and overall rating: I recommend this book to those who love barbell exercises and also want to grow their strength. The book is explained in a very easy way so that everyone can understand. I give it a solid 7 out of 10. If you want to read this book and learn more about barbell movements, here is the Amazon link where you can purchase it. I hope this article was helpful. Thanks for reading.