Power to the People!: Russian Strength Training Secrets for Every American Paperback – Illustrated, January 5, 2000

Tastsouline's programs.I have lifted weights seriously for over 15 years.I also am a long distance runner. I also practice Hatha Yoga daily for at least 75 minutes but usually 90 minutes-2 hours daily.My free-weight program generally was done five-six days a week for 50-90 minutes.After reading Pavel's tome, I decided that focusing on several exercises or movements, i.e., lifting, pushing, and curling,. would free me up for additional cross-training.He's right:With my Pavel-influenced program, my body, strength, and fitness have improved, and in less time:)Basically, Pavel emphasizes a major lifting movement that is also one of several "full body" exercises. Deadlifts attack not only the entire back, legs, buttocks, but also the traps, bis, and shoulders. It has been empiracally proven that these type of movements ignite a flame in our metabolism.Also, the pushing movement, the flat bench, is a great exercise. I substitute heavy flies and leaning forward dips occasionally.The other movements are basically a rear military press and barbell curls.I do either overhead barbell extension, dips, or close-grips for my tris.I also do standing one leg calf raises (for my one leg down dogs in Yoga).In summation, this is a very informative and entertaining book. Lifters, bodybuilders, and athletes of all shapes and sizes (you too laides:) will benefit from Pavel's recommendations and the extra cross training that you'll have time for.As always, thank you Amazon.com for the outstanding service and value. Also, for the communists complaining about the book price: lighten up! It's not easy to get a book published when you are a former member of the Russian Special Forces.Update 12.18.05: I'm not sure why more readers didn't find my review helpful, but I'll provide some more information today. I took eight months off from free weights because I thought I'd be satisfied doing "iron yoga" and runnning. I was horribly wrong. Now, in about 3-4 months on Pavel's program, I'm in great strength shape and appearance. (I got skinnier during the yoga/running only phase).I had several concerns when I started back with Pavel. I didn't think doing deads alone would be enough to bring back my lats. I was wrong. And, I thought lack of tri work would hurt me. So, I added 10 sets of lying tri-extensions, overhead extensions, etc. to the routine. Plus, I do 10 sets of calf raises and 10 forearm exercises. My back is ripped, my lats, fine, and the rest fantastic. During my chair and warrior poses in yoga, I use heavy dumbbells, so this definitely helps with the great condition of my legs.Make no mistake, this is a great program.Thanks Pavel!

I can’t believe how many gems are packed in this short book. This is the book that got me away from bodybuilding garbage and into lifting heavy weights for low reps. My physique and my strength skyrocketed after applying these principals!

I had seen Pavel's books advertised for years (10+), but was always put off buying them because of the marketing spin they were promoted with, comrades this and super secret that. (Nothing against Russians, just the marketing hype that his books are sold with. Pavel is not Russian, just trained by the Russians)For some reason, I downloaded to my kindle a sample of Power to the People: Professional (I am a powerlifter looking to compete again after a layoff). When I realised that the book was aimed for a higher level of athlete than me I went and ordered the beginners version which is this book here (Power to the People!: Russian Strength Training Secrets for Every American) and was pleasantly surprised. The contents made sense, and were proven with real world examples and an understanding of what's involved in building strong muscles. This was a nice point of view compared to what is commonly taught in the West of training to destroy muscle, be fatigued for a few days, then spend a few more days to repair the muscle (with overcompensation), and finally a week later go back to the gym to do it all again.The book gravitates more towards training for strength than training for power. The training advocated in this book will work for anyone who wants to train for 2-6 days a week in as little as 15-30 minutes per session to gain strength.In the book, Pavel explains how to train daily (great for practising technique), what rep ranges and weights are optimal for strength gains vs muscle gain, and various techniques to lift more with the muscles and strength you have now.I would have given it 5 stars if it had references. Yes I realise most would not be in English, but it would be good to learn to read a little bit of Russian.Well recommend others who are looking to build strength start at this book and Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe.I will definitely be buying more of Pavel's products.

I started this program as a skinny fat 50 year old office worker whose future looked to be either in a wheelchair from back pain or needing a full time nurse because I couldn't open jar. After faithfully following this program for the last 5 months, I am stronger than I have ever been, my back pain is mostly gone, and I can actually carry the groceries in from the car without fear.The biggest physical change in my appearance was to my severely rounded shoulders and poor posture. Both have improved so much that people that didn't know I was exercising commented and said I looked better. I started the program at 160 pounds and probably 30% body fat and I am now 160 pounds and probably 15 - 20% body fat based on some muscle definition.Like many people, I get bored doing the same thing over and over and my plan is to do Simple and Sinister for 2 weeks followed by Power to the People for 6 weeks for the foreseeable future. This Power to the People is simple enough and works well enough that there's no need to switch and if Sinister doesn't work out for me, I'm sticking with Power.I wish I had this program and lifted like this 30 - 35 years ago, but at least I see a healthier future for myself and highly recommend it to anyone.