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Rating: 
Summary: There are better "scientific" body building books out there
Review: As a book that has "scientific" in its title, I was expecting to read about how their workout routines & techniques were proven in a controlled setting. I saw a lot of theory in the book, but no documentation to back up their claims. Their methods may well work, but since every book claims to have the best way to build muscles in the shortest amount of time, this book doesn't rise above any of the others I've read.
Rating:
Summary: You can get better info for free from Hatfield's website
Review: Fred Hatfield is indeed one of the clearest thinking writers in the iron game and I think that intermediate level weight lifters in particular will appreciate the information in this book. However, I will say that his website contains even more information than this book provides. From reading his website, he frequently strikes a condescending attitude toward bodybuilders, so I thought it somewhat curious that he would write a book on bodybuilding. Although overall it's a good book, I found myself wanting some parts fleshed out more. For example, how to cycle intensity isn't addressed adequately, nor is how long to rest between workouts. These are questions that intermediate weightlifters grapple with much more frequently than some problems that Mr. Hatfield discusses at length such as how to maintain a proper diet and I wished that he would've discussed those concerns in greater detail. I recommend this book, but I recommend Mr. Hatfield's website more.
Rating: 
Summary: His books are some of the best I've ever read.
Review: Fred Hatfield is the man known as 'Dr Squat.' His books are some of the best I've ever read. If you seek an understanding of how your muscles work and grow his books are a must. You do not have to have a Ph.D. to understand his writings. This book covers all types of training, with good and bad points, with solid information on the how and why. He is very well researched and experienced. NBAF 'very best'.
Rating:
Summary: The Real Stuff
Review: I bought this book with some reluctance because there are so many titles one the subject. However, I have read a lot of Fred Hatfield's columns in the magazine's and figured he knows his stuff to be around for as long as he has.The book has been WONDERFUL! Dr. Hatfield makes a great case for his approach so I tried it. I have gained 16 pound of muscle in 8 months! I have been thrilled with the range of information presented in the book and thrilled with the results! I have used the information and found it to be right on, no nonsense and straight forward.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: I first discovered Dr. Squat on Usenet, and later his homepage, and began using his advice. I was impressed, to say the least, with the results. When I saw this book, I immediately had to have it. Ever since I began using the program outlined in it, I have made nothing but progress. Fred Hatfield knows what he's doing.
Rating: 
Summary: Impractical training theory
Review: I spent several months working Hatfields routine, and I find
a) I didn't grow off them b) its overly complex and confusing c) is incomplete Its a confused book...like a mismash of his "lists" which is very unfocused. Hence the chapters "Strength with Mass for Sports". This is supposed to be a bodybuilding book, not a sports training book. I am totally not interested in an "Integrated Training Regimen for Aerobic and Anerobic Sports"...Im interested in bodybuilding and mass gain!
Im interested in a training regimen to get freaky and big! Im interested in "How can I look like one of those enormously ripped bodybuilders you feature in your book, and what are they doing that I am not, in terms of drugs, routines, diet?" He gives a rediculously broad view of "intensity", and even in his articles, increasing, reps, sets, speed, number of workouts, rest. Sorry Fred, a little wavy diagram with A's B's and C's on is pretty, but not scientific. Which type of intensity increase, Fred, is thats going to make me look like a bodybuilding competitor? How do I make my small weak chest physically bigger and powerful? Im looking for straightforward clear answers, not more confusion. The fact of the matter is Hatfield achieved all his fame with drugs and powerlifting. Period. Yet he keeps disparaging it! Drugs combined with certain diet and workout regimens built the people you feature in your book. I don't think there is any Mr. Olympia contender who would be foolish enough to try this outrageously complex system. You have to love his final comments on the routine...after building up this extremely complex system, he says "oh feel free to add and remove workouts as you please...its up to you"
Thats what I call a cop out. I'll choose to replace your entire system with a better one Fred.
Rating:
Summary: Impractical training theory
Review: I spent several months working Hatfields routine, and I find
a) I didn't grow off them b) its overly complex and confusing c) is incomplete Its a confused book...like a mismash of his "lists" which is very unfocused. Hence the chapters "Strength with Mass for Sports". This is supposed to be a bodybuilding book, not a sports training book. I am totally not interested in an "Integrated Training Regimen for Aerobic and Anerobic Sports"...Im interested in bodybuilding and mass gain!
Im interested in a training regimen to get freaky and big! Im interested in "How can I look like one of those enormously ripped bodybuilders you feature in your book, and what are they doing that I am not, in terms of drugs, routines, diet?" He gives a rediculously broad view of "intensity", and even in his articles, increasing, reps, sets, speed, number of workouts, rest. Sorry Fred, a little wavy diagram with A's B's and C's on is pretty, but not scientific. Which type of intensity increase, Fred, is thats going to make me look like a bodybuilding competitor? How do I make my small weak chest physically bigger and powerful? Im looking for straightforward clear answers, not more confusion. The fact of the matter is Hatfield achieved all his fame with drugs and powerlifting. Period. Yet he keeps disparaging it! Drugs combined with certain diet and workout regimens built the people you feature in your book. I don't think there is any Mr. Olympia contender who would be foolish enough to try this outrageously complex system. You have to love his final comments on the routine...after building up this extremely complex system, he says "oh feel free to add and remove workouts as you please...its up to you"
Thats what I call a cop out. I'll choose to replace your entire system with a better one Fred.
Rating:
Summary: This is the Bible of Bodybuilding
Review: I've read a lot of books on bodybuilding, some good, some not so good. For pure weight training, Dr. Hatfield, aka, Dr. Squat, this is the best it gets. There's a ton of info in this book and his routines are complex and grueling. However, they definitely work. I am proof of that as I have built significant gains using his technique. My only suggestions on how to improve this book even more: 1 -- Some of the approaches are presented with complexity and sometimes get confusing. I had to read and reread many of his instructions and I think it can be simplified and made more clear. 2 -- I would additional info and examples on both the cardio side as well as the nutritional side. Dr. Hatfield has some good info here but doesn't elaborate anywhere near on the details as he does on the weight training and supplement side. Other than that, I'd say it's a must read for any serious bodybuilder.
Rating:
Summary: Super source of information
Review: If you ever wondered whether you were maximizing your workouts, and wanted to locate a good source of information, this book is for you. One of the finest "one-book" overviews out there. Easy to read, easy to understand, and packed with useful and easy-to-understand information that you can take right to the gym. Have used the book to produce great results in the gym, and have passed it on to friends who are doing the same. Highly recommended.
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