531 Powerlifting Ebook Review

I finally had the chance to review Jim Wendler’s 531 for powerlifting.  Jim claims that it is “simple and effective training for maximal strength”.  Jim’s declaration in the front of the book is a short, sweet, and  succinct synopsis of the negatives of competitive powerlifting.  
I also competed in multiple FEDs (both equipped and unequipped) only to find the same negatives of which he writes.  I have not lifted in a meet in years, though I train my raw strength regularly in an attempt to continue to get stronger.  To me, the need for greater physical strength is like a deep-rooted illness that will never heal.

The basic 531 tenants are based in solid logic.  Compound movements are used instead of isolation exercises.  Save your leg extensions and cable crossovers for your bodybuilding career.  This is good ole strength training.

Jim stresses starting “too light” and progressing slowly.  He explains that it takes 20-30 pound increases per year to make a great lifter.  I remember losing clients for stating it takes 3-7 years to build a good body.  Everyone seems to want a magic pill and 90 days to their dream physique.  Jim echoes the sentiment of “Wake up folks!  Nothing in life is free!” and I thoroughly agree.

Concerning rep records, Jim and I don’t quite see eye to eye.  While I acknowledge that being able to move a weight a few more reps equates to greater strength.  I don’t agree that it directly equates to increased limit strength; at least is never did for me.

Jim’s wave is elegantly simple and includes a deload week before each cycle.  He also advocates using 90% of your 1 rep max as the training max for his program.  
This is something many old timers will remember for Dr. Mel Siff’s Super training.  The difference between the competitive max and training max in Jim’s program is meant to prevent over training and plateaus.  Jim also designed his system with alternating difficulty like any good periodized method.

I agree with Jim concerning the idea that you don’t have to train maximally to lift max weight.  
I didn’t always believe this.  It wasn’t until I tried a Shieko type training that I started to have a change of heart.  I ended up in a meet where all my numbers were higher than anything I had done during my preparation.  I was used to lifting heavy to get strong and for most part, I still am.  The difference is that now I believe the really heavy lifts have to be strategically placed for maximum benefit.  I guess hindsight is always 20/20.

The book is set up to give someone that has been training for at least a year or two; an easy way to get some serious results in the sport of powerlifting.  He even goes as far as to differentiate between equipped and raw training.  He explains how to properly size equipment for those new to that game and he naturally mentions his favorite brands along the way. There is even something in there for older lifters.  Jim helps to cut through some of the B.S. that many sources would have you swallow whole.  Instead of taking years of trial and error to figure it out; he puts it in front of you for a few dollars.

In closing, this Ebook is worth reading.  It is only a couple of bucks and has enough to get you to the edges of elite if you have the guts to follow it.  Jim even has a Q & A section in case he missed anything in the meat of his work.  Downlaod a copy – DON’T STEAL – at http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=SR&SearchPhrase=531