Product Description

For Powerlifters, Weightlifters, and Bodybuilders

In the only training book of its kind, Paul Kelso expands the "shrug principle" with dozens of variations that improve muscularity and the competitive lifts. "Trap bar" and rib cage enlargement programs are included.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #105145 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 108 pages

Review
"Paul Kelso has...finally...updated his original book on shrugs, a revamp so comprehensive that the new version is actually 75% longer! He not only added a lot of material, but rewrote much as well, cutting out some stuff he no longer believes in and adding two new chapters, including one on bench pressing that demands your attention. He has also codified his philosophy into what may evermore be known as 'Kelso's Shrug Laws.' This is not just an exhaustive treatise on a relatively under-utilized body of training movements: it is an effort to really 'think through' the exercise and develop every conceivable practical application for it. After reading a proof of the book, I was struck by the depth of Paul's historical investigation of the exercise (he carefully and consistently notes that he did not 'invent' much when it comes to the shrug...but he sure organized virtually all that has ever been known about it), as well as the way he places this exercise into its proper context within physical culture. Paul has a reverence for strength that underlies all he writes, and he's a terrific yarn teller to boot. If you never do a shrug, you will still be the better for reading this book, because in the telling of the tale of the shrug, you will indirectly come to understanding of the essence of why men and women lift weights in the first place. As I said, the chapter on the shrug and the bench press will merit your consideration...recent devotee Collin Rhodes put 44 lbs. on his already accomplished bench press in just one year, using shrug principles like the 'lateral' arch. Paul Kelso is a great guy and he has written a great book."

-- Powerlifting USA magazine, September 2002

"Paul has done more for my bench than everyone else put together." -- Collin Rhodes, USAPL world bench press team member

"Paul has done more for my bench than everyone else put together."

-- Collin Rhodes, USAPL world bench press team member

"The Mark Twain of iron-game storytelling returns to his 'how to' roots with very positive results."

-- Mike Lambert, Editor/Publisher, Powerlifting USA

"The Mark Twain of iron-game storytelling returns to his ‘how to’ roots with very positive results." -- Mike Lambert, Editor/Publisher, Powerlifting USA

"This unique book should be in every lifter's library."

-- Dr. Ken Leistner

"This unique book should be in every lifter’s library." -- Dr. Ken Leistner

"Who better than Paul Kelso to put a new spin on the shrug -- again?"

-- Randy Strossen, publisher of MILO magazine and author of Super Squats

"Who better than Paul Kelso to put a new spin on the shrug--again?" -- Randy Strossen, publisher of MILO magazine and author of Super Squats

"[Mr. Kelso has] taken the shrug farther than anyone in the game." -- Peary Rader, founder of Iron Man magazine

"[Mr. Kelso has] taken the shrug farther than anyone in the game."

-- Peary Rader, founder of Iron Man magazine

If you never do a shrug, you will still be the better for reading this book. -- Powerlifting USA, September 2002

Customer Reviews

great motion - OK book
I bought this book because of its 2nd edition date of 2002.
While I really appreciate the value of Mr. Kelso's methods,
I'm a bit disappointed in this book. Too many of the pages are dedicated to who wrote about whichever exercises first. So what ?!?

Overall, I see a complete set of shrug exercises.
These are gold. However, I give this book a three star rating because there are so few pictures of the exercises. He mentions many types of grips, but doesn't list them or describe them. If a beginner picks up his book and reads about the "Snatch Grip", he has to go to another book for a definition
.

The desriptions are pretty good, but pretty much every exercise book printed today includes step-by-step pictures
and anatomical diagrams. Most modern exercise charts include
color-coded diagrams of muscles involved in particular exercises.

Anyway, no disrespect intended. I hope Mr. Kelso reads this
review and updates his book so I can buy his 3rd edition.
He should do an Encyclopedia-style rewrite and charge more.

Kelso's "Shrug" rules!
I bought this book after reading the review below and found that it was right on. I wanted to share it with anyone out there interested in real gains. This book WORKS! Read on...

From Powerlifting USA, October 2002.

... Paul Kelso has ... finally ... updated his original book on shrugs, a revamp so comprehensive that the new version is actually 75% longer! He not only added a lot of material, but rewrote much as well, cutting out some stuff he no longer believes in and actually adding two new chapters, including one on bench pressing that demands your attention. He has also codified his philosophy into what may evermore be known as "Kelso's

Shrug Laws."

This is not just an exhaustive treatise on an relatively under-utilized body of training movements: it is an effort to really think through the exercise and develop every conceivable practical application for it. After reading the book, I was struck by the depth of Paul's historical investigation of the exercise (he carefully and consistently notes that he did not "invent" much when it comes to the shrug ... but he sure has organized virtually all

that has ever been known about it), as well as the way he places this exercise into its proper context within physical culture.

Paul has a reverence for strength that underlies all he writes, and he's a terrific yarn teller to boot. If you never do a shrug, you will still be the better for reading this book, because in the telling of the tale of the shrug, you will indirectly come to understanding of the essence of why men and women lift weights in the first place.

As I said, the chapter on the shrug and the bench press will merit your consideration ... recent devotee Collin Rhodes put 44 lbs on his already accomplished bench press in just one year, using shrug principles - like the "lateral" arch.

Paul Kelso is a great guy and has written a great book. -- Mike Lambert

A great addition to anyone�s workout.
The other reviews pretty much say it all. The only thing I would add is: this book is not for beginners. If you have been going to the gym for a while and will continue going, then this is a must have book. It will add and expand on your current workout and give you new ground to explore.