Peter J. FitschenBodybuilding: The Complete Contest Preparation Handbook

For all those who love to workout, you need this book. Where do I even begin.....I am a gym enthusiast and have been competing for years and found this book to be so insightful. If you are just entering into bodybuilding, it will teach you about the different federations, divisions and guide you to where you should start your journey. I wish I had this book when I first started competing as the valuable information explained with the "why" and the "when" will help you understand the process. And if you are like me, understanding the process helps you prepare and anticipate the journey. The detailed breakdown and introduction will give you a headstart on your training, timing, and costs.All the research and science behind the workouts, progress, and diets are key if you are someone like me who NEEDS to know what to expect. I appreciated all the details and examples of sample meals and workouts. For so many of us, this is a roadblock that slows down the progress. Once you learn about macros and incorporating them into your lifestyle, you have a better understanding of the changes you need to make for your physique to take shape. Not knowing what/how to eat and how to properly train are the toughest hurdles people have in achieving their desired physique. I loved how this book was easy to read, understand and broken into subtopics with informational summaries. As I mentioned earlier, I am a seasoned competitor and learned so much from this book. Whether you are starting out, seasoned or just love to workout, this book is a must have. Get this book, you will not regret it.

A great read for one my favourite endeavors! Very insightful and put some questions I had about specific processes to rest. Definitely recommended reading for competitors or coaches.

The day both Cliff and Peter announced on Instagram that they were releasing a contest prep book I instantly preordered it. It came at the perfect time...one month into my FIRST contest prep. What makes the two authors stand out is the information that they provide is backed by science and results. So many people sale, “It worked for me, so it’ll work for you!” That’s not good enough for ME! Cliff and Peter have had hundreds of people achieve success in bodybuilding competitions. Male and female. I’m 16 weeks in prep and this has been my GPS to the finish line. I’m already in the best shape I have ever been and I at least have 14 weeks left. I also own a gym and I am personal trainer to “general population” clients. After thoroughly reading and taking extensive notes, this book has given me the confidence to not only compete, but to coach someone through a contest prep. I cannot stress enough the importance of this book. Technically I’m coaching myself during this prep, but I feel like Cliff and Peter are right there with me!

I really like the information in this book, and how it is presented. Excellent writing on the basics and the necessary details of how to eat and prepare for a BB contest (or just to get ripped for personal reasons). They dispel the myths that float around the BB world, and that is refreshing. I coach others and this information is sensible, well laid out, and easy to apply. I very highly recommend this to trainees and coaches/trainers alike. Two enthusiastic thumbs up.

THIS IS A GOOD READ FOR PEOPLE AT THE ENTRY LEVEL. IT HAS SOME BASIC DETAILS THAT CAN GET A NEWBIE TO THE SHOW ALONG WITH THE OCCASIONAL TOPICS THAT YOUR BROS AT THE GYM WON'T TELL YOU. GREAT BOOK IF READ IN COMBINATION WITH A FEW OTHER BOOKS I HAVE FOUND. IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING OPEN BODYBUILDING NPC/IFBB I SUGGEST READING ADDITIONAL BOOKS ON PEDS SO YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS ABOUT CATEGORIES AND DIFFERENT COMPETITIVE INSTITUTIONS, ALTHOUGH HRT/TRT UNDER A DOCTOR'S SUPERVISION IS SUFFICIENT FOR MEN'S CLASSIC BB OR PHYSIQUE IF YOU HAVE A GOOD COACH. THIS BOOK IS BUT A PUZZLE PIECE TO THE ART & SCIENCE TO BODYBUILDING. I HAVE NOT YET FOUND AN ALL INCLUSIVE BOOK.

This book is very informative. You have two people’s thoughts and experiences. This is based on education, as well as tried and true practices. Great book!

The chapters on posing and water/electrolyte balance were the most useful for me. I do not consume carbohydrates and hope the the authors will someday include a chapter for LCHF diets.

great resource if you coach competitive fitness athletes