"Marty Gallagher has written the Great American Novel of Strength." —Pavel Tsatsouline
"Marty Gallagher has produced an absolute classic! I couldn't put it down... packed with real no b.s info from real ironmen. I am proud to be included with the outstanding athletes and their stories... A breath of fresh air!"
—Dorian Yates, 6-time IFBB Mr. Olympia
The Purposeful Primitive
From Fat and Flaccid to Lean and Powerful—Using the Primordial Laws of Fitness to Trigger Inevitable, Lasting and Dramatic Physical Change
By Marty Gallagher
Paperback
496 pages
8.5 x 11
Original drawing of The Purposeful Primitive by Ori Hofmekler
Since the birth of the Olympics in 776 BC, humanity has celebrated the struggle for physical transformation—and exalted to almost godlike status those men and women who have succeeded in transcending their "common mortal frames" through a combination of supreme effort and dedicated will.
In the 21st century, this drive, this search for the Holy Grail of physical perfection has climbed to ever-greater heights —but has also plunged us to unforeseen depths.
Elite athletes worldwide continue to shatter records that would have been considered inconceivable only decades earlier. Our current stars are unimaginably bigger, stronger and faster than their earlier counterparts. And yet, for the general populace the story is quite different. Obesity and abject weakness have exploded across our land like an all-consuming virus. And the gap between the super-fit and the obscenely unfit widens by the day.
While an elite minority seems to possess the secret to supreme physical transformation, our fitness landscape is littered with the road kill of those who failed to make genuine progress in their quest for change.
According to leading fitness author, world powerlifting champion and coach extraordinaire, Marty Gallagher, the reasons for this sorry state of affairs are clear and the solution obvious. In The Purposeful Primitive, Gallagher exposes the flaws and myths rampant in the modern fitness community, then reveals what could be termed "The Way of the Masters"—his foolproof program for guaranteeing physical transformation, based on the received wisdom of the greats who have gone before us.
As someone who has trained with some of the greatest strength athletes of the century, as someone who has coached numerous world champions to ever more impressive records and as someone who has had spectacular results applying these same methods to average folk, Marty Gallagher knows whereof he speaks. His inspirational message: simply follow The Way of the Masters—with the necessary drive and desire—and you CANNOT fail, you WILL transform physically. Change—change for the better—is inevitable.
The problem with modern day fitness, says Gallagher, lies in the sheer plethora and over-complexity of methods, the fragmented partiality of specialized systems and the general confusion about what really works to gain and retain muscle while losing significant body fat.
The great masters of fitness became masters by following a four-fold path: right weight training, right cardio, right eating and right mind-training. All four modes have to be practiced together as a synergistic whole. Then 1+1+1+1=16, or even more… For those who are up to the challenge, Gallagher lays out every detail of this four-fold path to supreme physical greatness—teaching only the methods that worked for his masters, for himself, for his champions and last—but far from least—his every day clients.
The purposefully primitive Way of the Masters is deliberately and potently stripped down to the core essentials of truly effective training methods. Cutting-edge science combines with Old School basics—forcing the body to transform, whether it likes it or not.
Discover:
How to completely transform your body—in 90 days or less
How to train for only five hours a week— yet be superbly lean and strong
The two best eating plans to optimize your fat loss while gaining muscle
Training protocols favored by the legends of champion-level strength
How combining an Eastern mystic's mind secrets with a Western scientist's brain train methods can lead to massive leaps in your performance
What foods will certainly sabotage your progress and what foods put you on the fast track for glory
The very best cardio methods to complement rather than hinder your weight training
From the foreword by Pavel Tsatsouline:
"Since their overwhelmingly warm reception of Paul Anderson half a century ago, the Russians have always been respectful of American strength and I am no exception. Anywhere Marty and I met, be it in a powerlifting meet where he was my 'corner man', on a meditative walk through the mountains, over a glass of wine at the Ritz in Washington or a fine Mennonite-raised steak at Marty's country compound, I prodded and cajoled my friend for more knowledge. What I have learned has blown me away by its beauty and simplicity. I invite you to be equally blown away from your reading of The Purposeful Primitive.
Marty Gallagher is the best writer in the iron game, period. He is so far ahead of the competition, both in his inner and outer knowledge of his subject and in his masterful delivery, that he is in a league of his own and the second best is not even in sight. It only took him forty years to reach his overnight success…" Read Pavel's complete foreword
"I would venture to say that I have read every book pertaining to weightlifting over the last three decades, and I have probably read the majority of the articles in this area. There are two things I can say unequivocally about what I have read. One, Marty Gallagher is the best writer in the world of physical fitness and strength, bar none, and two, Gallagher's newest book The Purposeful Primitive is the best manuscript ever produced in this field.
Teeming with esoteric information on training, biomechanics, nutrition, and sport psychology, The Purposeful Primitive is a wealth of information that every serious lifter needs to read. You are going to like this book. NO! You are going to LOVE it. I promise you that. It's Gallagher's best work, and that means it is strictly world class."
—Dr. Judd Biasiotto, author of 46 fitness and health-related books, world powerlifting champion
"I really only have two things to say about Marty Gallagher that bear on his new book, The Purposeful Primitive. The first is that there are two classes of writers in powerlifting: 1) Marty Gallagher and 2) all others. The second is that one day, ten years ago, Marty called to say he knew a Russian guy who he thought might be a good writer for MILO, so we invited the guy to submit an article: It was called Vodka, Pickle Juice, Kettlebell Lifting and other Russian Pastimes, the author was Pavel Tsatsouline, and rest, as they say, is history."
—Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D, Publisher and Editor-in-chief, Milo Magazine
"As a student, athlete, teacher, researcher, professional coach, and businessman I have spent over 60 years in health, fitness and sport, devoted to 'how to become the best you can be'. The Purposeful Primitive has been a very interesting journey for me... back-to-the-future...
Marty does a wonderful job bringing out the art and science of training, extracting many of the critical universal and specific principles (guiding rules to action—social, emotional, mental, physical and spiritual) that are applicable to living a productive life in general, and in training for health, fitness and sport, specifically. In addition, I like the way Marty personalizes the lives of outstanding athletes and shows how they applied these fundamental, can't-miss principles in their training to help them become the best they could be in their sport. My recommendation: if you want to achieve something 'great in your life', add The Purposeful Primitive to your training library… yesterday."
—Dr. Bob Ward, Sports Science Network, former head strength and conditioning coach, Dallas Cowboys
Yes! I am ready to take my strength and conditioning to undreamt-of new heights with Marty Gallagher's 100% guaranteed, proven program for fast-track training success. I want to order Marty Gallagher's The Purposeful Primitive NOW—and not waste one more day, being weaker than I need to be.
"For those who buy or judge reading material by size, number of pages, volume, or distance able to be thrown and cause damage, Marty has your back on this one. For the intellectual athlete who actually thirsts for knowledge and sees content as King, you will get 30 years of genius and experience in the Iron Game mixed with the passion and ability of Hemmingway all wrapped up in one book and the result is The Purposeful Primitive. From me to you—Go buy the book and enjoy!!"
—Rickey Dale Crain, IPF/WPC/AAU World Champion, 2000 Powerlifting Hall of Fame Inductee
"Marty Gallagher is a brilliant writer who thinks deeply about subjects he knows and loves. His manifesto/encyclopedia contains a ton of wisdom, one-of-a-kind role models, awesome color photos… a truly fascinating read."
—Clarence Bass, author of the Ripped series, Lean For Life, Challenge Yourself, and Great Expectations
"Marty Gallagher has written a most interesting book that contains not only telling first hand biographies from powerlifting's heyday, but the routines and mindset of the top practitioners of the strength pursuit. His style is rich with anecdote, at the same time being right on point regarding the many divergent paths to the attainment of fitness. The basic truths underlying those paths have been distilled down to a certainty, allowing the reader to intelligently compose their own program. Good job from one who sought intensely over many years to grasp the essence of power and fitness and most importantly loves what he does."
—Hugh Cassidy, first world heavyweight powerlifting champion
"What can one say with certainty about the author of this book—Marty Gallagher? Nothing other than the facts that he has 'been there and done that' as an 800-plus pound squatter! That he has written over a thousand articles about fitness and nutrition in the published print media (not to include his amazing blog). That he is not just a genius, but the best interviewer and storyteller going. And that he has not only truly trained the world's strongest athletes, but that he has distilled the most useful information from 15 of the foremost weight lifters, bodybuilders, psychologists and 'bodymaster' nutritionists of the last half century into a form that can be used by anyone from overweight, exercise-adverse beginner to world champions in their sports.
From Olympic lifting to power lifting and bodybuilding, whether muscle gain or fat loss, from cooking to supplements, from changing exercise and eating habits to molding the psychology of a champion (whether one is even remotely interested in competition or not), Marty has covered it all. I only wish I had had a book like this when I was growing up and trying my best to get bigger and stronger. Marty has demonstrated, without question, that he is the current and undeniably best 'trainer of champions' and 'ultimate guide to physical—and mental—transformation.' This book not only provides the simplest instructions and cheapest financial and lifestyle requirements, it is absolutely the single best book ever written on being the best you can be physically and otherwise."
—James E. Wright, Ph.D, former Director of Sports Science, U.S. Army Physical Fitness School; former Health and Science Editor, Flex Magazine
Yes! I am ready to take my strength and conditioning to undreamt-of new heights with Marty Gallagher's 100% guaranteed, proven program for fast-track training success. I want to order Marty Gallagher's The Purposeful Primitive NOW—and not waste one more day, being weaker than I need to be.
"Absolutely magnificent. What a breathtaking book on a life with iron. Marty Gallagher delivers an outstanding, comprehensive book with a writing style worthy of Hemingway himself. This book takes you on a journey through the iron-history of the great ones and in the most sophisticated way Marty presents probably the best ever written material on life, iron and mental fortitude.
This book is impossible to put down once you start reading it. It should be the first read of any who aspire to lift weights and be healthy. There are not enough words in the English language (or Danish for that matter) to describe how excellent this book is. It is an absolute must to any Strength & Health enthusiast. I give it my highest recommendation!!"
—Kenneth "the Dane of Pain" Jay, MSc, Sr. RKC
"Gallagher takes the gems of the greatest strength athletes in history and distills the keys to success for all of us.
After reviewing profile after profile after profile of great strength trainers in history, Gallagher goes the next step: he sums up their approaches then shows that all of them are right. As a person trained in the basics of theology, I understood immediately Gallagher's great point: it's not 'either/or' when it comes to strength and body mass, it is 'both/and'. I live by the coaching point: 'Everything works...for a while,' and Gallagher breathes flesh and blood into this principle.
There is so much more to this book, of course. The mental training section blends the Western and Eastern approaches to the mind game of training. Again, we find 'both/and', but Gallagher also spends a lot of time detailing how to incorporate these tools in one's training.
But wait, there's more! There is a section on cardio training for strength athletes that really makes me more comfortable with this notion of 'doing cardio'. It's nice to see the return for the widely misunderstood teachings of Len Schwartz's Heavy Hands. Moreover, we see a commonsense approach to this whole overhyped field.
The section on diet towards the end of the book again reflects the idea of both/and'. It is simply this: refreshing. Gallagher gives clarity to the calorie conundrum. Yes, every diet approach works, but Gallagher shows us a way to link them together. Truly, this man of experience understands that success leaves footprints and every approach is worthy of discussion.
Oh, this book is a joy. I put this book next to Tommy Kono's Weightlifting, Olympic Style for sheer fun and delight and love of training. I am convinced that I will probably keep reading The Purposeful Primitive in bits and snips for years. It's just fun and funny while pounding into the reader the 'secrets' of advanced training. Many won't like the message. The secrets involve training really hard and really heavy."
—Daniel John, Head Track and Field Coach, Juan Diego Catholic High School, American Record Holder, Masters Weight Pentathlon
Yes! I am ready to take my strength and conditioning to undreamt-of new heights with Marty Gallagher's 100% guaranteed, proven program for fast-track training success. I want to order Marty Gallagher's The Purposeful Primitive NOW—and not waste one more day, being weaker than I need to be.
"The Purposeful Primitive both inspired me, and also challenged some of my long-held notions about strength and athleticism. In the foreword, Pavel calls Marty Gallagher his mentor, and once you read this book, you'll understand why. The Purposeful Primitive is the most significant strength-training book I've read in 10 years."
—Charles Staley, Staley Training Systems
"Marty's literary style intrigued me and I could not put the book down!! I was drawn into being educated by a powerlifter that made points that would make me a better high school teacher/coach as well as an excellent Olympic weightlifting coach.
I was hooked by page 263, with Marty's 'physical and psychological weak points'. "What's the toughest lesson to learn in all of fitnessdom? I would nominate prioritizing weaknesses and not continually playing to our strength.' There it is! That did it! If nothing else, this chapter needs to be read by all coaches and by all athletes and all trainers in the fitness world…
I highly recommend The Purposeful Primitive as a must read."
—Mike Burgener, Senior International Weightlifting Coach, Coach for the Junior World Women's Weightlifting Team
"Marty Gallagher has convincingly presented the concept that successful people in all domains 'stand upon the shoulders of those who have gone before them.' He has accurately indicated that most of the fitness gurus and elite athletes of today are chasing after the golden fleece instead of following the tried, true and scientifically and empirically proven and validated principles of physical training, cardiovascular training, nutrition and psychology.
Marty characterizes this by stating; 'Old school methodology is the modern solution for achieving true physical transformation.' Readers will sink their teeth into the substance and procedures of the masters found between the covers of The Purposeful Primitive.
The Purposeful Primitive is an enlightening read, filled with great insights into the masters of the last century in Olympic Lifting, Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, Cardiovascular Training, Nutrition and Psychology.
Great job Marty Gallagher, master of: writing, powerlifting, physical training, cardiovascular training, nutrition and psychology."
—Dr. Paul Ward, PED, QPT Publications
Yes! I am ready to take my strength and conditioning to undreamt-of new heights with Marty Gallagher's 100% guaranteed, proven program for fast-track training success. I want to order Marty Gallagher's The Purposeful Primitive NOW—and not waste one more day, being weaker than I need to be.
"WOW! My old friend Marty knocked this one out of the park.
I was so fascinated I could not put the book down. These are exactly the routines most of us experienced in those days. It brought back a lot of memories.
For all you young powerlifters out there who want to build real power like we did it in the old days this is the book to get. Thank you so much Marty."
—Dan Wohleber, former national powerlifting champion, multiple world record holder, 1st man to deadlift 900 pounds
"When Marty called and asked if I could pose for a few photos for his new book, I knew I didn't have to worry about associating myself with anything he was writing. I knew it would be a quality book focused on proven, basic training principles and based on Marty's vast store of real, first-hand knowledge. What I didn't know until receiving my copy and really giving it a close look, was that I was stumbling across a small role in one of the most comprehensive, well-written, and above all else, entertaining, books on weight training that's ever been written.
I have a pretty extensive strength training library, and Marty's book belongs on the top shelf with Dreschler's Weightlifting Encyclopedia, Starr's The Strongest Shall Survive, McCallum's Keys to Progress, and McRobert's Brawn. I realize now how lucky I am to have been in the right place at the right time to be a small part of Marty's crowning achievement and lasting contribution to the Iron Game. Thanks so much Marty for not letting these great stories and this wealth of information fade away with the old masters!"
—Chuck Miller, attorney, journalist, C.S.C.S., AAU world and national powerlifting champion
"I enjoyed Marty Gallagher's new book and particularly liked his 'resurrection' of the methods of the Iron Masters. So much of that Old School training wisdom has been forgotten or discarded in our modern era. The training philosophies of men like Bill Pearl and Ed Coan are timeless and grounded in principles that have stood the test of time. These philosophies are based in the idea that first and foremost, hard and sustained physical effort must be implemented for a protracted period. This requires using lots of Old School discipline.
I agree with Marty's premise that to modify the human body, to improve it, to make it more muscular and leaner, requires real work. Too many individuals in this day and age want to believe that some miracle method exists that can magically bypass the requisite pain and struggle. By spotlighting men from a simpler era, Marty shows that real gains can be gotten from methods that need not be unduly complicated. I would hope that modern readers could absorb some of the iconic lessons he relates in his own unique way."
—John Parrillo, CEO Parrillo Performance Products
Yes! I am ready to take my strength and conditioning to undreamt-of new heights with Marty Gallagher's 100% guaranteed, proven program for fast-track training success. I want to order Marty Gallagher's The Purposeful Primitive NOW—and not waste one more day, being weaker than I need to be.
"I have been studying the industry for 20 years. Marty is in a class of his own. Combine his fitness knowledge with a unique talent for writing and one has an unbeatable combination."
—Larry Christ, multi-time national master powerlifting champion
"Once again, Marty Gallagher has proven that he is powerlifting's most articulate and informative writer. The Purposeful Primitive is an outstanding read, with credible and essential information for beginners and elite lifters alike. I will be honored to promote the book at my gym and the many contests we host each year."
—Dr. Spero S. Tshontikidis, R.A.W. United, Inc.
"Wow! Marty Gallagher did a tremendous job! Not only was it a very interesting and entertaining read, but it can be used as a reference manual. A must read for anyone interested in fitness and or strength."
—Bob Gaynor, WPC World Record holder
"The Purposeful Primitive is Marty Gallagher's magnum opus. It's the most entertaining book about physical culture I've read in a long time. The hilarious over-the-top reminiscences of Old School powerlifting and powerlifters is combined with the basic, bare-bones, best-practice information needed to dramatically change your physical appearance and become radically bigger and stronger as long as you are willing to sacrifice your blood, sweat, and tears to the loa of The Purposeful Primitive".
—Steve Shafley, Powerlifter and Highland Games thrower
"Marty Gallagher has laid out simple tried and true old school principles that yield results. I believe that is what this book is all about; results. In a world full of bells and whistles, this book is a great reminder of what training should look like. I think this is an outstanding resource for physical transformation. I would recommend this book to anyone who is serious about building a real-world body."
—Tim Anderson, RKC Level II, CPT
The Purposefully Primitive Manifesto
Doing Fewer Things Better
Executed with the requisite tenacity, intensity and precision, Purposefully Primitive methods can and will favorably alter the compositional makeup of the human body. Primitive tools and simple modes are used to power sparse methods. By generating a methodical and sustained physical and psychological effort, the human body is forcibly morphed from what it is into what we want it to become: leaner and more muscular. The human body is not seduced, lured, cajoled, convinced or persuaded to alter itself—it is forced to alter itself. We force the body to favorably reconfigure itself by generating physical and psychological fierceness during training. This intense, protracted physical effort is amplified and enhanced by the studied and sustained use of specific nutritional strategies. Commonsense nutritional strategies and Old School training tactics are synchronized and placed within a periodized timeframe.
The three interrelated Purposefully Primitive disciplines (weight training, cardiovascular training and nutrition) need to be regularly and routinely practiced in a balanced and proportional fashion. Lock down all aspects of the program and within seven days of full implementation tangible results appear; by the end of the first month, body composition (the fat-to-muscle ratio) undergoes a dramatic turnaround; those who commit completely for 90 days undergo a total metamorphosis. Does this mean everyone will end up looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger on his best day? No, but no matter how deep a physical hole you are currently standing in, 90 days of maniacal discipline and teeth-gritting effort will enable you to utterly and completely change the shape, texture, efficiency and hardness of your body.
Our Purposefully Primitive Methodology is a loose amalgamation of methods and modes absorbed from genuine Masters. This cumulative, combined knowledge is grouped into one of four categories: Iron, Mind, Cardio or Nutrition. These are the four avenues of transformational progress. The Purposefully Primitive amalgamated philosophy is not time intensive, but it is physically intense: total training time for a beginner or intermediate athlete does not need to exceed five cumulative hours per week—not much time at all when one considers the innumerable physical benefits derived. The caveat is that you must generate extreme physical effort during those five hours. Sub-maximal training yields sub-maximal results; we consciously and continually push against the lip of the limit envelope because we understand that extreme physical effort is the transformational precursor.
Disciplined nutrition underpins gut-busting training. Eat plentiful amounts of wholesome, nutritious and delicious tasting foods. Bias food consumption towards nutrients preferentially used to build muscle and accelerate the healing and recovery process. Avoid foods preferentially shuttled into body fat storage. Purposefully Primitive training is self-inflicted physical trauma. We need to supply the battered body with ample amounts of regenerative nutrients. Certain nutrients ingested at specific times will accelerate the physical recovery process. Physical recovery is the precursor to actual muscle growth.
Certain foods accelerate results and other foods undermine hard training. We consume foods that amplify our efforts and jettison foods that subvert and derail the transformational process.
Those disciplined few able to attain and maintain that delicate, elusive balance between resistance training, cardiovascular training and precision nutrition, ignite physiologic synergy. When synergistic critical mass is attained progress compounds at an astoundingly fast rate; results exceed realistic expectations. The transformational total exceeds the logical sum of the deconstructed parts: 2 + 2 + 2 = 10. A fully instituted Purposefully Primitive regimen always transforms the physique. The human body subjected to our peculiar and particular procedures and protocols has no biological choice in the matter: when the human body has been successfully served with certain physiological imperatives the laws of causation must be obeyed. Enact our procedures in the prescribed fashion and muscle must be manufactured; stored body fat must be mobilized and oxidized.
I have provided you with a series of tried-and-tested tactical training templates. I have provided you with nutritional strategies used on a worldwide basis by the athletic elite. Hopefully I have shed the light of truth on a few basic physiological facts-of-life. There are certain laws of science and biology that are profoundly applicable to the process. All fitness-minded individuals need to understand these facts-of-life if they are ever to gain any traction in their own transformational quest.
I have empowered you with classical knowledge gleaned from true Masters. You now know precisely what procedures and protocols will work. By replicating and instituting Purposefully Primitive training and eating strategies, you will be able to engineer your very own physical metamorphosis.
Your search for effective transformational methods is over.
—Marty Gallagher
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For years I have been searching for the "Holy Grail" of fitness. Being an active duty Marine, my state of physical fitness is a huge priority. I have used several different aproaches; from the Matt Furey bodyweight calisthenic routines, which were great for a time but were lacking in the extreme strength gains that I want, to the Crossfit craze, which made me stronger but also made me chubby and lose cardio stamina. Kettlebells, on the other hand, had a great effect on my stamina and strength, but I still did not make the gains I have with only three weeks of the Purposeful Primitive regimen.
I can't say enough about the Purposeful Primitive. Like I said before, I've only been using this routine for three weeks and have already seen the gains in both strength and cardio stamina that I need. Sgt Will Mueller, USMC - Beaufort, SC USA
If you are a student of the Iron Game, if Marty writes it, read it!
Rated 10 out of 10
Unless you were a competitive bodybuilder and powerlifter in the 70's, 80's and 90's; or even if you were, you would be hard pressed to find more and better information about the real world of training than in Marty Gallaghers lastest epic, The Purposeful Primitive. Marty is without peer as a writer in the Iron World, combining a rare and unique ability to transmit inportant training and historical data at the same time making it seem like he is just telling a story to his training buddies. Marty last book about the greatest powerlifter in history Ed Coan: THe Man,The Myth, The Method was just a taste of the information and in depth insight Marty has given to the critical aspects of body transformation in The Purposeful Primitive. Covering resistance training, cardiovascular work, real world nutrition info from the trenches and the rarely examined but critical aspect of the mental game Marty hits on all cylinders in a very easy to read examination of how to REALLY change your body the way it's been done by experts for many years. He backs it up with many examples of regular people using his techniques with great success. The fact that Pavel considers Marty his mentor should say it all.The fact that Marty writes so well makes reading everything he writes a joy. I love the in depth look at the Iron Masters; the guys I grew up idolizing and patterning my training after.Information, inspiration and motivation all in one incredible book. Great job Mr Gallagher, can't wait to see what you come up with next!
Rif
Mark Reifkind - San Jose Ca
The best book on weight training I've ever read
Rated 10 out of 10
I've read several books on weight training over the years, starting with Randall Strossen, culminating with Pavel's Beyond Bodybuilding. A lot of great stuff out there, but this just blows them away. Gallagher has a very engaging writing style and his knowledge is second to none. I recommend this to anyone interested in weight training - should be the start of their collection if they are just beginning, I feel. Worth every penny. Sladd - Los Angeles
A master piece on the world of strength.
Rated 10 out of 10
If you are a power lifter Gallagher's "The Purposeful Primitive" is a must read. Templates and training tips from the worlds greatest power lifters and strength athletes are interspersed with prose that will amuse, delight, and educate anyone interested in the world of strength training. I have already read and reread the gems of knowledge that Gallagher has mined from the minds of the experts in lifting, mental focus, and nutrition. As a fellow lifter said, "If reading this book doesn't put pounds on your total, you ain't paying attention".
Gallager's ability to enlighten us regarding the greatest lifters the world has ever known is worth the price of the book in itself. Yet this book is so much more. (The section on the transformation of obese individuals who Gallager put on power lifting programs should be required reading for every spandex wearing personal trainer and internet "fitness guru" on the planet.)
Are you all about getting bigger and stronger, are you driven to constantly lift more weight, do you find yourself enraged by the "get fit quick" schemes/devices on TV and the internet, are you constantly searching for hard cold truth on improving power liting performance, do you eat, drink, sweat and bleed iron? If you answered yes to any (or all) of these questions then you need to make Gallager's master piece a part of your strength library. Ken Kaiser - Westminster, CO USA
Great Info
Rated 10 out of 10
I haven't even finished the book and I am already using some of the ideas. It appeals to one's common sense as well as to one's intellect. Harry - Philadelphia, PA
Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to The Purposeful Primitive. I want to order The Purposeful Primitive NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because The Purposeful Primitive comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!
Interesting Insight Into Powerlifting/Bodybuilding World
Rated 8 out of 10
Overall the book provides an interesting insight into the world of competitive powerlifting and bodybuilding. On the upside, I really enjoyed "Mind Game", "Nutrition" and "Cardiovascular Conditioning" sections. They provided interesting new concepts and encouraged further research and experimentation.
On the down side, I felt that workout routines outlines were of limited use to someone not looking to compete in powerlifting or bodybuilding event. Although, someone who is looking into these activities may find them useful. Also, I did not particularly care for biographies of athletes outlined, but I can see why the author would want to include profiles of athletes he considered to be his role models.
However, I really failed to see the purpose of several essays in "Iron Essays" section starting around page 192 and ending around page 209. Such rants really cast a shadow over overall excellently presented material. Anton Iskerskiy, RKC - Red Bank, New Jersey
The shed, the pond, the iron, the life. . .
Rated 9 out of 10
In keeping with the highest standards and traditions of storytelling, Mr. Gallagher has given us the exposition necessary to understand where the street science of 3-5 reps, high tension, and American Hard-Style was born. There is no text out there that serves as both a desk-top reference and story of origin for many of the training templates we all use today. If you have read 'Beyond Bodybuilding' or 'Enter the Kettlebell', and you observed the simplexity in structure of the 3-5 x 3-5 training templates, then reading The Purposeful Primitive and discover who the men were that grinded away in basements and dungeons to give us the proof that those numbers work best for raw strength. Mr. Gallagher spins a tale of short strength at the bar, long strength on the road, and smart delivery of nutrients to fortify the mechanism. Long before my bookmark had reached halfway, this book had changed my life. "Doing fewer things better", indeed. As few as living, training, refueling, and rewiring. Read this book and be the transformation. Will Williams, RKC since April 2005 - Suburban Philadelphia
Outstanding Read
Rated 10 out of 10
I've competed in powerlifting, wrestling and grappling since I was a teenager. I experimented with some of the "New" methods of training but was still left wanting. It is a breath of fresh air to look back at some of the "Masters" to reinforce that training doesn't have to be so complicated. This book will add to my arsenal to remain competetive in grappling deep into my 40's and hopefully 50's. Thanks to Marty and all of the other animals that added to this book. Vince Cover, Judoka and BJJ Purple Belt - Lodi, OH USA
A Lifetime of weightlifting Information - All in one package
Rated 10 out of 10
I'm 51 years old and have been heavely involved in Exercise, Nutrition and Physical Culture for the past 36 years. I've explored , studied and applied dozens of strength / bodybuilding protocols over the years, which I've learned from the greats of the past.
The Purposeful Primative is an incredible exercise book, that covers all that anyone needs to know, in order to gain significant strength and high levels of muscular bodyweight. Marty Gallahger boils down the basics of what physical transformation requires - large compound free weight exercises, solid programs (designed to fit your individual needs) + extreme levels of hard work (applied on a consistent basis).
This book is filled with incredible exercise tips and precise weightlifting illustrations. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is serious about making it big in the iron game. Excellent book value - the training information is easily worth 10 times the price you pay - Bob G. Bob G. - Personal Trainer NY - Massapequa, New York USA
Wow i think i can really see my self going all the way with this book
Rated 10 out of 10
Well the book Is very informative and ive been skipping around the book im a bit over weight so went ahead a nd looked at the cardio and the nutrition, i bought a heartrate monitor and im beginning to use it. Now the only negative thing i can see is that its alitle confusing as far as the perio...some thing i cant even say it lol.For instance a list for the nutrition would have been great, again maybe its in there i just havent gone through the whole book. i hope my info has been helpful! thank you Jesse Navarrete - redondo beach CA USA
Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to The Purposeful Primitive. I want to order The Purposeful Primitive NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because The Purposeful Primitive comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!
An Outstanding Presentation to the Health of Mankind
Rated 10 out of 10
Marty Gallagher's book "The Purposeful Primitive" is an outstanding presentation of written words that will physically transform the lives of those who read it. One may at first think his book is just another one about how to exercise and eat the best way, but it is much more than that. He brings the reader back to the proper essentials of physical fitness for the creation of a more healthy mind and body. He takes away the confusion that plagues the diet and exercise world. Marty tells it to you straight and honest and puts his information into terms the average person will understand and be able to begin doing the next day. I wholeheartedly support his book and effort to convey to the public the correct way to achieve a healthy new you. Believe me, this book is the real deal and if you put effort into his suggestions, you will receive results. Dr. Steve Karg, DC - Rockford, MN USA
An outstanding book on fitness
Rated 10 out of 10
I'm currently on the second reading of this book, and I can't say enough about it. I would easily put it right up there with Beyond Bodybuilding in Dragon Door product, and in my opinion, is one of the four or five fitness books worth owning today. Marty has done a wonderful job of making the secrets of fitness understandable to the lay person, and the book almost reads like an NLP book - here is how the masters did it, here's how you can apply their secrets to yourself, work hard and see the results. After feeling pain in my shoulders from what I discovered was overuse injuries, I pulled back and applied what I have learned from this book. Now, I not only don't feel the pain, my strength and overall fitness has improved. I have to note that the book is not a cure all, but a tool that can take your fitness to the next level.
I can't praise this book enough! Add it to your library now! Kang - USA
I am very impressed!!
Rated 10 out of 10
It took a while to get into the book, but once I did I was totally impressed. I hope I can apply the reasoning to kettlebell training because that is what I am using at this time. When I return to freeweights, there will be no need for other guidiance, than "The Purposeful Primitive". Great book, tons of wisdom!! George E. Butler, aged, injured strength trainer - Detroit, Michigan USA
An Instant Classic
Rated 9 out of 10
As always, Marty Gallagher delivers the goods.
This book is a first class ticket to bigger Powerlifting totals.
Thanks to Pavel and Marty, you have no excuse for being weak.
I rate this book a solid 9.
I reserve the 10 rating for Pavel, his books, dvd's and Kettlebells are the Best. GravityFighter - U.S.A.
Great old school training book
Rated 10 out of 10
This book is a breath of fresh air...
In a time where it seems everything is geared toward making things easier to do, This book brings you back in time when hard work was the staple in weight training and sports in general...
If you are looking for the magic, secret routine where you can workout 2 times per week WEARING AN IPOD ,200.00 SWEATSUITS using nothing more than 5 lb CHROME weights and making incredible gains wihout even breaking a sweat. THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR YOU....
This Book is for the people that understand the concept of putting in hard ,brutal work into routines that have been proven to work for a hundred years with basic equipment (MEANING ITS THE EFFORT BEING MADE, NOT SOME NEW SCIENTIFIC PRACTICE)by some of the strongest men ever to walk the earth !!!!!!!!!! Daniel Gallagher - Cedarhurst , New York 11516
Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to The Purposeful Primitive. I want to order The Purposeful Primitive NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because The Purposeful Primitive comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!
Before you dip, grip, and rip, what should you be thinking about?
Rated 10 out of 10
The mind essays section will answer that question in depth.Our minds are the strongest part of the equation in anything we do.Is yours mentally tough enough? Do you want to learn about secrets that are unveiled in The Purposeful Primitive? Read it,learn,apply it and watch out!
Bob Ross RKC - Arizona
Save your money and buy Beyond Bodybuilding
Rated 5 out of 10
Yes this is a good read and very good value but its also hugely overhyped and very cluttered.
The book ranges from being very basic and excellent for beginners (the cardio section is nicely broken down and the mind stuff is a good intro but as someone else said, its high school stuff) but then it lunges into advanced stuff that is pretty useless unless youre a pro bodybuilder or PLer. Realistically, what percentage of readers actually want to look like Dorian Yates? 11 case studies of very similar men is pretty boring for a non-PLer. Either write a book for competitive PLifters and serious BBers or write a book for the average trainee- this just doesnt work.
The worst parts are some of the Iron essays about the guy who beat up a mullet gym member or the guy who wasnt allowed to train in an underground gym because he was a yuppie. These stories are pathetic, immature and indulgent. Its this sort of attitude from these sort of sad men that give strength and weight training a bad name and drives people to Pilates and Taebo. If you think 'choke-slamming a mullet' makes someone a 'real man' then youve got a very dim view of life. Plus the story sounds made up.
And as for Heavy Hands- give me a break. I'd feel more dignified doing Fire Hydrants in a Body Pump Class.
Bottom line- if you want to get strong and big, buy Beyond Bodybuilding- it blows this out the water. Matthew Green Uk - Manchester, UK
The best I've ever read!
Rated 10 out of 10
This book must be savoured as a quick read does NOT do it justice. Some of the photos are so compelling that they tell complete stories. Gargantuans of size and stature that I had never heard of before like Ken Fantano, George Hechter, Pat Brego, and Anatoli Piserenko will forever haunt me when I try to find excuses to skip a training session.
For the last three weeks this book lies open on my kitchen table as every meal requires a re-read of another ditty. Some of the stories are so vivid and detailed in their presentation that they elicit in me ear-to-ear grins or vulgar outbursts of joy. As predominately one who trains and instructs almost exclusively within the RKC Hard-Style system, at first I was aghast at only a fleeting mention in this huge tome of the kettlebell as an amazing strength and conditioning tool. Then I as I read and re-read, I realized that the dumbbell and barbell free weight centric tools discussed in detail in this book were the implements Marty has used over several decades and he knows them best. And at the end of day, only a little imagination is necessary to modify his recommended routines and splits into ones with kettlebells.
Some have criticized this work as being a compendium of routines and ideas available in other publications. If this is the case, I challenge anyone who can come close to the way in which they are presented here with such enthusiasm, sense of balance and beauty, and breadth of knowledge. Franklin B. Herman, RKC - LIttleton, MA
A Treasure Trove of Training info and ideas.
Rated 10 out of 10
It's hard to decide where to begin in reviewing Marty Gallagher's Masterpiece. He is among the very best athlete-turned-writers I have ever read. I very much enjoyed his history's of great lifters like Paul Anderson, Ed Coan and Dorian Yates, to name a few. I have enjoyed trying some of the training programs that Marty outlined in his book. His ideas about aerobics for "Widebodies", guys like me who lift and are middle aged make a lot of sense. This book is simply one of the best, if not THE best workout book I have bought. Steve Adams - New Hope, MN USA
Amazing Read
Rated 10 out of 10
Definitely take some time out of your day to read this mammoth of information. Plenty of good stories and solid training information to keep you busy for more that a good while.
People don't seem to understand the part on switching up the two diets and why they don't get it is amazing to me. CYCLING just as with weights must also be done with your diet. Your body is amazing at being able to adapt to where what you do and put in your body will no longer have an effect. That's the point of the two diet variations, so you can CYCLE them. Re-read if you don't understand this please.
The training programs are definitely sound and solid. I loaned my book out to my friend though so he could have a taste of what it has to offer. I'm planning on buying a power rack within 2-3 months, I will then implement the training information in this book. I'll come back on the forum and post my progress.
Thank you for this strength classic Marty! dantheman - St. Louis, MO
Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to The Purposeful Primitive. I want to order The Purposeful Primitive NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because The Purposeful Primitive comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!
The best writeing style you will ever see in a fitness book!!
Rated 8 out of 10
I think that if some one is new to fitness or the iron game they need to purchase this book. The history is so interesting and is told as a series of short stories. Each story though is a building block for what is to come in the latter half of the book. Sometimes we all need to be reminded of the obvious or what should be obvious and this book does that well. The templates and such are very useful for someone that has a lot of anxiety about doing their own program design. In my opinion the mental training discussions in this book are worth the price of the book even if everything else is not new to you. Since the mind is truly the final frontier for so much of what we can become to not use it to its full potential during your training or weight loss is simply a waste of your most significant resource. After all it is our mind and all it's abilities that separate us from the rest of the animal kingdom. John Baumchen - Lennon, MI USA
Solid, but could have been more compact
Rated 8 out of 10
I enjoyed reading the book and learning about the training routines of the athletes featured as well as the amalgamation. There was a lot of useful information. However, the book probably could have been shorter. While every book of this size and type has some info that appears redundant or superfluous, some of the essays really seemed unnecessary.
The only real problem I had with the book was the cardio section. I rowed competitively for nine years and the assertion that using light hand weights while walking outstrips rowing as a cardiovascular activity is one of the most bogus things I've ever heard. There are any number of negative things to be said about rowing as cross training cardio, but lack of cardio development is not one of them. In fact, the two sports with athletes possessing the ability to pump the most blood with their hearts over a protracted period of time are rowers and speed skaters. Maybe the author was using a different definition of cardio.
Aside from the cardio section, I have really enjoyed the book and will be incorporating the training methods when I lift with my classmates. I'm always on the lookout for good training ideas, as I'm a law student right now and lift to stay in shape. Joe Fay - Washington DC
old school
Rated 10 out of 10
I totally loved the book. Especially how Paul Anderson did heavy partials and lifted and played golf at the same time. Bill pearls two hour marathon workouts is a great contrast to Mark Chailets once a week singles. And where else can you find the polar oposite diets in the Warrior Diet to John Parrillo's mega calorie regime. What this book really shows is that there are many ways to be successful and that they can be rotated to get the best and strongest body that can be achieved. Jeff Hackett - Wellsville, NY USA
Concisely this information plus your willpower always gives results
Rated 10 out of 10
I was an amateur powerlifter in my twenties and was blown away at how much of my own training practices are so thoroughly explained and expanded upon in Mr. Gallagher's book. Thank you Dragondoor for such a concise presentation of Old School ways that when applied ALWAYS work!! Rob Cole - Jackson, TN USA
Top Notch
Rated 10 out of 10
I have read everything (or pretty close) on strength training and this is in my top 5 for absolute must reads if your interested in improving your physique. From average Joe to elite powerlifter, there is something for everyone in this masterpiece. The mental/psychological section of this book is worth the cost alone and seperates it from all the others. I will probably have to buy a second copy because I have a feeling I'm going to wear this one out. Worth every cent and then some. T.Hildreth, Powerlifter - Westminster,Colorado USA
Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to The Purposeful Primitive. I want to order The Purposeful Primitive NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because The Purposeful Primitive comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!
A great resource
Rated 10 out of 10
This book is a great extension of a lot of the principles I've been working on from Pavel's books. I'm not planning on bulking up like the Iron Masters, but I'm looking forward to applying the synthesis Marty has provided to my own fitness. Add in the Mind and Nutrition information, and this is just a fantastic resource for all-around health. Matt - Seattle, WA USA
It`s the recurve bow and timber VS. the compound bow and carbon fiber!
Rated 10 out of 10
This book is high quality. The pictures,color,headers and border are top notch. It`s obvious this book`s final visual appeal was well thought out. I really liked the exercise descriptions along with the pictures. Outside of the training information I really like the writing style and great stories. The book kept me smiling, it was hard to put it down. The best thing about this book is that it reminds me of the history and the people I read about when I started to train. It wasn`t about bodybuilder against powerlifter, it was just train hard like the the "Greats" did. To say the book is motivating is a understatement. T. Pestun - Michigan
Good Book
Rated 10 out of 10
It's everything you said it would be. Nice work. Barry Martin - Roberts, Idaho
Very Disappointing
Rated 2 out of 10
I love Dragon Door and Pavel's work. Let me say this upfront.
This book however, is the most disappointing product they have ever produced. It is filled with outdated information that is just not used much. It is very limited application to most sports. Much of the material is redundant. I like things where you can read on Monday and use on Tues. There is hardly anything in here that fits.
The information on Diet is contradictory if not outright confusing. How can you have a 6+ mean a day plan next to a 20 hour fasting plan? Most of the mental training is High School stuff.
Mostly, virtually ALL of this information can be found on the Internet free.
Pavel's books help. This is just hype. Save your money until your favorite Commrade prints a new text. Dr, Rob Paige - San Diego, CA
Required Reading
Rated 10 out of 10
The book is clear, concise and to the point. The section covering the mental aspect of lifting is worth the price of the book. This book is a must in every strength training library, Tom Gelveles PT - Brightwaters, NY
Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to The Purposeful Primitive. I want to order The Purposeful Primitive NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because The Purposeful Primitive comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!
Entertaining, Interesting, Informitive
Rated 10 out of 10
If you're curious to learn how elite lifters achieved amazing results, you'll love this book. These athletes did not all train exactly the same way. Some believed in more frequent training. Some trained less often. Some trained to a max lift in each workout. Some rarely ever did. However, all approached their craft with dedication, intensity, and enthusiasm.
The book is well written and enjoyable to read, not only for the training insights, but for the biographical information about such strength luminaries as Paul Anderson, Bill Pearl and Ed Coan.
I highly recommend it. Jim Boston - Houston, TX
The Purposeful Primitive approach to age, infirmity and weight
Rated 9 out of 10
I bought the book to get advice on how, at 70, I can lose weight and regain a moderate degree of fitness. I took a while to plow through the accounts of super strongmen which were interesting but did not appear to relate to my question. Then, in the middle of the book, some useful advice appeared on weight programs for the faint of heart. These have been worth the cost of the book, especially the concepts of whole body training rather than the spotting one is forced into on weight machines. Stories of physical wrecks being turned around and made into successes were encouraging but lacked detailed advice on how others might follow in their footsteps. I would like to have seen more of the "primitive" philosophy applied to those of us who need it most, i.e. we in the worst state of disrepair who want to fix the problem, and less on the people who already have the message, and merely need thir ideas reinforced. Overall a good thoughtful read. 9 is good in my view. 10 would have to be truly fantastic. I would recommend it to others for its alternative look at life. Doug Marriott - South Lebanon, Ohio, USA
I highly recommend it
Rated 10 out of 10
I`m a strength addict with a passion for hardcore training and the history of strength. Within 3 decades I have never read an author in the strength field as magnificient as Marty. I have not yet read the book except the 1 st chapter which is a 10. Marty never has disappointed me as an author so I keep me the enjoyment til end of year when I`m in the finishing stage for a raw powerlifting contest. Plus I have platinum reading to look forward to. Wolfgang Hasenmaier - Stuttgart, Germany
Great information
Rated 10 out of 10
I just received my copy of the book two weeks ago. I have read it and picked it apart and it is still giving me tips, insights and ideas how to make myself better. I enjoyed the stories and the ideas. Well told and amazingly written. Kevin - Yongin, South Korea
Strength training as Literature
Rated 9 out of 10
I started training for Master's rowing four years ago with strength coaching from a bodybuilder, very traditional nutritional advice: eat less and rowing cardio emphasizing steady-state and later, intervals. Missing were key elements that Purposeful Primitive makes clear: 1]Lift priorities(squat, press, deadlift); importance of strength endurance (kettlebellls) as a special form of cardio; usefulness of calorie tracking heart rate monitors; nutrition strategies that complement intense training; accessible mind strategies: will vs enthusiasm in diet, importance of visualization in perfecting technique, developing the empty mind for perfect mindless focus.
I believe that I could be a year further in my athletic quest if this book were available four years ago. art lee, (D.Sc.Med. physiology/surgery, MD) - atlanta, GA
Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to The Purposeful Primitive. I want to order The Purposeful Primitive NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because The Purposeful Primitive comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!
A valuable reference material for any lifter.
Rated 10 out of 10
The stories of various lifters from the past was worth the price of the entire book. I really enjoyed reading how some really strong people trained and got where they did. This book gave me more insight into all the aspects of training; I had been neglecting the mental aspect of lifting and I have found new value in cardio training. I will use this book to reference back to during the coming months and years to help my training to continue forward. Darren Lamar - Temple, OK USA
The greatest bible of strength training since Dinosaur Training
Rated 10 out of 10
Finally, a book that covers all aspects of strength training and fitness in great detail: exercises, routines, the mind, and nutrition. There is something in this book for everyone regardless of their goals. Whether you're young or old, or a novice or a veteran; if you only want to read one book for all of your information, this is it. Since I read the book and followed the programs I have lost pounds of fat and gained pounds on my lifts. The warrior diet really works. The real life examples are very helpfull and inspire one to work to their max. George - Stevens Point, WI USA
Fascinating piece of work
Rated 10 out of 10
I don't think I've ever seen a strength book quite like this one. It provides not only practical advice, but adds a mature philosophical and historical dimension that adds real gravity to the work. Michael Dyer - Houston, TX
WOW!
Rated 10 out of 10
Having lifted for years I thought I knew all that I needed to know. Techniques, schedules, and progression. However, having started the new ideas and process that this program offers I realize that I have more to learn. I have not been so sore in the last few years. I am hoping that this will transfer into my martial arts training. Robert M. - Knoxville, TN USA
The Purposeful Primitive provides pleasant provocative perusal.
Rated 10 out of 10
Buy this book! It is great for unskilled and skilled body builders or fitness trainers alike. It is a fun read of the experience of proven top winning body builders and what they thought made them great. It includes lots of gossip about their lives and historical, "I was there," material. John Devine - Culleoka, TN USA
Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to The Purposeful Primitive. I want to order The Purposeful Primitive NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because The Purposeful Primitive comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!
One of the best books on the market today
Rated 10 out of 10
I bought this book for my husband and he is thoroughly and completely enthralled with it. He reads a little every night as he wants to take everything in. There is so much useful information in it --- he has already started putting some of the principles to work. Thanks for a great book and keep up the good work.
Jeanette Santangelo - Greece, NY, USA
This book is superb
Rated 10 out of 10
I am not a body builder; although I was first introduced to weight training in that manner over 50 years ago. I have spent most of my life/energy in full contact karate. About 4-5 years ago I re-discovered kettlebells and the works of Pavel Tsatsouline. I had a brief experience with KB's as a teenager before they disappeared from the American scene.
I have read and re-read Gallagher's book. It contains basic principles that every serious fitness nut ought to know. I wish I had had the wisdom of this book when I was a teen/young adult. Attitude/training/eating, etc. are covered in this work. Gallagher is not spreading BS. If you are serious, GET THE BOOK THEN READ IT and DO IT. You will save yourself a lot of time. SOUND Wisdom.
Thanks Dragon Door. Don Rankin - Birmingham, AL
If you are into strength training, this book belongs on your shelf.
Rated 10 out of 10
A truly great book. Clearly written, lucid, easy to apply. Took me back to when I used to read John McAllum's articles in the old Strenght & Health. In 1962, Bill Pearl and Reg Park were my idols as well. This has the same "Real Deal" info. Pete Pickering - Massapequa, New York
A Must Read for Beginners, Intermediates, and anyone with a love for the history of the Iron game
Rated 10 out of 10
Marty Gallagher has written a book on the crossroads of bodybuilding, power-lifting, and fat loss, one that I've enjoyed more on each reading.
Marty coached or met everyone who was anyone in the world of Power lifting in the 80s and 90s, and he fills the book with anecdotes that give a real feel for the characters that made a half-underground sport what it was. Marty's prose style is concise, engaging and accessible. For me, these looks into Iron History were the strongest points in a very strong text.
Marty also uses these anecdotes to great effect when discussing training styles and nutritional strategies, building his recommendations for various phases of body recomposition around the greats he trained with or coached. Marty's genuine love of the sport shines through. The tales of strength he shares are inspiring, and he has a knack for presenting even the roughest of his subjects with their humanity intact.
The training and diet information are comprehensive. Marty is a big believer in old school training splits and volume, and he has plenty of experience to back up his position. It's an approach to training that will seem revolutionary to someone caught up in the unproductive isolation and machine training so many unqualified trainers end up foisting on their clients.
On the downside, the training section will be most useful for beginners and intermediate trainees. Marty's weight training recommendations are excellent, but many more experienced lifters are already following similar programs. His cardio and diet recommendations are very solid, but not likely to change the way more experienced lifters train or eat (it's another case of "I already do that"). On the other hand, even advanced lifters will benefit from seeing this information laid out so clearly, and a reminder to do what you already know you should can be very useful.
Marty also doesn't make much of a distinction between training for Body Building, Power Lifting, Strong Man Competition, Olympic Lifting, Martial Arts, or other strength sports. To a more advanced lifter who knows where he wants to fit in the strength game, that cuts into the book's utility.
The place where the book most left me wanting more was in its reticence on the subject of steroids. It's a tough subject to honestly discuss. Talking about it opens you up to attack from the For The Children crowd and scares the heck out of the majority of the market. Athletes don't want their reputations tarnished by the public admission that they were using, and supplement manufacturers hate admitting that their spokes-user did not achieve twenty inch biceps at three percent body-fat solely through the use of their products.
So, Marty doesn't talk about steroids much. We miss out on part of the story of power lifting and bodybuilding in the day, and we're left wondering about the differences in training for those who use and those who choose not to.
Despite minor criticisms, this remains one of the best books I've seen on weight lifting and body recomposition, possibly the best single volume of its kind currently on the market. I very highly recommend it. Robert Dorf - Cherry Hill, NJ, USA
Definitive
Rated 10 out of 10
I'm 27, have power lifted since I was 13, fought MMA since 1999 and played football before that. I live for exercise and training. I love all the info I can get my hands on, watch or hear.
This book is the Bible of training for strength, cardio, nutrition and mind. Marty leaves no stone unturned. Growing up on Ed Coan and Kirk Karwoski, this book had high marks to meet just by mentioning their names in the pre-release. It delivered in spades. THE Definitive book on fitness.
Bravo Marty, bravo. Patrick E. - Los Angeles, CA
Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to The Purposeful Primitive. I want to order The Purposeful Primitive NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because The Purposeful Primitive comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!
"THE" book for all who love the iron game
Rated 10 out of 10
Congratulations to Mr. Gallagher - he has written "THE" book for lovers of the iron game. He takes you there - right there with the big boys, and you feel like you are a part of the action! I really think that this book is more valuable than we know at this date and time. I highly recommend this book - a must have for the ironman's library. Kudos and thank you Mr. Gallagher. Gil Flores - San Mateo, CA
Good men stepping up
Rated 10 out of 10
(Marketing) tyranny gets a foothold when good men stand by and do nothing. Its great to see the good men - Marty, Pavel, and the rest of the Dragon Door authors - stepping up with the no-nonsense info. Marty Gallagher has given everyone not only cut and dried templates for optimizing health and fitness, but a very entertaining and down to earth read. If this book can't do it for you... fold your cards. Mike Edwards - Gainesville, FL USA
READ THIS BOOK NOW
Rated 10 out of 10
Marty Gallagher has cut through all the crap that is modern "health and fitness" to give you the simple truth. The truth is painful. It won't be easy. But it will work. And that's what is different from all the "new weight loss secret" "easy" "medical breakthrough" garbage we are bombarded with incessantly. Rather than being disheartened with the work ahead of me, I became excited to finally have the knowledge... the tools needed to achieve what I want for me and for my family. I have a quiver full of arrows that I can draw out whenever I hit an obstacle. In the three weeks since I've read this book I've actually cut down the time I spend working out. I'm eating delicious food, real food, to satiety. I've lost 8 pounts of fat. I have energy to spare and oh, by the way, I have only pulled out a couple of the arrows in my quiver. And if you haven't figured it out yet...I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED. BILL - Vernon, FL USA
The dog's b******s
Rated 10 out of 10
The headline will make more sense to a Brit perhaps, suffice to say I was very pleased to receive this book. It's clear, well written and full of information. Gavin Pollock - Cockermouth, UK
No Nonsense Advice From A Master
Rated 10 out of 10
This is the most authentic - useful - information on how to develop strength I have ever seen. Marty Gallagher is a true "Master" of IRON SKILLS! He is a great writer and the book is hard to put down once you start. My advice - buy it! David Girdley - Orlando, Florida United States
Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to The Purposeful Primitive. I want to order The Purposeful Primitive NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because The Purposeful Primitive comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!
Entertaining, informative and ecclective
Rated 10 out of 10
At first, when I started reading, I thought that I ended up buying a book on powerlifting and body building. I was a little dissapointed.
HOWEVER as I got into the book I realized this book is an enormous eclectic collection of weightlifting/ressistance training, nutritional guidence, cardiovascular work, medative and mindset work
and a whole lot more.
As a recovering cardio junkie I realy appreciated the explanation of the 3 types of cardio. There are many examples of what proffesional athletes have done to garnish success and importantly HOW A REGULAR GUY WITH A DAY JOB CAN APPLY THESE PRINCIPLES.
Another pluss, the book is nearly 500 HUGE pages. These pages are in normal size print, with no unneccesary photos to fill space and there is no 30 or so pages at the back of adds. This book is big and there is ALOT of info in it. I will keep this book around and use it and revisit it like the enormous refference manual that it is.
Final praise, beyond being informative I realy enjoyed reading it.
This book is primarly about lifting when it comes to exercize,
I love the book and guess what, I have always been a cardio guy, I never lifted a weight before I got into kettlebells 4 months ago. It has inspired me to add squats and deadlifts to my training.
I still read and gained usefull knowledge from every word. Honkey - Maine USA
Buy for the lore, not for the tips
Rated 5 out of 10
A few comments:
1. The profiles of the various lifters are terrific and worth the price of the book. That said...
2. The training exercises are disappointing -- I doubt that any of the superstar lifters profiled do any dumbell triceps extensions or Romanian deadlifts, for example. As Pavel says, "to press a lot, you must press a lot."
3. The book barely talks about the role of doping -- Bednarski and dianabol is one mention that I can think of in the book. I have known and trained with several of the lifters mentioned in the book -- all were dopers. Hardly anyine can squat 1000, BP 700 and/or DL 900 without serious pharmalogical assistance. The drugs don't lift the weight but they do permit lifters to train harder than they otherwise would be able. Downplaying the role of dope in lifters moving amazing poundages does a disservice to the young.
4. The book also fails to emphasize the role of body type and mechanics. The best squatters are compact, the best BP-ers are barrell-chested and the best DL-ers have long arms and huge hands. If you want to excel in weightlifting/powerlifting, you need to figure out what your body is built for.
5. Ignore the power-walking crap -- I'm surprised that Pavel would endorse a book that embraces "the dishonor of aerobics." Sheesh... Privacy Please - Anytown, USA
Back To The Basics
Rated 9 out of 10
The Purposeful Primitive is a great read and contains many timely reminders that optimum results in strength and body shaping endeavours comes from hard work, heavy weights, basic exercises, healthy food and some aerobic content. Marty Gallagher is a fine researcher and writer and we are fortunate to have him working in our sphere. Ron Prestage - Your location here Nelson New Zealand
Interesting SUbject Matter
Rated 10 out of 10
I have been reading and rereading The Purposeful Primitive for the last couple weeks now. It is very holistic and detailed, so once over is just not enough to absorb the encyclopedia of info that it presents. This is typically how I "absorb" books anyhow...I drain them dry.
I am struck by Mr. Gallagher's choice of subject matter. A couple of non-traditional subjects stand out so I want to discuss them here. It seems odd that a self proclaimed muscle head is exploring this type of info.
First of all his section on the mental and spiritual connection as being a fundamental aspect of athletics left me really inspired and impressed.
Another area that has not really progressed into fitness mainstream is his discussion of raw and organic foods.
I am impressed at his diet choices. Though he recognizes that there is NO magic bullet diet that automatically works for everyone he champions the Parillo Nutritional System and the Warrior Diet. He believes that these systems can be used alone or in cycles to keep the body progressing. He presents all of the info you need to begin with either system.
His cardio section discusses non-mainstream approaches to cardio as well as set in stone methods like steady state. I love the discussion of "3rd Way" cardio and it's ramifications.
I also appreciate his section on fasting. To see a powerlifter talking about the benefits of fasting is extremely refreshing.
Last but not least his simple machine free methods for strength training appeal to my own primitive inclinations.
I just continue to be impressed with this book.
Com. Atl - EUbank, KY USA
Learn the secrets of the worlds Elite!!!!!
Rated 10 out of 10
I just finished the Purposeful Primitive and I am so excited to start fully implimenting Marty Gallaghers "amalgamation" of some of the worlds elite in the areas of resistance training, cardio, and nutrition!! Marty bears all and doesn't hold anything back and takes pride in smashing conventional fitness myths, only to leave us with THE most proven and effective methods of the fitness elite! I especially enjoyed the Mind Methods section where Marty outlines the technique to increase strength on top lift sets by 10-15 percent, simply by preparing the mind!!! Do yourself a favor and transform yourself from Fat and Flaccid (or scrawny for that matter) into Lean and Powerful! You will have no doubt in your mind how to do it after this spectacular read!!! Hunter B. - Cincinnati, Oh
Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to The Purposeful Primitive. I want to order The Purposeful Primitive NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because The Purposeful Primitive comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!
Simply fantastic...
Rated 10 out of 10
I have just completed my first reading of Marty Gallaghers's new book The Purposeful Primitive (notice I said 1st reading) and have been educated, challenged, validated and entertained. This fitness book contains true "fitness wisdom" and is a must have for trainers and trainees alike.
Not a fluffy feel good approach to what is referred to today as "fitness", the Purposful Primitive is a clear distillation of a simple approach to strength, nutrition, cardio and the mental side of performance. Simple does not mean easy as you will earn your primitive stripes!
I haven't even read the entire book, and I am FLOORED with this information. POWERFUL, INSPIRATIONAL AND PRACTICAL...Oh yea, the workouts I've read, the info prescribed, all of it will transform anyone into a freakin' animal!
Where was this stuff when I was a competitive athlete! This is going straight into the hands of the Coaches at my gym for education and inspirational purposes.
This book is about what training should be and unfortunately is not in way too many places. It is long overdue that we have such a book like this!
The photos, the stories and the workouts are so freaking inspiring, it makes me wanna drive right back to my gym and kill the weights! I am fired up and please don't take this as arrogance, but, I rarely endorse other products! This one is amazing!
I'm getting the inside look at how men of amazing strength trained, how powerful gyms were formed, the type of foods to eat for super human gains in strength and he development of lean muscle.
Marty, I never met you or ever spoke with you, but damn do I feel like we're related! Thank you sincerely my friend, this is the kind of stuff that is near and dear to my heart.
When I was a teenager, you would find me awake at night, at 2, 3 in the morning, reading Arnold's Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding, planning my workouts, getting pumped up looking at the old school bodybuilders in the endless black and white photos.
It's too bad this book wasn't available for me back then, but hell, I'll take it now!
It has taken me several days to digest "The Purposeful Primitive". It is an amazing read - a straight-forward, no-nonsense, practical, and at times humorous account of legendary athletes, trainers and teachers' approaches to creating strength and health.
The book is so extensive in its breadth, covering not only strength training, but mental approach, diet, and cardio-health, and refreshing in its reflection that it almost make you think "Well, that's it. I guess there's nothing left to say - he's just about covered everything!"
If you have any interest in strength sports or just lifting, you will love this book. I recommend it to anyone without reservation. Boris Bachmann, RKC - Des Moines, IA USA
Breath Taking
Rated 10 out of 10
It's amazing what Iron knowledge and good writing skill can achieve. Put the two together you get Gallagher's book. It is like an anthropological case study of weight lifters and their community. The book has templates for programs which, when stripped down, go to the basic fundamental laws of cycling. And when he says cycling and periodization, he means it. You will not want to stop reading this book. When you do, you will wish it were not over. It is packed full of information, anecdotes and unadulterated truth. My only gripes are as follows: exercise descriptions could have been clearer for my taste, and it was pretty much focused (or seemingly so) on the males, though I believe the information within is applicable to all. This book is to the strength community what fire was to humans. Peter Baker - Tampa, FL
Pure Gold
Rated 10 out of 10
I just got Purposeful Primitive by Marty Gallagher. Marty is a 3 time World Master Powerlifing Champion and has been a strength and fitness writer for over 30 yrs. This book big...473 pages big, I have had it less than 24 hrs and have read some of the best quotes about strength training I have ever read. Marty quotes his old Zen power coach "you think you 're training hard until you get sucked into a training group , a group way smarter and way stronger than you". Better to train in a dump with superman than a posh palace surrounded by low-pain tolerance politically-correct metro-sexual sissies!!!
Pure Gold Jason Wood RKC ZR - Denver,Co
Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to The Purposeful Primitive. I want to order The Purposeful Primitive NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because The Purposeful Primitive comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!
Hard to put down
Rated 10 out of 10
The Purposeful Primitive is one of those books that reads like good fiction but contains a wealth of training information. Marty Gallagher is the perfect combination of coach, fan of the Iron, technician and storyteller. Much like John McCallum, Marty's writing causes me to identify with the people in the stories while absorbing the practical knowledge. His passion for all things related to strength is apparent on every page. I know this will be a book that I will continue to reference for years. David Whitley, Sr. RKC - Nashville TN USA
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