This book provides information that is accessible to a broad range of readers (i.e. academics, researchers, and health and fitness professionals) that have an active interest in fitness and muscular strength development. This book provides detailed information regarding the manipulation of essential resistance training (RT) variables has on muscular strength development.  This book discusses the early origins of the strength training and then advances onto several theoretical RT models and training principles that have been influential in present day programming. Additionally, this book discusses the physiological responses to RT and the underlying mechanisms for muscular strength gain, including neural, muscular and endocrine adaptations.
 
Lastly, this book evaluates the supporting literature that has provided the framework for many recommendations made on muscular strength development. This book provides a critical appraisal of evidence that has helped formulate contemporary training recommendations on strength development. Several RT subdivisions will be reviewed which are central for muscular strength development including: (1) set-volume; (2) inter-set recovery; (3) frequency of training; (4) order of exercise; and (5) resistance loading. This then concludes with future research recommendations.