Hypertrophy Training (book)

For most people who train, building more muscle mass to achieve a visually defined physique is the ultimate goal when it comes to lifting weights. However, there are further reasons to build muscle – a process known as hypertrophy: studies have long shown that more muscle improves general health and fitness and plays a crucial role in reducing body fat. But how can optimal hypertrophy be achieved? Which exercises are best suited to which goals? What does the ideal training plan look like? How often should you train? What should you bear in mind when choosing weights? The authors – renowned scientists in the fields of muscle building, strength training and nutrition for strength athletes – provide detailed answers to these and many other questions. They examine hypertrophy from every angle, offer well-founded insights into training theory and thereby provide the necessary understanding to apply training plans effectively. A key focus is the scientific analysis of common exercises in fitness and strength training, which illustrates that factors such as different grip widths or foot positions – as well as the right diet – often determine whether training goals are achieved more effectively and quickly. With this expertise, the authors set new standards in hypertrophy training – so that every athlete can achieve their best possible performance.

Prof. Dr Stephan Geisler 

is Professor of Fitness and Health at IST University in Düsseldorf, heads the fitness trainer training programme at the German Sport University Cologne, and is a co-founder of the German Fitness Science Council as well as the designated President of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) for Germany. His main areas of focus, both in teaching and research, lie in the field of strength training and hypertrophy. As an author and reviewer, he has already published numerous international papers. He also runs the educational YouTube channel ‘Der Fitnessprofessor’.

Dr Simon Gavanda

studied at the German Sport University Cologne. Since 2015, he has been working as a research assistant at IST University of Applied Sciences in Düsseldorf, where his research primarily focuses on the effectiveness of various strength training methods. Furthermore, the former European football champion works as a licensed athletic trainer for various sports federations.

Dr Eduard Isenmann 

studied sport at the German Sport University Cologne and chemistry at the University of Cologne. He subsequently completed his PhD at the Institute for Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, at the German Sport University Cologne. As a scientist, his research focuses on the influence of nutrition and dietary supplements on promoting recovery and enhancing performance in competitive sport. He is a research assistant at the IST University of Applied Sciences in Düsseldorf and at the German Sport University Cologne.

Tim Havers

holds a Master’s degree in Applied Neuroscience in Sports & Exercise and a Bachelor’s degree in Fitness Science. Alongside his academic career, he has gained experience as a coach. He is a research assistant at the IST University of Management in Düsseldorf within the Department of Fitness & Health, where he supports the department in applied research activities. His sporting passion lies in powerlifting, which allows him to combine his theoretical scientific skills with practical experience.