As someone who studied muscle development during my PhD, I was intrigued by the concept of this book and the story it would tell about muscle. Gross takes the reader on a journey through muscle beginning in ancient Greece, then in the earlier days of weightlifting/powerlifting, and to more modern day. He does this by focusing each section on a person and following their love of muscle and how they value strength training.

This book was long. I felt that the stories of the people could be more tightly wound together instead of hopping back and forth between describing what was going on in a certain time period and what the person was learning in their life. The book shone in the second and third section and especially when Gross discussed exercise as medicine and highlighted that exercise should be prescribed like we prescribe medications.

The latest "buzz" in workout culture is strength training and the benefits of strength training. As more and more people start lifting weights for their health this book hammers home the science behind why muscle is so important for healthy aging.

This book provides a fascinating look into the history and science of weight lifting, emphasizing the often-overlooked importance of muscles in our everyday lives. The research is compelling, showcasing how incorporating regular muscle work into our routines can aid in preventing and managing various diseases, as well as reducing the risk of injuries. Although I appreciated the thoroughness of the author’s research, certain parts felt too dense, which made me skim through them at times.