Book
Power A Scientific Approach
A scientific dismantling of gym mythology that reframes strength as the product of at least 23 largely trainable factors, and lays out an integrated program of explosive training, periodization, nutrition, restoration, and mind control to build maximal power without drugs.
What it’s about
Written by powerlifting legend and exercise scientist Fred 'Dr. Squat' Hatfield, POWER: A Scientific Approach reveals that strength is not simply a matter of bigger muscles or good genetics but the sum of at least 23 distinct, mostly modifiable sources—from myofibrillar density and Golgi tendon organ sensitivity to pain tolerance, arousal, and skill. Hatfield defines the many forms of strength (absolute, limit, speed-strength, anaerobic power) and matches each to a specific training method, championing free weights, compensatory acceleration, ballistic and plyometric training, and Soviet-style periodization over machine training. He integrates rigorous physiology, restoration science, performance nutrition, a frank exposé of drugs in sport, and the psychology of peak performance into a single playbook for athletes who want to exceed the records of the past through smart, drug-free work rather than brute effort or pharmacology.
The through-line
- Who it’s for
- A serious strength athlete, powerlifter, bodybuilder, or coach who wants to build maximal strength and explosive power and exceed the records of the great athletes of the past.
- The problem
- Their progress is limited by outdated gym mythology, machine training, endurance work, and haphazard nutrition and drug use that fail to build real athletic power. They feel frustrated, stuck on plateaus, unsure whether they are training smart, and tempted to believe brute effort or drugs are the only path forward.
- The plan
- Understand the 23 sources of strength and the distinct forms strength takes, then identify what your sport actually requires.
- Build a foundation of absolute/limit strength with free weights, then progress to explosive strength via compensatory acceleration, ballistic, and plyometric training.
- Periodize your year into cycles that raise intensity while balancing rest to peak without overtraining.
- Prioritize recovery and restoration—nutrition, massage, warm water, visualization, and adequate sleep.
- Integrate timed, phase-specific nutrition and supplementation instead of indiscriminate pill-popping or drugs.
- The payoff
- Dramatically increased explosive strength, starting strength, and absolute strength that transfer to sport. · Faster recovery, fewer injuries, and the ability to train harder more often. · Peaking on schedule for competition and beating the records you once thought impossible.
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