Must read books for personal trainers
Anthony Papoutsis
Aug 27, 2024
Reading is like exercise for your brain, and for personal trainers, it's essential. By diving into the right books, you can learn new skills, improve your techniques, and grow your business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your expertise, there's a book out there for you. Here's a list of must-read books that cover everything from exercise science to business strategies.
Key Takeaways
Reading helps personal trainers improve their skills and knowledge.
Books on exercise science provide insights into effective and safe training techniques.
Nutrition books help trainers understand diet's role in fitness goals.
Business and marketing books offer strategies to grow a personal training business.
Books on psychology and coaching techniques help trainers connect better with clients.
Essential Books for Building a Personal Training Career
As a personal trainer, one of the best ways to grow your career is by reading. Here are some must-read personal training books that can help you build a successful career.
Ignite the Fire by Jonathan Goodman
This book is a fantastic guide for anyone starting out in personal training. It covers everything from getting your first clients to creating effective workout programs. Jonathan Goodman shares practical advice and insights that can help you thrive in the fitness industry.
How to be an Awesome Personal Trainer by Ben Coomber
Ben Coomber's book is perfect for those who want to create a long-lasting and enjoyable career in personal training. It includes tips on pricing, productivity, and keeping clients happy. This book is a great resource for both new and experienced trainers.
Start Your Own Personal Training Business by Entrepreneur Press
If you're thinking about starting your own personal training business, this book is a must-read. It provides step-by-step guidance on everything from setting up your business to finding success in each stage of the process. This book is invaluable for anyone looking to take their career to the next level.
Top Books on Exercise Science and Technique
As a personal trainer, understanding exercise science and technique is crucial. Here are some must-read books that will help you deepen your knowledge and improve your training methods.
Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning by NSCA
This book is a comprehensive resource for anyone in the field of strength and conditioning. It covers important topics like exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and program design. It's a must-read for personal trainers who want to design safe and effective training programs.
Strength Training Anatomy by Frederic Delavier
This illustrated book gives you an in-depth look at how muscles work during workouts. It's packed with some of the best strength training advice and is a joy to flip through. You'll never be stumped when a client asks, "What muscles does this work?"
Science and Practice of Strength Training by Vladimir Zatsiorsky
This book dives deep into the science behind strength training. It explores questions like the ideal number of sets for muscle growth and whether heavy weights are better than light weights. It's a deeply researched textbook that provides answers to countless questions you might have as a trainer.
Must-Read Nutrition Books for Personal Trainers
As a personal trainer, understanding nutrition is just as important as knowing the best exercises. Here are some must-read books that will help you guide your clients to better health through proper nutrition.
Nutrient Timing by John Ivy and Robert Portman
Nutrient Timing dives into the science of when to eat, not just what to eat. This book explains how eating at the right times can improve performance and recovery. It's a game-changer for anyone looking to optimize their diet for athletic performance.
The Precision Nutrition System by John Berardi
John Berardi's The Precision Nutrition System is a comprehensive guide that covers everything from meal planning to understanding macronutrients. It's a must-read for trainers who want to provide detailed and effective nutrition advice to their clients.
Good Calories, Bad Calories by Gary Taubes
Gary Taubes challenges conventional wisdom about diet and weight loss in Good Calories, Bad Calories. He explains how our love for high-carb diets has contributed to rising obesity rates and why good fats are essential for health. This book is essential for anyone looking to understand the complex relationship between diet and health.
Books on Client Psychology and Coaching Techniques
Understanding your clients' psychology and mastering coaching techniques are crucial for any personal trainer. Here are some must-read books that will help you grow your coaching skills and better connect with your clients.
Business and Marketing Books for Personal Trainers
As a personal trainer, it's not just about knowing the best exercises or nutrition plans. You also need to understand how to market yourself and grow your business. Here are some must-read books that can help you do just that.
Building Your Personal Training Brand by Jon Goodman
This book is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to establish a strong personal training brand. Jon Goodman shares practical tips on how to stand out in a crowded market. Building a brand is essential for attracting and retaining clients.
Crushing It! by Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vaynerchuk's book is all about leveraging social media to grow your business. He provides real-life examples and actionable advice on how to use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to your advantage. If you're looking to expand your online presence, this book is must-read.
The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib
Allan Dib simplifies the complex world of marketing into a single page. This book is perfect for those who feel overwhelmed by marketing strategies. It breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, making it easier to implement effective marketing tactics.
Understanding how to market yourself is just as important as knowing how to train your clients. These books offer valuable insights that can help you grow your business and attract more clients.
Books for Developing a Growth Mindset
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
In this book, Carol S. Dweck explores the power of mindset. She explains how having a growth mindset can help you succeed in various areas of life, including school, work, and sports. Dweck's insights are invaluable for personal trainers who want to help their clients achieve their goals.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
James Clear's "Atomic Habits" is a fantastic guide for anyone looking to build good habits and break bad ones. Clear provides practical advice and simple steps to make lasting changes. This book is a must-read for personal trainers who want to help their clients develop healthier habits.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
Angela Duckworth's "Grit" delves into the importance of passion and perseverance in achieving long-term goals. Duckworth argues that talent alone is not enough; it's the combination of passion and persistence that leads to success. Personal trainers can use these insights to motivate and inspire their clients.
Reading is like a workout for your brain, and for personal trainers, it's a must. The books we've talked about can help you get better at training, understand your clients more, and even grow your business. Whether you're just starting out or have been in the game for years, there's always something new to learn. So, grab a book, start reading, and take your skills to the next level. Your future self and your clients will thank you!