I try to refrain from telling people what and what not to do, however these books have shaped my success and I feel are worth noting to strength coaches, students, and fitness professionals seeking foundational knowledge.
Like any opinionated piece, these are MY RECOMMENDATIONS, ones that I stand behind 100%. They offered me invaluable knowledge, real world applications to my training and business, and were presented in a way that made learning the teachings somewhat addicting!
As always, let me know your feedback via social media and in the comments section below, and happy readings!
1. Weightlifting Programming: A Winning Coaches Guide by Bob Takano
This book has been an invaluable addition to my programming repertoire. It has taught me not only how to longitudinally program the Olympic lifts in a safe and highly effective fashion, but has also laid out the exact progressions and teaching models Takano used with both his Olympic Chanpions and newbies alike. It's an easy read if you understand linear programming and periodiozation. If you have issues with those, see #3!
2. The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
This is book has single handedly provided me with the ability to be financial free. After racking up $60,000 in student loans from attending Columbia University for my Master's Degree (14 months), I was able to pay off my entire loan in under 5 years! Additionally, I was able to fully stock my 401k and Roth IRA, and save over $20,000 in liquid assets (cash). This book was straight forward and easy to follow. It literally was a step by step action plan, and as long as you commit, you could be successful.
3. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning by NSCA
This manual for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is a foundational textbook for all coaches and personal trainers. I pride myself on my programming and logic progressions of exercise prescription and long-term planning. Most trainers fail to see the purpose behind the exercise, and why they have an exercise in a training session. Specificity is key to results and safety of your athletes and clients. This book also covers the exercise physiology and practical applications necessary to coaching at higher levels.
4. Switch by Chip Heath
How do we make the horse drink the water if the horse is stubborn? How do we promote positive change in our clients, athletes, and staff? This book helped me see the emotions behind decision making, and allowed me to develop my personal strategy for accessing the rationale behind someone's actions (or lack thereof). This is a great book for not only coaches and personal trainers, but LEADERS as well.
5. The Art of War by Sun Tzu
I'm a sucker for motivational quotes and knowledge drops. This is one of the oldest accounts and war manuals for leadership, tactical planning, and a higher mindset. Reading these short excerpts and quotes was addicting. The real world applications of the knowledge and perspectives cans literally be applied to all aspects of your life. If you are a leader, or wish to become one, you need to pick this up. Is has formulated my personal mindset and has reincarnated the warrior within.
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