The ESSENTIALS
Regardless of your background and profession, these are the first four books you should read. I recommend these books to EVERYONE I come across. If reading these books doesn't change your life, open your mind and read them again. It doesn't matter what you know or what you can offer. If you don't know how to treat people, you won't be successful.
Experience
Experience is by far your best teacher. You can read books on what to do, how to do it, when to do it, and why you should do it, but until you've done it, you won't know if it works for you or your athletes. Before you recommend anything, try it yourself. If it works for you, don't let other resources convince you it doesn't. While I'm a believer in using research to guide my programs, research has its limitations.
Internships
Internships are a great way to get experience. If you're a student, take the initiative to get in touch with people in your area that are doing things you think you'd like to do when you graduate. Volunteer your time and spend as much time working there as your schedule permits. Few internships are paid; don't let that be an issue. The experience will pay for itself in the future. Find as many internships as you can while you're young. Professionals will probably be less receptive to a 40-year old intern.
This is a great FREE website that allows you to track your daily food intake and calculate a general recommendation on how many calories you should be consuming everyday.
Yes, this website is called Testosterone Nation. Don't let the name trick you into thinking that it's all meatheads talking about how big their biceps are. There are several great writers on that site providing free information on all areas of performance enhancement.
Eric Cressey is a sports performance coach and record holding powerlifter. His website is one of the best free resources I've come across. The 100+ articles that he's written are all available through his site. I've learned as much from reading his articles as I have from any college class I've ever taken.
Mike Robertson is another brilliant guy with lots of training experience. You would be foolish not to become familiar with his articles, which he provides in one convenient catalog on his website.
Gray Cook and Lee Burton have a handful of articles available on this site that are worth checking out.
www.strengthcoach.com
Mike Boyle and Ryan Lee's membership site includes at least two new articles every week, a bi-weekly podcast with tons of great information, and a member forum with some of the most brilliant people in the field consistently posting.
Strength and Conditioning
A good introductory anatomy and physiology text.
A good introductory athletic training text to have as a resource.
A good introductory physiology text.
The classic anatomy text with superfluous detail.
Kinesiology by Nancy Hamilton, Wendi Weimar & Kathryn Luttgens
A classic kinesiology text that helps you understand how the body works to produce movement.
A great introductory strength and conditioning text with information on everything from basic biomechanics to program design to facility design.
High-Threshold Muscle Building by Christian Thibaudeau
All of these Thibaudeau books are great. They're an easy read and provide information you can apply immediately. If your programs are becoming boring or if your progress has plateaued, pick up these books and implement some of the included ideas.
This text outlines what muscles are worked by certain exercises. Each exercise comes with a full description and pictures highlighting the primary muscles used.
This books is the same as the above version, just more specific for females.
A great book outlining a number of exercises to do using stability and medicine balls.
Mike Boyle is one of the biggest names in the strength and conditioning field. These three products stick out as 'must-haves.' If you're dedicated to becoming a great strength and conditioning coach, you would be wise to invest in his products.
An easy-to-understand text on periodization and how periodized programs can be utilized based on the demands of several different sports.
This is a GREAT introductory text on the exercises that form the foundation of any resistance training program. To my knowledge, no other text breaks down the execution and form requirements of exercises to the extent of this book. This is a MUST READ for lifters and any coaches whose athletes are training with weights.
Low Back Disorders by Stuart McGill
Stuart McGill is arguably the leading low back researcher in the world. This text summarizes a lot of his research on low back pain and dysfunction.
Rolfing by Ida Rolf
Dr. Rolf presents a unique perspective on the wholistic functioning of the human body. This book presents the Structural Integration technique she developed to help correct structural myofascial abnormalities and maladaptations.
Anatomy Trains by Thomas Myers
An advanced text presenting how the entire body is intertwined by the fascial system. Curious how toe pain can affect your hip, opposite shoulder, and neck? You'll look at the body in a whole new way after reading this book.
This is an advanced text from a brilliant physical therapist. It specifically outlines dysfunction and corrective exercises for the hip, lower back, and shoulder.
These products by Eric Cressey and Mike Robertson are incredible resources. Words couldn't really do them justice. If you're interested in creating effective programs to improve the health and performance of your athletes, then invest in these products. If you are interested in creating mediocre programs that won't benefit your athletes at all, then don't buy them.
Coaching
I had these three books as an undergraduate for two classes "Principles of Successful Coaching" and "Mental Aspects of Peak Performance." If you're an athletics coach, these may be worth investing in.
Nutrition
Precision Nutrition 2.0 by John Berardi
The Precision Nutrition package is unbelievable. Not only does it include a great text on why this nutrition system works, but it provides a cookbook and an online membership for you to discuss everything from training to new recipes to supplement use with other members and professionals.
Gourmet Nutrition E-Book by John Berardi
Metabolism Advantage by John Berardi
This text challenges the fact that your metabolism slows with age. Don't read this book unless you're ready to stop making excuses for your out-of-shape physique and ready to change it!
Self-Improvement
I'm listing these four again just so you get the point. ORDER THEM NOW!
Business
George Clason uses a series of stories to present different ways on accumulating wealth.
This is a great text discussing the mindstate differences between those that make money and those that don't. Love it or hate it, a lot of what is presented in this book is true!
An introductory investment book. If you're storing your money in a shoe box, you're missing several money making opportunities. Eric Tyson describes the pros and cons of many different investment choices.
An interesting look at tax lien certificates as an investment option.
A must-read for anyone looking to start their own business. Incorporating provides a number of tax benefits. This book presents these benefits in an easy-to-understand manner. It may give you some ideas on the appropriate path to structure your business endeavors.
Ryan Lee is the fitness marketing guru. If you're looking to make a name for yourself in the fitness industry, INVEST in his products and they'll pay for themselves many times over.
Ultimate Sales Kit by Jim Labadie
Jim Labadie has positioned himself as the sales expert in the fitness industry. This product details the sales process and how to turn prospective clients into happy, long-term customers.
