14 best strength training books
There are several notable strength training books that cater to individuals interested in exercise fitness, health fitness, and dieting. These books often provide comprehensive guides, expert advice, and practical tips on strength training. Here are a few noteworthy titles:
"Starting Strength" by Mark Rippetoe:
- This book is highly regarded for its emphasis on proper form and technique. It's a great resource for beginners and covers fundamental strength training exercises.
"The New Rules of Lifting" by Lou Schuler and Alwyn Cosgrove:
- This book focuses on a comprehensive approach to strength training, combining workouts with nutritional advice. It's suitable for both beginners and experienced lifters.
"StrongLifts 5x5" by Mehdi Hadim:
- Based on the popular 5x5 training program, this book provides a straightforward approach to building strength through compound movements. The program is known for its simplicity and effectiveness.
"Bigger Leaner Stronger" by Michael Matthews:
- This book is tailored towards those looking to build muscle and lose fat. It provides a science-based approach to strength training and includes nutritional guidance for optimal results.
"Powerlifting Basics, Texas-Style" by Paul Kelso:
- Focused on the sport of powerlifting, this book by Paul Kelso provides insights into the Texas Method, a strength training program that has gained popularity for its effectiveness.
"Bodyboss Ultimate Guide" by Polly Hayden:
- Geared towards women, this book offers a comprehensive guide to strength training with a focus on empowering women to achieve their fitness goals.
"The Strength Training Anatomy Workout" by Frederic Delavier and Michael Gundill:
- This book is known for its detailed illustrations of muscle anatomy during various exercises. It's a valuable resource for understanding the mechanics of strength training.
Remember, it's essential to choose a book that aligns with your specific goals, fitness level, and preferences. Always consult with a fitness professional or healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best strength training books on the market
Strength Training Anatomy, 3rd Edition
Human Kinetics, Inc.
Product features
Strength Training Anatomy
Now updated, expanded, and better than ever.
Incline Dumbbell Curls
Lateral Raises
Stretching the Shoulder
Shoulder Injuries
Practical Programming for Strength Training
The Aasgaard Company
Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training, 3rd edition
Strength Training Over 40: A 6-Week Program to Build Muscle and Agility
Rockridge Press
Product features
A program-based approach
These exercises feature clear, step-by-step instructions and illustrations, and are assembled into 6 weeks of age-appropriate workout routines to help you develop good strength training habits for life.
Beginner-friendly
This strength training program is designed for anyone over 40, at any fitness level. Whether you’ve never tried strength training before or it’s just been a while, this is the perfect place to jump in.
At home and at the gym
Explore different options for doing these exercises and programs at the gym or on your own, so you can tailor them to your needs. You can even find tips for making them easier or more challenging.
The Strength Training Anatomy Workout II: Building Strength and Power with Free Weights and Machines
Human Kinetics, Inc.
Product features
The Strength Training Anatomy Workout II
The Strength Training Anatomy Workout, Volume II, includes proven programming for adding lean muscle mass, improving strength, and increasing power. Targeted workouts allow you to focus on specific muscle groups such as such as chest, biceps, triceps, quads, and core. It’s all here and in all the stunning detail that only Frederic Delavier can provide!
Jim Stoppani's Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Human Kinetics, Inc.
Product features
Jim Stoppani's Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
Finally, a research-based book that covers all aspects of optimizing the development of muscle and strength.
Incline Bench Press
Incline Dumbbell Fly
Cable Crossover
Seated Dumbbell Lateral Raise
Bigger Leaner Stronger: The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Male Body
Product features
Gregory M.
12 Months of Progress.
Kendrick T.
4 Months of Progress.
Matthew W.
6 Months of Progress.
The Muscle and Strength Pyramid: Training
Weight Training for Women: Exercises and Workout Programs for Building Strength with Free Weights
Rockridge Press
Product features
Reverse Fly
This exercise is really good for working some of the smaller muscles in and around your rotator cuff muscles. It’s also a great way to improve your posture and overall strength. This movement is similar to Bent-Over Rows but is much more difficult due to the use of smaller muscle groups.
Curtsy Lunge
This is another exercise that works your muscles in a different plane of motion: the transverse plane. This movement also helps strengthen your vastus medialis oblique, which is a thigh muscle that is often underactive. Strengthening this muscle can help reduce the risk of knee injuries in females, especially female athletes who play sports that involve cutting movements, like soccer, basketball, and tennis.
Standing Bicep Stretch
This is one way to stretch your biceps so that you don’t catch a cramp following your isolated weight lifting. You may notice your elbows staying in a bent position after a bicep workout because your biceps have shortened. It’s important to stretch your biceps to restore them to their original length. Tight, shortened biceps can cause your shoulders to round forward, which in turn will affect your shoulder mobility.
The Women's Health Big Book of Exercises: Four Weeks to a Leaner, Sexier, Healthier You!
Rodale Books
Delavier's Women's Strength Training Anatomy Workouts
Human Kinetics, Inc.
Product features
Delavier's Women's Strength Training Anatomy Workouts
Step-by-step instructions work in tandem with the anatomical illustrations to ensure understanding of maximizing the efficiency of each exercise. You’ll see how muscles interact with surrounding joints and skeletal structures and learn how variations of movements can isolate specific muscles and achieve targeted results.
New Functional Training for Sports
Human Kinetics, Inc.
Product features
New Functional Training for Sports
Train to perform at the highest level with the lowest risk of injury.
New Functional Training for Sports produces the best results on the court, field, track, and mat, not just in the weight room. Michael Boyle, one of the world’s leading sport performance coaches, goes beyond traditional exercise descriptions and explanations, incorporating full-color, high-definition composites of foundational movements as well as online access to video demonstrations, commentary, and analysis of key exercises.
Medicine ball side throw
Single-leg lateral hurdle hop and stick
Single-leg clean or single-leg snatch
Standing transverse chop
Rebuilding Milo: The Lifter's Guide to Fixing Common Injuries and Building a Strong Foundation for Enhancing Performance
Strength Training for Beginners: A 12-Week Program to Get Lean and Healthy at Home
Rockridge Press
Product features
Start Strong
Go from couch potato to weight lifter with instructions that slowly help you work your way up to more intense workouts.
Work Out at Home
Exercises start by relying on minimal equipment, giving you a chance to solidify your routines before investing in benches.
Fuel Your Body
Discover nutritional tips that will help you eat right so that you can be sure you're getting the most of each and every workout.
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