"You are the same today as you'll be in five years except for two
things: the people you meet and the books you read."

-- Charles 'Tremendous' Jones


"One hour per day of study will put you at the top of your field within
three years. Within five years you'll be a national authority. In seven years, you can be one of the best people in the world at what you do."    -- Brian Tracy


"Why do we neglect to read the books that can change our lives? Why do
we complain but remain the same? Why do so many of us curse the effect
but nourish the cause? How do we explain the fact that only three
percent of our entire national population possess a library card-a card
that would give us access to all of the answers to success and
happiness we could ever want? Those who wish for the better life cannot
permit themselves to miss the books that could have a major impact on
how their lives turn out. The book they miss will not help!

And the issue is not that books are too expensive! If a person
concludes that the price of buying the book is too great, wait until he
must pay the price for not buying it. Wait until he receives the bill
for continued and prolonged ignorance.

There is very little difference between someone who cannot read and
someone who will not read. The result of either is ignorance. Reading is essential
for those who seek to rise above the ordinary. We must not permit
anything to stand between us and the book that could change our lives.

A little reading each day will result in a wealth of valuable
information in a very short period of time. But if we fail to set aside
the time, if we fail to pick up the book, if we fail to exercise the
discipline, then ignorance will quickly move in to fill the void.

Those who seek a better life must first become a better person. They
must continually seek after self- mastery for the purpose of developing
a balanced philosophy of life, and then live in accordance with the
dictates of that philosophy. The habit of reading is a major stepping
stone in the development of a sound philosophical foundation. And in my
opinion it is one of the fundamentals required for the attainment of
success and happiness."  -- Jim Rohn



When I first started working in the fitness industry, almost a decade
ago, my goal was to become a great trainer. There are a number of
things I have done to become, for my clients, a more effective trainer,
and, on a personal level, to become more confident in what I do. I
have collected a large number of reference books, visit a variety of
websites, subscribe to a number of online newsletters and
subscription-based websites, order DVDs and videos each month and
attend seminars.  I do this so that I can be great at what I do; I
pursue excellence and avoid the mediocracy. And so, the knowledge I
have today is a result of reading, networking, and continuing to
challenge what I know.

My vision as a strength-trainer and coach is to deliver the best
service and tangible results to my clients. To do this, I have
committed myself to becoming better- educated and to seeking out the
techniques that will keep those clients fit and confident.

There are three categories listed below which cover all the resources I
review and examine on a daily basis. This is, by no means, exhaustive,
and it will continue to grow as I, on a daily basis, continue to
extract the gold from the books in my library.

 

Reccomended Readings

Training Literature

Supertraining: The bible of strength training. This book belongs on the shelves of any real coach or trainer who is serious about understanding how to manipulate the body into becoming stronger, faster and bigger. Be forewarned, it's not a light read!

Starting Strength: Author Mark Rippitoe does an excellent job of explaining how to coach the squat, deadlift, overhead press, power clean and bench press. Mark has decades worth of trainning experience under his belt and it shows in his book.

Facts and Fallacies: Dr Mel Siff puts to rest some of the myths and misconceptions regarding fitness. This books sheds some real light on the lies that hav been passed
around in the fitness industry. This guy is one smart cookie!

Essentials of Strength and Conditioning: This is a good guide to strength training and conditioning. The book covers strength theory, concepts, how to's and testing methods.

Designing Strength Training Programs and Facilities: Coach Mike Boyle is a fountain of information. This book is one of his first ones and really is worth every penny. He touches on how to set up a facility and his experinces as a coach.

Theory and Applications of Modern Strength and Power Methods: Christian Thibaudeau is one of the top strength coaches in North America. This book touches on a variety of topics pertaining to increasing strength and muscle for athletic and bodybuilding purposes. A must have if you are serious about understanding how to become bigger and stronger.

The Black Book of Training Secrets: This is Christian Thibaudeau's first book. In it he talks about everything you need to know about strength training principles and the variables associated with lifting weights for the purpose of building up the body. You'll learn about Olmypic lifting, muscle testing strategies, the various forms of periodization, how to design your own workout programs, the list goes on. Another gem to add to your library.

The No Bull Muscle Building Plan: If you have a problem building muscle and you don't want to resort to using drugs this book will help you add on slabs of muscle without becoming a fat ass. It will definitely solve your problem. 

The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: In my line of work I deal with people who are all around tight throughout their body. This book really helped me  have a better understanding of what might be going on in their muscles as a result of their aches and pains.

Speed Trap: This book is written by Charlie Francis who coached Ben Johnson. It goes into depth about the biggest scandal in Olympic history.

Anatomy Trains: You'll learn about the myofascial system, how it functions in releation to movement and exercise.

Ultimate Back Fitness Performance: Dr McGill is one of the worlds leading researchers on low back pain. This book is solid gold. If you want to understand and cure back pain, you must own this book.

Nutrition Literature 

"This is no ordinary cookbook. It’s an assault on nutrition-poor, bad-tasting food everywhere. Complete with everything from 5-star meals that will impress even the most jaded food critic, to quick fixes that will get the job done on the go, plus a section on general cooking instruction and tips, this book will forever change the way you think about nutrition. You’ll finally eat delicious meals that make you look and feel better, rather than worse."

Nutrient Timing: This book is about how to maximize meal timing and the importance of grouping various macronutrients pre and post workout.

Sports Nutrition Guide: This is one of the first books I purchased. Dr Michael Colgan talks about how vitamins, minerals and anti oxidants can impact sporting performance and physical activity. He goes indepth on a lot of other topics as well, such as protein, types of fat and how it relates to sporting performance and much more.

The New Power Program: Dr Colgan talks about the secrets he used to train champion athletes for over 25 years. Some good stuff and other stuff that is common knowledge.

Precision Nutrition:  A full meal deal (pardon the pun) package that includes 7 guidebooks, a gourmet cook book, and an online audio and video resource section.

Nancy Clark's Sport Nutrition Guidebook: This book is ok, I learned some useful stuff so I can't say I didn't get my money's worth. Nothing overly special about this book that you can't find on the Internet for free.

Training DVDs

Complete Olympic Lifting: This DVD breaks down all the basic lifts into an easy to understand manner and allows for the viewer to really understand how to apply the various progressions in each lift. I'm very happy with the DVD and would like to say that it has definitely helped me teach some of my clients how to incorporate Olympic lifts into their routines. To anyone who is looking to learn the Olympic lifts or for a product that will serve as a reference this DVD fits the bill 110%

Magnificent Mobility: This is a one of a kind DVD and is a must have for any coach or trainer looking to incorperate mobility drills into their client or athletes program.

Inside Out: Another great product by Mike Roberston and Bill Hartman that focuses on the upper body and how to warm it up properly. The DVD focuses on prehabd drills to get the shoulder complex primed for exercise and features some cool exercises as well.

Fitmoves for Sports Vol 1: Juan Carlos and associates demonstrate how to train a single individual or an entire team in under 30 minutes. Each volume features over 24 powerful sport-specific circuits using over 250 exercises.

FitMoves for Sports Vol 2: This DVD includes circuits for high power sports (football, rugby, hockey, etc.), batting, throwing, catching field sports (baseball, softball, etc.), track (sprinters, mid distance and long distance events), ski and skate sports (skiing, figure skating, etc.), cycling sports (moutain biking, road cycling, etc.), rowing and padding sports (kayaking, crew, etc.), bowling and golf.

FitMoves:  A simple and easy-to-follow home exercise program to achieve better health and performance. Focus is on strengthening the core of the body and developing skills needed to perform daily activities or a favorite sport.

The Essence of Body Weight Training Vol 1 Agility, Balance, Upper Body, Strength and Power: Volume 1 addresses the major components of fitness and performance in a creative and easy-to-understand format, this video a must for any trainer with limited resources and intense training needs.

The Essence of Body Weight Training: Vol 2 Explosive Power: Volume II builds on the foundation presented in volume 1 with a strong emphasis on explosive power development.

Twist's Linked System Strength: Chest and Back: Learn how to improve and athlete's ability to transfer force from the legs through the core to the upper body, enabling them to produce greater force through skilled movement and sequential firing of the kinetic chain.

Twist's Linked System Strength: Legs and Shoulders: Utilizes an integrated approach, incorporating movement and balance to better allow the body to express force and better meet the demands of sport and daily life. Designed to drive up strength and skilfullness.

Core Stability and Rotary Power with TCI:  Using the Bosu Balance Trainer, Medicine Balls, Slastix Resistance Tubing, free weights, and Stability Balls, the Twist team will coach you through progressive drills applicable for young athletes, everyday clients and advanced athletes.

Fitness Business DVDs

http://sixfiguretrainer.com

Jim Labadie: This guy has taught me all I know about fitness marketing.  Below I have listed all his products I have purchased and I will continue to listen to him as my business grows. He really knows his stuff!

Business Books

How to Win Friends and Family: Dale Carnagie is a great businessman who wrote a classic book that everyone should own. Even if you don't run your own business.

Hug Your Customers: Jack Mitchell teaches you how to hug your clients so they become life long customers.

Made to Stick - Why Some Ideas Survive and Other Die: I bought this book because Joel Marion (another strength coach) reccomended it. Learn how to become better at what you do regardless of the industry you're in.

There is a plethora of information on the Internet and a lot of it is free. One of the things I do in my off time is read to build up my base of knowledge. Below are a few of the sites I recommend visiting.

www.wannabebig.com
www.jpfitness.com
www.elitefts.com
www.crossfit.com
www.tnation.com

Subscription Based Fitness Resources

www.ptonthenet.com
www.sportsspecific.com
www.strengthcoach.com
www.personaltraineru.com