Nathaniel Fried
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Here are the best books every personal trainer should read at least once… as recommended by personal trainers and fitness experts.
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#1 Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists, 3e
This book has been priceless and the CD was so helpful as you truly understand how one muscle group can affect another and give a deeper appreciation on individual training using functional movements for improved performance. Most clients who came to me had prior injuries and imbalances. By incorporating the knowledge I gained from this book in addition to my education, their fitness increased significantly with great visual results in a shorter time frame.
Examples I can provide: I had one client who was a golfer who shaved 6 strokes off his game by training through functionality and identifying his muscle imbalance. I had provided insight to a few NHL players from Detroit in sport specific core training to maximize their gym time and they also learn the importance of training balanced.
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Contributor: Find Angel Shaw on LinkedIn
#2 Fitness at 40,50,60 and Beyond
This award-winning book focuses on training and conditioning after age 40. This is a growing trend in a nation that is seeing a growing older population.
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Contributor: Michael Spitzer from highpointproducts.com
#3 How Not to Die
[This book] shows people the clinical evidence pertaining to how fruits and veggies reduce and reverse disease. I hope this helps.
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Contributor: Joe Cannon from supplementclarity.com and joe-cannon.com
#4 How to Win Friends and Influence People
This book changed my life. Take these lessons to heart, and you'll become a master of social interaction, charisma, and making others feel special.
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Contributor: Sean Bykerk from breakthroughbootcamp.ca
#5 Rhabdo: The Scary Side Effect Of Exercise You Need To Know About
No fitness certification textbook covers rhabdomyolysis. I've been teaching trainers about it for a decade and have even consulted on legal cases where trainers have caused this.
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Contributor: Joe Cannon from supplementclarity.com and joe-cannon.com
#6 Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle
This is the best book I've read on body transformation. It gets broken down into 3 parts: mindset, nutrition, fitness. A must read for trainers looking to truly understand the psychology and physiology behind body transformation.
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Contributor: Sean Bykerk from breakthroughbootcamp.ca
#7 48 Laws of Power
There are so many great lessons in this book that will help you understand why people do what they do. Some parts of the book come off as manipulative, so use these laws for good.
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Contributor: Sean Bykerk from breakthroughbootcamp.ca
#8 Turning Pro
Steven Pressfield eloquently outlines the differences between amateurs and professionals. If you really want to become an elite trainer, you'll have to 'turn pro'.
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Contributor: Sean Bykerk from breakthroughbootcamp.ca
#9 The Seasons of Life
[This book is] one of my personal favorites. It can be applied at any given moment and in any industry. But more than that, it belongs on this list because it advocates the necessity of an ever-changing and dynamic existence. A life where you don’t fall asleep at the helm. A life where you are the one who takes charge and leads. This book will help you grow stronger in will, determination, and personal philosophy.
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Contributor: Caleb Backe from mapleholistics.com
#10 Movement
Many times, people will arrive at the doorstep of a personal trainer as part of an ongoing change in lifestyle due to a wound or injury. This book bridges those gaps which exist between medicine and fitness, and allows the personal trainer to be that much more focused on his client’s needs, taking into account the medical situation.
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Contributor: Caleb Backe from mapleholistics.com
#11 Train Insane
This is a more obscure and new one (2013), and it may not be for everyone, because of its approach. Nevertheless, I feel it should not be excluded from this list on that basis. Train Insane is a non-BS, in-your-face guide to developing a lifelong attitude and correlating fitness program. If you want to motivate and inspire people, and build a sustainable program for others, this book can help along the way.
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Contributor: Caleb Backe from mapleholistics.com
#12 Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training
Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training is simply the most lucid and complete treatise on the importance of building strength - and how to do it. It outlines an in-depth approach that is ideal for novice trainees - those who stand to gain the most in the minimum amount of time. As such, it would be great for a personal trainer to understand in depth - as most of their trainees will be beginners.
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Contributor: Tim Platt from fitatmidlife.com
#13 Personal Training Secrets: Don’t Make These 35 Business Mistakes
I wrote this book after 15 years of being in the business and seeing trainers, as well as myself, make mistakes that cost a lot of money as well as lost revenue. This book helps fast track success in the personal training field.
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Contributor: Matt Weik from weikfitness.com
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