I strongly believe in continuous development. For personal trainers and fitness instructors, passing your personal training exams and being awarded your accreditation as a qualified personal trainer or fitness instructor is just the start of your professional career and professional development as an expert in health, fitness and exercise.
There are so many resources, books, blogs, podcasts and online courses that can further your development, one of the first things I did after passing my personal training exams was hit up Amazon to buy some books, I wanted to know everything I could and these included niche training areas from functional fitness to training elderly clients.
To get you started I have out together a list of 5 books to get you started, from you here you can build upon your professional development with a variety of educational resources. My advice is no matter how busy you get, try a carve out sometime each week for professional development, it could be reading a book, listening to a podcast or attending a conference or training day.
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These are my top 5 Personal Training Books for newly qualified personal trainers and will serve you well throughout your personal training career. However, if you have others, I’d love to hear your recommendations, Add your suggestions un the comments.
Check out my personal trainer resources section for free templates and forms to get you started in your personal trainig business.
The Complete Guide to Personal Training: 2nd Edition
“The Complete Guide to Personal Training: 2nd Edition” is a comprehensive manual for personal trainers, fitness professionals, and those interested in pursuing a career in personal training. The book, written by renowned fitness expert and educator, Morc Coulson, covers everything from the basics of exercise physiology and anatomy to client assessment, program design, and business development.
The book is divided into three main parts: Part One covers the science behind exercise, including the principles of human movement, energy systems, and nutrition. Part Two covers the practical aspects of personal training, including client assessment, goal setting, program design, and exercise prescription. Part Three covers the business side of personal training, including marketing, sales, and legal considerations.
Throughout the book, Coulson provides practical advice and real-world examples to help readers apply the concepts they’ve learned. The book also includes numerous illustrations and photographs to help readers better understand the material.
Overall, “The Complete Guide to Personal Training: 2nd Edition” is an essential resource for anyone interested in becoming a successful personal trainer or fitness professional. It provides a comprehensive overview of the science and practice of personal training, as well as valuable insights into the business side of the industry.
The Advanced Fitness Instructor’s Handbook
“The Advanced Fitness Instructor’s Handbook” is a comprehensive guide for experienced fitness instructors and personal trainers who are looking to take their skills and knowledge to the next level. The book is written by Morc Coulson, a leading fitness expert and educator, and is designed to provide advanced-level training on exercise science, program design, and coaching techniques.
The book covers a wide range of topics related to advanced-level fitness instruction, including human anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, energy systems, and nutrition. It also includes detailed guidance on advanced program design, including periodization, advanced exercise selection, and coaching strategies for complex movements and techniques.
In addition to the scientific and technical aspects of advanced fitness instruction, the book also covers essential coaching skills, such as communication, motivation, and behavior change. The author provides valuable insights and practical tips for building rapport with clients, establishing trust, and creating a positive and supportive training environment.
“The Advanced Fitness Instructor’s Handbook” is highly practical, with numerous case studies and real-world examples that illustrate the concepts covered in the book. It also includes practical exercises and quizzes to help readers assess their understanding of the material.
Overall, “The Advanced Fitness Instructor’s Handbook” is an excellent resource for experienced fitness instructors and personal trainers who are looking to expand their knowledge and skills in the field. The book is well-written, comprehensive, and highly practical, making it a valuable reference for any fitness professional looking to take their career to the next level.
NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training
“NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training” is a comprehensive guidebook for individuals seeking to become certified personal trainers. The book is written by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), a leading organization in the fitness industry known for their evidence-based approach to training.
The book covers the fundamental principles of exercise science, including anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, and how they relate to designing safe and effective fitness programs for clients. It also delves into the psychology of behavior change and how to develop and maintain strong relationships with clients.
The book follows the Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model, a systematic approach to program design that focuses on assessment, program design, implementation, and progress evaluation. The OPT model is designed to help trainers tailor their programs to the specific needs of their clients, whether they are looking to lose weight, gain strength, or improve their overall fitness level.
In addition to the comprehensive coverage of exercise science and program design, the book also includes practical information on running a successful personal training business, including legal considerations, marketing strategies, and customer service.
Overall, “NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training” is an invaluable resource for aspiring personal trainers, providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the fitness industry. It is written in a clear and concise manner, making it easy to understand and apply the concepts covered in the book.
Personal Training: Theory and Practice
“Personal Training: Theory and Practice” is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in pursuing a career in personal training or improving their skills as a fitness professional. The book, written by renowned fitness expert and educator, Robert E. Robergs, covers a wide range of topics related to personal training, including exercise science, program design, and coaching techniques.
The book begins by providing a solid foundation in exercise science, including anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. From there, it covers advanced topics such as energy systems, nutrition, and exercise prescription for special populations.
One of the unique features of “Personal Training: Theory and Practice” is its focus on the practical aspects of personal training. The book includes detailed guidance on client assessment, goal setting, and program design, as well as tips for building rapport with clients, creating effective workout plans, and monitoring progress over time.
In addition to the technical and scientific aspects of personal training, the book also covers important business considerations, such as marketing, sales, and legal considerations. It provides practical advice and real-world examples to help readers understand the business side of personal training and develop a successful and sustainable career.
Overall, “Personal Training: Theory and Practice” is a comprehensive and well-written guide for anyone interested in becoming a successful personal trainer. The book is highly practical, with numerous case studies and real-world examples that illustrate the concepts covered in the book. It is an invaluable resource for fitness professionals at all levels, from beginners to experienced trainers.
Strength Training Anatomy
“Strength Training Anatomy” is a popular book among fitness enthusiasts, coaches, and trainers who are interested in the anatomical and biomechanical aspects of strength training. The book is written by Frederic Delavier, a French artist and former powerlifter who combines his artistic talent with his knowledge of anatomy to create an informative and engaging resource.
The book is organized by muscle groups and provides a detailed description of each muscle’s function and how it is activated during different exercises. The illustrations in the book are highly detailed and provide a clear visual representation of each exercise and muscle group.
In addition to the muscle anatomy and exercise descriptions, the book also covers other important topics related to strength training, such as injury prevention, proper technique, and common mistakes to avoid. The author also provides tips and strategies for designing effective training programs and maximizing the benefits of each workout.
One of the unique features of “Strength Training Anatomy” is its emphasis on understanding how the body moves and functions during strength training. By providing a thorough understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of each muscle group, the book enables readers to design targeted and effective training programs that meet the specific needs of their clients.
Overall, “Strength Training Anatomy” is an excellent resource for anyone interested in strength training, whether they are a beginner or an experienced athlete. The book provides a wealth of information on the anatomical and biomechanical aspects of strength training and is a valuable reference for trainers, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts alike.
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