As 2015 fades to a distant memory and we’re well into 2016, some people are still struggling to maintain their New Year’s Resolution.
If your resolution was to get in shape, then continue reading. Below you will find 8 book to help you motivate you. With something in there for everyone, including running, strength training, and bodyweight exercise training.
The book list, in no particular order:
The Beginning Runner’s Handbook by Ian MacNeill and the Sport Medicine Council of British Columbia
This book is for people who want to begin running, but don’t know where to start. The book, packed with not only information, but also a 13-week easy-to-follow plan, is great for anybody who wishes to turn themselves into a runner. The 13-week plan starts with walking and progresses from there, while the information within the book covers topics like proper stretching, correct shoes and a wealth of other topics.
Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe and Jason Kelly
If you want to start weightlifting, this is the book that will most likely be recommended to you by friends who already lift, if you were to ask. The book covers all of the moves for basic barbell training, as well as the reasons why you should strength train with barbells and heavy lifting. If you have access to a gym or weights, buying this book will change your life. Practical Programming for Strength Training, also by this author, makes a great companion for this book.
The 4 Hour Body by Timothy Ferriss
There is a reason that this book tends to end up on most lists of this topic – it works. Ferriss had thousands of tests done, pushing his body to the limit, to discover the secrets to how to maintain a great body in just 4 hours over the course of a week. If you are looking for a book of fitness and weight loss hacks, this is it.
Body for Life by Bill Phillips
While this book is more than a decade and a half old, the reason I’m recommending it is because it works. Despite the fact that he recommends buying a product his company sells, the advice within this book still holds true today. This book includes easy-to-incorporate exercises that don’t last all day but are extremely effective.
You Are Your Own Gym by Joshua Clark and Mark Lauren
Don’t have access to a gym for whatever reason? Then this is the book for you! Starting with why you should bodyweight train, then moving into the program to follow, this book has everything a newbie bodyweight trainer could ever want, with an index of what each exercise is and what it does for the body included in the book. Lauren is an elite Special Operations physical trainer, but these exercises have different levels and can be done by anyone.
Infinite Intensity by Ross Enamait
If you want a book that incorporates both body weight and weight training exercises without any fluff, buy this book. It is more of a conditioning book than a strengthening book and only uses exercises that are proven to work. The book outlines a sample 50 day routine using the principles discussed previously. For more by Enamait, who is considered a go-to by many bodybuilders and athletes, check out Never Gymless.
Bigger, Leaner, Stronger by Michael Matthews
Because bodybuilding has become such a popular pastime in the last few years, here is another book on bodybuilding. This book is based on the premise that all it takes is the correct programming to build muscle and lose fat. It’s companion book, Thinner, Leaner, Stronger is for those looking to lose weight rather than gain, but both books provide valuable insights into weight training and timing.
Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett
If you’re in pain, rather than discomfort, you will be unable to work out. This is where this book comes in! Starrett is a physiotherapist who has written this book to help athletes and non-athletes alike. In it, you will find advice on how to treat stiffness alongside advice on preventative measures to guard against an injury – and what to do if you have one. Pick up this book even if you are still hesitant about getting into shape!
