Top 10 Books for Personal Trainers

3/29/2025

If you're a personal trainer navigating the compelling realm of fitness, staying informed and inspired is crucial. Books are invaluable resources, offering unique perspectives, expert insights, and practical advice to elevate your professional journey. Let's delve into the top 10 books every UK personal trainer should consider adding to their collection.

1. "Starting Strength" by Mark Rippetoe

An essential read, Starting Strength is often hailed as the definitive book on barbell training. Mark Rippetoe, with his no-nonsense approach, simplifies complex concepts, making it accessible even for novices. His focus on the core lifts ensures personal trainers develop the right foundation in strength training.

2. "Becoming a Supple Leopard" by Kelly Starrett

Kelly Starrett inspires trainers to not only improve their clients' strength but also enhance mobility and prevent injuries. Becoming a Supple Leopard is a comprehensive read that delves into biomechanics and rehabilitation, tools indispensable for effective client management.

3. "The New Rules of Lifting" by Lou Schuler and Alwyn Cosgrove

Schuler and Cosgrove team up to bring a fresh outlook on lifting principles. Their book demystifies training concepts for trainers, letting them harness effective strategies to maximise clients' results, whether for hypertrophy, endurance, or weight loss.

4. "Periodization Training for Sports" by Tudor O. Bompa

Personal trainers working with athletes will find Periodization Training for Sports particularly enlightening. Bompa details how to structure training phases for optimal performance, offering a blueprint that can be adapted for different sports and fitness goals.

5. "Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning" by the NSCA

Often used as a textbook, this offering from the National Strength and Conditioning Association is an authoritative resource. Comprehensive in scope, it covers everything from biomechanics to programme design, making it indispensable for trainers looking to expand their expertise.

6. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck

While not exclusively about fitness, Dweck's exploration of the growth mindset is crucial for trainers who wish to motivate their clients effectively. Understanding how the brain works when it comes to setting and achieving goals can transform how trainers interact and inspire others.

7. "The Personal Trainer's Pocketbook" by Jonathan Goodman

In need of practical tips and tricks? Goodman provides a wealth of actionable advice tailored for the personal training profession. This pocketbook aims to refine trainers' business skills, from client acquisition to maintaining long-term relationships.

8. "Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain" by John Ratey

Spark explores the profound connection between exercise and brain health. Ratey’s evidence-backed insights into how exercise enhances brain function and emotional wellness can empower trainers to craft more holistic fitness regimes.

9. "Motivational Interviewing in Health Care" by Stephen Rollnick, William R. Miller, and Christopher C. Butler

Fostering motivation in clients is a cornerstone of training success. This book equips trainers with techniques in motivational interviewing, enabling them to break down client resistance and create a supportive environment that fosters change.

10. "The NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training"

Finally, this book provides a comprehensive overview of personal training essentials in alignment with UK standards. From assessing clients to tailoring fitness programmes with precision, it’s a staple for trainers seeking a well-rounded understanding of their profession.

Wrapping Up

Whether you're just starting out or an experienced trainer looking for fresh insights, these books equip you with the knowledge and motivation to excel. Enrich your professional library with these reads and transform your approach to personal training, helping you stand out in the vibrant fitness industry of the UK.

Ready to Transform Your Personal Training Business?

Join PT Workout Planner to streamline your business and provide better service to your clients and their workouts.