Weightlifting is an essential part of fitness and has many benefits, including increased strength, improved bone density, and better overall health. However, weightlifting can be an intimidating activity for beginners, and it’s essential to have the right guidance to avoid injuries and achieve the desired results. That’s where weightlifting books come in.
Weightlifting books are an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their weightlifting technique and knowledge. These books cover a wide range of topics, including proper form, training programs, nutrition, and injury prevention. They are written by experienced weightlifters and coaches who share their expertise and insights to help readers achieve their fitness goals.
When choosing a weightlifting book, it’s crucial to consider the author’s credentials and experience. Look for books written by certified weightlifting coaches or professional athletes with a proven track record. It’s also essential to consider the book’s content and whether it covers the topics that are relevant to your fitness goals.
In this article, we’ve reviewed and tested some of the best weightlifting books on the market to help you find the right one for your needs. We’ve looked at books that cover a range of topics, from beginner-level guides to advanced training programs. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your weightlifting to the next level, we’ve got you covered.
Best Books for Weightlifting
We know that weightlifting is a great way to improve your strength, build muscle, and boost your overall health. But let’s face it, it can be difficult to know where to start and how to progress in your weightlifting journey. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best books for weightlifting. These books are written by experts in the field and provide comprehensive guidance on everything from proper form and technique to nutrition and recovery. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter, these books will help you take your weightlifting game to the next level.
Thinner Leaner Stronger
If you’re a woman looking for a comprehensive guide to weightlifting, Thinner Leaner Stronger could be a good choice.
Pros
- Provides a lot of information on weightlifting and nutrition
- Offers a workout program that can be adjusted to your fitness level
- Written in an easy-to-understand language
Cons
- May not be suitable for experienced weightlifters
- Some readers found the book repetitive
- Some of the nutrition advice may not be applicable to everyone
Thinner Leaner Stronger is a comprehensive guide to weightlifting and nutrition for women. The book covers everything from the science of muscle growth to the best exercises for each muscle group. It also includes a workout program that can be adjusted to your fitness level, as well as advice on nutrition and supplements.
One of the strengths of the book is that it’s written in an easy-to-understand language. The author, Michael Matthews, does a good job of explaining complex concepts in a way that’s accessible to readers without a background in exercise science.
However, some readers found the book repetitive, and some of the nutrition advice may not be applicable to everyone. Additionally, the book may not be suitable for experienced weightlifters, as it’s geared more towards beginners and intermediate lifters.
Overall, if you’re a woman looking to get started with weightlifting or improve your current routine, Thinner Leaner Stronger could be a good resource.
Bigger Leaner Stronger
If you’re looking to build the ultimate male body, then Bigger Leaner Stronger is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Provides a simple and science-based approach to building muscle and losing fat
- Offers detailed workout plans and nutritional guidance
- Written in an easy-to-read and engaging style
Cons
- Some readers may find the book’s focus on male bodybuilding limiting
- The workout plans may be too intense for beginners
- The book’s emphasis on supplements may not be appealing to all readers
If you’re serious about transforming your body, Bigger Leaner Stronger offers a comprehensive guide to achieving your goals. The book provides a clear and concise overview of the science behind muscle building and fat loss, and offers practical advice on how to optimize your workouts and nutrition.
In addition to detailed workout plans, the book also includes guidance on how to track your progress and adjust your training as needed. While the book’s focus is on male bodybuilding, the principles outlined can be applied to anyone looking to build muscle and lose fat.
That being said, the book’s intense workout plans may not be suitable for beginners or those with certain health conditions. Additionally, some readers may find the book’s emphasis on supplements off-putting.
Overall, Bigger Leaner Stronger is a valuable resource for anyone looking to take their fitness to the next level.
New Anatomy for Strength & Fitness Training
If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to understanding your muscles and the exercises that use them, this book is a great choice.
Pros
- Beautiful illustrations make it easy to understand muscle anatomy
- Provides a solid base of knowledge that can be put into practice right away
- Includes exercises used in popular fitness programs like CrossFit and P90X
Cons
- Some illustrations may be a bit strange to look at
- Not as detailed as some readers may prefer
- May be too basic for experienced weightlifters
This book is easy to read and well-organized, with colorful pictures and clear markings to help you understand the muscles being used in each exercise. While it may not be as detailed as some readers would like, it provides a great foundation of knowledge for those looking to improve their strength and fitness. Overall, we recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about muscle anatomy and exercise.
The Year One Challenge for Men: Bigger, Leaner, and Stronger Than Ever in 12 Months (The Bigger Leaner Stronger Series)
If you’re looking to transform your body and get stronger, The Year One Challenge for Men: Bigger, Leaner, and Stronger Than Ever in 12 Months (The Bigger Leaner Stronger Series) is a great book to consider.
Pros
- Provides a structured workout plan to follow for 12 months
- Offers clear explanations of exercises and nutrition principles
- Includes a workout journal to track progress
Cons
- The book is quite bulky and may not be convenient to carry to the gym
- Some readers may find the workout plan too intense for their fitness level
- The focus is on building muscle, so it may not be the best fit for those looking to lose weight.
In this book, author Michael Matthews lays out a comprehensive 12-month workout plan designed to help men build muscle and get stronger. The plan is broken down into six phases, each lasting two months, with specific exercises and nutrition guidelines to follow.
One of the strengths of this book is its clear explanations of exercises and nutrition principles. Matthews breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand language, making it accessible for readers of all fitness levels.
Another helpful feature of The Year One Challenge for Men is the workout journal included in the book. This allows readers to track their progress and see how far they’ve come over the course of the 12-month program.
However, the book is quite bulky and may not be convenient to carry to the gym. Additionally, some readers may find the workout plan too intense for their fitness level. Finally, it’s worth noting that the focus of the book is on building muscle, so it may not be the best fit for those looking to lose weight.
Overall, if you’re looking for a structured workout plan to follow and are focused on building muscle and getting stronger, The Year One Challenge for Men: Bigger, Leaner, and Stronger Than Ever in 12 Months (The Bigger Leaner Stronger Series) is definitely worth considering.
Science of Strength Training: Understand the anatomy and physiology to transform your body (DK Science of)
If you’re serious about weightlifting, the Science of Strength Training book is a must-have.
Pros
- Detailed anatomy and physiology information
- Comprehensive workout plans
- Easy-to-understand language
Cons
- May be too technical for beginners
- Some readers may prefer more visual aids
- Only available in English
This book is filled with detailed information about the anatomy and physiology of strength training, making it an invaluable resource for anyone serious about weightlifting. The workout plans included are comprehensive and easy to follow, and the language used throughout the book is straightforward and easy to understand.
One potential downside of the Science of Strength Training book is that it may be too technical for beginners. Some readers may also prefer more visual aids to help them understand the concepts presented. Additionally, the book is only available in English.
Overall, if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to strength training that covers both theory and practice, the Science of Strength Training book is an excellent choice.
Strength Training Anatomy, 3rd Edition
If you’re looking to learn about the anatomy of strength training, you should consider purchasing Strength Training Anatomy, 3rd Edition.
Pros
- Provides a lot of pictures and information to help you learn.
- Points to what you’re working on.
- Great resource for artists wanting to learn about anatomy.
Cons
- May not be useful for those who are already advanced in their strength training knowledge.
- Some readers may find the information too basic.
- May not provide enough detailed explanations for some readers.
This book is a great resource for those who are just starting out in strength training or for those who want to learn more about the anatomy of their workouts. The book provides a lot of pictures and information to help you learn, and it points to what you’re working on. It’s also a great resource for artists wanting to learn about anatomy.
One potential downside to this book is that it may not be useful for those who are already advanced in their strength training knowledge. Some readers may find the information too basic, and it may not provide enough detailed explanations for some readers. However, for those who are just starting out or who want to learn more about the anatomy of their workouts, this book is a great resource.
Weight Lifting Log Book
If you want to stay on track towards your fitness goals, then you should purchase the Weight Lifting Log Book. This workout journal is perfect for men and women who want to keep track of their weightlifting and cardio exercises.
Pros
- The log book is user-friendly and easy to follow.
- It has enough space to write notes about your workouts.
- It is concise and to the point.
Cons
- The log book is only 130 pages long.
- It is only available in English.
- It is not suitable for people who prefer digital tracking.
The Weight Lifting Log Book is an excellent tool for people who want to visualize their progress and stay motivated. With this logbook, you can develop positive habits and track your achievements.
If you are looking for a way to measure your progress effectively, then this book is perfect for you. It is incredibly motivating to see how far you have come, and it will help you stay on track towards your fitness goals.
In conclusion, the Weight Lifting Log Book is a great investment for anyone who wants to improve their fitness level. It is easy to use, visually appealing, and effective. So, if you want to stay motivated and achieve your dreams, then you should definitely buy this book.
Habit Nest Weightlifting Gym Buddy Journal
If you’re looking for a fitness planner that tells you exactly what to do and how to track progress, the Habit Nest Weightlifting Gym Buddy Journal is a great option.
Pros
- A total 12-week training program designed to help you track your weight/reps.
- 65 workouts laid out in the workout journal, with no thinking needed.
- Each workout is broken into two primary muscle groups.
Cons
- Each workout takes 45+ minutes.
- A bit more expensive than other workout journals.
- Some exercises require more equipment.
The Habit Nest Weightlifting Gym Buddy Journal is built for lifters of all levels, including beginners to experts. The workout log book has a clear number of sets and reps to aim for, with pyramid style workouts. The journal provides weekly pro-tips, challenges, and an exercise form index.
The journal is a hybrid between a personal trainer and workout log book, making it easy to track progress without having to think too much. However, each workout takes 45+ minutes, which may not be feasible for everyone’s schedule. Additionally, the journal is a bit more expensive than other workout journals, but it offers a lot of value for the price.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fitness planner that takes the thinking out of your workouts and provides clear guidance on what to do and how to track your progress, the Habit Nest Weightlifting Gym Buddy Journal is a great option.
The Women’s Health Big Book of Exercises
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on weightlifting exercises, then The Women’s Health Big Book of Exercises is definitely worth checking out.
Pros
- Provides detailed instructions for over 600 exercises
- Includes four weeks of workout plans to help you get started
- Suitable for beginners and advanced weightlifters alike
Cons
- Some readers may find the book overwhelming due to the sheer number of exercises included
- The book is quite large and heavy, which may make it less portable
- The workout plans may not be tailored to your specific fitness goals
This book is a great resource for anyone looking to improve their weightlifting skills. With over 600 exercises included, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs. The book also includes four weeks of workout plans, which can be helpful if you’re not sure where to start.
The detailed instructions provided for each exercise make it easy to ensure you’re performing it correctly. This can be especially helpful for beginners who may be unsure about proper form.
However, some readers may find the book overwhelming due to its size. Additionally, the workout plans may not be tailored to your specific fitness goals, which could be a drawback for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to weightlifting exercises, The Women’s Health Big Book of Exercises is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best weightlifting book, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some features to look for:
Experience Level
Consider your experience level when selecting a weightlifting book. If you’re a beginner, look for a book that covers the basics of weightlifting and provides clear instructions on proper form. If you’re more experienced, you may want a book that focuses on more advanced techniques and programming.
Content
Look for a book that covers a variety of exercises, including compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. The book should also provide information on proper warm-up and cool-down techniques, injury prevention, and nutrition.
Author Expertise
Check the author’s credentials and experience in the field of weightlifting. Look for books written by certified personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, or other fitness professionals.
Format
Consider the format of the book. Some weightlifting books are heavy on text, while others include more visuals like photos or illustrations. Choose a format that works best for your learning style.
Reviews
Read reviews from other readers to get an idea of the book’s effectiveness and whether it’s a good fit for your needs.
By keeping these features in mind, you can find a weightlifting book that will help you achieve your fitness goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some recommended books for learning about weightlifting techniques and programming?
If you’re looking to improve your weightlifting techniques and programming, there are several books that we recommend. Some of our favorites include “Starting Strength” by Mark Rippetoe, “The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding” by Arnold Schwarzenegger, and “Bigger Leaner Stronger” by Michael Matthews.
What is the Starting Strength program and how can it help with weightlifting?
The Starting Strength program is a weightlifting program developed by Mark Rippetoe that focuses on the five main lifts: squat, bench press, deadlift, overhead press, and power clean. This program is designed to help beginners build strength and improve their form, and has been praised by many weightlifters for its effectiveness.
What are some of the best Olympic weightlifting books for beginners?
If you’re new to Olympic weightlifting, we recommend checking out “Olympic Weightlifting: A Complete Guide for Athletes & Coaches” by Greg Everett, “The Weightlifting Encyclopedia: A Guide to World Class Performance” by Arthur Drechsler, and “The Art of Olympic Weightlifting” by Greg Everett.
What are some of the most popular weightlifting log books available?
Keeping track of your progress is an important part of weightlifting, and there are many log books available to help you do so. Some of the most popular options include “The Lift Log” by Tim Ferriss, “The Workout Log” by Alex Lluch, and “The Strength Training Log” by Marc McLean.
What are some of the best books on exercise programming for weightlifting?
If you’re interested in exercise programming for weightlifting, we recommend checking out “Science and Practice of Strength Training” by Vladimir Zatsiorsky and William Kraemer, “Periodization Training for Sports” by Tudor Bompa, and “The Complete Guide to Strength Training” by Anita Bean.
What are some of the most effective functional training books for weightlifting?
Functional training can be a great way to improve your weightlifting abilities, and there are several books that can help you get started. Some of our favorites include “Functional Training Handbook” by Craig Liebenson, “Functional Training for Sports” by Michael Boyle, and “The Functional Training Bible” by Guido Bruscia.