There are so many different fitness books out there, how do you choose the best books on fitness? It depends on what kind of information you’re looking for. You may want a book that covers the basics of fitness, health, and nutrition. Or if you want to focus on one certain aspect of fitness, such as body-building, you’ll want to find a book that is narrower in scope.
The following list of books gives you an idea of what you can choose from. Each of these books is a great read and is recommended as some of the best books on fitness.
1. ACSM Fitness Book (2nd Edition)
The American College of Sports Medicine has created a book that will help you will your fitness and exercise goals. Now in its second edition, this book offer instructions that are clear and comprehensible for setting up a fitness program that is customized to your needs. It includes photos that show proper form for strength training and flexibility exercises, which are both important parts of fitness. You can even learn how to track your progress and measure your fitness level to see if you are reaching your fitness goals. This great fitness book includes a workout log for your to record your workouts.
2. Getting Stronger
This book gives basic information on weight training, which is perfect for you if you are just starting out. It’s also helpful for seasoned bodybuilders who need to brush up their skills or rework a stale routine. One of the best things about this book is that it includes specific training for 21 different sports so you can train properly for a certain sport that you are participating in. It also includes detailed instructions and pictures for exercises and fitness programs. You’ll also learn about equipment, working out with injuries, and working out while pregnant.
3. Fitness for Dummies
Fitness for Dummies is a modern-day look at fitness that addresses issues such as the hype about the quick-fix products such as diet pills and new equipment, how to test your personal fitness level, how to join a health club, managing your diet, building a home gym, and hiring a personal trainer. It even helps you design a complete fitness program that fits your needs.
4. Body Sculpting Bible for Men and Women
This fitness book is well organized and very straightforward beginning or intermediate book about fitness, health, and weight loss. There are actually two versions of this book, one for men and one for women, which is a big plus. They both include 14-day training programs with detailed exercise descriptions and photos. There are sections that address fitness myths and misconceptions, how to be successful, and nutrition.
5. Beginning Runner’s Handbook
This book is for beginning runners, particularly those who want to switch from walking for exercise to running for exercise. The run/walk programs that are outlined in this fitness book are very realistic and show you exactly what to do every day to become a runner for life. You’ll improve your cardiovascular fitness and fat-burning abilities through the use of the techniques in this book, and by the end, you’ll be able to run for 50 minutes.
6. Body Rx
Body Rx is a fitness book that offers a weight loss program in four six-week cycles. The plans include information on exercise (mostly weight training) and nutrition. There are pictures that show the exercises on both free weights and machines, as well as logs for you to keep track of your workouts and measure your fitness levels. One downside is that the author, Scott Connelly, doesn’t recommend much cardio exercise in this book; he mostly focuses on weight training. For overall good fitness, it is important that you include all areas of exercise. But overall, this is a great book.