Best Strength Training Books – 17 Essential Reads for Gym Goers

An absolute classic! I don't think any strength training book list would dare to miss this one.

Starting strength is the ultimate guide to simple barbell lifting techniques and training methods.

The title of this one says it all; it takes a much more specific look at programming and preparing yourself for powerlifting competition.

Written by a multiple powerlifting champion, this book is great for learning how to train effectively with the 3 "power lifts" in mind.

Louie Simmons and his Westside Barbell brand is a huge name in powerlifting. His methods are somewhat divisive but they have certainly made an impact on the powerlifting world.

The writing is pretty sporadic but there is a lot of information to give you some different views and methods of training.

Arnold's huge book has gained a reputation for being the "bible" of bodybuilding.

There is an absolute ton of detailed information inside this book.

While I think some of the methods are a bit "bro-sciencey" and the routines are not the best for your average lifter, it is definitely worth reading.

This is a great visual guide for learning how the body works while applying it to strength training principles.

The detailed illustrations are supremely detailed and show you exactly how everything is working during each exercise.

This book is the ultimate resource for learning the Olympic lifts and their progressions. Gregg rreally takes a deep-dive into details of the snatch and clean & jerk.

If you coach or practice Olympic lifting, this will be a book you constantly refer back to.

Written by somebody who has been a high level coach, athlete and judge, this book brings a wealth of information to the table.

It features a lot of detail and Drechsler's enthusiasm for the sport is clear as he projects years of wisdom on to the reader.

As the title suggests, this book provides an in-depth look at the science and principles behind programming for short and long-term strength gain.

Definitely not for the beginner lifter but coaches and individuals who are looking to learn about proper program design will benefit from this one.

This book is recommended as the number 1 resource for the Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam.

It is probably the most comprehensive overall text for exploring the principles and theories of strength training and nutrition. 

This is a truly awesome book for learning how to optimize human movement as it relates performance and strength training.

Filled with images and in-depth guides, you will learn how to get your body into the best positions to reduce injury and improve performance.

Gray's book outlines the importance of assessing and fixing dysfunctional movement patterns to improve performance and reduce injury occurrence.

The book is a textbook style book and is certainly not light reading. However, it provides a great deal of important information for serious lifters, athletes and coaches.

This is a 230 page book that covers a wide range of exercises and their progressions for a number of different training goals.

The book also features information on programming and periodization for bodyweight exercises as well as sample routines.

Note: purchase this from Ross's website (rosstraining.com); it's way cheaper than Amazon!

I actually suggest reading all of Dan John's books but I remember really enjoying this when I first read it.

Chapter by chapter, and in an entertaining writing style, Dan imparts endless wisdom on strength training, fitness and life in general.

Anybody reading this list should read this book!