Here is a list of health and fitness books that I’ve read that seem to stand out above all others. If you have any suggestions to share then please let me know in the comments at the bottom of this page. Enjoy!
Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky
A simple book that illuminates exactly what stress is, why we get stressed and ways to reduce it. Understanding why we get stressed and exactly how it affects the body is the first step to taking control.
Anatomy Trains by Thomas W. Myers
Now in its 3rd edition, I’ve re-read this book a number of times and each time I learn something new from it. Understanding the soft tissue links throughout the body forms the fundamental basis of my approach to movement and rehabilitation.
How to Eat, Move and Be Healthy by Paul Chek
Paul Chek is light years ahead of most health and fitness professionals. This holistic book on how to live a healthy life is all most people will ever need. Read it and follow his advice and you can’t go far wrong.
Buy today: Hardcopy
Lost Connections by Johann Hari
Primarily dealing with depression and mental health this book uses evidence to demonstrate how human beings are social animals and miss their connections with nature. Returning back to our roots can heal more ills than we give it credit for.
Buy today: Hardcopy | Audiobook
The Body in Action by Sarah Key
I’ve read this book so many times. The simplicity of how each joint is broken down along with common issues and how to fix them is superb. Her other books are great too!
Buy today: Hardcopy
The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss
A hugely successful book that has influenced many work and life decisions I’ve made over the past years. The best of his trilogy.
Buy today: Hardcopy | Audiobook
Spark by John J Ratey
A great book centred on the research that exercise can improve the minds and grades of school children. Exercise really can make you smarter.
Buy today: Hardcopy | Audiobook
Movement by Gray Cook
Gray Cook is a physiotherapist who developed the functional movement screen, a series of exercises that helps to determine your suitability for exercise. Follow his instructions and you can strengthen weaknesses and cut down on injuries.
Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon
Not your average cookbook. Sally Fallon is the founder of the Western A Price foundation and a nutritional researcher. Here she combines the old with new and teaches the fundamentals of how to eat and drink for optimal health.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Habits rule our daily lives in both good and bad ways. Taking control of your habits the way James demonstrates enables you to achieve whatever you set your mind too.
Buy today: Hardcopy | Audiobook
The One Minute Workout by Martin Gibala
One minute workout offers an easy introduction to habit building and exercise. Once you have developed your one minute habit, one becomes two and before long consistent exercise is easier than you ever thought possible.
Buy today: Hardcopy
Simple and Sinister by Pavel Tsatsouline
Pavel’s simple book emphasises the importance of heavier but shorter workouts using only 2 exercises, the swing and the Turkish get up. Understand the power of step loading for workout programming from this book.
The Quick and the Dead by Pavel Tsatsouline
A follow up to Simple and Sinister and dives deeper into the research of short minimalist workouts focusing on only two exercises. Again the kettlebell swing is used as the main full body exercise or the snatch for the more advanced.
Total Recall by Arnold Schwarzenegger
I found this book very inspiring and read it over a long weekend. Arnold teaches us how to get clear on a goal and then stop at nothing to achieve it.
How not to diet by Micheal Gregor
In this refreshing book on nutrition Gregor presents just the facts on how we should eat and drink for optimal health.
Starting Strength by Mark Ripptoe
Want to learn the fundamentals of the big lifts and how to perform them? Then look no further than this very important book for all those interested in strength training.
Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford
If you are interested in how eastern medicine is used and the impact of certain foods on the body then you will enjoy this comprehensive book. A personal favourite for referencing alternatives to the often failed western approach.
Buy today: Hardcopy
Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett
Discover the sheer power of joint mobility and posture and their ability to rehabilitate pain and improve performance. A must for all, especially the older adult.
Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance by Dr. Stuart McGill
Suffer with back issues? Want to know how you should exercise based on evidence from one of the leading back authorities. Everyone should read this book whether you suffer with a back problem or not.
Buy today: Hardcopy
Stretch to Win by Ann & Christopher Frederick
Buy today: Hardcopy
Advances in Functional Training by Mike Boyle
Mike is a sports coach and has had many influences on the way I approach strength and conditioning. Want to understand the fundamentals of functional training? Then read this book.
Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown
Having suffered from asthma as a child I found this book very encouraging for ways to improve lung capacity. Learn and understand the Butekyo method.
Buy today: Hardcopy
The Circadian Code by Dr. Satchin Panda
Understand how living in line with nature, and the rising and falling of the sun, drastically affects your hormones and ultimately your overall health.
[Full Disclosure: As an Amazon affiliate, I receive compensation if you purchase through any of the links above but this does not affect the original cost to you.]
What great health and fitness books have you read? Let me know more below:
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Fitness is Religion….Keep the Faith. Must read for my new clients. Love the site. Respect, Phil
Thanks for sharing these Greg. I am looking forward to compiling my summer reading list with a couple of these! Especially the Body in Action book.
Hi
Frederick Delavier books are an excellent way to see anatomically the body /muscle when performing exercises.
Drb
Yes I agree Deb, they were some of the first books I bought.
Greg great book list
Check out Dan Johns books -there great
Glad you mention Mike Boyles book
Had the privilege to train with him
Again great list!!
Thanks Ralph, yes I’ve learnt a few things from Dan John too and training with Mike Boyle, what a privilege.
What a great list! Thank you, Greg, for your list and your short blurbs to understand what each is about!