Optimal Muscle Training by Ken Kinakin, 2004 ISBN: 0-7360-4679-8

The design of this book is intended to educate trainers, therapists and weight-training participants. The book describes how to assess a person’s functional level and then find out how to optimize that person’s potential for training. The use of functional anatomy to describe the risk-benefit ratio for given weight-training exercises is a great resource for designing safe and effective weight training programs.

Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning [NSCA] Thomas R. Baechle and Roger W. Earle editors. 2000 2nd edition. ISBN: 0-7360-0089-5

This is the encyclopedia of training and conditioning. All aspects of training are covered. This is the definitive text for those who wish to learn the essentials necessary to become a certified strength and conditioning specialist.

Functional Training for Sports by Michael Boyle, 2004 ISBN: 0-7360-4681-X

A thoughtful presentation to provide background on the development of a functional training system. Functional training is developed with the intent to improve sport skills and performance. Mike describes the basics and then provides sample programs aimed at various sport types.

Functional Training: Breaking the Bonds of Traditionalism Companion Guide. By Juan Carlos Santana. 2000. ISBN: 0-9708116-1-6

A great follow up reading to Mike Boyle’s book. Juan has some great training methods and is not limited to machine training. He uses scientifically based training methods that will add variety to any training scheme.

Supertraining by Mel C. Siff Phd. 2003 ISBN: 1-874856-65-6

The bible of training. If you are going to train based on science you had better read this book. It is technical but thought provoking so you must take your time reading it. 478 pages. Knowledge is power!   

This book is on sale at  www.elitefts.com right now.

Facts and Fallacies of Fitness by Mel C. Siff Phd. 2003 ISBN: 1-868-183-8

The book that straightens out the facts on training. Mel has used this book as a digest for his classic Supertraining manual. All of his discussions are annotated and based on the latest research. He gives both points of view on subjects and is well versed in the history of selected health and training protocols that are discussed. MUST READ.

Science and Practice of Strength Training by Vladimir M. Zatsiorsky 1995 ISBN: 0-87322-474-4

This book is heavily influenced by the Eastern Europeon training methods. This is a textbook on training and practical experience. Well-organized and comprehensive. The information is all backed by research and is dedicated to show you how to train without drugs.

Explosive Power and Jumping Ability for All Sports. By Tadeusz Starzynski and Henryk Sozanski, Phd. 1995. ISBN: 0-940149-09-5

This book organizes and systemizes knowledge on training for explosive strength. The principles are universal and can be applied to all sports movements.

Modern Trends in Strength Training by Charles Poliquin , Vol. 1 Reps and Sets 3rd edition.

Mr. Poliquin posses the question that there is no magical way to train. Manipulating your volume and sets in your training scheme will give you optimal strength gains. He provides a training system to achieve this goal.

Science of Sports Training by Thomas Kurz. 2001. ISBN: 0-940149-10-9.

Another encyclopedia of training. This book covers it all and provides clear and informative information on a variety of topics. The information is easy to read and well organized into chapters on the elements of sports training. The book gives you the ability to plan and control training for top performance based on science.

Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance by Stuart McGill, Phd. 2004. ISBN: 0-9735018-0-4.

The best book on the market that can explain how the back functions and describe the injury mechanisms of the spine. Once you have learned how the back operates the author than explains how to train the back to provide a foundation for safe activites. He also explains that athletes take greater risks in their training schemes. He then discusses proper training techniques to minimize back dysfunction.

Children & Sports Training. Jozef Drabik, Phd. 1996. ISBN: 0-940149-03-6.

Sound training methods for children exist. This book sorts out the practices that are science based. The book is based on longitudinal studies on children in Eastern Europeon countries. Clear cut training schemes for children are discussed on an age related continuum. MUST READ!

Practical Programming for Strength Training by Mark Rippetoe And Lon Kilgore ISBN: 0976805413.

Practical Programming offers a different approach to exercise programming than that typically found in other exercise texts. Based on a combined 60+ years of academic expertise, elite-level coaching experience, and the observation of thousands of novice trainees, the authors present a chronological analysis of the response to exercise as it varies through the training history of the athlete, one that reflects the realities of human physiology, sports psychology, and common sense. Contrary to the one-size-fits-all models of periodization offered elsewhere, Practical Programming explains the differences in response to exercise commonly observed between athletes at the novice, intermediate, and advanced levels, explains these differences in the context of the relevant exercise science, and presents new training models that actually work for athletes at all levels of experience. Complete with new, innovative graphical representations of cutting-edge concepts in exercise programming, Practical Programming is sure to become a standard reference in the field of exercise and human performance.

Dinosaur Training: Lost Secrets of Strength and Development by Brooks Kubric.

New and destined to be one of the most talked about books ever written for the weight training world! Finally, a weight training book that focuses on: real world strength training; becoming more powerful; building functional muscle; strengthening the tendons and ligaments; thick bar training; heavy weights; power rack work; heavy grip work; sandbag & barrel lifting; heavy support work; effort; dedication; perseverance; concentration; determination; mental toughness; and the kind of hard nosed attitude that has all but disappeared from the Iron Game. Written by famous strength training author and editor/publisher of The Dinosaur Files, Brooks D. Kubik, a man who has studied serious strength training his entire lifetime! "The best hard-core strength training book ever written." -Bob Whelan. A 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 trade paperback with 196 pages. Get a copy today, you'll love it!

Moving beyond Mastery of Hand Strength, John Brookfield continues his tradition of breaking new ground in grip training: John's creative new exercises and unbridled enthusiasm are what The Grip Master's Manual is all about. John begins with some general training pointers, including how to practice good hand health, and then shows you how to build your overall upper body and lower arm strength, laying a foundation for the specific hand and lower arm training that follows. And what follows is typical of John: a wide array of innovative techniques and exercises designed to motivate and challenge you -- and to build your hand strength from every conceivable angle, along with your dexterity and muscle control. John, who invented what are now commonly called "strap holds," is also your guide to "climbing the mountain" to close the No. 3 Captains of Crush Gripper. Finally, John leads you through the consummate grip master's repertoire: bending steel bars, bending horseshoes, coiling and scrolling iron, bending nails, and even tearing cards. John wrote this book to help you take your hand strength to the next level, and if you follow his advice, we're sure you will get there and then some. If you want to be a grip master in the true sense of the word, get your hands on The Grip Master's Manual and then go out and crush a can of Coke.