15 Best Books About Personal Training: Essential Reads for Fitness Pros

3. "The NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training" by the National Strength and Conditioning Association

If you're aiming to become a certified personal trainer, the NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training is arguably the most authoritative and science-backed text available today. Developed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)—a global leader in strength and conditioning education—this is more than just a study guide. It's a comprehensive guide to the foundations of personal fitness training and an essential reference for every serious fitness professional.

Widely regarded as the gold standard among personal training books, this resource provides in-depth chapters on exercise science, program design, sports medicine, nutrition, client screening, behavior modification, and even business fundamentals. Whether you're studying for the NSCA-CPT exam or actively working in the fitness industry, the book equips you with practical and theoretical tools to deliver safe, effective, and personalized client experiences.

This NSCA personal training book also places heavy emphasis on scientific principles, making it ideal for trainers who want to blend evidence-based practice with real-world application. You'll also find helpful charts, case studies, and programming examples designed to deepen your understanding of every aspect of personal training—from beginner workouts to advanced athletic conditioning.

In short, for those seeking a comprehensive, academically sound, and practically applicable certified personal trainer book, "Essentials of Personal Training" by the Conditioning Association is a must-have.

4. "Ignite the Fire" by Jonathan Goodman

Ignite the Fire by Jonathan Goodman is a must-read for trainers looking to build a successful fitness business. Unlike technical texts, this book focuses on the business side, covering branding, pricing, client acquisition, and managing expectations. Goodman, founder of the Personal Trainer Development Center (PTDC), offers actionable steps for growing and scaling your personal training business.

This book stands out for its emphasis on the human aspect of training clients, fostering trust, and motivating them to achieve their fitness goals. It's perfect for anyone, from gym employees to freelancers, looking to thrive in the competitive fitness industry. With over 1,000 5-star reviews, it's a top recommendation for new trainers starting their entrepreneurial journey.

5. "The New Rules of Lifting" by Lou Schuler & Alwyn Cosgrove

The New Rules of Lifting isn’t your average training manual—it’s a refreshingly honest take on how to train more brilliantly in today’s fitness world. Written by journalist Lou Schuler and strength coach Alwyn Cosgrove, it challenges outdated gym advice and replaces it with methods grounded in solid science and real-life results.

This book walks you through clear, practical strategies for building muscle, losing fat, and getting stronger—whether you're working with total beginners or experienced clients. It doesn’t just tell you what to do; it explains why it works and how to apply it in different training situations.

If you’re a trainer who wants to stay current and deliver results that matter, this book belongs on your shelf. It’s practical, relatable, and packed with insights that you can apply right away.

6. "Becoming a Supple Leopard" by Dr. Kelly Starrett

Becoming a Supple Leopard by Dr. Kelly Starrett is one of those rare books that completely shifts how you think about movement and training. With his background in physical therapy and sports performance, Starrett breaks down complex concepts, such as biomechanics, mobility, and recovery, into practical, usable strategies that trainers can apply immediately.

Whether you’re helping a client work through knee pain during squats or fine-tuning someone’s overhead press, the book gives you a detailed playbook for spotting movement issues and fixing them. It’s beneficial for working with athletes, active adults, or anyone recovering from an injury.

What sets this book apart is its ability to connect the dots between movement quality and long-term performance. It doesn’t just give you exercises—it helps you understand the “why” behind mobility work and how to keep clients moving well and injury-free.

If you're serious about helping people move better and perform at their best, Becoming a Supple Leopard deserves a permanent spot in your training toolkit.

7. "Deep Nutrition" by Dr. Catherine Shanahan

Deep Nutrition by Dr. Catherine Shanahan examines the benefits of traditional foods—such as bone broth, organ meats, fermented vegetables, and raw dairy—to promote health, longevity, and athletic performance. The book challenges conventional dietary guidelines and provides an evolutionary perspective on nutrition.

For personal trainers, this book sheds light on the critical role that nutrition plays in achieving fitness goals, speeding up recovery, and supporting a healthy metabolism. Dr. Shanahan draws a clear connection between poor eating habits and chronic health issues, such as heart disease and obesity, while making a strong case for returning to real, nutrient-rich foods that fuel the body properly.

What makes it stand out, especially in the strength training world, is its emphasis on the impact of food quality on physical results. Think better recovery, more stable energy, and leaner body composition. Instead of pushing trendy diets, it focuses on long-term habits and the deeper principles behind truly healthy eating, making it a go-to resource for trainers who want to coach beyond just sets and reps.

8. "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. Gerber

Michael E. Gerber's The E-Myth Revisited is one of the best business books for entrepreneurs, particularly personal trainers seeking to establish a sustainable fitness business. Gerber challenges the myth that technical skills, such as being a great trainer, are enough to succeed, emphasizing the importance of building systems and thinking like a business owner.

The book explains why most small businesses fail—not due to lack of passion or expertise, but because owners fail to create scalable systems. Gerber provides a framework for building a company that can grow, delegate, and operate independently of you.

For trainers who are tired of trading time for money, The E-Myth Revisited offers a clear strategy for creating processes, managing time, and building a brand that operates efficiently. Whether you're starting your career or looking to scale your business, this book is a must-read for turning your passion into a successful business without burnout.

9. "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries is essential for personal trainers who want to build an agile, customer-focused fitness business. Initially written for tech entrepreneurs, its principles were equally applicable to personal trainers navigating the evolving needs of their clients and the increasing market competition.

The book introduces the concept of launching with a "minimum viable product" (MVP), gathering customer feedback, and quickly iterating services based on real-world responses. This lean approach helps trainers minimize waste, validate ideas more quickly, and adapt without depleting resources.

Ries emphasizes the value of practice, experimentation, and continuous improvement, which are key for trainers who want to stay competitive. Whether launching a new program, app, or coaching service, this book encourages strategic thinking and innovation.

One of the best business books for fitness pros, The Lean Startup offers a scalable framework for growing your brand with less risk and greater impact. It's the perfect guide for trainers aiming to future-proof their careers and provide services that truly meet customer needs.

10. "Good Calories, Bad Calories" by Gary Taubes

Good Calories, Bad Calories by Gary Taubes challenges mainstream nutrition beliefs, particularly the idea that "all calories are equal." Backed by thorough research, the book exposes how flawed science and corporate influence shaped misleading dietary guidelines, especially regarding fat and weight gain.

This book isn’t a light read, but for personal trainers who want to understand how nutrition impacts the body truly, it’s gratifying. Taubes delves into the impact of different types of calories on hormones and metabolism, particularly the role of insulin in fat storage, and examines the long-held connections between diet and chronic illnesses such as heart disease.

While some of the ideas are controversial, they spark the kind of critical thinking that can push your coaching to the next level. It’s perfect for trainers who want to move beyond cookie-cutter meal plans and offer advice that’s rooted in deeper science.

If you’re tired of chasing diet trends and want to deliver smarter, lasting results to your clients, Good Calories, Bad Calories gives you the tools to rethink nutrition from the ground up.

11. "Back Mechanic" by Dr. Stuart McGill

Dr. Stuart McGill’s Back Mechanic is a must-read for any trainer who works with clients experiencing back pain, which is nearly everyone at some point. As one of the top experts in spinal biomechanics, McGill offers a no-nonsense, practical approach that helps you spot faulty movement patterns and build tailored solutions that work.

The book is filled with real client stories, hands-on assessment tools, and practical strategies that you can apply immediately. It focuses on core stability, proper movement habits, and long-term spine health, which are key for anyone training older adults, clients recovering from an injury, or those simply struggling with nagging discomfort.

If you want to coach with more confidence and offer practical solutions for back pain, Back Mechanic provides you with the tools and knowledge to do it right.

Whether you're focused on personal fitness training or corrective exercise, this book stands out as one of the best personal training books for expanding your clinical knowledge and improving client outcomes.

12. "The Hungry Brain" by Stephan Guyenet

The Hungry Brain, by neuroscientist Stephan Guyenet, explores one of the most frustrating challenges in fitness: why clients struggle to control their eating despite knowing what is healthy. Grounded in the latest brain science, this book explains how our evolutionary wiring, modern food environment, and psychological triggers collide to hijack our hunger and eating habits.

For personal trainers, The Hungry Brain stands out as a powerful guide to understanding why so many people struggle with food, even when they know better. It dives into the science behind cravings, binge eating, and weight gain, showing that it’s not just about willpower, but how our brains are wired and how our environment influences our choices.

This book provides you with practical strategies that you can apply with clients immediately, particularly those seeking to lose fat or establish healthier habits. It helps you coach with more empathy and insight, and it’s just as valuable for your growth as a fitness professional. If you want to help clients make lasting changes, this book provides you with the tools to do it more effectively.

13. "Personal Trainer Pocketbook" by Jonathan Goodman

Jonathan Goodman strikes again with Personal Trainer Pocketbook—a fast, focused, and incredibly actionable read designed for fitness pros who don't have hours to spare but still want to level up. Unlike dense textbooks or abstract theories, this book delivers practical insights that you can apply immediately to your personal training business.

Covering a wide range of topics—such as handling difficult client conversations, boosting sales confidence, and mastering time management—this is one of the most user-friendly books for personal trainers available. Goodman's approachable writing style is ideal for both new and experienced trainers seeking to refine their expertise and expand their knowledge without being overwhelmed by unnecessary details.

Whether you need quick solutions or a reminder of best practices in client communication, marketing, or scheduling, this book is like having a mentor in your back pocket.

14. "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything may not be a traditional personal training book, but it's a goldmine for trainers who love to learn and want to broaden their knowledge beyond sets and reps. This engaging read explores the wonders of science, the intricacies of the human body, and the fascinating history behind our understanding of biology, physics, and the universe.

For personal trainers committed to lifelong personal growth, this book offers a refreshing departure from typical industry reads. It's especially valuable if you want to enhance your ability to explain complex ideas to clients, gain a deeper understanding of the broader context of human health, or reignite your curiosity.

Bryson's work reminds us that the more we understand the world—and our place in it—the better we can serve others, communicate with clarity, and inspire change.