Strength training may be the single highest-return thing you can do for lifelong health and doing it well starts with a good manual. These six are the best, from the obsessively precise barbell bible to a research-based lower-body training reference to a physical therapist's guide to fixing your own lifting injuries. Whether you are a beginner or rebuilding after a tweak, this shelf covers it. As always, check with a professional before starting a new program.
Quick picks:
- Best for beginners: Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe. View on Amazon
- Best reference: Glute Lab by Bret Contreras. View on Amazon
- Best for older lifters: The Barbell Prescription by Jonathon Sullivan. View on Amazon
Learn the lifts
Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe
Mark Rippetoe is a veteran strength coach. The foundational barbell-training manual that teaches the basic lifts with obsessive precision. The strength-training bible.
Best for: Learning the barbell lifts.
→ View on AmazonThe Barbell Prescription by Jonathon Sullivan, Andy Baker
Jonathon Sullivan is a physician (MD, PhD) and a strength coach. A medical-and-coaching case for barbell strength training specifically for adults over 40. Rigorous and motivating.
Best for: Strength training after 40.
→ View on AmazonGlute Lab by Bret Contreras
Bret Contreras is a sports scientist (PhD). The definitive, research-based training manual for building lower-body strength, from the leading glute researcher. Comprehensive and geeky.
Best for: Serious lower-body training.
→ View on AmazonMove well and stay healthy
Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett
Kelly Starrett is a doctor of physical therapy (DPT). The comprehensive mobility and movement-mechanics reference from a leading physical therapist. Dense but definitive.
Best for: The mobility encyclopedia.
→ View on AmazonRebuilding Milo by Aaron Horschig
Aaron Horschig is a doctor of physical therapy (DPT). A physical therapist's guide to diagnosing and fixing common lifting injuries and pain. The gym-goer's rehab manual.
Best for: Fixing your own lifting injuries.
→ View on AmazonBuilt to Move by Kelly and Juliet Starrett
Kelly is a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) and coach. Ten simple mobility and movement tests and practices to keep your body working for life. Practical and approachable.
Best for: Everyday mobility for longevity.
→ View on AmazonHow we chose these
We hold to a simple rule: if we cannot verify an author's credential (MD, PhD, RD, DPT, PsyD, or licensed clinician) from a publisher or university bio in about two minutes, the book does not make the list, with clearly labeled exceptions for a few excellent journalist-authored titles. No cure-all claims, no anti-science, no wellness influencers. We describe and compare these books to help you choose; we do not reproduce their contents.
Please note: these are books, not medical advice. Everyone's health is different. For your specific situation, talk to your doctor before acting on anything you read.
