As a fitness pro, you know the brain needs nourishment just as much as the rest of your body. Be sure to give yours the attention it deserves with some A+ book recommendations.
We know it can be tough to weed through hundreds of fitness business books to find a real gem. So, whether you prefer your Kindle or an audiobook, we’ve got you covered.
We put together our top book recommendations for fitness entrepreneurs in 2023.
What books should fitness pros read in 2023?
Fitness business books give you a leg up in the industry. A good business book provides practical knowledge to grow your business and the motivation to get it done. You get to learn from leaders in your field and keep up with the latest training techniques.
And some fitness books allow you to earn CE credits towards your certification renewal i.e. you read the book and complete an exam. It’s a win-win.
(Besides, reading is fun!)
Here are the best books for fitness professionals to read in 2023.
#1 Change Maker: Turn Your Passion for Health and Fitness into a Powerful Purpose and a Wildly Successful Career
Change Maker is a highly-rated book by renowned exercise and nutrition specialist, John Berardi. In the book, Berardi acts as your guide through the sometimes confusing, always competitive health and fitness industry.
Whether you’re a seasoned fitness professional or aspiring trainer, this book helps you create a path to business success. It breaks down the financial, emotional, and logistical issues of the fitness industry into six simple steps, such as choosing your specialty and attracting clients. It’s a helpful read for
- Personal trainers,
- Yoga instructors,
- Nutritionists,
- Physical therapists and
- Health and wellness coaches.
With a 4.4 rating on Goodreads, it’s sure to be a winner!
John Berardi, Ph.D. CSCS, co-founded Precision Nutrition, one of the top nutrition certification programs for health and fitness pros.
- Author: John Berardi
- Year Published: 2020
- Cost: $14.99 on Kindle
#2 Ignite the Fire: The Secrets to Building a Successful Personal Training Career
Ignite the Fire is a staple for fitness trainers around the world. And it’s no wonder why! In the book, Goodman gives an in-depth look at the fitness industry you won’t find anywhere else. Readers can expect a step-by-step guide to build their dream personal training business.
Get your hands on this book if you want to learn how to:
- Find and attract loyal clients
- Create workout programs for new clients
- Manage client conflict and expectations
- Create multiple streams of income
- Manage your public image and reputation as a personal trainer
Jonathon Goodman started training clients in 2005 and has built an impressive career. He’s written five books on personal training and business growth. So, also, check out his highly-rated Personal Trainer’s Pocketbook.
- Author(s): Jonathan Goodman
- Year Published: 2015
- Cost: $9.99 on Kindle
#3 Conscious Coaching: The Art and Science of Building Buy-In
Conscious Coaching dives into the physical and emotional aspects of being a strength and conditioning trainer. Bartholomew teaches you how to get your athletes across the finish line and achieve their goals. He emphasizes communication along with physical training. If you want to learn how to get the best results from your clients using proven training skills and human behavior techniques, this is the book for you!
Readers leave with vital coaching skills that they can apply to practice immediately. While the book targets sports coaches, it’s a helpful read for all fitness professionals.
Brett Bartholomew is a strength and conditioning coach for athletes across various sports and age groups. He has experience with Olympians, professional boxers, and Super Bowl players.
- Author(s): Brett Bartholomew
- Year Published: 2017
- Cost: $23.95 Paperback (Amazon)
#4 The Language of Coaching: The Art & Science of Teaching Movement
This book is for coaches that want to stand out from the crowd with excellent communication skills. Winkelman shows how to leverage communication to instruct your students. You’ll learn about the impact of detailed feedback and instruction on program results.
Readers will enjoy 25+ movement sequences with visual aids. It’s a truly comprehensive guide for coaches that want to learn practical training cues and develop some of their own.
The Language of Coaching is a must-read for newbies and professionals. You also have the opportunity to earn CE credits by reading this book and completing an exam.
Nick Winkel is currently head of athletic performance and science for the airing Rugby Football Union. He earned his Ph.D. from Rocky Mountain University in Utah.
- Author(s): Nicklass Winkelman
- Year Published: 2020
- Cost: $31.16 (Kindle)
#5 How To Become a Personal Trainer (Successful)
You need more than certifications and an excellent physique to become a high-earning trainer. In How To Become a Personal Trainer, Hitchko emphasizes the importance of knowledge of human anatomy, business management skills, and mentorship. He encourages readers to expand their traditional ideas of what makes a personal trainer.
Readers can expect realistic perspectives on building a successful personal training business, including interviews from top trainers in the industry, like Brett Bartholomew and Meghan Callaway.
Chris Hitchko has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and has coached hundreds of trainers on growing their businesses
- Author(s): Chris Hitchko
- Year Published: 2021
- Cost: $14.99 (Paperback, Amazon)
#6 Secrets of Successful Program Design: A How-To Guide for Busy Fitness Professionals
In Secrets of Successful Program Design, Cosgrove and Rasmussen present a hands-on guide to creating lasting results for your clients. Readers learn to analyze their client’s starting points and develop an actionable program to crush their goals. It shows the full scope of program design, including pre-written workouts to give you a head start on customizing your business offers.
This book is a handy guide for fitness professionals on a tight schedule. Plus, you can earn continuing education credits for reading this book and completing an exam.
Alwyn Cosgrove is the co-owner of Results Fitness, a top gym in America. He’s written and contributed to several fitness books.
- Author(s): Alwyn Cosgrove and Craig Rasmussen
- Year Published: 2020
- Cost: $34.74 (Paperback, Amazon)
Our Top Pick
Fitness industry books are invaluable for aspiring trainers and seasoned pros alike. You can learn anything from improving your training techniques to attracting new clients. You just have to find the right one.
PocketSuite is an all-in-one tool to run your fitness business. You can schedule clients, accept payments, and create an online store straight from your phone.
