13 Must-Read Books on Strength Training for Power and Progress

Discover the best book on strength training to elevate your fitness game with expert insights and powerful techniques in a concise, engaging guide.
BrandMy RatingPrice
Andy Xiong (Author, Publisher), Benjamin Mclean (Narrator)
Best Low-Cost Alternative
8.8/10
Andy Xiong (Author, Publisher), Benjamin Mclean (Narrator)
Best Low-Cost Alternative
8.8/10
By Michael Matthews (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
Best for Women
8.4/10
By Pat Flynn (Author)
Best for Home Workouts
9.4/10
By Michael Matthews (Author)
9.2/10

Best Book on Strength Training

Looking to unleash your inner powerhouse but overwhelmed by the endless sea of fitness books? Dive into our curated guide to the best book on strength training, where clarity meets inspiration, transforming your workouts from guesswork to greatness. Unlock the secrets to building serious muscle with succinct wisdom tailored for every aspiring athlete.

Best Low-Cost Alternative: The Simple Science of Muscle Growth

The Simple Science of Muscle Growth and Hypertrophy: The Shockingly Simple Truth on How to Build Muscle using the Best Bodybuilding and Strength Training Exercises
Highlights
Clear, science-based explanations
Simple, effective principles
Impressive workout samples

As our "Best Low-Cost Alternative," this book delivers powerful, science-backed insights that make strength training accessible to everyone.

Its clear, straightforward explanations break down complex concepts into digestible chunks, perfect for newcomers and seasoned lifters alike.

The simple yet effective workout samples are practical and easy to implement.

While it may lack in detailed planning and advanced techniques, it strikes the perfect balance for those wanting solid foundational knowledge without breaking the bank.

For a cost-effective starting point, this book is hard to beat!

Be sure to also check out the best books on stretching for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for The Simple Science of Muscle Growth on Amazon

Best for Women: Thinner Leaner Stronger Journal

The Year One Challenge for Women: The Official Thinner Leaner Stronger Workout Journal (The Thinner Leaner Stronger Series Book 2)
Highlights
Clear and straightforward workouts
Complete training plan
Easy to follow

This book excels in delivering clear and straightforward workouts that make strength training accessible. Its complete training plan ensures you have a solid blueprint to follow, making it ideal for women just starting out or looking for structured guidance.

We appreciate how easy-to-follow the routines are, even for those unfamiliar with technical jargon.

However, it does have its quirks; some routines could benefit from additional detail, and the large, bulky format might be a bit cumbersome to carry around.

Still, for women seeking tailored, effective routines, this book is a solid choice.

Be sure to also check out the best book for women's strength training for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Thinner Leaner Stronger Journal on Amazon

Best for Home Workouts: Strong ON!

Strong ON!: 101 Minimalist Kettlebell Workouts to Blast Fat, Build Muscle, and Boost Flexibility―in 20 Minutes or Less
Highlights
Effective, scalable workouts
Includes 101 workouts
Clear instructional content

it offers a sleek, no-fuss approach to kettlebell training that fits perfectly into busy schedules.

With 101 quick workouts, the routines are scalable, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate exercisers alike.

The clear, step-by-step instructions mean you can hit the ground running without confusion.

While it’s somewhat basic and focused solely on kettlebells, this ensures a honed, effective workout every time—ideal for at-home strength gains in just 20 minutes.

Overall, a compact, effective guide for anyone looking to ramp up their at-home fitness regime.

Be sure to also check out the best tennis training tools for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Strong ON! on Amazon

Bigger Leaner Stronger

Bigger Leaner Stronger: The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Male Body
Highlights
Effective workout and nutrition
Self-sufficient training skills
Clear, comprehensive guidance

The 4th edition from Oculus Publishers combines effective workout routines with nutritional advice, making it a one-stop resource for anyone serious about strength training.

Its clear and comprehensive guidance helps both beginners and seasoned lifters, offering self-sufficient training skills that empower you to progress confidently.

While some exercises might push your limits and the structure can be a bit confusing at times, the overall quality and impact of the material make it a worthwhile investment.

If you're seeking a well-rounded, engaging strength training book, this is a solid choice.

Be sure to also check out the best book on swimming for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Bigger Leaner Stronger on Amazon

Delavier's Women's Strength Training

Delavier's Women's Strength Training Anatomy Workouts
Highlights
Clear illustrations
Comprehensive muscle workouts
Helpful for all ages

The clear illustrations make complex movements easy to understand, and the comprehensive muscle workouts ensure you're hitting every major group effectively.

While it isn't spiral bound and has a slightly technical language, these aspects make it more durable and thorough.

Plus, it’s suitable for all ages, making it a versatile addition to any fitness enthusiast’s library.

With a solid 4.6-star rating and practical content, this book stands out as a top-tier resource that combines clarity with depth — perfect for those serious about strength training.

Be sure to also check out the best dry fire training for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Delavier's Women's Strength Training on Amazon

Women's Health Book on Strength Training

Women's Health The Woman's Guide To Strength Training: Dumbbells: Get strong arms, legs, and abs—with around 30-minute workouts you can do in your own home!
Highlights
Clear step-by-step instructions
Effective 30-minute workouts
Suitable for beginners

This 214-page guide offers a clear and approachable 12-week dumbbell strength plan tailored specifically for women.

The effective 30-minute workouts make it easy to squeeze fitness into even the busiest schedules, whether at home or the gym.

We appreciate the step-by-step instructions with photos, which eliminate any guesswork, and the included log helps keep us motivated and tracking progress easily.

While it does require some basic fitness-level, it’s a fantastic resource for beginners looking to sculpt and strengthen in a manageable, well-organized format.

Be sure to also check out the best breathing trainers for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Women's Health on Amazon

The Year One Challenge for Men

The Year One Challenge for Men: The Official Bigger Leaner Stronger Workout Journal (The Bigger Leaner Stronger Series Book 2)
Highlights
Perfect gym size
Simple workout strategies
Effective for beginners

"Strength Training Anatomy" by Frederic Delavier is a solid choice for anyone starting their journey into weightlifting.

Its perfect size makes it easy to flick through between sets, and the straightforward workout strategies keep things simple and effective—especially for beginners.

While it isn’t the most portable or sleekest book, its clarity and focus on gym-ready exercises make it a valuable reference.

The cover might not turn heads, but the content is rich enough to help you build confidence and strength without feeling overwhelmed.

A great pick for those looking for practical, no-nonsense advice.

Be sure to also check out the best back stretching mat for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for The Year One Challenge for Men on Amazon

Strength Training Nutrition 101

Strength Training Nutrition 101: Build Muscle & Burn Fat Easily...A Healthy Way Of Eating You Can Actually Maintain (Strength Training 101)
Highlights
Concise and easy to follow
Practical tips and routines
Supports lean, athletic muscles

This book offers clear, practical advice that’s perfect for those short on time but serious about strength.

Its brevity keeps you focused on essential routines that support lean, athletic muscles, making it incredibly easy to follow.

While it may have some filler and lacks extensive scientific backing, the practical tips* make it a solid beginner to intermediate resource.

A minor note: the advice on fats can be a bit contradictory, so it’s worth taking some sections with a grain of salt.

Overall, for quick, actionable guidance, this book stands out as a go-to in the world of strength training literature.

Be sure to also check out the best weight training dvds for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Strength Training Nutrition 101 on Amazon

Resistance Band Training Book on Strength Training

Resistance band Training: A Resistance Bands Book For Exercise At Home Or On The Go. (Weight training & resistance workouts)
Highlights
Clear exercise instructions
Portable and travel-friendly
Suitable for beginners

The instructions are crystal clear, making it ideal for beginners eager to jump into strength training without confusion.

Its compact, travel-friendly size means you can take it anywhere—perfect for busy routines on the go.

While it focuses solely on resistance bands, this keeps things straightforward, though it might leave advanced users wanting more variety.

Overall, with its affordable price and positive user ratings, it’s a fantastic choice for those starting their fitness journey or looking for a convenient, no-fuss tool to boost strength effortlessly.

Be sure to also check out the best balance trainer for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Resistance Band Training on Amazon

Nextnoid

Hardcover Fitness Journal Workout Planner for Men & Women - A5(5.7" x 8.3") Sturdy Workout Log Book to Track Gym & Home Workouts
Highlights
Durable high-quality cover
Comprehensive workout tracking
Easy to review progress

The Nextnoid Fitness Journal is a powerhouse of functionality packed into an attractive, durable package.

Its high-quality faux leather cover withstands even the toughest gym sessions, while the vast space and clear layout make tracking your progress a breeze—even for those with bigger handwriting.

The simple, step-by-step system keeps you accountable without overwhelming you.

It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned lifters who want a reliable, no-frills planner to stay focused on smashing goals.

If you're serious about progress, this journal might just become your new best gym buddy.

Be sure to also check out the best suspension trainers for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Nextnoid on Amazon

Resistance Band Workouts for Seniors

Resistance Band Workouts for Seniors: Strength Training at Home or on the Go
Highlights
Clear exercise explanations
Helpful pictures included
Spiral binding for ease

The clear exercise explanations make it easy for beginners and seasoned lifters alike to understand the correct form, reducing the risk of injury.

The included helpful pictures serve as visual aids that enhance comprehension, and the spiral binding ensures the book stays open during workouts—perfect for quick reference.

While some exercises require attachments, which may limit versatility for at-home routines, the overall quality and layout make it a solid choice for those focused on strength training fundamentals.

It’s a practical, user-friendly guide that earns a spot on any fitness bookshelf.

Be sure to also check out the best bottle for running for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Resistance Band Workouts for Seniors on Amazon

Habit Nest Book on Strength Training

The Dumbbell Home Workout Journal. 13 Week Program. Fitness Planner/Workout Book that Only Requires Dumbbells. Workout Journal for Women & Men.
Highlights
Structured 13-week plan
Includes QR exercise links
Tracks progress easily

The Habit Nest 13-week fitness planner provides a simple yet effective structured plan that requires only dumbbells.

The clear layout makes it easy to track your reps, sets, and progress, transforming a regular workout into a focused journey.

We love the QR links for exercise demos—perfect for when you need a quick reminder.

Designed for all levels, it keeps you accountable without overcomplicating things.

While some instructions could be clearer and a few pages feel a tad hard to read, overall, this planner turns workout chaos into clean, actionable routines.

Be sure to also check out the best book on olympic weightlifting for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Habit Nest on Amazon

Mental Toughness for Young Athletes

Mental Toughness For Young Athletes: Eight Proven 5-Minute Mindset Exercises For Kids And Teens Who Play Competitive Sports
Highlights
Relatable for young athletes
Practical mental training tips
Easy-to-read format

Buggily Group Inc.'s book is a fantastic resource for young athletes eager to boost their strength training mindset.

Its easy-to-read format makes complex concepts accessible, especially for beginners.

The practical mental training tips are gold for building confidence and focus, which are just as crucial as lifting weights.

While it’s best suited for youth audiences and isn't lengthy, its relatable approach resonates well with younger readers aiming for steady progress.

Overall, it's a concise, engaging guide that motivates the next generation of fitness enthusiasts — a true gem for young gym rats!

Be sure to also check out the best gymnastic rings for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Mental Toughness for Young Athletes on Amazon

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