11 Must-Read Personal Trainer Books for Fitness Pros

Discover the best personal trainer books to elevate your fitness knowledge with quick, insightful, and motivating reads that inspire your next workout journey.
BrandMy RatingPrice
By Jackson Cooper (Author)
Top Affordable Choice
7.2/10
By Mark Vella (Author)
Best for Beginners
9.2/10
By Michael Matthews (Author)
Best for Advanced Fitness Enthusiasts
9.2/10
By Jonathan Goodman (Author)
Best for Personal Development
9.4/10
By Austin Current (Author)
9.4/10

Best Personal Trainer Books

Looking to elevate your fitness game with wisdom straight from the industry's brightest minds? Dive into our curated list of the best personal trainer books, where expert insights and innovative strategies come together to ignite your motivation and sharpens your approach. Whether you're a budding trainer or a fitness fanatic, these pages promise to transform your knowledge into unstoppable momentum.

Top Affordable Choice: Trainer X

Trainer X: My career as your Personal Trainer: Warning: You might be in this book
Highlights
Entertaining personal stories
Humorous and honest tone
Unique industry insights

This book stands out as our "Top Affordable Choice" because it offers great value at a very wallet-friendly price.

With its entertaining personal stories and humorous tone, it keeps readers engaged without overwhelming them with technical jargon.

Perfect for beginners or those curious about the industry, it provides unique insights from within the personal training world.

While some may find parts a bit dull or note a touch of arrogance, the honest storytelling makes up for it.

Overall, it's a solid, approachable starting point for aspiring trainers who want a fun, no-fuss read.

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

Price history for Trainer X on Amazon

Best for Beginners: Vella’s Anatomy

New Anatomy for Strength & Fitness Training: An Illustrated Guide to Your Muscles in Action Including Exercises Used in CrossFit (R), P90X (R), and Other Popular Fitness Programs (IMM Lifestyle Books)
Highlights
Clear, well-organized content
Useful anatomy illustrations
Practical workout tips

This Illustrated Guide is truly perfect for beginners eager to grasp the fundamentals of fitness without feeling overwhelmed.

The clear, well-organized layout makes it easy to navigate, while the useful anatomy illustrations help visualize muscles and exercise mechanics.

Although the book is on the shorter side, it packs practical workout tips and core concepts that make starting your fitness journey less intimidating.

If you're new to strength training or fitness routines, this book offers a friendly, accessible introduction that will leave you feeling confident to hit the gym.

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

Price history for Vella’s Anatomy on Amazon

Best for Advanced Fitness Enthusiasts: Bigger Leaner Stronger

Bigger Leaner Stronger: The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Male Body
Highlights
Transformational results
Comprehensive fundamentals
Includes meal planning

Bigger Leaner Stronger is a powerhouse for advanced fitness enthusiasts seeking scientifically backed strategies to maximize muscle gains.

With a clear focus on heavy lifting and proven fundamentals, it offers a comprehensive approach that combines training with meal planning for transformational results.

The 4th edition is packed with valuable insights, but its complex structure might be overwhelming for some.

Keep in mind, it’s most suited for those ready to push their limits and tune into the science of muscle growth.

If you’re serious about elevating your training game, this book is a worthy addition.

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

Price history for Bigger Leaner Stronger on Amazon

Best for Personal Development: Ignite the Fire

Ignite the Fire: The Secrets to Building a Successful Personal Training Career (Revised, Updated, and Expanded)
Highlights
Industry-specific tips
Clear and easy to understand
Practical business advice

This guide shines as a must-have for personal trainers aiming for professional growth.

Its industry-specific tips are practical, providing actionable advice that’s easy to grasp.

While it does have some redundancy and a few typos, the clear and straightforward language makes up for it.

The broad focus might seem overwhelming at first, but it ultimately gives a well-rounded perspective on building a successful career in fitness.

If you're looking for a comprehensive resource to boost your confidence and business skills, this book is definitely worth a read.

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

Price history for Ignite the Fire on Amazon

Science of Strength Training

Science of Strength Training: Understand the anatomy and physiology to transform your body (DK Science of)
Highlights
Comprehensive strength training info
Clear visuals and graphics
Practical exercise details

The DK Personal Trainer Book is a treasure trove of comprehensive strength training info.

Its clear visuals and graphics make understanding complex exercises a breeze, perfect for both beginners and seasoned fitness enthusiasts.

We appreciate the practical exercise details that you can easily incorporate into your routines.

However, keep in mind that it's a heavier paperback—not the best for tossing in a gym bag—and its niche focus means it's ideal for those serious about strength training.

Overall, a solid pick if you're looking to deepen your knowledge with visually engaging content.

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 Science of Strength Training on Amazon

Strength Training 101

Strength Training Nutrition 101: Build Muscle & Burn Fat Easily...A Healthy Way Of Eating You Can Actually Maintain (Strength Training 101)
Highlights
Expert Authoritative Content
Comprehensive Training Insights
Easy-to-Understand Language

This book is a goldmine for those seeking expert, authoritative insights into training principles. The content is comprehensive, covering everything from biomechanics to program design, making it a fantastic reference for serious trainers.

The language is clear and straightforward, which helps break down complex concepts without feeling overwhelming.

However, it’s worth noting that practical examples are somewhat limited, and some might find it a tad overly technical—so having prior knowledge could be beneficial.

Overall, if you’re craving in-depth knowledge and are comfortable with technical language, this is definitely worth adding to your collection.

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 Strength Training 101 on Amazon

Anatomy of Exercise Personal Trainer Books

Anatomy of Exercise: A Trainer's Inside Guide to Your Workout
Highlights
Expert insights
Concise chapters
Practical tips

"The Personal Trainer's Playbook" delivers expert insights that are perfect for both newcomers and seasoned pros looking to sharpen their skills.

The concise chapters make it easy to digest key concepts during a break or commute, while the practical tips are ready to implement immediately.

However, it does have its downsides—limited updates mean some advice might feel a bit dated, and the basic content could leave those seeking depth wanting more.

Still, if you're after a quick, motivational boost with useful ideas, this book gets the job done.

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 Anatomy of Exercise on Amazon

NASM CPT Study Guide

NASM CPT Study Guide 2025-2026: Complete Review + 480 Questions and Detailed Answer Explanations for the Certified Personal Trainer Exam (4 Full-Length Exams)
Highlights
Well-written and useful
Allows easy navigation
Good for study practice

Newstone Test Prep's guide is well-written and highly useful for personal trainer aspirants or seasoned pros looking to sharpen their knowledge.

Its easy navigation makes studying less of a chore and more of a breeze, perfect for busy schedules.

Whether you're using it for study practice or just brushing up on key concepts, it delivers solid value.

That said, it focuses on some less relevant topics, which can feel a bit like detours.

Also, many prefer a physical copy over digital, and while it's a good resource, it’s not completely comprehensive.

Still, a great tool in your fitness journey!

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 NASM CPT Study Guide on Amazon

CPT Exam Prep

NASM Certified Personal Trainer Exam Prep: Study Guide that highlights the information required to pass the National Academy of Sports Medicine exam to become a Certified Personal Trainer
Highlights
Clear, well-organized content
Concise learning resource
Helps pass exams first try

This book delivers clear, well-organized content that makes complex concepts seem simple and digestible.

Perfect for those who want a concise learning resource that helps you pass your exams on the first try.

While it doesn’t cover every detail like a full textbook, it’s a great quick-study tool for aspiring trainers or anyone needing a solid refresher.

Keep in mind, it has limited practice questions and isn't a standalone guide, but if you’re after accessible, straightforward info—this little gem gets the job done.

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

Price history for CPT Exam Prep on Amazon

Strength Training Nutrition 101 Personal Trainer Books

Strength Training Nutrition 101: Build Muscle & Burn Fat Easily...A Healthy Way Of Eating You Can Actually Maintain (Strength Training 101)
Highlights
Clear, straightforward guidance
Emphasizes lean, athletic muscles
Easy-to-follow checklists

The guidance is crystal clear, making it easy to implement even for beginners.

We especially love the emphasis on developing lean, athletic muscles—definitely a focus that resonates with many fitness enthusiasts.

The easy-to-follow checklists help keep your training on track without overwhelm.

However, be aware that the book contains some filler material, and a few nutrition tips seem to contradict each other, which can be confusing.

Despite these minor hiccups, it's a solid resource for anyone looking to level up their personal training knowledge in a straightforward, practical way.

Be sure to also check out the best calisthenics books 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

Built from Broken

Built from Broken: A Science-Based Guide to Healing Painful Joints, Preventing Injuries, and Rebuilding Your Body
Highlights
Comprehensive and science-backed
Clear exercise explanations
Improves flexibility and pain

This comprehensive, science-backed guide is a gem for those serious about deepening their understanding of fitness and movement.

The clear exercise explanations make it easy to follow along, even as you dive into more complex topics.

We love how it emphasizes improving flexibility and reducing pain, making it a practical choice for lifelong fitness.

However, be prepared for a full reading commitment, especially if you're new to the field—it's not a quick-fix manual.

While it might be overwhelming at first, the depth of knowledge makes it a valuable investment for anyone willing to put in the effort.

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

Price history for Built from Broken on Amazon

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