11 Powerlifting Books You Need to Read

Discover the best powerlifting books to boost your strength journey with concise, expert picks that pack a punch in just a few pages.
BrandMy RatingPrice
By Ryan J. Mathias (Author)
High-Quality Low-Cost Pick
8.6/10
By Mark Rippetoe (Author), Jason Kelly (Illustrator)
Best for Beginners
9.6/10
By Frederick C Hatfield Ph.d. (Author)
Best for Advanced Lifters
8.4/10
By Michael Matthews (Author)
Best for Youth Athletes
9.2/10
By Dan Austin (Author), Bryan Mann (Author)
9.0/10

Best Powerlifting Books

Looking to unlock your true strength and elevate your powerlifting game? Dive into our curated list of the best powerlifting books, where each page promises insightful secrets and expert strategies to help you lift smarter, not just heavier. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these reads are your ultimate gym companions on the journey to crushing new personal bests.

High-Quality Low-Cost Pick: Full Power

FULL POWER Powerlifting Program
Highlights
Detailed workout programs
Affordable price
Proven strength gains

This program offers detailed workout routines specifically tailored for powerlifters, focusing on proven strength gains without breaking the bank.

Its affordable price makes it a great choice for those just starting out or on a tighter budget, delivering solid value.

However, keep in mind that the technique guides are quite basic—so you'll need to supplement with your own research if you're new to proper form.

The workout volume is intense and time-consuming, but for dedicated lifters willing to put in the effort, this plan provides a structured, results-driven approach.

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

Price history for Full Power on Amazon

Best for Beginners: Starting Strength

Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training, 3rd edition
Highlights
Scientific and practical advice
Clear exercise demonstrations
Effective for beginners

Starting Strength stands out as the go-to guide for beginners eager to establish a solid foundation in powerlifting.

Its scientific and practical advice, combined with clear exercise demonstrations, makes learning the basics straightforward and engaging.

We appreciate how it emphasizes proper technique, helping newcomers avoid common pitfalls.

While it doesn’t delve into advanced concepts or boast the latest updates, its simplicity is its strength—making it perfect for those just starting their lifting journey.

If you're new to powerlifting, this book is an effective, no-nonsense starting point.

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 Starting Strength on Amazon

Best for Advanced Lifters: Powerlifting

Powerlifting: A Scientific Approach
Highlights
Compact and portable
Clear beginner instructions
Accessible scientific approach

Powerlifting: A Scientific Approach is perfect for experienced lifters seeking to elevate their training through evidence-based strategies.

The book delves into advanced techniques and refined methods backed by science, making it a valuable resource for those who want to fine-tune their performance.

Its compact size makes it easy to carry to the gym or keep on your shelf for quick reference.

While some info may feel a bit outdated and it doesn't go super deep into extremely advanced territory, its clarity and scientific approach make it a standout choice for serious lifters committed to continuous improvement.

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 Powerlifting  on Amazon

Best for Youth Athletes: Bigger Leaner Stronger

Bigger Leaner Stronger: The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Male Body
Highlights
Effective workout guidance
Detailed nutrition advice
Self-sufficiency skills

Bigger Leaner Stronger offers straightforward, scientifically-backed guidance tailored to help young athletes build muscle and strength effectively.

Its effective workout routines are easy to follow and focus on fundamental lifts, making it perfect for beginners and youth athletes who want to grow confidently.

The detailed nutrition advice empowers them to fuel their bodies properly, and the self-sufficiency skills promote independent training habits.

While it’s heavy on heavy lifting and has some exercise limitations, its clear structure and practical approach make it a top choice for nurturing the next generation of strong athletes.

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 Bigger Leaner Stronger on Amazon

Powerlifting

Powerlifting: The complete guide to technique, training, and competition
Highlights
Comprehensive reference guide
Expertly written content
Good value for price

This comprehensive reference guide covers the essentials of powerlifting with clear, expertly written insights from seasoned professionals.

At just 272 pages, it offers a solid foundation for both beginners and intermediate lifters, providing valuable knowledge without overwhelming.

While it might feel a bit basic for advanced athletes seeking detailed programming, it’s an excellent value and a go-to resource for understanding core concepts.

Keep in mind, it doesn’t include specific training plans, so you’ll want to supplement with other resources if you're chasing specific goals.

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 Powerlifting on Amazon

Rebuilding Milo

Rebuilding Milo: A Lifter's Guide to Fixing Common Injuries and Building a Strong Foundation for Enhancing Performance
Highlights
Handy reference guide
Easy to understand
Helpful for injury recovery

This handy reference guide from Victory Belt Publishing is a true gem for powerlifters and fitness enthusiasts alike.

Its easy-to-understand language makes complex concepts accessible, and it's an excellent tool for injury recovery support, providing practical tips to keep you moving.

The hardcover, though a tad hefty, feels durable and perfect for your gym bag or home library.

While it has a limited number of reviews, those 4.9 stars from readers speak volumes.

Overall, it’s a compact yet comprehensive resource that’s worth adding to your collection.

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

Price history for Rebuilding Milo on Amazon

Building Powerlifting Champions Powerlifting Books

BUILDING POWERLIFTING CHAMPIONS: Powerlifting Guide for Coaches and Lifters
Highlights
Comprehensive coaching insights
Includes practical program templates
Accessible for all skill levels

At just 96 pages, it packs a punch with comprehensive coaching insights that are easy to digest, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned lifters alike.

The inclusion of practical program templates offers a hands-on approach that you can implement immediately, saving you time and guesswork.

While it may not delve into advanced techniques or lengthy details, its accessible style ensures clarity and focus on core concepts.

If you're looking for a well-rounded, straightforward guide to powerlifting fundamentals, this book is a solid choice that won't weigh you down.

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

Price history for Building Powerlifting Champions on Amazon

Practical Programming

Practical Programming for Strength Training
Highlights
Comprehensive programming details
Focus on major lifts
Practical strength advice

It offers comprehensive programming details that can genuinely elevate your training, especially if you're serious about major lifts.

The focus on practical strength advice makes it a handy resource for lifters who want actionable tips.

However, it can come off as a bit long-winded, which might be overwhelming for absolute beginners.

Its routines lean toward basic novice levels, so advanced lifters might find it less innovative.

Plus, there's less emphasis on technique, so you'll want to supplement it with other technique-focused resources.

Overall, a solid pick for those wanting detailed, results-driven content.

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 Practical Programming on Amazon

Arnold Schwarzenegger Encyclopedia

The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding : The Bible of Bodybuilding, Fully Updated and Revised
Highlights
Comprehensive exercise coverage
Easy to follow layout
Rich with photos & anecdotes

It offers a comprehensive overview of exercises that makes it easy for lifters of all levels to find what they need.

The layout is super user-friendly, with plenty of photos and personal anecdotes that bring the content to life — perfect for visual learners.

However, it does come with a large size, which can be a bit unwieldy and might not fit easily into your gym bag.

Plus, it assumes longer training sessions and falls short on representation of female bodybuilders.

But overall, it’s a valuable resource for anyone serious about powerlifting.

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

Price history for Arnold Schwarzenegger Encyclopedia on Amazon

Weight Lifting Log Book Powerlifting Books

Weight Lifting Log Book: Workout and Fitness Record Tracker for Men and Women
Highlights
Well-organized layout
Durable and sturdy
Straightforward design

The well-organized layout makes flipping through key concepts effortless, keeping essential info right at your fingertips.

Its durable and sturdy build means it can survive the hustle of your gym bag without falling apart, while the straightforward design ensures clarity—no confusing jargon here.

Although it’s on the smaller side with just 122 pages, that keeps it concise and focused.

Keep in mind, its limited space for notes and lack of goal or food tracking might be a downside for some, but for quick, targeted reference, it's a solid choice that gets straight to the point.

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

Price history for Weight Lifting Log Book on Amazon

Jailhouse Strong

Jailhouse Strong: 8 x 8 Off-Season Powerlifting Program
Highlights
Engaging storytelling style
Easy to digest content
Practical workout programs

In just 52 pages, this book delivers engaging storytelling combined with practical workout programs that are easy to follow.

It’s a great quick read for anyone who wants to boost their powerlifting knowledge without wading through dense material.

While it can't replace a comprehensive guide, its digestible format makes it perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.

Keep in mind, less detail is its trade-off, but for motivation and practical tips, this one hits the mark.

A solid choice for your powerlifting library.

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

Price history for Jailhouse Strong on Amazon

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