Books

I’ve always thought that we should have a class in school that tells us things that should be “common sense”. This is the most thorough representation of that dream. Fine tune the way you think and become aware of your biases.

Anatomy pictures of real cadavers. The illustrated atlases are perfect world fantasies. They are easier to learn from, but fake. If you want something more true to nature, you need this book.

My favorite pictures for upgrading your anatomy visuals.

Schwartz not only tackles important topics on decision-making, but also offers up his own opinions as a professor, researcher, and human. It’s a refreshing touch on a sometimes bland category.

If you’re like me and don’t find hyperspecialization very interesting, then you’ll really like this book.

This is Seth Godin’s marketing instruction in a nutshell. Goes well when paired with his free lecture series, Startup School.

Short read. An intro to nasal breathing. It’s a little over-sold, but still an important topic.

The bible of strength and conditioning.

The first strength and conditioning book you should read.

One of my favorites. For a taste, watch Ben Zander explain how to give someone an A grade.

Pressfield attacks that inner voice in your head that prevents you from getting things done.

Seth Godin’s manifesto. I found it highly inspiring and have already read/listened to it multiple times.

Must have for learning anatomy. The second step after you finish the coloring book. Take your time through this one, it’s dense.

Essential to take your musculoskeletal anatomy to the advanced level.

Essential to take your musculoskeletal anatomy to the advanced level.

Essential to take your musculoskeletal anatomy to the advanced level.

Step one for learning physiology.

Step one for learning anatomy.

I like this book not for the bulk of the content, which is indeed helpful, but for the anatomy detailed in it.

Learning how to learn is one of the best investments you can make. Do it sooner rather than later.

This is best broad overview of breathing I’ve found. I have an older edition. The biochemical chapter was my favorite.

Probably my favorite book. Sapolsky’s writing and work serves as an at-least-weekly source of inspiration for me. You’ll laugh, cry, and learn something new.

I found this book very motivating and easy to listen to. Annie Duke gives you plenty of help with logical decision making. She’s a poker player and research savant.

These brothers have some of the best non-fiction writing out there for retention. In this one, they help you make decisions.

An important message. McKeown makes his point thoroughly. Focus on what is important. Figure out what is unnecessary and eliminate it. This is one of the books that I own both the audio and hardcover versions. And it’s one of the even fewer that I’ve actually read and listened to multiple times.

Constraints are everywhere. Instead of resisting them, start asking, “How can I make this constraint beautiful?” If a client has a fake hip, consider his or her limitations a gift and flex your creative muscle.

As a serial student, this book hit me close to home. Encourages you to act rather than waiting for the answer to the question “What are you passionate about?” Get better every day.

My favorite of Tim Ferriss’s books. An amalgamation of a ton of smart people. Don’t expect everything to resonate with you, but something will surely shatter your worldview.

Derek Sivers is just a likeable dude. Take his experiences running a business and try avoiding some of his mistakes.

Kleon’s books are super short, super cheap, and I’ve found them all inspiring. Such a great value.

A quick read. Here’s some tips on how to create great art (and all your work is art).

This one might inspire you to finally publish your own website 🙂

Adriaan Louw writes this book for physical therapists to give to patients, but it also works as a good, short introduction to pain science for personal trainers and strength coaches.

If you need facts, here they are.

Everyone is striving for flow. Learn what it is. This author also has the best name of any author.

Much more dense than Medical Neurobiology. It’s also beautifully written.

Well-designed and, though thick, much less daunting than traditional textbooks.

Dan Ariely takes behavioral economics and elucidates some of our biases. Easy to read. Understanding human quirks will help you deal with them (and we all deal with people).

Must read for behavior change.

Chip and Dan Heath are great writers. This one is an easy read and good for getting you thinking about teaching.