Good Reads of 2012

It’s confession time. 

I would like to admit that behind my tough, squattingand deadlifting exterior, I’m really just a big nerd.

What? 

Well, as some of you may know I’ve taken up readingas my biggest hobby (besides throwing around some weights), and I take a lot ofpride in trying to become extremely well read. In fact, I believe I owe it to my clients to spend at least one hour aday reading research, tackling various books, and also writing in order to stayup to date on the industry’s best practices.

That said, I wanted to share the books I’ve read fromcover to cover throughout the past year with the hope of spreading some of thisknowledge.  First up are five books thatI would highly recommend for anyone to read, and I give a paragraph describingwhy they’re so awesome. Enjoy!

• How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
  I consider myself extremely lucky that I was told to read this book.  Originally written in 1936, this book reallyhas stood the test of time.  It teachesmany valuable lessons that I believe our culture has lost, as we’re really allturning into a bunch of spoiled brats. Some of the best lessons from the book are: don’t criticize, condemn orcomplain; the best way to win an argument is to avoid one; give honest andsincere appreciation; become genuinely interested in other people.  Reading this book WILL make you a betterperson, and I’ll openly recommend it for the rest of my life.
  
  
• Which Comes First: Cardio or Weights? - Alex Hutchison
  Using only scientific evidence,this book answers many of the traditional questions related to working out,eating right, and even a few others.  Iread this during the first quarter of this year, and I still refer back to itevery now and then for the studies that it cites.  And regarding the cardio/weight question inthe title, the answer is…it depends.
  
  
• Wooden - John Wooden
  Chock full of lessons about life, thisbooks reveals why Coach Wooden was the most successful college basketball coachof all time (for those that are unaware, he won 10 total NCAA national championshipsas coach of UCLA, seven of them in a row). Of all the gems he throws out there in this book, one that comes to mind is that he defines success as “peace of mind that isa direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become thebest you are capable of becoming.”  Ourcurrent culture is obsessed with winning, but like Coach Wooden, I believe thatwinning and success are not one inthe same.
  
  
• The Omnivore’s Dilemma - Michael Pollan
  I finished this book just about a week ago, and Ihave to say it is nothing short of an amazing read.  The book is written on the premise that whatyou can eat is not necessarily what youshould eat, and that this dilemma hasresurfaced in current day with the increase in packaged/processed foods.  He also follows the path of various mealsfrom the farm (or processing plant) to the table, which is extremely thoughtprovoking.  Lastly, you’ll learn thatcorn. is. in. everything.
  
  
• InSideOut Coaching - JoeEhrman
  The last of my “must reads,” this book is extremely well writtenand introspective.  Joe Ehrman is aformer NFL player, and has taken a circuitous path of drugs and alcohol on theway to becoming a pastor.  The premise ofthe book is that often times the people we look up to (a coach, mentor, etc.)is unaware of the power and influence that they have on others.  Can you remember a negative interaction youhad with a coach at some point in your life? Of course you can.  Can you alsoremember someone that had a profoundly positive impact that helped shape whoyou are today?  I’m guessing that’s a yesas well.  This book is all about beingthe latter, and it should be read by anyone who manages or has influence overpeople (i.e. everyone).

And now, here’s the rest of the books I’ve read thisyear.  If you see any you’ve had your eyeon, or are curious about, just shoot me a note!

• Starting Strength - Mark Rippetoe
• The 5X5 Report - Mehdi
• Weight Training Techniques - McRoberts
• Essentials of Strength and Conditioning - NSCA
• New Rules of Lifting for Women - Lou Schuler
• Essentials of Personal Training - NSCA
• Bigger, Faster, Stronger - Greg Shephard
• Lower Back Disorders (2nd edition) - Dr. StuartMcGill
• Functional Training for Sports - Mike Boyle
• Advances in Functional Training for Sports -Mike Boyle
• Never Let Go - DanJohn
• Movement - Gray Cook
• Ignite the Fire - Jon Goodman
• Turbulence Training - Craig Ballantyne
• Mass Made Simple - Dan John
• 5/3/1 - Jim Wendler
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement ImpairmentDisorders - Shirley Sahrmann
• My Losing Season - Pat Conroy
• Treadside Manner - Greg Justice
• Born to Run - Christopher McDougall
• Never Eat Alone - Keith Ferrazzi
• Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers - Robert Sapolsky
• Ultimate Back Fitness - Dr. Stuart McGill
• The Honest Truth About Dishonesty - Dan Ariely