Books

• Coaching Rules: A How-to Manual for a Successful Career in Strength and Fitness by Brendon Rearick, Dan John, and Michael Boyle $16.95

WHY: There is more than knowing the latest training information that will dictate the longevity of your coaching career. Brendon, Dan, and Mike put together the how-tos of coaching and the biggest obstacles you will face when pursuing success in the strength and conditioning industry including, complacency, egotism, poor communication, lack of connection, and overcomplicating.

• Let the First Rep Suck: The Art of Unconditionally Positive Fitness Coaching by Todd Bumgardner

WHY: A well-rounded books for all trainers and gym owners. Bumgardner reviews his processes for client intake, orientation, and systems that create a consistent product. The books also provides good tips for skills that trainers should prioritize in development.

• Strength Fraction 4-Day Online Free Course : You’ll learn better self-organization, a great programming trick, a strategy for better client communication, and how to write more engaging blog posts.

• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• The Language of Coaching: The Art & Science of Teaching Movement by Nicklaas Winkelman $39.95

WHY: “The Language of Coaching focuses on the impact that communication has on an individual’s ability to learn and perform a movement. Written by performance coach Nick Winkelman, the book examines how instruction, feedback, and cueing can significantly affect training outcomes.”

• Above the Line by Urban Meyer $11.55

WHY: “The common theme is that there is Above the Line behavior and there is Below the Line behavior. He preached this to his team throughout the season and it not only made them a more cohesive group on the field but it made them think more deeply about their off the field actions.” - Nick DiMeglio

• The Science of Winning by Dr. Jan Olbrecht $40 Kindle

WHY: Dr. Olbrecht’s coaching method is based upon careful planning. Coaches should take these concepts of assessment and periodizing based upon testing to optimize effectiveness.

• Conscious Coaching: The Art and Science of Building Buy-In by Brett Bartholomew $22.46

WHY: “… Conscious Coaching brings the art of coaching and communication together with the “hard” sciences of human behavior and influence…Building relationships with your clients and athletes founded on trust and communication sets the stage by which elite physical preparation programs can be implemented to optimize outcomes.” -  Justin Moore

• Mastery by Robert Greene  $18.40

WHY: “… This book is essential for anyone who considers themselves a student of their craft.  I learned a great deal about how to be a better learner, the process of mastery, the importance of mentorship, creativity, and gained respect for the vital role played by social intelligence in the process of attaining mastery.” - Justin Moore

• The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg $15.30

WHY: “…This book details the habit loop, how habits are formed at the level of the brain, how habits are changed, and how incredibly successful companies have used habit science to build their business and develop a culture of excellence. This book will give you the tools to help your clients make real lifestyle changes that support their goals and keep them coming back time and time again.” -Justin Moore  

• Give and Take by Adam Grant $10.83

WHY: Strength and conditioning/personal training is a service industry. Your success is greatly dependent upon how to interact with others. This book will help you with skills on an approach to work, interactions, and productivity.

Articles:

• It's NOT about the Grind, It's about BUILDING by Michelle Boland

Podcasts

• Fitness Rebels Radio Episode 11: Dr. Pat Davidson
• Physical Preparation Podcast with Mike Robertson Favorite: 20 Tips for Young Coaches April 17, 2017
• The Coach K Show Episode 31 On Empathy and the 80/20 Principle w/ Kyle Dobbs
• Central VA Sport Performance Episode 99 with Cory Schlesinger

WHY: “I question the things that we think matter.” Cory explains why we should be open minded and adaptable. Cory also explains how systems put you in box and if you are in a box, you are limited by that box.

 Seminars & Online Courses

• Rethinking the Big Patterns by Dr. Pat Davidson $225

WHY: Want to witness a good coach? Dr. Davidson is a game changer and always brings something new and thoughtful to the table. It is never boring, it is never recycled, and it is always thought provoking. Dr. Davidson presents a biomechanical model for training programs. He examines movement and categorizes individuals for maximum benefits and adaptations. His seminar is one of the most encompassing and useful seminars I have attended. I cannot recommend it enough.

• The Strategy Complete Coaching Course $399

WHY: The Strategy Complete Coaching Course will lay out the 4 Pillars of Complete Coaching and how to master each pillar to maximize your programming efficiency and coaching effectiveness, so you clients and athletes will adhere and get long lasting results. A complete coach has a foundation of conditioning, strength training, and biomechanics...BUT more importantly a complete coach can communicate that knowledge effectively and put that knowledge into ACTION. The Strategy Course Complete Coaching will develop all of these components, including Training Knowledge, Teaching Strategies, Communication Strategies, and Implementation Strategies. The MBT Strategy Course Group Classroom is also available for an 8-week live, virtual, group experience.