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zakruti.com » Sport, fitness, workout » Jeff Nippard
The 13 Best Fitness Books Ever Written

The 13 Best Fitness Books Ever Written

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Rating: 4.0; Vote: 1
1800s - Eugen Sandow Strength and How to Obtain It (1897. Arguably the most influential fitness book ever, it kick started the modern fascination with muscular development and physical culture. 1920s - Alan Calvert Super Strength (1924. One of the first books to promote heavy, progressive barbell training for the everyday person. 1930s - Mark Berry’s Physical Training Simplified (1930. One of the first modern barbell training manuals. Berry, the US Olympic Weightlifting coach, laid out the principles of progressive overload and compound lifts. 1940s The Male Hormone by Paul de Kruif (1945) Not a lifting book, but this one introduced testosterone to the public, shaping early ideas about hormones, vitality, and performance. 1950s Advanced Methods of Weight Training by Bob Hoffman (1951. Hoffman took lifting to the next level, talking progressive overload, recovery, and splits, laying the groundwork for modern strength programming. 1960s The Complete Keys to Progress by John McCallum (19651972. McCallum’s Strength & Health columns perfectly captured 1960s gym culture; storytelling mixed with practical strength advice. 1970s - Charles Gaines and George Butler Pumping Iron (1974. Began as a Sports Illustrated feature, became a book, and then the film. A cultural explosion that made bodybuilding mainstream and created the Arnold legend. 1980s The Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding by Arnold Schwarzenegger (1985. This was the lifting bible. Training, nutrition, and posing all in one place. Every serious lifter had it. 1990s Mike Mentzer Heavy Duty (1993. This book shows the origins of low-volume high-intensity training and why it became popular. 2000s Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe (2005) Made barbell training simple, effective, and accessible. Tons of lifters started here. 2010s Bigger Leaner Stronger by Michael Matthews (2012. Evidence-based lifting and nutrition made easy for beginners. A big step forward for mainstream fitness advice. 2020s The Muscle and Strength Pyramid by Eric Helms, Andy Morgan, and Andrea Valdez (2019 2nd edition) Technically 2019, but close enough. These books are some of the best resources out there on training and nutrition, and they actually inspired my own book, The Muscle Ladder.
Date: 2026-07-10

Comments and reviews: 20


I don't think enough people know about the book: Muscle Control and Barbell Exercise, written by gurus Gupta and Gosh in the 1930's. It is my absolute favorite muscle building guide, and stands the test of time 100%. Sure, it doesn't have all the new science that's come out since, but it's very straightforward, no nonsense information and tips, given and through proven technique. As a natural builder, I highly recommend this book for anyone starting out, or trying to maximize their builds while staying natural. Not to say that non-natural builders won't get anything out of it, but this was written at a time when that just wasn't a factor. I also feel that it renews faith in guys that don't use any enhancers, that they can in fact still get the results they're after. I'm not a personal trainer by trade, but of the people that have asked me for my help or advice, this book is where a great percentage of success has come.
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I don't know nearly as much as most of you about building muscle, but I imagine this is the feeling I get being 34 and looking through my Feynman lectures on physics from 1966. So cool reading wisdom removed from social influence and temporary convention. It's unspoiled joy knowing that these gems still hold up.
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For maximising calf growth, would you still recommend using lengthened partials (the stretched bottom half) for both standing and seated calf raises Or would you recommend lengthened aerials for standing calf raises and a full range of motion for seated calf raises
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It's probably better said 13 most influential books or something. Like Starting Strength I've read and I can confirm it's awesome for someone who doesn't know much. But also it has A LOT of dogma you wouldn't want to stick to for your lifetime of training lol
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How much is there to talk about progressive overload that you actually need
A whole book Ive learner what I've successfully been using for years from a few yt shorts
Please lmk if you disagree
(I know they didn't have yt shorts back then)

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There were two books that came out in the 80s that emphasize the high intensity training before Mike Meiners’s book came out. But it was basically his system. I have both books and they are very informative with great pictures.
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Nice! Besides your own book, which ones would you recommend someone should get to have in their literary arsenal Also, how were you able to find those earlier editions This could be a video all on its own!
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Milo of Croton was the first to use progressive overload, way back in the 6th century BC. He was said to carry a cow every day as it grew, increasing the weight he had to carry every day.
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Bigger leaner stronger is so good. And his book, beyond bigger leaner stronger for intermediate & advanced lifters is even better.
Michael Matthews saved so many lives, including mine

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Hey Jeff! I was wondering if you could make a video/short on peptides since they're becoming ever more popular. Just wanted to hear you talk about them and give your opinion
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Good to see you back Jeff, been working out for 3 months and recently got your book. Been reading a bit and now i know why you chose that book name, excellent work Jeff: .
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anyone who still claims that piece of shit Arnold was a legend is insane. maybe the legend of the biggest piece of shit snake bodybuilding has ever seen.
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wydm progressive overload has been an idea ever since the ancient Greek hero Milo carried a baby bull every day until it grew to full size
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Can you guys stop with the he is back.
If I was him I wouldn’t want people to constantly remind me why I was gone in the first place.

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guys can we just talk about fitness or memes, rather than constantly reminding him by consoling him and saying stay strong or whatever
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Jailhouse Strong and anything else written by Josh Bryant.
The Ultimate Hybrid Athlete by Alex Viada
You can't change my mind.

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Rippetoes starting strength is how I trained for my first few years. That much squatting wrecked me but I am real strong these days.
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Going to the USA in a few weeks! Thanks for the recommendstions Jeff! Hope to find some of these books on Barnes and Nobles
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Starting Strength appealed to the latent lifter in me that I didn't know existed. I was sold on the idea of big lifts. Still am.
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Hey Jeff, I need help. I'm trying to workout my biceps, but i always get forearms splints. What are some ways to deal with this.
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