7 books like Periodization Training for Sports

By Tudor O. Bompa, Carlo Buzzichelli,

Here are 7 books that Periodization Training for Sports fans have personally recommended if you like Periodization Training for Sports. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Mindy Vail Author Of The MindShift Effect: Where Change Management is Redefined and Leadership is Refined

From my list on being authentic and empowered.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m Mindy Vail, and with over 25 years in education and change management, I’ve spent my career as a leadership consultant and keynote speaker. My passion for the book list I’ve put together comes from my work in guiding individuals and organizations through transformation and my dedication to helping others find their joy. Each book reflects my commitment to embracing change, nurturing leadership, and unlocking potential. My insights come from hands-on experience and a deep understanding of psychology, leadership, and personal growth, and I believe we are all ever-evolving in our journeys.

Mindy's book list on being authentic and empowered

Mindy Vail Why did Mindy love this book?

This one resonates with me because James Clear’s insights on the power of small, consistent changes align seamlessly with my approach to personal and professional growth. The book’s emphasis on how tiny adjustments can lead to significant, lasting transformation struck a powerful chord.

Clear’s focus on habit formation and mindset shifts reinforced my belief that incremental progress and intentional practices are essential for achieving meaningful change. Reading Atomic Habits inspires me to fully embrace the idea that even minor adjustments in behavior and thinking can have a profound impact on overall success and personal development. This has helped me in almost every aspect of my life.


By James Clear,

Why should I read it?

26 authors picked Atomic Habits as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The #1 New York Times bestseller. Over 4 million copies sold!

Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results

No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving--every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

If you're having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn't you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don't want to change, but because you have the…


Book cover of Practical Programming for Strength Training

Steven Low Author Of Overcoming Gravity: A Systematic Approach to Gymnastics and Bodyweight Strength

From my list on construct your own fitness routines.

Why am I passionate about this?

My philosophy as a coach, physical therapist, and author is based on the maxim: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” My books Overcoming Gravity, Overcoming Poor Posture, and Overcoming Tendonitis were written with this in mind. I find this phrase key in learning and growing as an athlete and in my own life outside of fitness and from those I’ve coached and taught too. Understanding and applying is a lifetime pursuit that keeps the brain active and stimulated.  

Steven's book list on construct your own fitness routines

Steven Low Why did Steven love this book?

Practical programming is a very good introduction to programming and periodization methods that beginners and intermediates can easily implement to be effective in their own routines. Unlike some of the later recommended books, Practical Programming gives templates which the reader can use as their own program while explaining why they work which can eliminate some of the guesswork and confusion of trying to apply concepts to make their own routine. Only once it gets into the advanced section does it become more theoretical in nature and ask you to apply the concepts you learn to your own training. In conclusion, this book helps to bridge the gaps from using routines to making your own routines well. 

By Mark Rippetoe, Andy Baker,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Practical Programming for Strength Training as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

There is a difference between Exercise and Training. Exercise is physical activity for its own sake, a workout done for the effect it produces today, during the workout or right after you're through. Training is physical activity done with a longer-term goal in mind, the constituent workouts of which are specifically designed to produce that goal. Training is how athletes prepare to win, and how all motivated people approach physical preparation.

Practical Programming for Strength Training 3rd Edition addresses the topic of Training. It details the mechanics of the process, from the basic physiology of adaptation to the specific programs…


Book cover of Science and Practice of Strength Training

Steven Low Author Of Overcoming Gravity: A Systematic Approach to Gymnastics and Bodyweight Strength

From my list on construct your own fitness routines.

Why am I passionate about this?

My philosophy as a coach, physical therapist, and author is based on the maxim: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” My books Overcoming Gravity, Overcoming Poor Posture, and Overcoming Tendonitis were written with this in mind. I find this phrase key in learning and growing as an athlete and in my own life outside of fitness and from those I’ve coached and taught too. Understanding and applying is a lifetime pursuit that keeps the brain active and stimulated.  

Steven's book list on construct your own fitness routines

Steven Low Why did Steven love this book?

The Science and Practice of Strength Training is an intermediate to elite book aimed at understanding periodization concepts as how they best apply to specific tissues, adaptations, and populations. This deeper understanding will allow the reader to understand the reasons why they are implementing exercises, sets, repetitions, rest times, and so on into their routines and how that can play out with long-term progress. The specific populations mentioned are training for women, young adults, and seniors, so it's applicable to a broad range of people not just your regular athletes or recreational athletes wanting to know more. 

By Vladimir M. Zatsiorsky, William J Kraemer, Andrew C. Fry

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Science and Practice of Strength Training as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Reference for strength and conditioning professionals as well as researchers and exercise physiologists; course text for graduate-level students in strength and conditioning or exercise physiology courses.


Book cover of Becoming a Supple Leopard: The Ultimate Guide to Resolving Pain, Preventing Injury, and Optimizing Athletic Performance

Owen Lewis Author Of Core: A Science-Backed Approach to Exercising and Understanding Our Central Anatomy

From my list on anatomy and movement at books core.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love to move and help others move. Movement is at the core of everything I do. In my clinic, I improve the movement of elite athletes and people in pain. I was determined that writing, usually a sedentary occupation, would further my movement exploration. My book reflects my physical and cognitive journey towards a flexible, fluid, and adaptable core can deal with the day-to-day requirements of life. It outlines principles for tailored, individualistic training to improve core function and enhance the movement of everyone. 

Owen's book list on anatomy and movement at books core

Owen Lewis Why did Owen love this book?

My own clinical approach is based on subtly working with the body. This book gives me many other necessary tools. A stronger, harsh, even brutal approach, which is sometimes necessary, can be found within these pages.

This book remains part of my ‘go-to’ guide for the constant prehab and rehab of everyday life. I love to row, a tough sport that requires a tailored approach to prevent injuries and guide me through land-based exercises.

On a theoretical side, I recognize many good fundamental principles that apply to other areas of movement once mastered. 

By Kelly Starrett, Glen Cordoza,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Becoming a Supple Leopard as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Revised and expanded edition! Improve your athletic performance, extend your athletic career, treat body stiffness and achy joints, and rehabilitate injuries - all without having to seek out a coach, doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist or masseur. In Becoming a Supple Leopard , Kelly Starrett - founder of MobilityWod.com - shares his revolutionary approach to mobility and maintenance of the human body and teaches you how to hack your own human movement, allowing you to live a healthy, happier, more fulfilling life.


Book cover of The Strongest Shall Survive: Strength Training for Football

Craig Cecil Author Of Bodybuilding: From Heavy Duty to SuperSlow: Evolutionary Strategies for Building Maximum Muscle

From my list on training for bodybuilding.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been involved in weight training for over three decades, from a competitor (setting state and national powerlifting records), to coach (for amateur bodybuilders and powerlifters), to author of four best-selling fitness books. All of my training partners, students, and readers have told me the same thing—my background in weight training knowledge, history, and techniques have enabled me to provide them with the expertise, motivation, and longevity to improve both their physical and mental lives.

Craig's book list on training for bodybuilding

Craig Cecil Why did Craig love this book?

Why am I recommending a football strength training book for bodybuilding? Because every great bodybuilder is a good powerlifter at heart. Football training is about powerlifting movement, and there is no better source on this type of training than Bill Starr, the man who invented the modern strength training programs, used by all college and professional football teams, as well as professional strongmen and powerlifters. Starr learned these techniques from Tommy Kono, the most decorated weightlifter in American history, and he passed those lessons on to one of his students, Mark Rippetoe.

By Bill Starr,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Strongest Shall Survive as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The original classic strength training manual from the late 70's (third printing, revised first edition 1979)l. The purpose of the book is to help high school and college coaches set up functional strength programs with a minimum of equipment and time. It is also valuable to any athlete who trains on his own and needs direction. The manual was written by Bill Starr, a national Olympic weightlifting champion, who became one of the first professional strength coaches in the country when he trained the Baltimore Colts the year they won Super Bowl V. The 209-page reference contains over 200 photos…


Book cover of Strength Rules, How to Get Stronger Than Almost Anyone--And the Proven Plan to Make It Real

Carl Phillips Author Of Simplify - from Inside Out

From my list on help you live a simpler life.

Why am I passionate about this?

The origin story on my blog reflects some of my story best. After a period of reflection several years ago, I realised I was accumulating more in my life. More things that didn’t matter. More commitments I wasn’t truly passionate about keeping. More friction! So, I started to take some action. That action has meant: I have made good on long-term threats to write and for the last 10 years I have been writing at my blog and authored an expanding list of short books full of big ideas (all under the umbrella of simplifying life). I have accumulated less material possessions but enjoyed more (travel and holidays, events, life experiences).

Carl's book list on help you live a simpler life

Carl Phillips Why did Carl love this book?

I believe deeply in the power of movement practice with strength training leading the way in foundational needs. Being a simplicity seeker, I am particularly drawn to the stripped-back nature of training with your own body weight (calisthenics) as a weight. I find this practice endlessly challenging and rewarding. I have long been a fan of the work of Danny Kavadlo (and his brother Al) who are two of the world’s leading authorities on calisthenics and were writing about its benefits years before it became as trendy as it is now. I’ve been fortunate enough to be coached by Danny several times whilst we holiday in New York and have written on my blog about some of our time and talks together.  

Danny is also a proponent of keeping things simple and likes to focus on what matters most. This book is something of a simplicity manifesto (to all things…

By Danny Kavadlo,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Strength Rules, How to Get Stronger Than Almost Anyone--And the Proven Plan to Make It Real as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

How to Be Tough As Nails--Whatever You Do, Wherever You Go, Whenever You Need It. Want to get classically strong--in every dimension of your life--gut, heart and mind…?
In other words, do you want to be: More than just gym-strong? More than just functionally strong? More than just sport-specifically strong? Do you demand instead to be: Tensile Strong? Versatile Strong? Pound-for-Pound Strong? The Ultimate Physical Dynamo? A Mental Powerhouse? Then welcome to Danny’s World… the world of Strength Rules--where you can stand tall on a rock-solid foundation of classic strength principles…Arm-in-arm with a world leader in the modern calisthenics movement…Then……


Book cover of Geordie

R.J. McCarthy Author Of Wat Haggard and Prairie Wren

From my list on imperfect heroes redeemed.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was never a fan of superheroes, not even as a child. My heroes had to be credible, human, acceptably flawed yet redeemable by a personal moral code that ultimately defined their actions. The heroes in my favorite books are of this ilk, determined to pursue the right thing, regardless of how life challenges them. It speaks to how I’ve tried to live my life–and still do.

R.J.'s book list on imperfect heroes redeemed

R.J. McCarthy Why did R.J. love this book?

A deceptively simple story with subtle social commentary, I loved how the author offered a coming-of-age story about a rural Scot eventually exposed to a wider world and its temptations.

Self-conscious of his puniness as a child, Geordie develops into a behemoth through strength training, his strength carrying him to the Olympics. I loved how Geordie ultimately parried worldly temptations, guided by his moral strength and sense of what was most important in life.

I was also enamored of the story as it struck close to home in terms of my own sense of childhood powerlessness and what I did to combat it.  

By David Walker,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Geordie as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A series of graded readers covering a wide range of styles and kinds of English, both fiction and non-fiction, with comprehension exercises, questions and crosswords. Level 5 has a vocabulary of 2000 words.


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