Books, Resources, Research

C

ccmt

Member
So grateful to tap into collective wisdom--thanks in advance! What are good books and resources for weightlifting (especially form and geared to women)?

I've read over two dozen books now, and most are disappointments. I've also spent a great deal of time on the internet--and mostly find broken links when articles/videos are recommended so I'll post books here to help future resource seekers. However, I'd be interested in your recommendations for internet resources too.

Here are some I've read and recommend:
Thinner Leaner Stronger (or Bigger Leaner Stronger) by Michael Matthews--Excellent insight/help for the mental game and for being honest with yourself. He makes things simple, approachable, doable. He has a lot of information to offer on the physical/science side; HOWEVER, it is all from/based on male experience/research.
Muscle for Life by Michael Matthews--This one is focused on aging athletes and has a lot to offer as far as adapting and elevating training, nutrition, supplements, but again male focused.
Roar & Next Level by Stacy Sims--The first is focused on younger female athletes and the second is focused on menopausal athletes. Both are hyper focused on serious, competitive athletes and have a lot to offer as far as effective science and working around/through women specific issues.
Trim Healthy Wisdom by Barrett & Allison--I've just finished this and learned a ton. There is only one chapter on actual workout/weightlifting--but they focus on menopausal, aging women nutrition and clean lean muscle mass. They explain complicated science in a way I can understand and have a lot to offer on the what works for women.

Currently reading and LOVING!!!
Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett--I wish I'd found this when I first started. After endless hours spent reading and watching youtube experts (mostly men)--often contradictory and confusing though I did learn from and try to apply. This is a very detailed, specific and helpful step-by-step instruction manual for athletic form (bracing core, neutral posture, and major lifts). I NEEDED THIS AS I TRY TO LIFT HEAVIER AND HEAVIER.
 
These are not female-specific, but have had the most influence on my current training:

Rebound by Peter Park is geared towards athletes who have “ lost a step”. Good mix of nutrition, kettlebells, Foundation Training, and mobility

NROL for Abs/Life (too similar to list separately). Changed my whole philosophy on warmups and core training
 
I recently read Forever Strong by Dr Gabrielle Lyon. She favors a more protein based diet (meat, preferably) but does say carbs are important. The book contains science without being too technical, and includes strength training tips as well as the dietary framework mentioned above. It's worth a read from the library.
 
Wanted to add to the list EXCELLENT book:
Glute Lab by Bret Contreras and Glen Cordoza Bret is a PROBLEM SOLVER so you do learn a ton about optimizing your glute routine, but this is an amazing intro to weightlifting (especially heavy lifting for women) with many details about variations, trouble shooting, and help while being clear about anatomical realities. This is a keeper. Now that I've read and implemented; I'm going back to read again!
 
ccmt said:
So grateful to tap into collective wisdom--thanks in advance! What are good books and resources for weightlifting (especially form and geared to women)? I've read over two dozen books now, and most are disappointments. I've also spent a great deal of time on the internet--and mostly find broken links when articles/videos are recommended so I'll post books here to help future resource seekers. However, I'd be interested in your recommendations for internet resources too. Here are some I've read and recommend: Thinner Leaner Stronger (or Bigger Leaner Stronger) by Michael Matthews--Excellent insight/help for the mental game and for being honest with yourself. He makes things simple, approachable, doable. He has a lot of information to offer on the physical/science side; HOWEVER, it is all from/based on male experience/research. Muscle for Life by Michael Matthews--This one is focused on aging athletes and has a lot to offer as far as adapting and elevating training, nutrition, supplements, but again male focused. Roar & Next Level by Stacy Sims--The first is focused on younger female athletes and the second is focused on menopausal athletes. Both are hyper focused on serious, competitive athletes and have a lot to offer as far as effective science and working around/through women specific issues. Trim Healthy Wisdom by Barrett & Allison--I've just finished this and learned a ton. There is only one chapter on actual workout/weightlifting--but they focus on menopausal, aging women nutrition and clean lean muscle mass. They explain complicated science in a way I can understand and have a lot to offer on the what works for women. Currently reading and LOVING!!! Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett--I wish I'd found this when I first started. After endless hours spent reading and watching youtube experts (mostly men)--often contradictory and confusing though I did learn from and try to apply. This is a very detailed, specific and helpful step-by-step instruction manual for athletic form (bracing core, neutral posture, and major lifts). I NEEDED THIS AS I TRY TO LIFT HEAVIER AND HEAVIER.
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Thanks for this thread. Knowledge is important.
I will read some of them.

I do follow Bret and Dr Stacy Sims:)
 
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A highly recommended book:

The New Rules of Lifting for Women: Lift Like a Man, Look Like a Goddess

Lou Schuler, Cassandra Forsythe, Alwyn Cosgrove, 2009

In The New Rules of Lifting for Women, authors Lou Schuler, Cassandra Forsythe and Alwyn Cosgrove present a comprehensive strength, conditioning and nutrition plan destined to revolutionize the way women work out. All the latest studies prove that strength training, not aerobics, provides the key to losing fat and building a fit, strong body. This book refutes the misconception that women will "bulk up" if they lift heavy weights. Nonsense! It's tough enough for men to pack on muscle, and they have much more of the hormone necessary to build muscle: natural testosterone. Muscles need to be strengthened to achieve a lean, healthy look. Properly conditioned muscles increase metabolism and promote weight loss -- it's that simple. The program demands that women put down the "Barbie" weights, step away from the treadmill and begin a strength and conditioning regime for the natural athlete in every woman. The New Rules of Lifting for Women will change the way women see fitness, nutrition and their own bodies.

They (Lou Schuler & Alwyn Cosgrove, 2008) published also a version that could be considered for men:

The New Rules of Lifting: Six Basic Moves for Maximum Muscle.
 
When it comes to functional. mobility and strength training, i don't think there are real differences between males and females in gaining a functional, mobile and real strong body. When it comes to good reference books, I would recommend browsing the publication list on https://us.humankinetics.com/
They have very high quality books written by the best experts in their field.
Have personally learned a lot from several of their publications, including Starret's large book "Becoming a Supple Leopard: The Ultimate Guide to Resolving Pain, Preventing Injury and Optimizing Athletic Performance", already mentioned here in the forum!
 
Correction: Starret's book is not published by Humankinetics, got it mixed up!
Here is the best of my collection of books published by Humankinetics:
Nick Tumminello: Strength Zone Training: The most effective method for maximizing muscle development
K. Carr & M.K. Feit: Functional Training Anatomy
Broussal-Derval & Ganneau: The Modern Art and Science of Mobility
F. Delavier: The Strength Training Anatomy Workbook
P. McCall: Smarter Workouts: The Science of Exercise Made Simple
P. McCall: Ageless Intensity: High-Intensity Workouts to Slow the Aging Process
L. Boyce & M. Schoenfeld: Strength Training for All Body Types: The Science of Lifting and Levers
C. Waterbury: Elite Physique: The New Science of Building a Better Body
 
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Nabbe47 said:
When it comes to functional. mobility and strength training, i don't think there are real differences between males and females in gaining a functional, mobile and real strong body. When it comes to good reference books, I would recommend browsing the publication list on https://us.humankinetics.com/
They have very high quality books written by the best experts in their field.
Have personally learned a lot from several of their publications, including Starret's large book "Becoming a Supple Leopard: The Ultimate Guide to Resolving Pain, Preventing Injury and Optimizing Athletic Performance", already mentioned here in the forum!
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I ordered this book last Saturday. Pricey, but I'm hoping it's worth it! thanks for the recommendation!
 
nickisteen said:
I ordered this book last Saturday. Pricey, but I'm hoping it's worth it! thanks for the recommendation!
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Nicki, I have this too. It's a heavy tome of a book, and a great resource to have on hand. I've used it for a number of issues. I also have many of the others mentioned above. All good resources if you like having your own library. :) Of course your local library may carry them too (ours doesn’t)
 
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