BLOG

As personal trainers, we dive deep into the specifics of fitness — sets, reps, bio mechanics, and mentally calculating how many California Rolls we’d have to slam to get 30 grams of protein. While mastering these things is important, sometimes we overlook the broader picture: the human element.

Becoming a better trainer and enjoying your personal training career isn't just about knowing fitness; it's about understanding people, life, and the world around us. Here, we’ll take a look at 9 non-fitness books that’ll broaden your perspective, enhance your knowledge, and ultimately make you a better personal trainer.

Being an English major, I know what it’s like to have a stack of books thrown in your face. So, to make your life a little easier, I’ll give you a brief summary of each suggestion so that you can pick and choose only the ones that pique your interest the most.

Summary: Easter explores the benefits of embracing discomfort and pushing personal boundaries. It follows his journey into the outdoors as he reconnects with nature. Why Read It: It encourages personal growth through challenging experiences, fostering resilience and adaptability. How it Relates to Personal Training: Inspires trainers to guide clients through challenging workouts and new fitness experiences, promoting growth and expanding comfort zones.

Summary: James Clear offers practical strategies for building habits that stick and breaking habits that hinder personal growth. Why Read It: Provides actionable steps to implement habit change, enhancing trainers' ability to support clients in achieving their fitness goals. How it Relates to Personal Training:  Helps trainers design effective workout and nutrition plans that align with clients' habit-building efforts which can result in better consistency and adherence.

Summary: Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, explores how finding purpose and meaning in life can help individuals endure suffering. Why Read It: Encourages reflection on the deeper meaning of fitness and health goals, guiding trainers to help clients find purpose in their journey. How it Relates to Personal Training: Inspires trainers to connect clients' fitness goals with their broader life values.

Summary: King shares insights into his writing process and demonstrates the commitment and obsession needed to be great. Why Read It: Teaches dedication to craft and the importance of discipline and passion in any endeavor. How it Relates to Personal Training: Inspires trainers to approach their career with creativity, hustle, and willpower.

Summary: Dweck explores the concept of fixed vs. growth mindsets and how beliefs about one's abilities impact achievement. Why Read It: Encourages a growth mindset in both trainers and clients. How it Relates to Personal Training: Guides trainers in helping clients develop a mindset best suited for success.

Summary: Burkeman discusses the finite nature of time and offers strategies to prioritize meaningful activities amidst life's distractions. Why Read It: Helps trainers and clients alike manage time effectively to prioritize health and fitness without neglecting other aspects of life. How it Relates to Personal Training: Guides trainers in setting realistic training goals and schedules that align with clients' lifestyles and commitments.

Summary: Klosterman examines how our current beliefs and ideas might be wrong and how our understanding of the world evolves over time. Why Read It: Encourages critical thinking and openness to new perspectives. How it Relates to Personal Training:  Challenges trainers to question traditional fitness dogmas and explore new approaches that may better suit individual client needs.

Summary: Csikszentmihalyi explores the state of "flow," where individuals are fully immersed in an activity and experience heightened focus and satisfaction. Why Read It: Understanding flow helps in designing workouts that challenge clients appropriately, keeping them engaged and motivated. How it Relates to Personal Training: Helps create workouts that match clients' skill levels with challenges, promoting optimal engagement and enjoyment.

Summary: Bill Perkins challenges the conventional wisdom of saving for retirement by advocating for living life to the fullest now. Why Read It: It teaches that life is urgent and emphasizes the importance of enjoying experiences rather than just accumulating wealth. How it Relates to Personal Training: Encourages clients to seize the moment in their fitness journey, setting meaningful goals and celebrating achievements rather than solely focusing on long-term outcomes.

By diversifying your knowledge with books, you can gain valuable insights into human behavior, motivation, resilience, and personal growth. This holistic approach not only enriches your life but also enhances your ability to connect with and guide clients on a deeper level.

Remember, on your quest to become a better personal trainer, don’t forget to become a better person along the way.