The 14 Best Books on Bodybuilding Training on Amazon

Here are the 14 best books on bodybuilding according to customers on Amazon: 

1. Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle and Strength – Jim Stoppani (4.9/5)

Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength is a must-have addition for anyone serious about maximising muscle mass, strength, and fat loss. The third edition offers over 380 exercises, nearly 140 training programmes, and expert insights based on scientific research, making it an invaluable comprehensive guide for personal trainers and strength enthusiasts alike. With training strategies for beginners to advanced lifters, along with useful advice on exercise technique, equipment, and nutritional strategies, this book is a powerhouse resource for achieving optimal fitness results.

2. The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding: The Bible of Bodybuilding – Arnold Schwarzenegger (4.8/5)

The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding is a classic bodybuilding book that serves as an essential guide for anyone serious about building muscle and strength. Written by bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, this comprehensive book includes insights on weight training, nutrition, sports psychology, and injury prevention, all illustrated with detailed illustrations featuring top bodybuilding athletes. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced competitor, this book provides bold, experience-based guidelines to help you reach your peak performance in the gym and beyond.

If you'd like help reaching your bodybuilding goals, you could reach out to an online personal trainer with experience in bodybuilding. 

3. Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy – Brad Schoenfeld (4.8/5)

Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy is a great way for fitness professionals, personal trainers, and researchers to deepen their understanding of how muscle grows. Written by Brad Schoenfeld, this book covers the physiological mechanisms behind hypertrophy, the latest research on effective training strategies, and practical applications for designing optimal workout programmes. With its extensive references, measurement techniques, and advanced training practices, this resource is invaluable for those looking to maximise lean muscle gains and apply scientifically-backed methods to their training.

If you'd like to learn more about the basics of muscle growth, you could contact an online personal trainer who specialises in muscle development. 

4. Strength Training Anatomy – Frederic Delavier (4.7/5)

Strength Training Anatomy is a test of time resource that visually demonstrates how the human body engages during exercise through over 700 detailed anatomical illustrations. Frédéric Delavier’s fourth edition expands on previous versions by adding new exercises, stretches, and injury prevention insights, making it an essential guide for understanding proper form and muscle recruitment. With expert strength training advice and unparalleled visual detail, this book is invaluable for both beginners and advanced bodybuilders looking to refine their technique and maximise results.

You might also like The Strength Training Anatomy Workout

5. Strength Training: Basic Barbell Training – Mark Rippetoe (4.7/5)

Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training is a highly regarded resource in the fitness industry, offering a structured and logical approach to developing strength. The third edition refines its teaching methods with updated instructions, detailed biomechanical analysis, and new illustrations, making it one of the best bodybuilding workout books for those looking to master fundamental lifts like the squat, deadlift, and bench press. With a focus on simple science and practical application, this book provides effective methods for athletes and beginners alike to build strength, improve performance, and enhance overall health.

To learn more about strength training, you could get in touch with an online personal trainer with expertise in strength

6. Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder – Arnold Schwarzenegger (4.7/5)

The Education of a Bodybuilder is a fascinating account of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s private journey from a young athlete in Austria to a Mr. Universe champion and bodybuilding icon. Blending autobiography with fitness guidance, the book details his early passion for bodybuilding, the discipline and hard work that shaped his success, and the training principles that helped him build his legendary physique. Offering a structured workout program, dietary insights, and personal reflections, this classic remains relevant today for aspiring bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts alike.

7. Joe Weider’s Ultimate Bodybuilding – Joe Weider (4.7/5)

Joe Weider's Ultimate Bodybuilding is a comprehensive guide that distills the master blaster’s principles into a structured approach for building muscle and achieving peak performance. Covering essential techniques like instinctive training, progression, muscle confusion, and supersets, this book provides effective methods that have been used by some of the greatest champions in bodybuilding history. With insights from legends like Franco Columbu, Lee Haney, and Lou Ferrigno, it remains a timeless resource for anyone serious about developing strength and mastering their physique.

8. Amino Acids and Proteins for the Athlete: The Anabolic Edge – Mauro di Pasquale (4.7/5)

Amino Acids and Proteins for the Athlete: The Anabolic Edge is for those seeking to optimise performance through nutrition, written by renowned expert Mauro Di Pasquale. Covering the science behind protein metabolism, amino acid supplementation, and natural anabolic strategies, the book provides practical insights for athletes aiming to enhance muscle growth, strength, and endurance without reliance on performance-enhancing drugs. With extensive updates and research-backed guidance, this volume is for anyone committed to a healthy lifestyle and maximising their athletic potential.

9. The Bodybuilder’s Kitchen – Erin Stern (4.6/5)

The Bodybuilder's Kitchen is one of the best bodybuilding diet books, offering 100 nutrient-rich recipes and structured meal plans to support muscle growth and fat loss. With expert insights from champion bodybuilder Erin Stern, the book provides tailored nutrition strategies, including ketogenic dieting, calorie cycling, and carb cycling, to help individuals fuel their training effectively. Covering everything from protein-packed meals to meal prep planning, this guide is an essential resource for those looking to optimise their physique and performance through smart nutrition.

For further help in the kitchen, you could reach out to an online personal trainer with expertise in nutrition. 

10. The Complete Contest Preparation Handbook – Peter Fitschen & Cliff Wilson (4.6/5)

Bodybuilding: The Complete Contest Preparation Handbook can help both beginners and seasoned competitors to master the art of competition preparation. Written by expert coaches Peter Fitschen and Cliff Wilson, this guide breaks down everything from selecting the right contest to achieving a stage-ready physique with evidence-based strategies. Covering nutrition, training, posing, and the emotional demands of the sport, this book provides a structured approach to competition success and the transition into the off-season.

To learn more about getting ready for a contest, you could enlist the expertise of an online personal trainer who helps people with competition prep. 

11. Brother Iron, Sister Steel – Dave Draper (4.6/5)

Brother Iron, Sister Steel is a deeply personal and inspiring look at bodybuilding from Dave Draper, a legendary former Mr. Universe and Mr. World. Blending training techniques, exercise descriptions, and nutritional strategies with his own experiences, Draper captures the essence of the iron work and the discipline behind building strength. With its unique storytelling and insightful guidance, this book serves as both a motivational read and a practical companion for those taking their first steps or continuing their bodybuilding journey.

12. Bigger Leaner Stronger – Michael Matthews (4.5/5)

Bigger Leaner Stronger is one of the best bodybuilding books for men looking to build muscle and lose fat without following extreme diets or exhausting workout routines. Michael Matthews’ approach is rooted in simple science, debunking common fitness myths and providing clear, evidence-based guidance on meal planning, strength training, and supplementation. With structured workouts and practical nutrition advice, this book offers a sustainable path to achieving an ultimate superfunctional body without unnecessary complexity or wasted effort.

13. Men’s Health Natural Bodybuilding Bible – Tyler English (4.5/5)

Men's Health Natural Bodybuilding Bible is a good option for those looking to build a lean, competition-ready physique without relying on performance enhancers (i.e., natural bodybuilders). Developed by natural bodybuilding champion Tyler English, the book focuses on combining effective workouts and strict nutrition to maximise muscle growth naturally. Whether you aim to compete or simply achieve a sculpted look, this structured 24-week plan provides the guidance needed to transform your body with discipline and dedication.

14. Serious Strength Training – Tudor Bompa (4.4/5)

Serious Strength Training is an excellent resource for athletes looking to maximise muscle growth and strength through scientifically structured programming. Written by Tudor Bompa, Mauro Di Pasquale, and Lorenzo Cornacchia, this book breaks down six key phases of training, from anatomical adaptation to muscle definition, ensuring a methodical approach to progression. With research-backed strategies and expert insights, it remains a staple for those serious about strength training and achieving peak performance.

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