Best Bodybuilding Books (63 books)

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While there are a plethora of books specific to bodybuilding, very few attain classic status. By this, we mean the books you continually go back to for insight, inspiration and assistance. These are those books. They will build both your mind and body.

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1	Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training by Mark Rippetoe 4.44 avg rating — 10,650 ratings score: 1,582, and 16 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
2	Tactical Barbell: Definitive Strength Training for the Operational Athlete by K. Black (Goodreads Author) 4.53 avg rating — 1,416 ratings score: 995, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
3	Practical Programming for Strength Training by Mark Rippetoe 4.33 avg rating — 2,989 ratings score: 692, and 7 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
4	The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding by Arnold Schwarzenegger 4.46 avg rating — 5,325 ratings score: 595, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
5	Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training by Mark Rippetoe 4.44 avg rating — 10,650 ratings score: 590, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6	Convict Conditioning: How to Bust Free of All Weakness Using the Lost Secrets of Supreme Survival Strength by Paul Wade 4.18 avg rating — 3,605 ratings score: 485, and 5 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
7	Reprograma tu Energia: Cómo sanar tu cuerpo, calmar tu mente y recuperar tu propósito cuando el mundo te agota: El manual de los 3 sistemas para vivir ... en colapso, fe + ciencia) by GUACA Publishing it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 4 ratings score: 398, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
7	Reprogram Your Energy: The 3-System Manual to Heal Your Body, Calm Your Mind, and Live with Purpose and Longevity (The Modern Survival Code Book 1) by GUACA Publishing it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 7 ratings score: 398, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
9	Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder by Arnold Schwarzenegger 4.21 avg rating — 2,498 ratings score: 386, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
10	Never Let Go: A Philosophy of Lifting, Living and Learning by Dan John 4.26 avg rating — 1,654 ratings score: 380, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
11	Vegetarian Bodybuilding: Vegetarian and Vegan tips for Health & Fitness by Ben Gfrorer (Goodreads Author) 3.55 avg rating — 11 ratings score: 298, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
12	The Complete Keys to Progress by John McCallum 4.14 avg rating — 141 ratings score: 293, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
13	How to Prosper in a Downturn: Your Path to Success and Fulfillment in the Next Ten Years by Harry S Dent 4.16 avg rating — 287 ratings score: 290, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
14	Beyond Brawn: The Insider's Encyclopedia on How to Build Muscle and Might by Stuart McRobert 4.11 avg rating — 419 ratings score: 287, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle by Tom Venuto 4.31 avg rating — 2,883 ratings score: 200, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	Strong by Rob Kearney 4.33 avg rating — 385 ratings score: 200, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	Real Life Superman: the Training Guide to Become Faster, Stronger and More Jacked than 99% of the Population: Volume 01: Strength & Conditioning by Markus A. Kassel (Goodreads Author) 3.49 avg rating — 53 ratings score: 198, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
18	The Naked Warrior: Master the Secrets of the Super-Strong - Using Bodyweight Exercises Only by Pavel Tsatsouline 4.06 avg rating — 1,618 ratings score: 196, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
19	Bodybuilding: A Scientific Approach by Frederick C. Hatfield 4.40 avg rating — 93 ratings score: 190, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
19	Brother Iron, Sister Steel: A Bodybuilder's Book by Dave Draper 4.17 avg rating — 216 ratings score: 190, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
21	Prepare for War by Jamie Lewis 4.38 avg rating — 8 ratings score: 186, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	The Three Month Muscle Man by Jon David Thomas 4.75 avg rating — 12 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Science and Practice of Strength Training by Vladimir M. Zatsiorsky 4.32 avg rating — 512 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Thriving with Chronic Pain by Sean Meshorer (Goodreads Author) 4.33 avg rating — 9 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Unleashing the Wild Physique by Vince Gironda 4.18 avg rating — 74 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Weight Training Without Injury: Over 350 Step-by-Step Pictures Including What Not to Do! by Fred Stellabotte (Goodreads Author) 4.19 avg rating — 64 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Vince's Secret Locker Volume 2 by Karl Coyne it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 3 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	100 Bodybuilder Recipes by Sebastian Fontaine 4.33 avg rating — 3 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Bodybuilding by Numbers by Dr Jeff Pursglove it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 1 rating score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Iceland Annie: The Evolution of a CrossFit Games Legend by Annie Thorisdottir 4.55 avg rating — 200 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Running Vitamins & Supplements for Beginners: The Essential Guide to Endurance Nutrition, Sports Supplements, and Daily Recovery for Runners (The Foundation Series) by A.J. Cameron it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 12 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Couch Potato Fitness: How To Run Yourself Fit In Less Than 10 Minutes A Day by Christina Schnohr 4.98 avg rating — 22 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Bill Pearl's Keys to the Inner Universe by Bill Pearl 4.47 avg rating — 68 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Destroy the Opposition by Jamie Lewis 4.40 avg rating — 72 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Serious Strength Training - 2nd by Tudor O. Bompa 3.80 avg rating — 128 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Vinces Secret Locker by Karl Coyne it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 4 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Bigger Leaner Stronger: The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Male Body by Michael Matthews (Goodreads Author) 4.22 avg rating — 11,103 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Slimming by Numbers: Numerical tools to get you the body you want by Dr Jeff Pursglove 0.00 avg rating — 0 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Running Vitamins and Supplements for Beginners (Nonfiction for Beginners) by A.J. Cameron 4.75 avg rating — 12 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	Loaded Guns by Larry Scott 4.31 avg rating — 16 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	Issuance of Insanity 3: Nutritional Psycho by Jamie Lewis 4.60 avg rating — 15 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	The Barbell Prescription: Strength Training for Life After 40 by Jonathon M. Sullivan 4.34 avg rating — 693 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	The Muscle & Strength Pyramid - Training by Eric Helms (Chief Author) 4.56 avg rating — 769 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
44	Coach's Strength Training Playbook by Joe Kenn 4.26 avg rating — 31 ratings score: 97, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
44	Issuance of Insanity 2 by Jamie Lewis 4.64 avg rating — 14 ratings score: 97, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
44	Powerlifting by Dan Austin (Goodreads Author) 4.12 avg rating — 145 ratings score: 97, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
44	The Muscle & Strength Pyramid - Nutrition by Eric Helms (Chief Author) 4.54 avg rating — 670 ratings score: 97, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48	Championship Bodybuilding: Chris Aceto's Instruction Book For Bodybuilding by Chris Aceto 4.28 avg rating — 120 ratings score: 96, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48	Issuance of Insanity by Jamie Lewis 4.48 avg rating — 29 ratings score: 96, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48	Strong Enough? Thoughts from Thirty Years of Barbell Training by Mark Rippetoe 4.06 avg rating — 683 ratings score: 96, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48	Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy by Brad Schoenfeld (Goodreads Author) 4.43 avg rating — 400 ratings score: 96, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
52	Bodybuilding: From Heavy Duty to SuperSlow by Craig Cecil (Goodreads Author) 4.38 avg rating — 71 ratings score: 95, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
52	The Muscle Ladder: Get Jacked Using Science by Jeff Nippard 4.56 avg rating — 838 ratings score: 95, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
54	Supermen: Building Maximum Muscle for a Lifetime by Craig Cecil (Goodreads Author) 3.69 avg rating — 36 ratings score: 94, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
54	Scientific Principles of Hypertrophy Training (Renaissance Periodization Book 1) by Mike Israetel 4.51 avg rating — 519 ratings score: 94, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
56	Dinosaur Training: Lost Secrets of Strength and Development by Brooks D. Kubik 4.24 avg rating — 143 ratings score: 93, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
56	Rebuilding Milo: A Lifter's Guide to Fixing Common Injuries and Building a Strong Foundation for Enhancing Performance by Aaron Horschig 4.55 avg rating — 820 ratings score: 93, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
58	Strength Life Legacy by Paul Carter 3.97 avg rating — 39 ratings score: 91, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
59	LRB 365 by Paul Carter 3.83 avg rating — 18 ratings score: 90, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
60	Base Building by Paul Carter 3.89 avg rating — 55 ratings score: 89, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
60	Iron in My Hands by Dave Draper 4.24 avg rating — 42 ratings score: 89, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
62	Squat Every Day by Matt Perryman 4.17 avg rating — 458 ratings score: 88, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
62	Iron On My Mind by Dave Draper 4.31 avg rating — 62 ratings score: 88, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars