Best Powerlifting Books

One of the best ways to become a better powerlifter is to read. Get off the forums, buy a book, and hear from some of the smartest minds in the game. Sure, you can learn a lot from forums and websites, but you really can’t get the level of depth and knowledge that books contain.

Below I will go over some of the best powerlifting books and strength training books out there. In no particular order.

Programming

Practical Programming for Strength Training

One of the best books you will find about programming. If you are struggling with making progress, jumping from program to program, or just not sure how to go about getting stronger, this is the book for you. I personally think this should be required reading for powerlifters and all strength athletes alike.

High Frequency Powerlifting: The Science Behind High Frequency Training
Movements

If you’re looking for a book that will give you a cookie cutter program to follow, this is not it. However, if you’re interested in the science behind high frequency training – how and why it works – this is one of the best books out there. If you’re looking to design your own program, this book will give you the knowledge to make that happen.

In my opinion, high frequency training is hands down the best way to train. You just have to be careful, and know what you’re doing to make it work.

Beginners

Powerlifting by Dan Austin

This book goes over a lot of assistance exercises, programs, concepts, and strategies. Great book for beginners, and those wanting to gain a solid foundation of powerlifting how-t0. I would recommend this book to all powerlifters, but if you are advanced/seasoned, you might not walk away with much.

Powerlifting: A Scientifc Approach

This is an older book, some say it is slightly outdated, but it still contains a ton of solid information about powerlifting basics like programming, meet prep, nutrition, and execution of the big three. Check it out on Amazon.

General Strength

Starting Strength

Starting Strength has been called the best and most useful of fitness books. It is loaded with tons of straight forward and useful information. This book goes over all the basic lifts, and how to perform them, and how to progressively add more weight to get stronger. Hands down one of the best books for those interested in strength training.

Best All Around Book

All About Powerlifting

The title of this book says it all. It goes over pretty much everything you need to know about powerlifting. From training, to nutrition, and meet prep, this book has it all. This book not only explains how to get stronger, it also tells you how to get ready for a meet, and how to be the best powerlifter you can be.

Biography

COAN The Man, The Myth, The Method

Ed Coan is the greatest powerlifter of all time. If you haven’t already, pick up this book. It gives you a closer look into the life of one of the strongest men to ever walk the earth. You’ll get to see the mindset, and philosophy behind the GOAT. Great read for any powerlifter, or anyone interested in strength training.