Christmas is coming. If you haven’t made your Christmas wish list yet, this post will give you some ideas.

My Top 10 Training & Nutrition books. Here are some books and DVDS I think you should start with if you’re serious about your training & diet.

• Assess & Correct by Cressey & Robertson (injury prevention).
• Bulletproof Knees by Mike Robertson (knee pain).
• Burn The Fat by Tom Venuto (fat loss).
• Combat Core by Jim Smith (ab training).
• Good Calories, Bad Calories by Gary Taubes (nutrition)
• How Much Protein by Brad Pilon (protein).
• Muscle Gaining Secrets by Jason Ferrugia (weight gain).
• Practical Programming by Rippetoe & Kilgore (program design).
• Precision Nutrition by John berardi (nutrition).
• Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe (exercise technique).

I can’t stress enough to buy books rather than wasting your time looking for information online. You’ll learn a lot faster and depending on how much you earn per hour, you can even save money that way.

For more ideas, check my recommended list of strength training books.

Recommended Equipment. As far as equipment goes, here’s my top pick.

• Chalk. Improve your grip & minimize calluses.
• Apex Bench. Sturdy bench for the Bench Press.
• Chuck Taylor’s. Best overall weight lifting shoe.
• Fractional Plates. If your gym has no small plates.
• Foam Roller Plus. Self message any time you want.
• Fat Caliper. Cheap & easy way to measure body fat.
• Doorway Pull-up Bar. Do Pull-ups at home anytime.
• Iron Woody Bands. Get stronger at Pull-ups & Chin-ups.
• Muscle Cramps. Many readers prefer these collars over springs.
• Powerline Power Rack. Safest & easiest way to Squat & Bench Press.
• Powerline Squat Stands. If you don’t have the place for a Power Rack.

Read the following blog posts for more info:

• How to Build a Home Gym.
• Power Rack Buyer’s Guide.
• Soft Tissue Work: Release Your Pain.
• Power Racks vs Squat Stands: Which One Is Best?
• Microloading: Tips If Your Gym Has No Small Plates.
• What Are The Best Weight Lifting Shoe for Squats & Deadlifts?
• Resistance Bands: How to Use Them And Where to Get Some.

My Top 8 Must Read Books. I read and listen to +100 (audio)books a year. The next ones are those that I often come back to and which had the most impact on my thinking & life.

• Awareness by Anthony de Mello (attachments).
• Beyond Positive Thinking by Robert Anthony (mindset).
• How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie (social skills).
• Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (classic self help).
• The Power of Full Engagement by Tony Schwartz (productivity).
• The Way of The Superior Man by David Deida (work, women, sex).
• Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill (goal achievement).
• Vagabonding by Ralf Potts (travel philosophy).

If I had to pick one, I’d go with The Way of The Superior Man by David Deida.

I’m always interested in reading new stuff. So if you have suggestions feel free to share them in the forum.