Training Books

If you are serious about your own strength training or you are a strength coach wanting to do the best for your clients, anything written by Mark Rippetoe is a must read.

A great casual read, lots of humor throughout to make it a fast read. A great way to learn about barbell training from another persons vast experience. A great way to cap off Rippetoe's other books (practical programing and starting strength)

This is an entertaining and informitive book. Like this author's previous work, the primary focus is on the correct performance of the basic lifts ( squat, press, deadlift, bench, and clean ).But, this is more than just " nuts and bolts", it is also "hearts and minds". Rippetoe has thought long and hard about how we should train and why we should train, and his obsevations on both are enlightening...and somewhat controversial This book is entertaining because all this thoughtful analysis is written with a great deal of humor and insight. I have read and re - read this book and I always come away with something to think about.His passion for lifting and his dedication to those who train is evident throughout. The chapter on "Good Form" alone is worth the price of the book.

I love this book so much I've read it twice back to back. As soon as i finished I started right back at chapter 1 again! I place this book right up there with other classics such as John McCallums "Key's to Progress", Brooks Kubik's "Dinosaur Training", and Bill Starr's "The Strongest Shall Survive". In fact "Strong Enough" may be the best of the bunch.

"Strong Enough?" is a collection of eighteen articles Rippetoe has written on a variety of topics related to weight-training over the years. Within these articles are anecdotes of events and people that have shaped his opinions and life. Far more informal and conversational than the other books, but still incredibly informative, and running the gambit of inspiring to hilarious, they entertain and inform in Rip's rare style.

There is an enlightening dissection of Silly BS from a variety of medical and fitness sources, more excellent quotations of the great minds you should read, and you can find out just how much weight training is related to the topics on Art Bell. Some stories are quite touching too, and you get some insight into the kinds of things that can be learned through the years by someone who cares to keep their eyes open, ears attuned, and sense of humor never too far away. Interspersed between and within the articles are pictures that span the three decades of Rippetoe's career, from intense competition lifts to other scenes from the gym and life, including the author's mother in the 75-79 master's age group setting an impressive state record. I'm looking forward to the calendar, personally... no word on its release date yet.

Add this book to your shelf for a thought-provoking read when you can't get into a heavier tome.

As a contributing author to this book, I was pleased to be included with such an accomplished group of sales experts.

If you're looking for just one sales book this year, Top Dog Sales Secrets is it. This book provides a fantastic way for anybody in a sales related field to gain expert advice from 50 different sales professionals. No matter what area of sales you may need help with (prospecting, cold calling, phone skills, presenting, negotiating, closing, etc...) this book has the answers.

Easy to read and understand you'll be referring to this book whenever you encounter a sales challenge.

Enjoy and happy selling.

Jon Brooks
Brooks Dreyfus Consulting
www.brooksdreyfus.com

So many of these types of sales success books put out the same old stuff that we've all heard before. Top Dog Sales Secrets was refreshingly different packed with ton's of original material, mixed in with some "tried and true" ideas that we sales veterans tend to forget or overlook after many years in the field.

It doesnt matter if you are a sales veteran or a rookie, Top Dog Sales Secrets has something for you. PS: Everything from Dave Kale is solid gold and will put money in your pocket if you read and follow it!!!!

The SalesDog.com team has pulled together an excellent book filled with articles from top sales experts in the field today. My favorites* include:

- Creating a Successful Cold Script, by Wendy Weiss

- Transforming Customer Complacency into Urgency, by Mike Schultz

- Help - I'm Talking and I Can't Shut Up, by Michelle Nichols

- Success is an Inside Job, by Bill Caskey

- Winning the Negotiation Game, by Colleen Francis

The book is organized by sales challenges such as cold calling, presentations, proving value and handling objections. So if you're having trouble in one area, just turn to the specific section and get great advice from a variety of experts.

[...]

P.S. I'm also a bit partial to my five articles which were selected to be in the book too!

Top Dog Sales Secrets. 50 experts show you proven ways to skyrocket your sales. Michael Dalton Johnston ed. 2007. ISBN 9781934346143. I have really taken my time reading this book. It looks at the sales process after you gain the lead, so it is planted squarely into sales efficiency. How ever some of the treatments of qualifying a lead, are very appropriate in our sales effectiveness model. For my money, if you are in sales today this is one book you need at your side. The experts are truly expert. One book with insight from:

Tony Alessandra, Jim Domanski. Dan Kosch, Mark S.A Smith, Bob Bly, Colleen Francis, Tina LoSasso,Art Sobczak ,
John Boe,Tom Freese, James Maduk, Dave Stein, Dianna Booher, Patricia Fripp, Jim Meisenheimer,Bill Stinnett, Ed Brodow, Ari Galper, Michelle Nichols, Joel Sussman, Bill Brooks, Joe Guertin, Rick Phllips, Julie Thomas,Jon Brooks, Joe Heller, Tom Reilly, Will Turner, Shamus Brown, Craig James, Tom Richard, Al Uszynski, Bill Caskey, Brian Jeffrey,Llinda Richardson, Steve Waterhouse, Tim Connor, Michael D. Johnson, Keith Rosen, Wendy Weiss, Kevin Davis, Dave Kahle, Mike Schultz, Roger Dawson, Ron Karr, Jacques Werth, Jill Konrath, Anita Sirianni .

One example from Jim Domanski:

Prospect: "Hmmmm. Let me think about it."

Rep: "I understand completely. If l were in your shoes I'd want to think about it as well. Now ask one of the following questions:

* "May I ask what concerns you still have?"
* "May 1 ask what's causing you to hesitate?"
* "May I ask what questions I've left unanswered?"
* "May I ask what your final decision will be based on?"

Get this book. Do not wait. Then read it. Sales advice you can take to the bank.

This isn't your typical sales book. It is a collection of authors writing on various topics, not a selling system or sales `program' such as Strategic Selling or SPIN Selling. The authors are excellent writers and the information is current. I found the tone to be enthusiastic, humorous and easy to read. It's a good book to read when you only have snippets of time and can't get involved with a long read or concept. Each article has nuggets of wisdom in it and every article is written by a proven sales pro who has been in our shoes, not an academic or manager from some ivory tower.

The down side is the books organization. It isn't divided into sections such as prospecting, qualifying, closing, etc. While the book contains multiple articles on each subject they are intermingled throughout, like a newspaper that continues a story inside to force you to go through the entire paper. This is a great airplane or waiting room read. I find myself rereading many of the articles several times, going back to important ideas and quotes. After you read this book you can get more information by reading the various authors books.

This book is the essence of awesome. I read it, and as soon as I fiished reading it, I started to read it again. I hope Jones writes a sequel or something. There were so many questions left un answered.

Not many writers have the guts to publish without push from publishers and other literature hounds - but Wally Jones surprises us all with his DIY, don't-give-a-damn-to-the-classics style that's both like a punch to the face and a gentle nod to growing up in an era characterized by a plethora of increasing alienation despite comfortable wealth. His story is more than a mere "coming of age" novel; pulling from personal stories and characters, the complicated plot keeps you wondering how everything ties together until the end. Jones' passion for writing is obvious in the way he presents each character, begging us to see them as more than words on a page or an entertaining read. He tries to say what we all know to be true, without mincing words or imagery.

If you read one book this year, read this. You'll be reminded at just how complicated - and yet somehow hopeful and painfully fragile - life can be.

Walter,
I can't wait till you write another one! I hate to read but I managed to finish your book, no problem! If you ever need a muse, I can so help you out! The next one should be about the last four years in Clemson,SC.! Good luck with your reviews!

Great book! I read this book for a graduate fiction class, citing the examples of creative license used to make a regular work of fiction a fine example of art. I highly recommend this book

I have to say this bOOK rocks my world and i got cold chills when i go toward the end. i can even say that i'm proud to actually know wally jones and have know him for like 4 years and he is kick ass dude, WE ALL WANT TO KNOW WHEN DO WE GET ANOTHER BOOK

This is a "Must Read" book for all trainers - both beginners and experts. You get drawn into the book through the insights about learning partnerships and by discovering your readiness for training from the heart. Then in each Chapter, the authors share personal experiences that help you learn along with them.

After reading the book, you will discover that it is like a "spacious meadow" that you can turn to for inspiration when you need it. I keep returning to the Chapter on "Creating a Service Motto". Maybe you will want to return to the Chapter "Become Intimate with the Client".

I found the book to be very helpful in managing my attitude toward training in a non-supportive environment. I have taken the time to create a motto that has taken me places and opened the doors for new discovery. I was pleased to find that meeting Cyndi and Barry in person at a CCASTD meeting was just as enlightening as the reading. Thanks to you both for opening my eyes a little wider and taking the chance to grow.

You would expect by the title that this would be described as both warm and thoughtful, but the bonus for this 160 page book is that it is also highly pragmatic and useful. Barry and Cyndi's approach is rooted in research and experience but much of the wealth comes from their myriad of anecdotes that supplement each and every topic. As trainers, we know that participants learn from our stories and tales, this is evidentally true for the written word as well. The authors share their years of experience with us but without the usual "ivory tower" approach that many authors take. A few weeks ago I read Barry and Cyndi's words about generative learning and used the concept in a recent train-the-trainer. The true worth of a book comes from its application in the real world: this book's worth far exceeds whatever its cost.

Having worked with(and admired) both Cyndi and Barry, I was delighted to see how well this wonderful book brought me back to the learnings I had gleaned from watching and listening to these master trainers. The real value of this book is that the tools for self-development and skill improvement are here along with a generous dose of the passion that comes from making a commitment to learners and following through. Master level training not just about knowing your subject, it is understanding how to help your audience grasp their own learning from the experiences, content sharing and practice opportunities they begin in your classroom. Read and enjoy, then use it.

This is one of the few books that I have read on the subject in the last several years that I not only kept in my library, but continue to read and recommend to others. The information covered is broad enough to be relevant to just about anyone in the training field, whether you train internal staff or are a trainer/speaker in the outside world. Getting 2 authors' experiences and perspectives is an added bonus. This book is an easy read that you will probably find yourself going back to again and again, which is rare to find in our information overload society!

I think that this book is the finest book (to date) on coaching the female athlete at the highest levels. In my time as a NCAA Div. II women's soccer coach, a girls high school coach, and premier level girls soccer coach, I have found Dorance's theories and models to be highly useful. This is NOT a book for the recreational coach. The focus of the book is the philosophy and foundation of creating soccer champions.

Anson's insight into the mind of the female athlete is not only clear and concise but, it is uncanny as well. I have found the ideas in his book have led me to a better understanding of my own players. This understanding has helped me form a consistant winning program where ever I have coached.

I would highly recommend this book to any individual who is looking for more theory and philosophy to coaching. This book is not a daily practice guide with drills and games, rather it is an excellent source for building a successful women's soccer program.

I am not a soccer coach. This book was recommended to me by a volleyball coaching mentor. He recommended it and said it was the best coaching book he had ever read.... I agree.

There is not doubt why Anson Dorrance is one of the best soccer coaches in the world. His insights into success with female athletes is extremely helpful and I recommend this book to anyone who wants to be a better coach, period.

I haven't read the book, but Anson was my coach in the first year of Chapel Hill's youth soccer league (I think it was the Carolina Blues team of the Rainbow league) way back in the 70's. I remember very well how intelligent and focused he was. He didn't yell much, but what he did say was always on point. (Moreover he learned to pitch his voice to a timbre that you could ALWAYS hear through all the screaming!) When people talk about Anson, they always quote zillions of his amazing stats, his w/l records, undefeated games, etc, and sometimes I wonder if people think winning is the proof of good coaching, or even of good playing. Sure, it's fun to win, but I've played and coached a fair amount of soccer since then, and probably lost more than I've won, but as I heard Anson said once, 'Never say die', and that's the truth. Of all the games I've played and coached, the ones I remember with the most joy were the ones we lost against hopelessly stronger opponents - yet we played the games of our lives, we never gave up, and in one memorable instance our first-year team of little guys held the mighty perpetual champions of our region to a single lucky goal scored in the final minutes. I've always tried to practice the style that I attribute to him - remembering that soccer is supposed to be fun, that it can be beautiful, and that you only truly lose when you give up. Or maybe that was Kip Ward who said that?! Anyway, you should buy this book. I might even buy it myself.

This book is an excellent guide for ways to develop your soccer team and take them to a new level. This is more for advanced coaches, but I think beginning coaches can utilize these techniques also. Covers great program building techniques for youth boys and women of all levels. Great resource for all soccer coaches.

I've only coached men's college teams, but I'm convinced Anson's principles represent a foundation for the future of coaching -- for athletes of either sex. Competition is fun and practices need to be fun. The days of drill sergeant as coaching model are over.

Kids from most countries now have hundreds of choices in terms of different sports and entertainment. Every minute of practice needs to be fun or they'll do something else. And it's only going to get worse.

Obviously the "competitive caldron" can create women's US college soccer champions (UNC won the title again in 2000), but it may also be our best chance to lure the upcoming Sega generation into team sports.

This book is excellent, I can't tell you how many times I've referred back to it. Contains tips for training horse and rider in all three phases, and common problems that most riders will certainly face sometime in their career. Lots of great photographs to show you the right (and sometimes not so right) way to do things. Advice on conditioning (which I've found to be very helpful) and gymnastics at the back of the book. If you event, get this book.

I have had the incredible opporunity to work with this man in person. He is THE most informative, patient, helpful trainer I have ever worked with. Both of his books, "Training the Three-Day Event Horse and Rider" and "Gymnastics", are must-reads for any equestrian. I can only hope he writes more!!

I am just a beginner, but this book inspired me to try hard to event. I loved the gymnastics in the back!

In 1984 I began riding in Jimmy's clinics and have accumulated numerous hours riding, watching and listening. During this time I took copious notes on his comments; measurements of his gymnastics; watched other riders and listened to Jimmy's critiques. "Training-the-Three-Day Event Horse" IS Jimmy Wofford. His concise, straitforward teaching comes through in his book just as though you are there listening to him. If I could only have one book, it would be this one. I recommend it to my students, I give it as gifts and I wouldn't leave home without it.

I was SO happy to finally read a book involving cross country with so much emphasis on good basics and snaffle bits. I am so sick of hearing trainers advocating bigger bits to control your horse. Mr. Wofford advocates better TRAINING to control your horse - what a concept. This book covers quite a range of topics; from choosing an event horse, dressage, how the horse sees jumps vs. how we see jumps, cross country, jumping, conditioning, cross country position and more. I think this is a great book!

I ordered this book and integrated two of the exercises into existing training courses the day I received it. It is easy to use these techniques to emphasize points and enhance discussion.

I highly recommend this book for people interested in incorporating improv in their training, whatever the topic. The book is clear, to the point, very creative and also very practical. Ms Koppett has collected some tried-and-true improv exercises that are easy to use and really work. Even if you have never done any theatre or improv, you can use this book. Just imagine, a training session in which your participants are inspired, creative, collaborative, funny, cohesive.....

In theatre there are many skills an actor has that out in the workplace, many managers could find very helpful. These are good performance skills, presentation skills, and the flexibility to sense a group's needs and respond to them in the moment. And when one aims for creativity and communication other skills such as teamwork, coaching, leadership, and idea generation become very important. Improv activities have been used in training on topics as varied as product training, new-hire orientations, technical training, and diversity workshops. To summarize, improve can be used to develop personal skills of trainers, to enhance the creativity and communication skills of managers and individual contributors.

This book is divided into two parts. The first part of the book provides us with six powerful improv principles and their potential applications to management and training. The second part of the book provides tightly structured directions for using 50 specific activities -along with a clear explanation of how the basic principles are incorporated in each activity. Also included in the text are explanations of major improvisational theatre concepts and techniques, links to training and management skills, and a series of exercises suitable for use in professional training environments. This book was meant mainly for managers who could adapt the techniques to their environment thereby infusing the workplace with creativity, teamwork, and effective communication.

I enjoyed this book for two main reasons. First, it offers an engaging treatment of improvisation techniques that's certain to inform (and inspire) even those without background in the area. Second, it's an excellent compendium of training activities written in detailed prose perfect for people like me who do a lot of training, but who don't have the formal schooling in training methodology and techniques. In short, this is a worthwhile read and an excellent addition to one's library of training resources.

Over the last couple of years, I have become interested in adapting techniques from improv theatre to organizational training settings. Koppett's book helped me solidly solidify my thinking on the matter. She divides her book into two sections, Principles and Activities. The Principles section is broken into seven chapters that address trust, listening and awareness, non-verbal communications...all the kinds of things for which organizations seek training. The Activities sections has instructions for 50 activities, including an overview, the relevant principles, instructions and variations, and even questions that facilitate discussions after the activity is complete. For added value, the appendices break each activity down into improv principles (trust, spontaneity, etc.) or training application (team-building, creativity, problem-solving, etc.) I've used this resource dozens of times already. In fact, I've had trouble getting it back from several colleagues, and don't lend it out anymore!

I found this book to be good with many ideas. It did get a little redundant at times, which can probably be attibuted to emphasizing approaches to mental training. It definitely gets across the need for mental preparedness and ways to go about it. Reading it a couple times and and doing the exercises included in the various chapters is necessary to get the most from the book and approach.

I saw the author at the Velo Swap in S.F. in December 2006. Gave a great presentation and his way of thinking fit my training regimen for my bicycling. The style and presentation fit my mindset and when it is rainy, snowy, blowing or just don't care. You realize you are not alone and gives the tools and techniques that get you going. Not your average mental training guide but new stuff and odd angles make you approach your workout and mind in a different way

I was hesitant to buy this wondering if I could really learn something about mental training from a book. I decided to give it a try and I am very glad I did. This is one of the best Ironman prep books I've read. I highly recommend it.

Success in sports requires as much mental strength as it does physical, and this book will teach you how to approach your sport... and your life.

This book was inspiring and a key to my race successes last season. Dr. Taylor enlightens the reader by introducing how the mental aspects of training and racing are integral to success. The reader will learn not only how to approach sports, but also many of the topics discussed apply to all aspects of one's life. Analysis of mental skills and techniques to improve areas of weakness are key points that are discussed. This book was instrumental in my development as an athlete and I often reread sections prior to key races.

The doctor looking for a job must solve five main problems:
1) Define practice matching criteria - avoid regretting a wrong choice;
2) Define a good practice - avoid joining a second-tier practice;
3) Plan the interview process - make sure you ask the key questions;
4) Understand necessary legalese - what must be covered in your contract and what should be skipped;
5) Negotiate your compensation and benefits.

Keep this book next to you during your job search - it helps solving all of your job search problems.

Yuval Lirov, Practicing Profitability - Billing Network Effect for Revenue Cycle Control in Healthcare Clinics and Chiropractic Offices: Collections, Audit Risk, SOAP Notes, Scheduling, Care Plans, and Coding

Very well written, concise and to the point. Gives an excellent idea of what to expect when you start looking for a job after residency. Explains the common scenarios and pitfalls to look out for. Definitely helped me ask better questions during interviews and assess the job opportunities in a much more objective manner; rather than going in wide eyed, the big hike in salary clouding your judgement.

The last section on physician recruitment agreement was particularly helpful for me as I didn't know they existed. Nobody talks about these things during residency training.Thanks partly to this book, I probably will be starting my own practice, based on a physician recruiting agreement.

The surprisingly good "The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Right Job after Residency" written by Koushik Shaw was published in late 2005. It is probably the most useful book for the physician job search that I have come across so far. It is short, concise, to the point (sometimes a bit too short), but it covers absolutely everything that is relevant from getting to know your personal preferences in your work life to determining where exactly you want to live and work, how to find a job, how to interview, and - kudos for this section - how to analyze a practice you are looking at, what questions to ask a potential employer to uncover risks and possible mismatches early. The author goes into details of analyzing benefits offered by an employer and negotiating a contract. He even goes into the basics of opening your own practice.

Overall very well written, in good style, very easy and quick to read and extremely informative. One smart book everybody should read at least once and at least one year before graduation.

This book is an absolute must have for any graduating resident. The author has put an enormous amount of research into a concise and organized fashion, allowing even the time restricted resident to conquer this book in a few short sittings. I have discussed this book with several junior attendings and private physicians, and they are all amazed at how much accurate and insightful information is hidden in this short concise book. It will save you weeks or even months of research and grant you an amazing head start into identifying and obtaining the right career. I truly believe this book will substantially increase your chances of a successful and happy career choice plus teach you to avoid many of the common pitfalls.

This is the only book of its kind that I was able to find. I am an anesthesiologist leaving the Army and joining the ranks of the civilian world. This book assisted me in understanding the Pros and Cons of different practice set-ups, and made me a more informed candidate during my job search.

Hard bound book, easy to read and to the point of how to train your horse. Nice big photos, applicable diagrams, spelled out how to compete and be successful.
I wish it had been the FIRST book I read!
This is a book I will NEVER loan out.....ever.
Time to go practice what I read~!

This is the singular most effective tool that I have ever used in working with both young and old horses. As an equine professional, I have applied many of the techniques and methods to my own herd. Doug is truly the pleasure master. I believe that many people outside of the industry would enjoy this beautifully photographed and well written journal about pleasure horses.

This is a good book for people who want to train for show and for those who want to have a well trained horse. It explains in terms that novice horse people can understand and appreciate and still covers the finer points of training. The book keeps your interest and is easy reading.

Covers everything from basic bloodlines to breeding, buying, and then training and showing. This is the definitive reference book on Western Pleasure.

This book covers everything from breeding a pleasure prospect to working out the kinks in an older seasoned show horse. This will certainly help my new 3 year old filly and I make it in the AQHA show ring. I recommend it for anyone who wants to win!