10 Best Bodybuilding Books (2024) From Beginner to Pro (2024)

Last updated: March 30, 2024

Starting a bodybuilding journey can feel overwhelming, with countless questions about techniques, nutrition, and routines.

Wouldn't it be great to have a set of guides written by experts to help you achieve your fitness goals?

As more of my clients and readers take a research-based approach to bodybuilding, I've compiled a list of top-notch books that offer evidence-based insights.

Keep reading to discover these resources and take your bodybuilding journey to the next level.

• Best Overall Bodybuilding Book: Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy
• Cheapest Bodybuilding Book: Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder
• Best Classic Bodybuilding Book: The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding
• Best Bodybuilding Book for Injury Prevention: Becoming a Supple Leopard
• Best Bodybuilding Book for Competition Preparation: Bodybuilding: The Complete Contest Preparation Handbook
• Best Comprehensive Bodybuilding Book: Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength
• Best Muscle-Focused Bodybuilding Book: Strength Training Anatomy
• Best Natural Bodybuilding Strategy Book: Men’s Health Natural Bodybuilding Bible
• Top Bodybuilding Book Suitable for All Levels: Pumping Iron: The Art and Sport of Bodybuilding

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Other noteworthy mentions include works from Mark Rippetoe, Michael Matthews, and Joe Weider.

• Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training: This is one of the best books for beginner powerlifters.
• Bigger Leaner Stronger: The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Male Body: Michael Matthews brings together the world of strength training and human body aesthetics with this work.
• Joe Weider’s Ultimate Bodybuilding: The Master Blaster’s Principles of Training and Nutrition: Joe Weider (aka The Master Blaster) offers amazing advice for all levels of bodybuilders in this book. The book follows the “Joe Weider” training principles [3].

Prior to creating this list, we spoke to several dieticians, scientists, trainers, and bodybuilders about their favorite books. We also reached out to clients and readers to learn what kind of books they preferred.

Based on their bodybuilding goals, training techniques, and reading preferences, we selected books that met the following criteria.

Author’s Expertise

We prioritized books written by certified trainers, scientists, and renowned bodybuilders with a successful track record in the field.

Their firsthand experience and knowledge ensure that the content is both accurate and practical.

For instance, books like “Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy” by Brad J. Schoenfeld and “The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding” by Arnold Schwarzenegger are penned by figures who are authorities in the bodybuilding realm.

Readability

We sought out books that were well-written and easy to follow.

Clear illustrations, organized layouts, and the avoidance of overly technical jargon make the information accessible to readers of all levels. It's essential that readers can easily digest and implement the knowledge shared.

For this reason, books like "Becoming a Supple Leopard," with easy instructions, and "Strength Training Anatomy," with colorful illustrations, made our list.

Quality of Content

The depth, breadth, and relevance of the books' content played a pivotal role.

We favored books that offer a comprehensive approach to bodybuilding, covering various aspects like training techniques, nutrition, and competition preparation.

For example, "Bodybuilding: The Complete Contest Preparation Handbook" uses evidence-based insights, practical tips, and real-world examples, which adds to the content's quality.

Understanding the science behind muscle building is important because it can empower bodybuilders to optimize their routines, ensuring maximum gains and efficient recovery.

The fitness realm is rife with myths and misconceptions. From the belief that lifting weights makes women bulky to the idea that spot reduction is achievable, these myths can hinder progress and lead to disappointment.

It's essential to approach bodybuilding with an evidence-based mindset, discerning fact from fiction. By debunking these myths, bodybuilders can set realistic expectations and adopt effective training strategies.

There are a few key factors to consider before purchasing bodybuilding books.

1. Your Personal Fitness Goals

The best bodybuilding books should be tailored to your specific goals. Do you want to build lean muscle, increase strength, improve fitness, or prepare for a competition?

Once you understand your goals, you can narrow your choices down to bodybuilding books that provide you with what you need.

Note: While physical training and nutrition goals are crucial, the psychological aspects of bodybuilding are often overlooked. Ensure your book talks about mental resilience, motivation, and the ability to overcome plateaus for bodybuilding success.

2. Author Credentials

The author’s credentials provide the foundation for the book’s content and reflect the level of expertise you can expect.

Look for bodybuilding books written by certified trainers, scientists, and bodybuilders with a successful track record. Avoid books written by people with little experience in the field.

3. Theory vs. Proven

Theory and proven methods are like hip mobility and squats [4]. They’re both important, but one is incomplete without the other.

Understanding muscle growth science and knowing what works in the real world are equally important. Avoid bodybuilding books that rely heavily on theory and lack practical advice.

As seasoned professionals in the field of bodybuilding, we bring a wealth of experience and insight to our recommendations.

We understand the importance of credible sources, comprehensive knowledge, and real-world applicability when it comes to selecting the best bodybuilding books.

Here are the key criteria we use to ensure our suggestions meet the highest standards.

1. Extensive Research and Expertise

Our team comprises certified trainers, dieticians, scientists, and veteran bodybuilders, all pooling their knowledge to select books that offer the most value.

We prioritize books authored by recognized experts in the field, ensuring that the content is not only scientifically accurate but also backed by practical experience.

This means that books like "Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy" by Brad J. Schoenfeld and "The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding" by Arnold Schwarzenegger, both authored by authorities in bodybuilding, make our list.

2. Readability and Accessibility

We believe that the best bodybuilding books should be accessible to readers of all levels. This is why we look for books that are well-structured, clearly written, and free from overly technical jargon.

Our selection ensures that you can easily understand and apply the concepts and techniques discussed, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned bodybuilder.

3. Quality and Depth of Content

The content of the books we recommend is thoroughly vetted for its depth, breadth, and relevance.

We choose books that cover a wide range of topics pertinent to bodybuilding, from workout routines and nutrition to injury prevention and competition preparation.

Our selections are comprehensive and cater to various interests and goals within the bodybuilding community.

Buying the right bodybuilding books is an investment in your fitness journey, and speaking from my own experience, it helps you gain invaluable insights that aren't easy to learn otherwise.

Look for easy-to-read books written by credible authors that provide a balance of theory and proven methods.

For this reason, we chose Brad Schoenfeld’s “Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy” as the best on our list. Not only does it cut right to the chase and dive straight into the facts, but it’s also written by a foremost figure in bodybuilding science.

We highly recommend getting a copy today to take your bodybuilding to the next level and achieve the physique you’ve always wanted.

Our #1 Recommendation

Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy (Best Overall)

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