An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.

I’m a huge believer in the Kaizen philosophy.  Kaizen is drawn from the Japanese word kai which means “continuous” and zen meaning “improvement” or “wisdom”.  I use this principle in all disciplines of my professional and personal life.  After all if you aren’t improving and moving forward in your life, you’re moving backwards.  Three of my favorite supporting methods, satisfying my lust for continuous, measurable improvement are:

1. Reading
2. Coaching and being coached
3. Mentorship:  both being a mentor and a mentee

I love to read and in today’s modern world with technology in all its form, we have so much at our fingertips.  When working with clients, staff, family or friends, it’s inevitable that I am asked questions about what books I can recommend.  The below list is just a few of my favorites.

Strength Training Manuals

 The Westside E-Book of Methods

This is one of the most comprehensive training manuals I’ve read.  Here are just some of the things that are covered: Conjugate Method, Maximal Effort Method, Dynamic Effort Method, Repeated Effort Method, Contrast Method, Reactive Method, Contest Preparation, Overcoming plateaus, General Physical Preparation, Special Exercise Training, Plyometric Training, Misinformation on Strength Training, and so much more…

The Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding:  The bible of Bodybuilding by Arnold Schwarzenegger

From elite bodybuilding competitors to gymnasts, from golfers to fitness gurus, anyone who works out with weights must own this book — a book that only Arnold Schwarzenegger could write, a book that has earned its reputation as “the bible of bodybuilding.” Inside, Arnold covers the very latest advances in both weight training and bodybuilding competition, with new sections on diet and nutrition, sports psychology, the treatment and prevention of injuries, and methods of training, each illustrated with detailed photos of some of bodybuilding’s newest stars. Plus, all the features that have made this book a classic are here: Arnold’s tried-and-true tips for sculpting, strengthening, and defining each and every muscle to create the ultimate buff physique The most effective methods of strength training to stilt your needs, whether you’re an amateur athlete or a pro bodybuilder preparing for a competition Comprehensive information on health, nutrition, and dietary supplements to help you build muscle, lose fat, and maintain optimum energy Expert advice on the prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries Strategies and tactics for competitive bodybuilders from selecting poses to handling publicity The fascinating history and growth of’ bodybuilding as a sport, with a photographic “Bodybuilding Hall of Fame” And, of course, Arnold’s individual brand of inspiration and motivation throughout Covering every level of expertise and experience, The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding will help you achieve your personal best. With his unique perspective as a seven-time winner of the Mr.Olympia title and all international film star, Arnold shares his secrets to dedication, training, and commitment, and shows you how to take control of your body and realize your own potential for greatness. (you can order your copy here)

Diet & Nutrition Books

These books have been instrumental in developing my personal nutrition guidelines.

30-Day Transformation E-book by Robb Wolf

Then Robb Wolf’s 30 Day Total Transformation is your answer. This is a 60-page, new, interactive multimedia guide from Robb Wolf, author of The Paleo Solution: The original human diet, host of the top-rated Paleo Solution podcast, research biochemist, owner of NorCal strength & conditioning, Discovery Channel I-Caveman star…

Have you heard about the Paleo diet and were curious about how to get started? Or maybe you’ve been trying Paleo for a while but have questions or aren’t sure what the right exercise program is for you? Or maybe you just want a 30-day meal plan and shopping list to make things easier? Then Robb Wolf’s 30 Day Total Transformation is for you.

Paleo Solution by Robb Wolf

Do you want to lose fat, look younger, and feel great, all while avoiding cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s? The Paleo Solution unearths the story of the original human diet by uniting the anthropological knowledge of our Hunter Gatherer past with the latest, cutting edge discoveries from genetics, biochemistry, immunology and life extension research. Written by Robb Wolf, a research biochemist who traded in his lab coat and pocket protector for a whistle and stopwatch to become one of the most sought after strength & conditioning coaches in the world. Robb’s unique perspective as both scientist and coach combines equal parts British humor and tough love that will inspire you to learn how simple nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes can radically change your appearance and health for the better. In The Paleo Solution you will discover:-What simple foods can dramatically improve your appearance and wellness. -The causes behind the modern scourges of cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. -How to lose unwanted weight while looking and feeling younger. -How to improve your athletic performance whether you are surfing couches or scaling mountains. -An easy to follow 30 day meal plan with delicious, time efficient recipes. – An outstanding beginner-intermediate exercise program with detailed photographs and “how-to” instructions from one of the world’s top strength coaches. (get your copy online here)

The Paleo Diet for Athletes: A Nutritional Formula for Peak Athletic Performance by Loren Cordain

Loren Cordain, Ph.D., follows his success of The Paleo Diet with the first book ever to detail the exercise-enhancing effects of a diet similar to that of our Stone Age ancestors.When The Paleo Diet was published, advocating a return to the diet of our ancestors (high protein, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables), the book received brilliant reviews from the medical and nutritional communities. Jennie Brand-Miller, coauthor of the bestselling Glucose Revolution, called it “without a doubt the most nutritious diet on the planet.” Doctors Michael and Mary Dan Eades, authors of Protein Power, said, “We can’t recommend The Paleo Diet highly enough.”Now Dr. Cordain joins with USA triathlon and cycling elite coach Joe Friel to adapt the Paleo Diet to the needs of athletes. The authors show:o Why the typical athletic diet (top-heavy with grains, starches, and refined sugars) is detrimental to recovery, performance, and health o How the glycemic load and acid-base balance impact performance; Why consumption of starches and simple sugars is only beneficial in the immediate post-exercise period.  At every level of competition, The Paleo Diet for Athletes can maximize performance in a range of endurance sports. (Get your copy here)

The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Food You Were Designed to Eat by Loren Cordain

AT LAST, THE UPDATED EDITION OF THE BESTSELLING DIET BOOK! “The Paleo Diet helps you lose fat, improve your health, and feel great. Why? Because the Paleo Diet works with your genetics to help you realize your natural birthright of vibrant health and wellness.”—Robb Wolf, author of the bestselling The Paleo Solution”Loren Cordain’s extensive research demonstrates how modern westernized diets drastically depart from the original diet humans consumed for millions of years. In The Paleo Diet and The Paleo Diet Cookbook, Dr. Cordain shows how diets high in grains, dairy, vegetable oils, salt, and refined sugars are at odds with our genetic legacy and then shares his uncomplicated strategy for losing weight and getting healthy.”—Arthur De Vany, Ph.D., author of The New Evolution DietHealthy, delicious, and simple, the Paleo Diet is the diet you were designed to eat. If you want to lose weight—up to seventy-five pounds in six months—or if you want to attain optimal health, The Paleo Diet will change your life now. Dr. Loren Cordain, the world’s leading expert on Paleolithic nutrition, demonstrates how by eating all the lean meats and fish, fresh fruits, and nonstarchy vegetables you want, you can lose weight and prevent and treat heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, and many other illnesses. Incorporating all the latest breakthroughs in Paleo nutrition research, this new edition of the bestselling The Paleo Diet includes six weeks of meal plans to get you started on the Paleo path to weight loss, weight control, increased energy, and lifelong health. (You can get your copy here)

The Paleo Recipe E-Book:

The best diet you can eat to be in great shape, lose weight easily, sleep like a baby and have more energy than the Energizer bunny is the diet provided by mother nature that we’ve been eating for millions of years in nature.

The Primal Blueprint: Reprogram your genes for effortless weight loss, vibrant health, and boundless energy by Mark Sisson

Combining modern genetic science and evolutionary biology, The Primal Blueprint dispels a number of the myths that modern medicine and conventional wisdom have come to accept as fact. Author Mark Sisson takes the reader on a fascinating journey through human evolution, comparing the life and robust health of our hunter-gatherer ancestors with a day in the life of a modern family – exposing potential health issues that arise from trying to do the right things living in the 21st century. Sisson offers a solution in 10 empowering “Blueprint Lifestyle Laws” that can help us reprogram our genes away from disease and pain towards a direction of effortless weight loss, vibrant health and boundless energy. The reader learns how the right high-fat diet can actually help one lose weight; how popular low-fat, grain-based diets might trigger illness, disease, and lifelong weight gain; why doing too much cardio exercise might actually suppress the immune system and how some of today’s most common medications might make a health condition even worse. The consummate book on “Paleo” or “Primal” (you can get a copy here)

The Zone Diet by Dr. Barry Sears

Enter a new dimension of health! For years, Americans have been told that fat is the dietary enemy. Now, after eating less fat and more carbohydrates, we have become the fattest people on earth. Sears explains why, identifying the real enemy and presenting a simple plan for lifelong fitness and health. Discusses the “Zone-favorable” diet in relation to chronic disease, exercise, hormone production, and more… (available online here)