wow, it’s hard to find good strength training books for women.
And I’m serious. In 2021, I continue to find women’s fitness books written primarily by men, many with sexist language, that are outdated, poorly formatted, or just don’t use good exercises.
You are reading: Best workout books for females
As a certified personal trainer who knows what a good workout looks like, I was picky about these book selections. These are strength and conditioning books that I would feel comfortable recommending to a friend or family member, just as I use them myself. and, of course, have exceptional reviews from others.
While each book here focuses on women’s strength training, you’ll see a few different approaches. some require no equipment at all, while others require dumbbells or even gym equipment. I kept it versatile so you could find at least one book that fits you and your lifestyle.
Are you ready to check out the best strength training books for women who made the cut?
keep reading!
Please note: Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise routine or any particular diet. see this disclaimer for more details. This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, visit my disclosure page. thanks!
top 5 strength training books for women of 2021
1. the great exercise book for women’s health
I don’t think I’ll ever bump this workbook off the top of my list.
I received this book as a gift a couple of years ago from a very knowledgeable exercise physiologist I worked with, but don’t worry, you definitely don’t need a science degree to appreciate it. Although packed with information and facts, the writing is perfect for athletes of all levels.
The exercises in the book are organized according to the part of the body you are working on. offers loads of exercise variations and tons of workout plans. From “the wedding workout” to “the best 15-minute workouts,” there’s a plan to fit your lifestyle. Plus, this book answers just about any strength training question you may have.
As a working personal trainer, I refer to this book frequently for new exercise ideas. This is hands down the best strength training book for women. You really can’t go wrong.
2. you are your own gym
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I first came across this book at barnes and noble. I knew right away that I had to buy it because I legitimately couldn’t put this book down.
mark lauren, a military special ops trainer, has impeccable storytelling skills. While I loved reading about his military experiences, I was even more intrigued by the training plans he put together. his philosophy is that you really can exercise anywhere. he doesn’t even need classic weights to develop an elite level of fitness. just his own body weight (and maybe some common household items).
I really wish I had received this book at the beginning of quarantine. Mark Lauren knows what he’s doing, and as someone who doesn’t plan on getting a gym membership any time soon, this has become my new go-to.
3. exercise for everyone
As soon as I read the foreword to this book, I knew I had to buy it too (on that same trip to barnes and noble haha). and when I saw the list of models demonstrating the exercises, I wanted to buy it again.
This strength training book shows that anyone, and I mean anyone, can strength train. you just have to know what to do.
The foreword is written by Martinus Evans, a man who began his fitness journey “after my doctor called me fat and told me I was going to die.” Thoroughly annoyed, he got a gym membership and quickly realized that he had no idea what to do. even his personal trainer didn’t know how to work with a client his size.
This book shows men and women of different ages, sizes, and ethnicities demonstrating the moves. one is pregnant, another has a prosthesis, and one model is even in a wheelchair.
This is also the first book on this list that is actually written by a woman.
There is nothing not to like about this strength training book. I highly recommend it!
4. fit gurl: the total body change program
This is another book written by a woman. Melissa Alcantara is an impressively fit human and celebrity trainer. While she doesn’t exactly “keep up” with them, she is actually Kim Kardashian’s personal trainer.
His book reads like he’s just talking to you, a friend. he has a bit of a sailor’s mouth, but I actually find him endearing haha.
workouts and moves are great. I get very frustrated when I find exercise books that just dive right into an intense workout. his moves are hard and will still make you stronger, but many also incorporate stabilization (such as unilateral moves). This is the mark of a good coach. She knows that core strength helps prevent injuries and is beneficial in the long run.
The only downside to this book is that some of its moves require gym equipment. while he shares some alternatives on his instagram, if you don’t have a gym right now, this might not be the best strength training book for you.
5. 100 workouts without equipment
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I’m a big fan of this book. At the end of the day, we all just need a good workout to follow. this book will give you endless possibilities, none of which require equipment.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was the writing of the paragraphs. there are a lot of run-on sentences and grammatical errors, which makes me think that English is not the first language of the author (and maybe the editor?).
but I still think the workouts in the book more than make up for the writing. you’ll never run out of exercise ideas or ways to keep your body challenged.
This was an easy addition to the list of the best strength training books for women available in 2021.
choosing the best women’s strength training book for you
If you’re having a hard time selecting just one of these books to get and follow, I recommend asking yourself these questions:
1. Do I need workouts without equipment?
- you are your own gym
- 100 workouts without equipment
2. I have dumbbells at home but no gym equipment?
- great exercise book for women’s health
- fitness for everyone
3. Do you have access to gym equipment?
- great workbook for women’s health
- fit gurl: the total body transformation program
4. Do I have any particular exercise limitations and need safe guidelines/ideas on how to work around them?
- training for everyone
5. Do I like the idea of more intense training and pushing my body to accomplish difficult things?
- you are your own gym
6. I like hearing other people’s fitness stories and want that motivation in my exercise book?
- you are your own gym
- fitness for everyone
- fit gurl: the total body transformation program
7. I’m not really interested in a plan, I just need workout/exercise ideas to switch things up?
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- 100 workouts without equipment
- great exercise book for women’s health (although it also has workout plans)