How Big is Your Library?
Amazon.com loves me.
I buy quite a few books each month. Some are technical, some business, some just for fun.
I remember being in Don Corrigan’s office when I was in grad school at Purdue. He had no walls. Just bookshelves filled with books. It must have taken decades to accumulate his library.
You may have heard the quote along the line’s of “You can measure the success of a man buy the size of his library.” I’ve also heard one that goes something like “You can tell how successful you are based on the comparison between the size of your TV and the size of your library.”
Well, last year we got a really big-assed TV…Good thing my library is still bigger.
Anyway, as I write this, it’s Sunday and haven’t posted anything in while, so I thought it might be of interest to see my home library.
I have books and reference materials spread out over several locations like my PT clinics and IFAST, but my largest portion of my library is at home.
So am I a “success?” Hmmm? Yes and no. Last year was my most successful financially. IFAST was named on of the top ten gyms in USA by Men’s Health Magazine. I was asked to speak at the Perform Better Functional Training Summit AND was asked back this year (thanks Chris!). Thanks to many of you Assess and Correct has quickly become a top resource in the fitness and sports training category.
Am I where I want to be? Not yet, but I’m getting there and will continue to read, learn, and apply?
So what are you reading and where do you want to be? How can I help you get there?
Great stuff Bill. I wish big timers like you did “personal” blog posts like this more often. Talking shop is great and what blogs are usually meant for but actually see WHO you are and what your home/personal life is just as benificial for your readers. Thanks again, very inspiring!
Ha, thanks Sam. Big timer?
As Sam said, I really enjoy these “personal” posts.
What would you say are your top 5 “go to” books Bill?
It’d be easier if you could give me a category. I have a lot of books.
Good stuff Bill, thanks.
Do you have a special shelf for works translated from Bulgarian?
Hey Chris,
As a matter of fact, I do. Unfortunately, it’s a very small shelf.
Hey Bill,
Great post, I am trying to build up my library cause you can never learn enough. What are your top 5 books for corrective exercises or rehab especially the shoulder. I have clients that have shoulder issues or flexibility problems with the shoulder so I want to get better at assessing, strengthening, and increase mobility in the shoulder and hip.
Not to sound like a salesman but Inside-Out and Assess and Correct are probably your best bet for application as that’s what they’re designed for.
That said:
The Athlete’s Shoulder (also go to Mike Reinold’s site)
Todd Ellenbecker has 2 great books on diagnosis and non-surgical rehab
Mechanical shoulder pain by porterfield and derosa
Kapanji’s joint books are also good
.
Bill,
Like the fact you highlighted the business side of things.
What I have been doing with a lot of my paper files is scanning them and putting them into the computer.
My library is huge, 3 book shelft and 10 banker boxes of stuff.
Rick Kaselj of ExercisesForInjuries.com
.
Thanks Rick. I’m very much a paper and pen kinda guy. I like holding things in my hand rather than trying to read them on the computer. that’s why books will never go out of style.
I just looked at my library. It’s pitiful compared to yours. But I have a habit of throwing things away.
I could never through things away!!! I’d imagine your retention is better than mine.
Book question for you Bill. How do you like the block periodization books? I have been looking into it more and more and I am pretty sure you use at least a variation of it from your writing. Which book would you recommend starting with. Goal number 1 would be to use it with my own training (still PLing and Strongman) and then eventually with a better understanding other sports.
Thanks Bill.
Danny
Issurin’s books will give you a solid start.
Really enjoy the content Bill!
I am planning a career change into the fitness industry and am hoping to become a trainer/strength coach. I do not have a degree in a related field, but am trying to read as much as I can. What kind of books would you recommend for someone starting out in training? Should I focus more on my anatomy, which is getting a lot better but still needs work, or more on programming and training books? Would you care to suggest some titles? Thanks so much!
You need to create a foundation from which to make decisions and to understand why you’re doing things. Detailed anatomy, functional anatomy, exercise physiology, and training basics. NSCA Essentials of Strength and Conditioning is a solid start because it has a little of everything (although the programming and exercise description components could be better) and then branch out from there.
Bill,
I too studied under Don Corrigan (in fact, he was on my thesis committee). I can still picture the massive bookshelves in his office, filled with books. I borrowed several of them over my two years.
Great post! I loved seeing your library too!
Boiler Up! …and thanks, Dr. C.