Continuing Education
February 2015
Complete Speed Training – Lee Taft
Category: Training
Lee Taft has been my mentor when it comes to speed and agility work over the years because, quite simply, what he does works.
Complete Speed Training is his first information product in several years, and he’s taken his speed training system to the next level.
Not only are the DVD’s and manuals broken down by movement type (i.e. linear acceleration, top-end, lateral acceleration, etc.) but there’s a ton of awesome coaching cues and progressions as well.
If you coach speed and agility at any level, this is a must-have resource in your collection.
Money: Master the Game – Tony Robbins
Category: Personal Development
As an entrepreneur with a family to support, I’m always looking for ways to ensure I’m making smart long-term decisions.
This is a really solid book that gives you an insider look into the world of financial planning, retirement accounts, and “the system” in general.
I’m definitely not expert in this field, but I definitely feel much more informed after reading this book.
December 2014 and January 2015
Secrets of Sleep Science – Craig Heller
Category: Training & Recovery
We all know that recovery is important, and obviously, sleep is arguably the most important part of recovery.
While I haven’t watched the DVD’s yet, I went through the printed manual here. It was really interesting to learn more about sleep, and how sleep aids in learning, skill development, and recovery.
This probably shouldn’t be the first thing on your list to review, but it’s definitely interesting if you have time.
Long-Term Athlete Development – Istvan Balyi
Category: Training
I was lucky to have been exposed to Istvan Balyi’s work very early in my career.
In fact, one of the first things I remember reading when I started training athletes was a bunch of photocopied materials of his work!
If you train young athlete, or want to learn why long-term athletic development is so important, this book is a must-have in your collection.
No BS Ruthless Management of People and Profits – Dan Kennedy
Category: Business & Management
Dan Kennedy is one of my favorite business authors. He’s not only a wildly entertaining writer, but he makes you think critically about your business.
One of my goals in 2015 is to be a better manager – not only of the people that work for/with me, but of the business as a whole.
I took away a ton of insights from this book, and if you own your own business, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Other Random Stuff
These past few weeks I’ve also been getting my “reading area” under control, which meant reading a bunch of random magazine and Internet articles I had printed out.
I also get a ton of magazines in the mail, so I’m trying to get that under control as well.
There are more books on the way, but sometimes you have to get the other stuff done and off the plate to clear your mind!
November 2014
Developing Explosive Athletes: Use of Velocity-Based Training in Training Athletes – Bryan Mann
Category: Training
I spent a lot of October traveling and speaking. And when I travel and speak, often, the last thing I want to do is read more training related materials.
As such, when I got back I wanted to get back into some training-related materials. Coach Mann’s book gives a nice overview into velocity based training, as well as why you might want to use it with your athletes.
Becoming more specific and autoregulatory in my training is a key focus, and this book lays a great foundation.
Healing Chakras – Ilchi Lee
Category: Personal Development
Mixing things up a bit here, I wanted to read something a bit more Eastern and spiritual in nature.
I have a handful of friends who are really into this stuff, so I figured I’d dive in and see what it’s all about. I’ve got two or three of these books, so expect to see them listed in the coming months.
Applied Sprint Training – James Smith
Category: Training
Second time through this book as well. With many of my off-season athletes coming in with goals of getting faster, I need to brush up on things a bit.
James does a great job of taking Charlie Francis’ materials and putting his own spin on things. Furthermore, the sample programs in the back are very helpful and give you an idea of how all the pieces fit together.
October 2014
Spartan Up! – Joe DeSena
Category: Personal Development
During my time in Ireland, I was hoping to read something non-training related (especially after the density of the High-Performance Training book!), and this appeared to be quite motivational/inspirational.
I also picked this one up because my good friend (and Bodybuilding.com editor) Jeff O’Connell co-authored the book.
And the parts where you can see Jeff’s influence, I really like.
But with regards to the overall tone of the book, I’m not sure I’ve ever been so turned off by a book in my life. The lead author comes across quite elitist and arrogant, and very much a “my way or the highway” approach.
Furthermore, I felt like the entire book was one big product pitch.
If you’re into Spartan Races you may really enjoy the book, but the only thing it inspired me to do was stop reading.
September 2014
High-Performance Training for Sports – Joyce & Lewindon
Category: Training
This is a really good reference text, as it covers the spectrum of qualities for athletic development: Speed, strength, power, conditioning, etc.
The book also reads like a “Who’s Who” of performance coaches with chapters by Derek Hansen, Darcy Norman, and Dan Baker.
If you’ve been at this a while I’m not sure you’ll take away a ton of “new” stuff, but it’s a great resource textbook and one that every coach should have in their library.
August 2014
Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs – Gallo
Category: Business
With all of my public speaking in the upcoming months, this one just made sense. This book does a great job of helping you streamline and improve your presentations and public speaking.
Read This Before Our Next Meeting – Pittampali
Category: Business
This was actually a loaner from IFAST staff member Jae Chung. Pittampali does a great job of outlining what an effective meeting should look like, as well as alternatives to standard “meetings.”
Big takeaway here – we need to do more brainstorming meetings as a staff.
What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast – Vanderkam
Category: Personal Development
This was another gift, and honestly the name immediately sucked me in.
This is essentially three books in one, but it does a great job of helping you focus on the big picture stuff, and what’s most important in life.
If you want to get more out of your life, I think this is a must-read. Very, very good.
July 2014
The Olympian Manual for Strength and Size – Bondarchuk
Category: Training
I’m 1/3 of the way through this book, and right now, I simply can’t endorse it. Very poorly translated and edited makes it cumbersome reading.
Unlocking Your Creative Power – Osborn
Category: Business
If you have to do anything creative in life (writing, speaking, brainstorming, etc.) this is a great little resource. Tons of ideas on how to spark creativity, or getting into the creative “mindset.”
Book the Business – Witty and Kennedy
Category: Business
If you own a business and want to learn about why a book is such a powerful resource, read this book. It’s a bit on the redundant side, but could definitely help you grow your business.
The Virtue of Selfishness – Rand
Category: Personal Development
This was actually a gift, but it’s a great read. Rand can be a bit black-and-white with her philosophies, but this will definitely make you think.
The Miracle of Tithing – Hansen
Category: Personal Development
One of my goals in life is to always give back – not just with my time, but money as well. This is a great little book on why tithing (or giving money to charitable causes) is a great thing to do.
The Ultimate Guide to HRV Training – Jamieson
Category: Training
This was actually my second time through this book, but every time I take a bit more away. Joel does a great job of not only discussing the ins-and-outs of HRV, but also how to maniuplate the training process based on how someone is recovering.