June 8, 2012
Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life. -Henry Doherty
You’re the same today as you’ll be in five years except for the people you meet and the books you read. – Charlie “Tremendous” Jones
I love to read! Reading will change your life! It changed mine. If you want to drop some shock and awe knowledge bombs of your own, you must first build a powerful arsenal by reading. Learn new things and expand your vision. One new idea from a book can alter the course of your entire life. Winners read!
When I talk about reading, I don’t mean idiotic magazines telling you what the celebrities are up to and the fantasy fiction novels where you are living the author’s view of the world. I mean non-fiction books to spark neurons in your own thought process.
In today’s information overload and digital universe it’s easy to get lost in the sheer volume of junk. A plethora of useless information that adds ZERO value to your life. It’s a wonder we can trust any of the information we read on the net.
Many of you have asked for a list of my favorite books and in the spirit SCP sharing I decided to make the list a blog post. I have a HUGE library stocked full of books on many subjects, however this list is focused on health and fitness resources. These books have been invaluable in my quest to become the best at what I love to do. You may already have some of these books and that is fantastic. It is my hope you will invest in the books you don’t own to expand your vision.
Bruce Lee one said, ‘Simplicity is the key to brilliance.’ One of my favorite quotes and how this post is designed. I keep it short and simple. Below you will see a picture of each book with a brief statement of why I liked the book. You can click on the link and purchase directly from Amazon. The books are in no particular order, except for the first one. Lol Gray Cook is the top of the KNOWLEDGE BOMB food chain.
Time to change your life. Ready?
1. Movement
Gray Cook
It’s Gray Cook. Nuff said! It’s no secret that Gray Cook has been the single most important teacher in my life. He is a close friend and incredible mentor. He is also the foremost expert on movement. If you are serious about understanding movement and becoming an expert this book is an absolute MUST HAVE! If you don’t have this book, just sit on the sidelines and let the pros play on the field.
Gray Cook
Ditto what I said on #1. This is geared more towards the lay person and teaches a base foundation of understanding movement. I recommend reading this book prior to MOVEMENT as a primer to truly understanding the material.
David Weinstock
NKT has transformed my practice. It was the missing link I had been searching for to complete the SCP system. David is a dear friend and we teach NKT together. Expands your paradigm to understand just how interconnected the body really is. If you want your paradigm busted wide open then read this book.
Shirley Sahrmann
Incredible amount of information that will blow your brain! I found myself needing to read paragraphs several times to fully comprehend. Not because of its difficulty, but because of the incredible content. This one is must have for your collection.
Shirley Sahrmann
This completes the bookend collection from Sahrmann. You can’t have one without the other…that’s just wrong! Full throttle on your brain matter again this time involving the upper half of the body.
Blandine Calais-Germain
Wonderful book that teaches you the importance of breathing and the relationship of the diaphragm to function. One of my favorites on this subject. If you don’t own your breathing you don’t own movement.
Thomas Myers
If you want to know fascia this is the book! Myers research and pictures of fascial lines will thrill your mind. Powerful representation of the kinetic fascial connection of the entire body.
Joanne Elphinston
An unexpected treasure find of information regarding movement. This book captivated me from the beginning and never let go. Awesome take on stability and motor control. This woman is a real treasure of information.
Michael Boyle
You can’t go wrong with Mike Boyle. The man knows his stuff inside and out. Mike has been a critical bridge between the world of rehab and fitness. The sections on the hip and Joint by Joint Theory are worth the investment of getting this book. If you are serious about taking your expertise to the next level then this book is a must.
Clair Davies
This book started it all for me in truly understanding the role of trigger points in pain and movement dysfunction. This is a treasure find for showing easy ways to SELF HELP trigger points and it’s written for the lay person. Simple and profound!
BONUS:
Chris Frederick
Wonderful resource for integrating fascial stretch therapy into your programming and enhancing performance. Postural assessments and fascial lines are a foundational part of the system. Techniques I use every day in helping people feel better.Well there ya have it! These should keep you busy for awhile and firing neurons in your brain. Remember investing in YOU is the greatest treasure. Feel free to share with others and let me know how you like the books.
I will end with an all time favorite quote from Jim Rohn.
“Formal education will make you a living; self education will make you a fortune.”
And he is not just talking financially…GET IT?
