TMF Professional Library

Reading is an integral part of development in any profession, and coaching is certainly no different. The TMF Professional Library consists of books ranging from sports psychology to leadership, programming to mobility, and everywhere in between. We don’t make a dime if you buy these books or not, they are simply resources for you to refer to that we’ve personally read and found valuable. We recommend having your own library in your affiliate, where coaches can share and discuss different books and help generate ideas.

If you have contributions that you think should be part of our library for the community, contact us about it. Enjoy!

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

By Stephen Covey

From a personal growth (not just as a coach) standpoint, I have yet to read a better book than this. I’ve applied many of the lessons in this book to my own personal life including writing my own mission statement, establishing my own roles and goals, daily/weekly planning, and other personal development techniques. It’s also one of the best selling books ever, so if you don’t take my word for it, ask one of the other more than 25 million owners of the book. If there was only one book I could recommend forever, this would be it.

-Hunter

Ego is the Enemy

By Ryan Holiday

Understanding how ego affects your daily mindset and shapes your decisions is crucial when trying to help others battle with their own ego. Battling your ego stage-by-stage sets you up to get more from your personal relationships, your training, and will help remove the poisonous atmosphere of an ego-centric gym. A must read for anyone looking to help their athletes get more from their training.

-Matt

How Bad Do You Want It?

Mastering the Psychology of Mind Over Matter

By Matt Fitzgerald

This is probably my number one go-to book. Although it is geared more towards high performance, the lessons in each chapter are applicable nearly anywhere inside or outside the gym. Each chapter contains its own story of an athlete or group of athletes who needed to overcome some sort of obstacle, and how they did it. There are different techniques for overcoming these obstacles throughout the book. My copy has been highlighted, dog-eared, and written on from cover to cover.

-Hunter

Leaders Eat Last

By Simon Sinek

This is an awesome book for coaches to learn about what being a leader means. Whether you believe it or not, everyone who comes into your class on a daily basis views you, in some form or fashion, and their leader for that hour. That carries a tremendous amount of responsibility, and you owe it to those people to work at being the best leader you can be. You may have heard of Sinek through is TED talks, which I also recommend listening to.

-Hunter

Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Edition

By Mark Rippetoe

This should be mandatory reading material for coaches who have any interest in teaching people how to get strong (that should be you). Rippetoe has been teaching people how to get stronger for longer than many have walked the planet, and the best part is how simple it really can be. Do 3-5 sets of 3-5 reps, and add a little bit of weight next week. This is basic, foundational strength training text includes detailed descriptions on how to teach the basics of the squat, bench, deadlift, press, and clean. Disclaimer: the book is pretty dry, but the information is critical.

-TMF

The War of Art

By Steven Pressfield

Everyone experiences points throughout their lives when the devil on one shoulder is telling you how hard things are, to procrastinate a little longer, to seek ease and comfort, and so on. Most of us also experience moments of clarity, where we are able to shut that voice up and be productive humans. The difference between those who thrive vs. those who struggle is how we handle these situation. This book discusses some of the ways we can turn the former voice off, and keep the latter fueling us toward success and productivity.

-TMF

Becoming a Supple Leopard

By Dr. Kelley Starrett

If you’ve been around the CrossFit community for a while you’ve probably heard of K-Star and his work as an extremely successful physical therapist who had a huge impact on teaching our community mobility. If God himself had a library of mobilizations, stretches, and self-maintenance bodywork, it would only contain one book. This should be a staple in your affiliate for coaches to refer to and use daily.

-TMF

How Champions Think

By Dr. Bob Rotella

Another great recommendation for your athletes with competitive aspirations. Dr. Rotella’s sports psychology experience is primarily with high level golfers, NBA stars, and even corporate executives, but the lessons can certainly be applied in the gym as an athlete or a coach.

-Hunter

Ready to Run

Dr. Kelley Starrett

We tend to think of running as a fitness related element, ignoring the possibility that there is a technical aspect to it rather than simply putting one foot in front of the other. K-Star gives you the tools you need to think of running as an actual skill to be honed, adequately warmed up for, and used frequently to improve fitness. If your classes don’t discuss running any more than describing how far to go, you’re going to want to check this one out.

-TMF

The Maffetone Method

By: Dr. Philip Maffetone

Relative intensity, although always the original intent, sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of telling athletes to outright empty the tank. Affiliates are unique places where a combination of community, adrenaline, and loud music send athletes to the precipice of metabolic destruction. Aerobic work has tremendous value for athletes, and coaches should be able to articulate this to clients. The Maffetone Method discusses the importance of relative intensity, and how it can be used to still improve fitness without requiring a daily trip to the trash can.

-TMF

Legacy

By James Kerr

Known throughout the rugby world as the most dominant team in history (an 82% win rate from 2000-2009), Legacy details the trials and tribulations of how the New Zealand All Blacks built and remain such an unstoppable team. The habits, standards, and leadership embodied by every man who earns an All Black jersey are habits that can be directly applied to leading and building strong teams in the workplace, on the floor of an affiliate, and beyond. You owe it to yourself, your coaches, and members to create a level of ownership, responsibility, and accountability for the success or failure of your affiliate. All Blacks sweep their own sheds.

-Hunter

The Obstacle is the Way

By Ryan Holiday

An awesome, quick read about how to take challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth. This book has helped me not only accept that challenges are part of growth, but to embrace and attack them with the understanding that one way or another, they will make me better. Failure is a choice you make between your ears, and will only be realized if you allow it to be. Get to work.

-Hunter