Top 10 Health and Fitness Books of 2013

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2013 was a great year for fitness geeks who like to curl up with a good book when they’re not in the gym. Here are the top ten fitness, nutrition, and health books that we reviewed in 2013, counting down from number ten to the most popular one of the year. Which one will it be? And have you read them all?

Top 10 Health and Fitness Books

10. Book Review: “Deadlift Dynamite” by Pavel Tsatsouline and Andy Bolton (Doug Dupont)

Two greats of strength training, Pavel and Andy, wrote a book that focuses on all three powerlifting movements, but specifically on how to improve your deadlift.

9. Book Review: “Practical Paleo” by Diane Sanfillipo (Becca Borawski Jenkins)

While the recipes are good, the strength of this book is in it’s detailed and straight forward explanation of paleo. It includes graphs, tear-out charts, and 30-day meal plans for a variety of goals.

8. Book Review: “Convict Conditioning Ultimate Bodyweight Training Log” (Doug Dupont)

If you’re a fan of the Convict Conditioning series, or of bodyweight training in general, you would be interested to know that this popular series from Dragon Door now includes a log book.

7. Book Review: “Strong Curves” by Bret Contreras and Kellie Davis (Becca Borawski Jenkins)

With this book, Brett Contreras has created an effective and simple-to-follow strength program designed just for women. And who doesn’t want a nice booty, anyway?

6. Book Review: “Pushing the Limits” by Al Kavadlo (Doug Dupont)

The new book from bodyweight master Al Kavadlo requires no equipment, just dedication and focus. Learn how bodyweight movements can build your strength, and you can do it all without a gym.

5. Book Review: “The Science of Skinny” by Dee McCaffrey (Valerie Worthington)

The author of this book grew up like many Americans, eating processed foods and using food as a source of comfort. Later as a chemist, she realized the true horrors of the standard American diet.

4. The Best Paleo Cookbooks 2013: Which Ones to Buy and Why (Becca Borawski Jenkins)

Reading through the many reviews I’ve done over the last couple years would take a lot of time. So, I’ve put together a guide to all my favorite paleo cookbooks.

3. Book Review: “Becoming a Supple Leopard” by Kelly Starrett (Jeff Kuhland)

Many of you are familiar with “K-Star” and his website, MobilityWOD. Have you checked out his new book? The title might be whacky, but the information inside is 100% legit.

2. Book Review: “Convict Conditioning” by Paul Wade (Winslow Jenkins)

While Paul Wade remains a secretive and elusive character, the techniques he divulges in Convict Conditioning are simple, effective, and useful for athletes of all experience and strength levels.

1. Book Review: “Foundation One” and “Handstand One” by Christopher Sommer (Andrew Read)

Christopher Sommer’s amazing new courses, Foundation One and Handstand One, break down complicated gymnastics techniques for the beginner. They also incorporate much needed mobility drills.