WOW is it hard to find good women’s strength training books.

And I really mean that. In 2021, I’m still finding female fitness books written mostly by men, many with sexist language, that are outdated, poorly formatted, or just don’t use good exercises.

As a certified personal trainer who knows what good training looks like, I was very picky about these book selections. These are strength and conditioning books I’d feel comfortable recommending to a friend or family member, as well as use myself. And, of course, have exceptional reviews from others.

As a personal trainer, I encounter many women who ask how to get toned without bulking up.

They would love some muscle definition, but they’re terrified of getting bulky.

And I was one of them for a long time.

I’m no stranger to weak arms. Growing up a runner, you can bet I never performed a dumbbell arm workout!

Heck, I never learned what a proper push-up looked like…let alone could do one.

My arm weakness became embarrassingly evident when I went to college. I struggled to get luggage into the train’s overhead rack while traveling during Christmas break. And turning a patient during nursing school clinicals was always accompanied by a snide remark about how I’d need help.

I’m definitely not the most buff human around now either, but I never wanted to worry about not being able to lift something by myself. Those little moments were the jumping off points for my dedication to weight training.