Publications
The fitness industry produces tons of content. Magazines, journals, books, and online articles. But not all publications are worth your time.
What Makes a Good Fitness Publication
Good publications back up claims with research. They don’t just repeat the latest trends. They dig deeper.
Look for authors with real experience. People who’ve actually trained clients. Not just academic theorists.
Our personal trainers in Melbourne read widely. But we’re picky about sources.
Academic Journals Worth Reading
The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research is gold standard. Real studies on real training methods.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise covers broader topics. Good for understanding exercise physiology.
These aren’t light reading. But they’ll make you a better trainer.
Industry Magazines
Australian Fitness Network magazine keeps you current on local trends. Plus it’s free for members.
Fitness Business magazine focuses on the business side. Essential if you want to run your own studio.
Online Publications
Precision Nutrition puts out excellent content. Evidence-based but practical. Easy to apply with clients.
T-Nation has some good stuff mixed with nonsense. Learn to separate the wheat from the chaff.
Books That Changed Everything
“Becoming a Supple Leopard” revolutionized how we think about movement. Every trainer should read it.
“The New Rules of Lifting” series made strength training accessible to regular people.
Specialized Publications
If you work with specific populations, find specialized publications.
NDIS personal trainers need different resources than boxing personal trainers.
What to Avoid
Publications that promise miracle results. Anything that sounds too good to be true probably is.
Magazines that are mostly ads with a few articles thrown in. Your time is worth more than that.
Creating Your Own Content
Many successful trainers become publishers themselves. Blog posts, social media content, even books.
Our online personal trainers create content to help clients between sessions.
Research vs Practice
Academic publications give you the science. Industry magazines show you how to apply it.
You need both. Science without application is useless. Application without science is dangerous.
Staying Current
The fitness industry changes fast. What worked five years ago might be outdated now.
Set aside time each week for reading. Even 30 minutes makes a difference.
Critical Thinking
Don’t believe everything you read. Even in respected publications. Look for multiple sources.
If something contradicts your experience with clients, dig deeper. There might be context you’re missing.
Local vs International
International publications give you global perspectives. But local content understands Australian culture and regulations.
Balance both for the best education.
Free vs Paid
Some of the best content is free online. But paid publications often have higher quality control.
Invest in a few good subscriptions. Think of it as professional development.
Building Your Library
Start with the basics. Exercise physiology. Program design. Nutrition fundamentals.
Then branch out into your areas of interest. Female personal trainers might focus on women’s health publications.
Sharing Knowledge
Don’t hoard what you learn. Share good articles with other trainers. Discuss new research.
Our team across all locations regularly shares interesting publications with each other.
Quality Over Quantity
Better to read one excellent article thoroughly than skim ten mediocre ones.
Take notes. Think about how to apply what you’ve learned. Make it stick.
The Business Side
Don’t ignore business publications. You might be a great trainer, but you need business skills to succeed.
Publications about marketing, client retention, and financial management are just as important.
Continuing Education Credits
Many publications offer continuing education credits. Kill two birds with one stone.
Check with your certification body about which publications qualify.
Digital vs Print
Digital is convenient and searchable. Print is easier on the eyes for long reading sessions.
Choose what works for your learning style.
Building Credibility
Being published yourself builds credibility. Start small with blog posts or social media content.
Work up to guest articles in industry publications. It’s great for your professional reputation.
The Bottom Line
Good publications make you a better trainer. They keep you current, challenge your thinking, and give you new tools.
But reading isn’t enough. You have to apply what you learn with real clients.
Want to work with trainers who stay current with the latest research and best practices? Our personal trainers are committed to ongoing education.
In this industry, the learning never stops. Good publications make that journey easier and more enjoyable.