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Michael Moody 3/23/25 Michael Moody 3/23/25

5 Best Fitness Books for Corrective Exercise and Injury Prevention | Denver Personal Trainer Picks

ABSTRACT

Discover the best fitness books recommended by a Denver personal trainer, including works by Gray Cook and NASM. Enhance your understanding of corrective exercise, functional movement, injury prevention, kinesiology, and biomechanics. These scientifically-backed resources will elevate your fitness knowledge and professional skills. Ideal for trainers and athletes aiming to optimize performance safely.

Keywords

Best fitness books
Corrective exercise books
Injury prevention books
Functional movement books
Gray Cook books
NASM sports performance
Kinesiology and biomechanics resources
Personal trainer-recommended books
Fitness education resources
Denver personal trainer

My **personal training** **clients in Denver are always looking to dig deeper into fitness. My list will help. / Photo:** **Pixabay**

Recently, a personal training client in Denver asked about my favorite fitness books. I typically veer from whatever is most popular at a given point and rely primarily upon grounded research and recommendations (although new research will always serve as signals I keep an eye on). Here is a list of books that have steered my personal and professional philosophy and the programs I recommend. Most importantly, the books are scientifically backed with roots in corrective exercise and injury prevention. If you want to elevate your knowledge of movement, I highly recommend digging in for a proper education! They steered the personal trainer experience I provided for nearly 20 years, and it will certainly steer your approach, too!

Fitness Resources

Athletic Body in Balance by Gray Cook: Gray Cook explores how identifying and correcting functional imbalances in athletes can significantly enhance performance and reduce injury risk. He emphasizes a systematic approach to assessing movement patterns and correcting dysfunction through targeted exercises, focusing on stability, mobility, and efficient movement mechanics.
Movement: Functional Movement Systems: Screening, Assessment, Corrective Strategies by Gray Cook: This foundational text introduces the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) methodology, a structured system for evaluating and scoring basic movement patterns. Cook offers detailed guidance on using FMS results to prescribe corrective exercises, address limitations, optimize athletic performance, and prevent injuries.
Corrective Exercise Solutions to Common Hip and Shoulder Dysfunction by Evan Osar: Evan Osar provides a practical approach to understanding, assessing, and addressing common hip and shoulder dysfunctions. He presents a clear framework for corrective exercise, emphasizing movement quality, stability, proper breathing mechanics, and integration strategies that restore optimal function and alleviate chronic issues.
Foundations in Kinesiology and Biomechanics by Vickie Samuels: Vickie Samuels presents an introductory guide to the principles of kinesiology and biomechanics, emphasizing fundamental concepts such as human anatomy, movement mechanics, muscle function, joint action, and the physics of movement. It is a foundational resource for understanding human movement in health and athletic contexts.
NASM Essentials of Sports Performance Training: First Edition Revised by National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM): This comprehensive resource outlines NASM’s evidence-based approach to improving athletic performance. It covers essential topics including assessments, exercise programming, injury prevention strategies, strength and conditioning methodologies, speed and agility training, and recovery techniques tailored specifically for athletes across various sports.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER

As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.

Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).