3 books every athlete should read

I’ve always believed that athletes who want to perform better should also think better — and part of that comes from learning beyond the gym.

Last month, I read three books that every athlete could benefit from, each offering a distinct perspective on performance, longevity, and focus.

01. The Power of Hormones by Max Nieuwdorp

This book dives into how hormones regulate nearly everything that matters for an athlete — energy, recovery, body composition, mood, and performance. Nieuwdorp explains in clear, science-based language how stress, sleep, and nutrition affect hormonal balance.

For athletes, understanding this connection is key: your recovery and progress aren’t just about effort — they’re about chemistry.

02. Scientific Foundations and Practical Applications of Periodisation by G. Gregory Haff

If there’s one book that shows how to train smarter instead of harder, it’s this one. Haff breaks down how to organise training across weeks, months, and seasons for sustained progress and reduced burnout.

Functional fitness athletes often fall into the trap of constant intensity — this book reminds us that structured stress and recovery cycles are what build actual long-term performance.

03. Stolen Focus by Johann Hari

Modern life is full of distractions — constant scrolling, notifications, and mental clutter. Hari’s book is a wake-up call about how attention is being fragmented and how that impacts our ability to be present, to train with intention, and to recover mentally.

For athletes, focus is a skill just like strength or endurance. Protecting it is part of performance.

Reading these three books reminded me that becoming a better athlete isn’t just about lifting heavier or moving faster — it’s about understanding your body, structuring your training, and protecting your mind.

Because the best athletes don’t just train harder.

They learn more deeply.

Need more book recommendations? Send me a message today here.

Eddie