Below is a collection of recommended materials that range from fitness specific to financial planning to self-improvement. Although the subject matter may differ slightly, each recommendation shares with it the fundamental principles of this blog as they relate to exercise and fitness.
As such, I highly recommend each of the following:
Fitness Websites | Fitness Books | Miscellaneous
Fitness Websites
Bodybuilding.com is a repository for all kinds of fitness information. Here you'll find detailed information on exercises, nutrition, success stories and much, much more. The site includes a supplement store with very reasonable prices and more importantly, a facebook like tool they call bodyspace to post some of your pictures, share success stories and exchange with like minded individuals.
PROS: extensive exercise information with pictures, frequently updated content, support network offered through bodyspace
CONS: sometimes there is a huge amount of information to read through regarding a specific topic, no commenting on articles to develop a discussion
Mens Health is an excellent magazine dedicated to all things fitness. It includes topics on working out, nutrition, general health and then some. Their articles online are frequently updated and changed. The content is also very practical, providing advice for every day situations including their eat this and not that series.
PROS: very diverse subject matter, expert advice on a variety of issues, frequently updated materials
CONS: does not allow for comments on articles, very busy website
Fitness Books
The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding, originally written by Arnold Schwartzenegger in 1985, is a timeless must have for anyone interested in fitness. Broken down into easy to read chapters, Arnold's book covers everything from choosing a gym, to basic training tips, to exercises, to nutrition, to motivation and so on.
With over 800 pages of invaluable knowledge and countless motivating pictures, you're bound to find answers to your questions in this book!
PROS: exhaustive information on all fitness topics, written by an 7 time Mr.Olympia
CONS: some information may be out of date, largely written for a male audience
Miscellaneous
I Will Teach You To Be Rich
Author of the book, I Will Teach You To Be Rich, Ramit Sethi is also a co-founder of PBWiki. His blog largely focuses on money management but covers a wide array of different topics. Additionally, Ramit has discussed the similarity between health and money. I highly recommend his book, it works. I shaved $30 of my monthly phone/cable/internet bill when I called to cancel the phone (instead, the company now offers it for free by providing discounts on other aspects of my bill).
PROS: frequently updated content, lots of comments on articles, very diverse topic matter
CONS: not a lot of posts on health and fitness
The Four Hour Work Week
Author of the book, The Four Hour Work Week, Tim Ferriss' material covers a wide range of topics all related to efficiency and productivity. Though not all articles are fitness/health focused, there are quite a few and his next book will specifically pertain to the topic.
PROS: lots of comments on articles, Tim Ferriss participates in comments, full disclosure where conflicts of interest exist, useful everyday strategies
CONS: sometimes a long delay in posts
