No affiliate links on this page. Everything listed here is recommended because we find it genuinely useful — not because we earn anything from it.
A practical reading and tool list for anyone building a home training habit in a small space. We’ll keep adding to this as we find things worth recommending.
Books Worth Reading
Convict Conditioning — Paul Wade
A progressive bodyweight strength system built entirely around natural movement. No equipment, no gym. The progressions are clear and the programming logic is sound. Good for anyone who wants to understand how to build real strength with nothing but floor space.
The Barbell Prescription — Jonathan Sullivan & Andy Baker
Written for people who want to get stronger as they age. Focuses on compound movements, progressive overload, and long-term consistency. Relevant even if you’re training at home — the principles apply regardless of equipment.
Atomic Habits — James Clear
Not a fitness book, but probably the most practically useful book for anyone trying to build a consistent training habit. Short sessions only work if you actually do them. This book addresses the doing.
Free Tools We Use
Google Search Console (free)
If you run a fitness blog or are building a site around home training content, GSC shows you exactly what people search for before they find you. Free, accurate, and more useful than most paid tools at the start.
Canva (free tier)
Useful for creating workout summary graphics, equipment comparison visuals, or anything you want to pin on Pinterest. The free tier covers everything a new site needs.
CapCut (free)
Video editing for short workout clips or YouTube content. Free, mobile-friendly, and straightforward enough to use without a learning curve.
Tracking & Planning
Google Sheets (free)
The simplest way to track your workouts over time. A basic log with date, exercise, sets, reps, and weight tells you more about your progress than any app. Nothing to install, nothing to subscribe to.
Strong App (free tier available)
If you prefer an app over a spreadsheet, Strong is clean, minimal, and does the job. Tracks sets and reps, shows previous session data so you know what to beat. The free tier is enough for most people.
This page will be updated as we find more genuinely useful resources. If something gets removed, it’s because we stopped recommending it — not because the affiliate arrangement changed. There are no affiliate arrangements on this page.