This post has more relevance than it may seem at first on this blog. The truth is that I have, and a lot of others have, a grave concern over the state of the training industry right now. The majority of trainers have just enough intelligence to not trip over their feet.

I don’t want to hear one joke about my hurt foot, not one.

My wish, my hope, is that trainers put the same effort at learning about the mechanics and workings of the human body as much as they learn about marketing tactics and blog plugins. I assure you, you will not get anywhere for long being a moron, It will come out. You can however do both. The best and most helpful advice I can give you is if you love the field or if you love your body, learn it.

This, “TAUST” by Eric Cressey, is a good start.

Basic outline:

The Truth About Unstable Surface Training (TAUST) is essentially the lead up, method, conclusion, and application of a study involving the testing of athletes and unstable surface training in 2005. The book goes over the basic application and results of that studies and then breaks down how to apply the results to your training or to the training of others. It also works on debunking the myths of stable and unstable surface training in both rehabilitation and enhancing athletic performance.

Who is Eric Cressey?:

I could give you Eric’s bio but then how am I going to impress you anymore? The truth is that Eric is at the top of the trainers latter and beyond bio “fluff” there is three huge things to understand about Eric Cressey.

-He works and increases performance of high level athletes.
-He works and increases performance of himself as an athlete.
-He studies and researches the science of the work with himself and athletes.

That is not found in 99% of bio’s anywhere in this industry. That is what sets it apart in my mind.

Now, on the with “bio” speak…

Cressey received his Master’s Degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science through the University of Connecticut Department of Kinesiology, the #1 ranked Kinesiology graduate program in the nation. At UCONN, Eric was involved in varsity strength and conditioning and research in the human performance laboratory.

An accomplished author, Cressey has authored over 250 published articles and three books while co-producing a DVD and 8-DVD set; these products have sold in more than two dozen countries. As an invited guest speaker, Eric has presented all over the U.S and abroad.

Eric Cressey, MA, CSCS is the owner of Cressey Performance, based 30 minutes west of Boston in Hudson, MA.

What was “Gut” worthy?:

The debunking of training myths and the hop for my sanity that this will aid in just one trainer or trainee to stop using unstable training in the wrong manner. Dear god, please save us from stability ball clean and jerks.

What wasn’t “Gut” worthy?:

The people that really need to understand, probably wont be able to understand it. A tad science heavy for tech audience it needs to speak to, but there is pictures! The only reason for a lowered rating is this.

What is Quote Worthy?

“This is just another example of how research is sometimes many years behind what is going on in the trenches.”

Cressey has done both.

Who is this for?

This book, regardless of if they have to break out a dictionary, is for every trainer/coach/pt out there. Period. If you are a trainer or if you plan on being a trainer or pt then you need to own this manual. This isn’t just about doing things “right” either, this puts you ahead of the pact. Your teams, your clients, and your patients, will thank you for the increase of knowledge.

I also feel that this book is for those who are really serious about training and applying the best methods to their program. If you don’t have a good coach and you need one, sometimes yourself is all your have. If that is the case, hop to the education. Coach yourself.

In short, if you design programing, be it for yourself or for others, you should get the book for the learning resource.

Who is it not?

Those who do not design their own programing or crappy trainers who don’t care about their clients.

Gut Worthy Rating: Eric Cressey-TAUST
This book gets 4.5 guts! (What are the Gut Awards? Is this rating good? Click here to learn.)