Before I started my diploma ( I am training at the British school of reflexology) this year I got lots of different books, which I though would give me a head start be careful though find out which foot map your course is using as they do really differ, Im sure if you contact your school they will be able to give you the reading list they will be using, I wasted money buying book that are of no help to me in my course. Some schools will supply the books free ( not many will but worth checking) I did fork out 100quid for my la fuma as I found the cheaper versions feet end didnt lift up quite high enough to do a treatment , hadnt checked out the argos one mind you! One other thing to help strengthen you hands keep a sponge ball in the car to squeeze when you are sitting at light or but thse little grip strenghtening thngs from a sports shop as building up the strenght in your hands does help ( my left hand still aches yet!!!!)
Best of luck with you course, Im half way through mine , tough going but loving it!