We often seek inspiration when it comes to relationships, child-rearing, or the workplace. Why not also in the gym? Beyond just a YouTube How-To or a new workout plan (which are still great of course…), fitness books written by or about athletes can be inspiring on a whole other level. They share what it’s like to overcome injury, physical limitations, or just the mental outlook we bring to the gym. These stories can cause us to challenge our preconceived notions and fitness goals. Suddenly those burpees don’t seem as exhausting! Check out our three staff picked fitness books below. Each one is an inspiring story in a unique way. They may inspire you to bring your workout to the next level!
Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman
Although a fictional novel, this book includes a great deal of truth. Think Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter – obviously fiction, albeit with facts and true accounts of the 16th US President. Only this book comes with a dose of philosophy and spirit, not monsters and hatchets. The novel centers on author Dan Millman’s college time as an All-American gymnast for the University of California at Berkeley. Despite his immense success and popularity, Dan is unable to sleep at night, but a chance encounter with a mysterious (and wise) man, changes his life forever…
During yet another sleepless night, Dan decides to walk to a nearby service station where he is startled to see a man he recognizes from his dreams. Seeking answers on how this could be, he strikes up a conversation with the man. As his visits to the service station become more frequent, Dan comes to refer to this stranger as Soc, short for Socrates, due to his philosophical and borderline mystical teachings.
With Soc as a mentor, suddenly Dan’s life is flipped upside down and he begins to see things in a way he’s never before seen them. Just before he is set to qualify for the Olympics, Dan is involved in a gruesome motorcycle accident – threatening not only his career as an athlete, but also making him doubt everything he’s ever known or Soc has taught him.
Will Dan ever reach his Olympic dreams? If so, how will his studies under Soc aid him in his Olympic journey? Will he be able to sleep at night? Should he fail to come back from his injuries, how much will Soc’s teachings help him live his life without regret for his carelessness on his motorcycle? Check out this self-proclaimed “book that changes lives” and see why it has been a best seller and inspiration in countries all over the world. Originally written in 1980, a movie based upon the novel was also released by Lionsgate in 2006.
What Doesn’t Kill Us by Scott Carney
This book is about how far we can push our bodies – and live to tell the tale. Investigative journalist Scott Carney has set out and debunked many claims throughout his career. The basis for this novel is the seemingly outrageous claim by Dutch fitness guru Wim Hof. He claims he can control his body temperature in the harshest of conditions. In fact, Hof has been the study of many scientists all over the world on this topic. Even a quick YouTube search shows him enduring some of the most extreme feats one has ever seen.
With Wim Hof’s abilities at the forefront, Carney also dives into investigations on Tough Guy (the original Tough Mudder and Spartan Race), Boston’s own November Project, and even underwater training with surf legend Laird Hamilton. Throughout all his investigations, Carney subjects himself to different workout routines as well to document his own personal body transformation.
The culmination of the book sees Carney and Wim Hof try to use their training to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. The catch? They try to do so wearing just running shorts and sneakers. Scott Carney not only investigates and provides science behind Wim Hof’s extraordinary abilities, but also shares his firsthand account of what happens when he immerses himself into these extreme training regimens.
Life Is Not an Accident by Jay Williams
Life Is Not an Accident is Jay Williams’ autobiographical account of his life, basketball career and the years after. At times dark but ultimately inspirational, this book is a fascinating look into the life of a basketball star. Jay Williams provides real stories of what it is like being the consensus best college basketball player in the world. He shares the expectations placed upon a top NBA draft pick. And then he shows what it’s like when all your dreams are ripped away in an instant.
Jay Williams is a former college basketball standout at Duke University and professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls. The former second overall pick of the 2002 NBA draft by Chicago, he was a 2x All-American, National College Player of the Year (2002), and NCAA champion (2001) while at Duke University. Unfortunately, none of these things may be the most memorable to happen in Jay’s basketball career. On June 19, 2003 Jay Williams crashed his motorcycle into a streetlight and the injuries he sustained were catastrophic. To name a few, he severed a main nerve in his leg, fractured his pelvis, and dislocated three ligaments in his knee – his ACL among them.
This book is a moving look at what someone does when their future is no longer guaranteed. Jay takes you through his triumphs, his love life, his depression, and how his accident ultimately allowed him to become a better version of himself, valuing his life more than ever. Once considered a future NBA all-star, Jay Williams is now one of the most well respected college basketball analysts for ESPN. This is his story in his own words.
When it comes to planning your gym day, your bookcase (or kindle) may not be the first thing that comes to mind.
Maybe it should be. These fitness books can inspire your own workouts to greatness – while warning of possible pitfalls or dead-ends along the way. They may be tales of amazing feats of physical strength, or about overcoming weakness and loss. The inspiring fitness books above are just a few of the many out there. Which will shake up your next workout?
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