11 Healthy Books to Read This Summer

You know how in school your teacher would hand out a suggested reading list full of awesome summer books to read? (Okay, so not all of them were awesome — I have to admit Grapes of Wrath was kind of hard to get through. But East of Eden? Oh, that was some good dramatic stuff there.) Well, in similiar fashion, we’ve put together our very own summer books list of recommended reading that is oh-so Fit Bottomed. Whether you’re lounging at the pool, relaxing on the beach or simply kicking it at home, these summer books are simply marvelous, darling!

1. Meb for Mortals. Meb Keflezighi is kind of like a superhero, no? But in this book you get a peek into how Meb — the first American man to win the Boston Marathon in 31 years and just two weeks away from his 39th birthday — takes on the best runners in the world. From training to nutrition to mental prep, read about how Meb does it — and how you can use what he’s learned, too.

2. Trailhead. Interested in becoming a trail runner? Or love running trails already, but want to get a little better at it? Just love clever illustrations and how-to manuals with a sense of humor? If you answered yes to any of these, you’re going to dig Trailhead by Lisa Jhung. It’s not a novel, but it’s still a fun and easy read, and the format is a big help with that. Sections include Why (for both body and mind), How (where to go, gear, conditions and nutrition), Safety (animals and first aid), Etiquette, Company, plus two additional, more advanced How sections about getting faster and racing. This breakdown means there’s no need to read it front to back — if you’re trying to form a nutrition plan, just jump right to it! But you’re going to end up reading cover to cover because it’s packed full of useful tips, expert explanations and illustrations that will have you laughing out loud.

3. Power Yoga for Athletes. So, we might be a touch biased because he’s our online bud (and created an AMAZING free yoga workout series for us!), but, seriously, this book is darn fantastic. No matter what sport you do (even if that “sport” is just going to the gym!), this book is full of yoga poses that’ll help to improve your balance, focus, flexibility and control — and even help to strengthen your back, and reduce or heal from injury. It’s the perfect book for men and women who are looking for a little cross-training — while also getting some zen time in.

4. Tone It Up: 28 Days to Fit, Fierce, and Fabulous. We love their site, workouts and TV show, and the Tone It Up girls’ book is a solid summer read, too. (Plus, those two girls have the best beach hair.) With chapters on more than just getting fit, we like how this book focuses on how you can feel — as the book promises: “fit, fierce and fabulous” — from the inside out. With lots of workouts, recipes and even some beauty tips, it’s a great summer read.

5. Wanderlust. Wanna get away? This gorgeous summer book is inspired by the outdoor yoga festival Wanderlust and includes a variety of tips, recipes, stories and even playlists to help you step into your best self. It’s technically a coffee table book since it’s filled with SO many stunning photos, but we think it’s the perfect summer book as it’ll make you feel like you’re on vacay no matter where you’re reading it from!

6. The Fit Bottomed Girls Anti-Diet. No surprise this one is on our list, huh? This summer, ditch the diet!

7. What You Can When You Can. Get trapped in the all-or-nothing mindset? Or think you’re “too busy” to get fit and healthy? This book shows you concrete ways to make fitness work for you. Based on the philosophy of small steps adding up to big changes (we so love that!) — AKA “what you can when you can” — this book is down to earth and full of wonderful examples of how to fit healthy living into every part of your day, simply and easily.

8. Lift to Get Lean. Holly Perkins knows what’s up. And if you’re itching to get stronger and fitter this summer, this book is for you. This guide that’s by a woman, for women, demystifies weight-lifting and is the perfect beginners’ guide to strength training. Yes, you’ll need a gym membership to do her workouts, but you’ll also learn just about everything you need to know about weight training — from how to do it to why you should to how you can reach your fitness goals!

9. Rules for the Perpetual Diet. This fiction book is a lovely breath of fresh air. If you’ve ever gotten caught up in the diet hype or drama, you’ll appreciate the story of Amy, a 29-year old who picks up and moves to Paris after her best friend passes away. Always on the — you guessed it — “perpetual diet,” she has quite the adventure. 

10. My Best Race. What inspires you to run? This book chronicles the stories of 50 runners as they describe the races and runs they’ll never forget. Simply answering the question “what was your best race and why?” you’ll get inspiring and unlikely “best race” stories (it’s not all about the time on the clock when you cross the finish line!) from people like Jeff Galloway, the Central Park jogger and even, yes, us!

11. Do the Kind Thing. Want to make a positive difference at work, in your life and on the world? This rather engaging book is part memoir and part motivational road map to how you can make the world a little kinder. Written by the CEO of KIND, it’s a fascinating look at how you can be an entrepreneur who makes and inspires lasting change. Probably best for the person who has a business or is a team leader in the workplace, but it’s a fascinating and inspiring summer book!

What summer books are on your reading list? —Jenn & Kristen