{"id":33862,"date":"2014-11-05T07:15:09","date_gmt":"2014-11-05T12:15:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=33862"},"modified":"2016-07-14T16:02:11","modified_gmt":"2016-07-14T20:02:11","slug":"great-books-to-read-fitness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/fitness\/great-books-to-read-fitness\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Badass Fitness Books That Will Make You Want to Sweat"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve ever cheered for a pal running a marathon or witnessed a friend bang out 100 push-ups at the gym, you know that sometimes just watching athletic feats can motivate you to reignite your own workout routine. Well, we\u2019d argue that a great fitness book could have the exact<\/i> same effect.<\/p>\n

Appealing to anyone from the lifelong marathoner to the\u00a0\u201cI do it for the selfies\u201d<\/a> exerciser, these nine new books cover the gamut of exercise obsessions, from cycling and CrossFit<\/a>, to mud runs. Add these to your Amazon queue, pronto \u2014\u00a0they might just help you look at fitness in a whole new way.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/b> The 7 Best Cookbooks to Get You Cooking This Fall<\/a><\/p>\n

9 Great Books to\u00a0Read for Serious Fitness Inspiration<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Photo: Velo Press<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. <\/b>Unbreakable Runner: Unleash the Power of Strength & Conditioning for a Lifetime of Running Strong
<\/a><\/b>Could you run a faster marathon<\/a> \u2014 by training less?<\/i> That\u2019s the premise behind this book, co-written by CrossFit Endurance<\/a>\u2122 founder Brian MacKenzie<\/a> and T.J. Murphy, the former editor-in-chief of Triathlete magazine. Murphy, a runner who previously swore by logging tons of miles, and MacKenzie, explore the benefits of becoming a faster, stronger and healthier runner by strength training more<\/a>. Though some have labeled CFE controversial, this book might just convince you to give it a try (Murphy was a former skeptic, now converted). You\u2019ll find illustrated demos of how to do various drills involving CrossFit staples like hollow rocks or double-unders<\/a> and training plans for everything from a 5K to an ultramarathon. ($12; on sale now)\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/b>\u00a05 Beginner-Friendly CrossFit Workouts<\/a><\/p>\n

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Photo: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. <\/b>Off Course: Inside the Mad, Muddy World of Obstacle Course Racing
<\/a><\/b>The opening line of this book introduces readers to author Erin Beresini \u2014 as she lies facedown in the mud. Over the next 239 pages, you\u2019ll join Beresini in the trenches as she trains for an endurance athlete\u2019s worst (or best?) nightmare: The Spartan Ultra Beast Race<\/a>. The 26.2-mile obstacle course designed by Royal Marines is replete with physical and <\/i>mental hurdles (think: being forced to choose between solving a Rubix cube or hitting a target with a spear <\/i>before you\u2019re allowed to cross the finish line).<\/p>\n

Beresini, an ultrarunner<\/a> and IronWoman, immerses herself in the wacky world of extreme obstacle racing<\/a>, exploring the history of the events in the U.S., as she trains to reach her most challenging goal yet. The writer\u2019s witty, self-deprecating tone, and the do-or-die subculture of mud racing will have readers hooked from the start. ($18.63; on sale now)<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/b> The 13 Most Epic Mud Runs<\/a>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

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Photo: Andrews McMeel Publishing<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. <\/b>The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distance
<\/a><\/b>You\u2019re not alone in your love-hate relationship<\/a> with logging miles. Perfect for an aspiring marathoner who simply lacks motivation, this book uses pithy cartoons to explain how and why author Matthew Inman is hopelessly hooked on running. The writer behind the hilarious blog The Oatmeal<\/a>, Inman is a self-described former \u201cfat kid.\u201d His primary incentive to run: Escaping the Blerch, aka \u201cthe fat little cherub who follows me when I run,\u201d he says. \u201cThe Blerch represents all forms of gluttony, apathy and indifference<\/a> that plague my life,\u201d Inman writes. Follow along as Inman illustrates the dos and don\u2019ts of running a marathon, fighting inner laziness, and avoiding a diet composed entirely of bacon, bear claws and cheese. Prepare to laugh out loud and get motivated to sign up for your next race by the end. ($16.99; on sale now)\u00a0<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/b> Hate Running? 25 Ways to Learn to Love It<\/a><\/p>\n

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Photo: Human Kinetics<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. <\/b>High-Intensity 300
<\/a><\/b>If you\u2019re easily bored at the gym, this book will be your new favorite training tool. Strength coach Dan Trink, C.S.C.S., owner of Trink Fitness<\/a>, promises 300 workouts that will make you leaner and stronger \u2014 and they can all be done in 30 minutes or less. Want to burn fat or build muscle<\/a>? Whatever your goal, you\u2019ll find a high-intensity workout to help you achieve it, using everything from kettlebells to TRX<\/a> suspension trainers to Olympic lifts. Each session includes a dynamic warm-up<\/a> to prevent injury \u2014\u00a0and true beginners will appreciate the chapter on how to pull off basic movements. Meanwhile, thrill seekers will love pushing themselves to their limits with Trink\u2019s crazy-hard 40 Toughest Workouts. ($16.72; on sale now)<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/b> 3 Fat-Blasting HIIT Workouts to Try Now<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Photo: Velo Press<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. <\/b>Believe Training Journal
<\/a><\/b>Hooked on tracking tools? Folks who love monitoring every last detail of their workouts will dig this training-focused journal from pro runners Lauren Fleshman<\/a> (founder of Picky Bars<\/a>) and Roisin McGettigan-Dumas. The duo came together to produce a guidebook focused on helping female athletes get their bodies and minds on the same page when it comes to setting running goals.<\/p>\n

Whether you want to run a 5K or complete your first marathon<\/a>, this journal will help you figure out your blind spots (skipping cross-training!) and avoid race day anxiety<\/a>. Each week, you\u2019ll be prompted to tackle different goals, such as improving your nutrition, or answer tough questions like \u201cWhat holds you back<\/a>?\u201d Get a sneak peek into Fleshman\u2019s training regimen with tips she\u2019s scattered throughout, including her goals (qualifying for the World Championships in the 5K) and eating habits. ($12; available now)<\/p>\n

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Photo: HarperCollins<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6. <\/b>Embrace the Suck: What I Learned About Hard Work, (Very) Sore Muscles and Burpees Before Sunrise
<\/a><\/b>If your gym routine leaves a lot to be desired, you\u2019ll relate to writer Stephen Madden in his quest to stop slacking \u2014 and start going hard during every<\/i> workout. The former editor-in-chief of Cycling magazine is staring down middle age when he finally decides it\u2019s time to \u201cembrace the suck\u201d \u2014 and really get fit. Madden finds CrossFit<\/a>, and commits to leaving it all on the court (er, box) for an entire year. Follow along as he sucks it up through endless WODs \u2014 and learns a few lessons about himself throughout his journey. ($19.25; available Dec 9, 2014)<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> Test Your Strength: How Fit Are You Really?<\/a><\/p>\n

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Photo: Bloomsbury Publishing<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7. <\/b>Faster: The Obsession, Science and Luck Behind the World\u2019s Fastest Cyclists
<\/a><\/b>It\u2019s safe to say the world of cycling<\/a> has changed a lot since doping scandals threatened to nearly bring down the sport. Here, British cycling champ Michael Hutchinson explores the science behind how to bike fast <\/i>(without performance-enhancing drugs). Hutchinson\u2019s tried practically everything but <\/i>PEDs in the name of speed, from sleeping in an oxygen-deprivation tent to cycling<\/a> around Manchester Velodrome\u2019s<\/a> track \u2014 naked. Based on his relationships with other top cyclists, exercise physiologists and researchers \u2014 and his own willingness to be a guinea pig \u2014 Hutchinson dives deep into the science of speed. ($16.77; available now)<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/b> Workout Playlist: Tour de France Cycling Mix<\/a><\/p>\n

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Photo: Penguin Random House<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8. <\/b>The 30-Second Body: Eat Clean. Train Dirty. Live Hard.
<\/a><\/b>\u201cNo crap, no pomp, just the essentials.\u201d That\u2019s what trainer Adam Rosante<\/a> promises in his first book \u201cThe 30-Second Body.\u201d Because we can all do anything<\/i> for 30 seconds, Rosante devised a series of workouts meant to be done in half-minute intervals. Expect photo-illustrated moves accompanied by advice on eating clean, plus doses of the famous pep talks that Rosante\u2019s long-time clients know and love. You can\u2019t get your hands on this book until March, but pre-order now and you\u2019ll get three free workouts from the trainer\u2019s popular WaveShape<\/a> program to get you fired up for the big book release. ($9.99; on sale March 10, 2015)<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/b>\u00a0The Beginner\u2019s Guide to Eating Clean<\/a><\/p>\n

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Photo: Victory Belt Publishing<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9. <\/b>Ready to Run: Unlocking Your Potential to Run Naturally
<\/a><\/b>Raise your hand if you agree that few things in life are more frustrating than a running injury. Ready to say goodbye to tendonitis and nagging knee pains? In his latest book, author Kelly Starrett<\/a>, physiotherapist and founder of San Francisco CrossFit<\/a>, introduces 12 key objectives runners should strive for to avoid injury. It might sound like a long checklist to cross off, but fear not. Starrett will get you there with a combination of dynamic and isolated stretches, mobility training<\/a> and techniques designed to improve your hip flexion, ankle motion, hydration tactics<\/a> and more. Because race prep involves way more than just buying the right pair of shoes, right? ($18.62; available now)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Disclosure: All products featured on our site are hand-picked by our editorial team in the hopes of getting you closer to your health and fitness goals. We only recommend products we love and believe that you will, too. In some cases, you might come across an affiliate link on our site, which means we receive\u00a0a small commission should you decide to make a purchase.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Need to get your butt to the gym? Check out these 9 great books to read to motivate you to take your fitness to the next level.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":33874,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,6],"tags":[37,289,103,108,341,349],"class_list":["post-33862","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-exercise","category-fitness","tag-crossfit","tag-exercise","tag-motivation","tag-running","tag-tax1living-well","tag-tax2sports-medicine"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33862","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33862"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33862\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33874"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33862"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33862"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33862"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}