2018 beach reads to boost your fitness goals

The summer season is all about relaxing, enjoying the sun and having time off to spend with family or to indulge in some reading. We’ve collected our favourite 2018 beach reads from our shelves and those mentioned in the podcast to help you stay motivated during the summer and reach your fitness goals.

Beach reads for runners

Running like a girl – Alexandra Heminsley

So many books have been written about how to start to run, but this one is different. In this book, Alexandra talks about how she started running and kept running. It’s an easy, inspiring read for everyone who just started out running or is in a running slump and just needs a little pick me up to get going again. She doesn’t tell you what to do, but she does describe hilarious running struggles and situations that have you chuckle to yourself in recognition.

Let your mind run – Deena Kastor

We’ve talked to medal-winning athlete Deena Kastor in podcast episode 95 about combining motherhood and being an athlete, but her book is a must read too. As an athlete, she relies on the power of her brain and positivity to keep going and to push herself in a good way. Having been on the brink of a burnout, she realised she could impact her success by shaping her thinking. Let your mind run is her first book and memoir.

Runner’s World Big Book of marathons – Amy Burfoot

Looking for a more in-depth guide on how to start running full of training tips to finally sink into marathons? Then this is the one for you. It covers everything, for beginners to long distance, and tips for more seasoned runners. A great way to up your running game.

Beach reads for mothers

Run like a mother – Dimity McDowell

As mothers, it can be hard to find the time and space to fit in running. There’s always something that keeps you from lacing up and getting out the door. Run like a mother is a book with stories from other mother’s and with practical tips about all things running. But mostly, it’s a book with an honest voice of writers who understand what it’s like to be a mother and all the reason not to run that come with it.

You’ve got this mama – Sabrina Greer

In episode 99 we talked to Sunit Suchdev about getting your body back after twins. This amazing mom not only managed to get her body back in shape, but she also co-authored the inspiring book about being a mom. You’ve Got This Mama is full of wisdom, encouragement en helpful tips to make the most out of every day and life an inspired life. Whether you’re a mama or not.

Superwomen secrets revealed – Catherine Basu

Of course, when we’re talking about fitspiration, we can’t leave out our book. Superwomen secrets revealed is full of inspiring stories of entrepreneurs, CEOs and other successful women. With their practical tips, it’s quick and easy to fit in fitness in your daily life. Plus there are some great fitness dares in the book to help you get started right away.

Beach reads for adventurers

To the finish line – Chrissie Wellington

Triathlons are becoming more popular than ever. Chrissie Wellington is without a doubt one of the heroes of the triathlon scene. In her first book A Life Without Limits: A World Champion’s Journey she talked about her journey as an athlete and the challenges she has faced. This book contains stories about her journey, but also practical tips for beginner’s in the world of triathlon, as well as inspiration for those who already done a few short distance races.

Women who dare – Chris Noble

Sometimes all you need is a book full of photos of women who do badass things. Women who dare is such a book. Though written by a man, this book centres around female climbers, some young, some already mothers combining their love for the outdoors with family life. Where climbing used to be a male dominated sport, these women show that there’s no such thing as a ‘male’ sport. An inspiring book with stunning photos to show you what women are capable of.

The pants perspective – Anna McNuff

Taking time off to run New Zealand’s 3,000-kilometre-long Te Araroa Trail. Anna McNuff did it and wrote an honest book about it. We follow her along on a journey that took her 148 days full of ups and downs.

Beach reads for happiness & the mind

One thing – Gary Keller & Jay Papasan

We’ve spoken to Jay Papasan in episode 68 about his book One Thing. This book is all about how one thing helps you cut through the clutter, get more focus and get more done. It’s the book to read to help you achieve your fitness goals, but you can apply the methods in this book to every aspect of your life.

Essentialism – Greg McKeown

In the current world with social media and a never-ending stream of email, overwhelm is a real thing. With all the distractions out there, it’s hard to focus. Essentialism helps you to strip back to what’s really important and set aside everything else. The practical tips from this book can be used in every aspect of your life.

How to be mindful – Anna Barnes

Looking for a quick and easy read about mindfulness? How to be mindful might just be your thing. Where most mindfulness books can be a little out there and hard to grasp what mindfulness really is, Anna Barnes makes it simple with cute illustrations to booth. Making this a quick and easy read.

Beach reads for foodspiration

Run Fast Eat Slow – Shalane Flanagan & Elyse Kopecky

Need some extra inspiration for your home cooked meals? This book is filled with amazing recipes to help you create simple and nourishing meals that fuel your workout sessions. Coupled with stunning photos, you’ll want to get cooking right away.

Recipes for Happiness – Happy Pear

The twins from Ireland are mostly known for their fun YouTube videos where they make the best vegan food. Their enthusiasm pours out of the screen and is infectious. So is this book. It’s full of simple, healthy recipes and it’s full of tips for a happier life. And they also teach you how to do your own handstand.

How not to die – Dr Michael Greger

Though this book focuses on the benefits of food on your health, it’s still an inspiring read to help you get fit in your day to day life. Dr Greger starts off with sharing his own experience with food before going into the science around food and which foods will help you to stay healthy.