Practical, actual top 5 health and fitness books can be hard to find. There are so many fads out there that I have had to sift through quite a few and these I have found to be most helpful.
RUN A COMPLETE BEGINNERS GUIDE
This RUN A COMPLETE BEGINNERS GUIDE by Micheal Thomas was where I started on my health and fitness reads.
I have been running for over ten years now and I still read this through at least twice a year. It really does help you get off your couch and start running. He tells of his own wake-up call and then he breaks down the beginning stages into very achievable steps.
The chapter on The Pre-Running Plan is so helpful because it deals directly with all the doubts we have when we start on this journey.
Motivation is such a key factor as we start on this journey and I love how he, honestly, talks you through keeping motivated.
Finally, he gives a goal. The first goal is actually doing a 5K run. When you start, this feels unimaginable. By the time you finish reading the book you actually feel that a 5K could be possible.
RUN Beyond the 5K
In this second book RUN Beyond the 5K by Micheal Thomas, he takes you beyond the 5K to running a 10K, Half-Marathon, and Marathon Race.
He covers the basics again.
In this book, he talks about common runners’ injuries, what to watch out for, and also how to avoid them.
Getting to the Next Level is another section in the book. This helps in your health and fitness journey because at this point you may be wanting a few more challenges but don’t know how to progress.
THE NEW COMPLETE GUIDE TO RUNNING
This is a great book to keep accessible because you will dip into it all the time. THE NEW COMPLETE GUIDE TO RUNNING by RUNNER’S WORLD covers everything. They have gathered everything together in one place from their monthly magazine issues.
This book really does take the guesswork out of your training. It is a great runners guide for the absolute beginner and yet informative enough for the more seasoned runner too.
I absolutely love how this book starts because there has to be a beginning for everyone.
49 REASONS TO LOVE RUNNING is the first part in the first chapter – isn’t that the best? I still often have to go through this list when I feel that I’m beyond this now!
I also know that fitness goes hand-in-hand with nutrition and they deal with this so well in Chapter 3. I love their no-fad approach to food. They keep it to real food and the recipes and ideas are simple.
The next 2 books have more to do with how our bodies digest and deal with food.
Depending on what is going on in your body these books give you informed and in-depth knowledge. This helps you to at least start understanding what is going on. I love them because when I seek out professional help, from my doctor, then I feel that I have some decent knowledge of how my body works.
I read both of these books at least once a year. I do this because I am slow to learn and slow to make the changes that will stick.
GUT The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ
This book, GUT The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ by Giulia Enders, was given to me as a gift by my daughter. I loved it and read it cover-to-cover in a day. It answered and explained so many of my questions.
She explains what happens to the food that we put into our bodies. What it does to our bodies and this understanding helps you make the changes necessary.
She does not give recipes in this book but gives good knowledge on which types of food do what.
The next book that I love and also go back to regularly give recipes and this then works well to complete my top 5 health and fitness books.
THE CLEVER GUT DIET
This book THE CLEVER GUT DIET by DR. MICHEAL MOSLEY gives you guidelines on ‘how to revolutionize your body from the inside out’.
Having first read about the gut in the previous book led me to this book. Very similar topics covered but from a totally refreshing angle.
The recipes are what drew me to get another gut book. I love some, and others not. I enjoyed reading about making sauerkraut because I already do that.
I love Greek Salad and so was so happy to find it here. This gave me some hope that I am moving in the right direction.
I try to do this to give myself and my family the best chance to succeed.
And, no – I don’t always get it right and that is why I LOVE having these great books on hand.
If you are needing a place to start and don’t know where to begin – give them a try.
ALWAYS check this all out with your doctor – I always do. I am no spring chicken and I love eating and doing sports.
I wish that I could do better in both areas because I know better.
Knowing and doing are two different things, right?
I get your struggle, discouragement, and pushbacks.
But, when you are out there on a walk or a run, and that is new for you – I’m cheering you on.
top 5 health and fitness books – the list
- RUN A COMPLETE BEGINNERS GUIDE by Micheal Thomas
- RUN Beyond the 5K by Micheal Thomas
- THE NEW COMPLETE GUIDE TO RUNNING by RUNNER’S WORLD
- GUT The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ by Giulia Enders
- THE CLEVER GUT DIET by DR. MICHEAL MOSLEY