The Be Well Philly Summer Reading List

The dog days of summer are a time to relax and recharge. And what better way to do exactly that than laying out (sunscreen on, please) with a good book? We asked Philly fitness experts for their healthy summer reading lists, so you can find a few books to add to yours.

Amazon

Running With the Mind of Meditation: Lessons for Training Body and Mind

This book is about "incorporating meditation mind training into your physical training and vice versa. Easy read and great intro to meditation." —Gavin McKay, Unite Fitness

Amazon

Power Hungry: The Ultimate Energy Bar Cookbook

"This book is jam packed with great recipe ideas for bars and healthy snacks. With my busy schedule between both studios, I always need a quick protein-packed snack!" —Amy Feeney, Barre Focus Fitness and Focus Barre and Yoga owner

Amazon

Fitness Confidential

"Every trainer works hard to inspire you and get you in shape, but we all go about it in different ways. Read how Vinnie wraps himself around his clients and laugh at his angry ways. Compare to your trainer and enjoy!" —Holly Waters, Fitness Alive

Amazon

Run Like A Mother

"If you're gearing up for fall races, this should be your go-to summer book to help with training. It offers great advice, inspiring stories and laugh-out-loud moments, all mixed in with training plans that are easy to follow." —Schuyler Nunn, Indigo Schuy

Amazon

How to be an Explorer of the World: Portable Life Museum

"This inspiring and colorful treasure is not a book; it's a tactile life archive that is ridiculously fun to keep! [This book] requires you to fill in the dots of your day by scrapbooking, doodling, and hodge-podging your way through the moments that make you tick. Think of 'Explorer' as a wildly souped-up Vision Board. It was gifted to me in 2008 before I moved away to Central Asia and I had such fun keeping it and referencing it that I buy a new one each year. It is the PERFECT traveling companion." —Christina Stoltz, Ploome

Amazon

Crazy Sexy Kitchen

"This book includes 150 plant-empowered recipes to fuel wellness warriors. The focus is on the science behind what and how we eat." — Nikki Robinson, DIG Yoga

Amazon

Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga

"This book is a gift I gave to myself. After reading Part One, I bought several more copies for my friends and family. Whether you do yoga or don't do yoga, meditate or not, this is a wonderful book of thought-provoking, daily inspirational quotes, stories and gentle words of wisdom. I have learned so much about myself from reading the essays and applying them to my own life." —Chris Somers, Purenergy

Amazon

Giada's Feel Good Food: My Healthy Recipes and Secrets

"I really enjoy reading cookbooks in the summer. Giada De Laurentiis screams summer to me and her food has so many healthy options that are fun to make. I think the warm weather makes it easier for me to relax, and when I'm relaxed I don't feel as anxious about cooking or trying new things." —Juliet Sabella, The Wall Cycling Studio

Amazon

Light on Life: The Journey to Wholeness, Inner Peace, and Ultimate Freedom

"B.K.S. Iyengar's Light on Life book is wonderful. Beautifully written, it details the philosophy of yoga, finding the union of body, mind, and spirit. One does not need to be a practicing yogi or yogini to enjoy this book; simply be willing to find your self on your yoga journey!" —Colleen Pellegrini, studio manager and yoga instructor at Focus Fitness Main Line

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