If exercise seems like a chore, The Joy of Movement may change your perspective. Kelly McGonigal, PhD, uses science and storytelling to show how movement should be a source of joy—and why it’s such a powerful mental wellness tool. The book inspired Suzanne Breckenridge just after opening her barre3 studio. “It reinforced that our studio really is important in the community,” she says. “Moving to music with a group brings a sense of collective joy and belonging—McGonigal calls it the ‘Synchrony Effect.’” The Joy of Movement encourages readers to harness the power of movement to create happiness, meaning—and connection. Barre3.com/Studio-Locations/Cincinnati-Montgomery
Founded on faith-based principals, The Daniel Plan by Rick Warren outlines a healthy lifestyle program that employs gradual changes for transformation. Three internationally known doctors developed the plan, which emphasizes abundance over deprivation. The book is a favorite of D1 Training Cincy North’s Chris Witzgall, who shares that it had a major impact on him. “What I love about it is the five essentials—faith, food, fitness, focus and friends.” Incorporating faith and friends means motivation comes from a deeper place, providing a foundation for sustainable change.The Daniel Plan removes the guilt, encouraging readers to take single steps in the right direction. D1Training.com/Cincy-North/
Empowering women? That’s ROAR—helping women use their female physiology and biochemistry to their advantage for optimum fitness. Exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist Stacy T. Sims, PhD, provides the roadmap—diving into the nutrition, hydration and training needs unique to women. BJ Smith of RockBox Fitness read it to better understand the needs of his gym’s members. Calling it an eye-opener, he says, “Kickboxing is especially popular with women and it’s helped me provide better recommendations for them.” Hormones, cycles, pregnancy and menopause impact athletic performance, and ROAR takes it all into account—providing a fitness and nutrition guide tailored to female athletes. RockBoxFitness.com/Cincinnati/