When was the last time you sat down and read? No, scrolling through Twitter or browsing an article on your phone doesn’t count. We’re talking about reading the old fashioned way – no screens, no emails, and no character limits – just you and a good book.
If it’s been months since you last read one, you are definitely not alone. Reading is on the decline in America, driven -- at least in part -- by the fact that people are spending more of their free time streaming TV, playing video games, or using their phones than ever before. Regularly reading books helps reduce stress and muscle tension, enhances sleep quality, and can slow cognitive decline, and we view it as an essential part of a well-balanced lifestyle.
We LOVE reading here at TB12, so we sat down with a few members of our team to find out more about their favorite book recommendations:
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear
It doesn’t come as much of a surprise that this New York Times Bestseller is a favorite of TB12 Co-Founder Alex Guerrero's, as well as some of our Body Coaches – it contains simple and manageable tips that can help you break your bad habits and build good ones. So much of our daily lives becomes habitual behavior, and James Clear’s book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to make better use of their time – however limited it may be – and form life-changing habits.
Recommended by TB12 Co-Founder Alex Guerrero, and Body Coaches Deven Alves and Michelle Kim. "The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom" by Don Miguel Ruiz
“The Four Agreements” has been a personal favorite of TB12 Co-Founder Tom Brady’s for the last 10+ years, so much so that he reads it at least once a year. Tom has credited the book with getting him through the highs and lows of life as an NFL Quarterback, and has referred to it as “a mantra for my life.” The book offers up a four part code of conduct: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best.
Recommended by TB12 Body Coaches Anthony and Nick Poli. "Talent is Overrated" by Geoff Colvin
“I love how this book shows the value of hard work and deliberate practice. It challenges the idea that you have to be born with the gift of talent to succeed.
TB12 Body Coach Anthony Pavlich “Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek’s analysis of some of the greatest leaders and pioneers in recent history – people like Martin Luther King Jr., Steve Jobs, the Wright Brothers, and more – led him to discover a common thread between their approaches to leadership. It all starts with “why”...
Recommended by TB12 Body Coach Kyle McCrobie. “The Obstacle is the Way” by Ryan Holiday
Everyone will face challenges in their life, but not everyone is able to fully embrace those obstacles on their path to success. Ryan Holiday explores the ways in which we can use these obstacles productively to push ourselves to achieve the goals we set.
Recommended by TB12 Body Coach Christian Boucher. “The Okinawa Program” by Bradley J. Wilcox
This book is the culmination of 25 years of research by two MDs and a PhD. The book discusses why certain areas of the world (namely Okinawa) contain such a high percentage of people who live to be over 110 years and remain active well into their 90s. The book is a discussion of how diet and lifestyle habits tend to facilitate health and longevity. Many of the things they recommend are aligned with what we recommend here at TB12!”
TB12 Body Coach Spencer Greene “Lifespan: Why We Age and Why We Don't Have To” by David Sinclair"
David Sinclair is a brilliant professor and researcher that has had groundbreaking discoveries about the process of aging. This is a well-written and interesting book that can change your perspective on getting older.
TB12 Body Coach Rebecca Coutts “How Not to Die” by Gene Stone & Micheal Greger
Unfortunately my family has a history of chronic disease -- heart disease, prostate cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s — to name a few. This book does a great job of showing how making one or two changes in something as simple as your diet can help reduce the chances of developing such diseases later on in life.
TB12 Body Coach Drew Ryan “Why We Sleep” by Matthew Walker
This is a really informative book about something a lot of people take for granted. We need sleep to function, and this book does a good job of telling us exactly how important it is.
TB12 Body Coach Drew Ryan “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline
This is a great book if you like to mentally visualize environments. If you are creative and grew up in the 90s, you'll really appreciate it.
TB12 Body Coach Jeff Aldeus "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand
Nothing will make you complain less about life than reading this book. Also, be prepared once you start, you’ll have a tough time putting it down.
TB12 Sports Nutritionist Tiffany Chag "Through the Eyes of a Lion" by Levi Lusko
This is an incredible story of pain and tragedy that hits a family, and how this overwhelming love can help to cover the suffering we deal with. It's a great raw read about when the impossible happens in our life, there is pain and suffering in this world, but love can comfort and overwhelm the pains we experience.
TB12 Body Coach Joe Koudelka "Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life" by Gisele Bundchen
This is a very inspiring, real, and authentic autobiography from Gisele, who opens up about personal stories, insights, and photos to let us in on the true lessons that have helped shape her life.
TB12 Brand Marketing Manager Katherine Donnelley "Relentless" by Julian Edelman
Julian Edelman has one of the best underdog stories in sports history – he's an undersized guy who has had to fight for opportunities and playing time his whole life. This book is a fascinating look inside his mindset and the way that he has attacked every challenge he's faced on his way to becoming a 3-time Super Bowl champ and a Super Bowl MVP. It's the kind of book that reminds you that you can do anything you set your mind to if you're willing to put in the work.
TB12 Marketing Specialist Drew Bradley "The TB12 Method" by Tom Brady
Make exercising your mind part of a comprehensive approach to life and performance.
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