Happy Tuesday! It’s time for another edition of Tuesday Topics.This week’s Tuesday Topic: What was your favorite book you read last year? You can write about this or any running related blog post. Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida and the bottom of this post!
I’ll admit that when everything got shut down in March, I was convinced that I would do more reading. I did not, lol. I found other things to occupy my time but the one book I did read and enjoy was Push: A Guide to Living an All Out Life: The Story of Orangetheory Fitness by Ellen Latham.
“What does it mean to Push? In short, to get comfortable being uncomfortable. And how do you do that? By learning to Push in the Orangetheory Fitness workout. By doing so, you also learn to do the same in your life – to take on new challenges, to pursue your biggest goals, and to become the best version of you.”
It’s no surprise that my favorite book from last year would be about Orangetheory Fitness. I was interested in the workout before a studio opened up in Stamford and I’ve been all in ever since. It was very interesting to learn about the science behind the workout, but also to learn more about Ellen, who designed the Orangetheory workout.
Ellen had to PUSH through a very difficult time when she was suddenly left unemployed and needed a new way to make a living. She was previously working in the fitness industry so she took that knowledge to personal train clients. She knew she wanted more and that’s when she decided to make her HIIT workouts into an all new workout – Orangetheory Fitness. Her story is super inspiring because what started out as one studio in Florida is now over 1,200 studios in all 50 states and 23 countries.
I also enjoyed that it was a short easy read. I tend to have a short attention span when it comes to reading so the topic really has to speak to me. Luckily this book accomplished that goal.
Tell me: What was your favorite book to read last year?
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Topic for next week – What did you learn about yourself during the pandemic? Feel free to write about this or any running related topic. We hope you’ll link up with us!
Catrina says
I didn’t know that OTF was founded by a woman – and someone who was unemployed as well. I find stories of people who succeed despite all odds so inspiring!
Something I’ve always wondered was where the name “Orange Theory” comes from. Do you happen to know?
kookyrunner says
It’s definitely so inspiring that she was able to pivot from being unemployed to doing something she is passionate about every day.
Wendy says
Sounds like a great read! My favorite fitness book of last year was probably the Nike book. I’m so glad all those female athletes started to speak out on the way they were treated. Your topic is very timely today; Alexi Pappas releases her new book Bravey today! I’m looking forward to reading it.
kookyrunner says
I still need to check out that Nike book. I remember reading about it on your blog and I was so intrigued!
Kimberly Hatting says
This sounds like a great read of a very inspiring gal! I love it when people take their passion and put it to good use for the benefit of others. And, no, it’s not a surprise you’d love this book LOL
kookyrunner says
Totally agree! It’s so inspiring that she gets to work living her passion every day.
Denise says
I’ve always wanted to join Orange Theory. They put one in near me just before the pandemic hit. 🙁
Sounds like a very inspiring book. I’ll have to add it to my list.
kookyrunner says
I hope that the OTF near you can open after the pandemic. I think you would love the workouts!
Jenn says
What a neat story!
I confess that I can never choose just one favorite, and also, that I rarely go with nonfiction. I do enjoy biographies, though, so maybe this would be worth a go.
Thanks for sharing!
kookyrunner says
No problem! I thought it was a really great read and informative too.
Shathiso says
I always love seeing the face behind a movement (fitness or other)! Thanks for sharing this – and as a woman, I’m thrilled she is a woman! My favourite book of 2020 was Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime. I’ve watched him perform twice live (before he made it real big!) and I’m just so proud at how far he has come!
kookyrunner says
Me too, especially when it’s a woman! I love seeing more female faces in fitness because I think of all the little girls that they are inspiring 🙂
Darlene S Cardillo says
I wish I kept track of all the books I’ve read this year. I read every night so a few books a week.
I need to add this one to my list. I don’t often read non-fiction.
A favorite ? Where the Crawdads sing, maybe? Or Orphan Collector?
kookyrunner says
i wish I could get into the habit of reading every night like you. I was a huge bookworm as a kid but sadly I lost my passion for it. hoping I can get that back someday!
Jessie says
What a great book for an Orange Theory fanatic like you 🙂 Or just an inspiring read, reminds me of the podcast “How I Built This” which I really enjoy, that interviews different entrepreneurs.
kookyrunner says
I’ve heard great things about that podcast – I will have to check it out!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
Actually, I didn’t want to write about one of the books that stood out to me — it was about the plague — it was definitely very dark (the title eludes me right now), but also based on a true story, and so well written. But reading about a pandemic during a pandemic isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, I know!
This book does sound interesting, although I personally feel that HIIT workouts are not as great as you get older. Just my $.02 and of course I’m not a trainer! But I’m always interested in how people come up with what they do, so thanks for the recommendation!
I once started a book by the creator of Soulcycle, but something about it just turned me off & I neve finished it, which is odd because I had high hopes for that book.
kookyrunner says
LOL, i can totally understand not wanting to write about that book – it hits a little too close to home currently!
San says
I didn’t know that OTF was founded by a woman. Very inspiring!
kookyrunner says
Her story is so interesting! I am glad I was able to learn more about her.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
It’s funny I thought I would have done more reading last year too, but didn’t.
Sounds like this was an interesting read!
kookyrunner says
I had such grand plans in March when everything hit, lol.
Beckett @ Birchwood Pie says
Ooh thanks for the reminder on Push. I think you talked about it before but I forgot about it. I’ve never done an OTF workout (because their studio is always booked up solid, even with the pandemic I can’t get in there) but Ellen was on the Ali on the Run podcast a while back and she was fascinating. I definitely want to read her book.
The best book that I’ve read lately? Hands down it’s Marathon Woman by Kathrine Switzer.
kookyrunner says
I will have to find that episode of Ali on the Run – thanks for the heads up!
Zenaida Arroyo says
What a great story! I know how much you enjoy the OTF classes. I had no idea it was founded by a woman.
kookyrunner says
I think that’s a surprise to a lot of people!
Deborah Brooks says
I read so many books (and audio books) last year I could not pick just one. I do tend to read more thriller or legal type books. Push sounds like a really inspiring story thanks for sharing!
kookyrunner says
I think I need to get into audio books – it would be good to listen to a book on a walk.
Cari says
Love the new blog design!
I won Push at an expo but I haven’t read it. If I still have it, I’ll look for it. I read about 70 books last year. Health wise my favorite was It Was Me All Along by Andie Mitchell. Really resonated on the body image front.
kookyrunner says
Wow 70 books?! That’s incredible!!
Cari says
It was a few more than 2019 but way down from my pre-running totals. I need to learn to like audio books
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Sounds like a great book, especially for people who love OTF! I am always inspired by stories like that. I thought I would do more reading throughout last year but nope. I try to read before bed but I get too tired and fall asleep!
kookyrunner says
Haha same here! Reading tends to put me to sleep if I do it in bed, but i might try audiobooks.
Coco says
I think Transcendent Kingdom was my favorite book of 2020. I love the OTF story!
kookyrunner says
I haven’t heard of that book – I’ll need to check it out!