Living The Good Life: Your Guide to Health and Success by: David Patchell-Evans

Living The Good Life: Your Guide to Health and Success
David Patchell-Evans
ECW Press
ISBN: 1550226177

David is a five-time Canadian rowing champion and the president, founder and CEO of GoodLife Fitness Clubs, the largest and fastest- growing Canadian chain. With nearly 125 locations nationwide, he has created an empire.

Patchell-Evans was drawn into this industry by accident, his first year at the University of Western Ontario. A few weeks after starting university, he was in a motorcycle accident. He ended up doing physiotherapy and rehab. During his time at UWO, he switched his focus of studies from business to Physical Education.

In his early thirties, David had a setback to his physical health. He had severe rheumatoid arthritis. His struggles with this illness helped him appreciate health and a healthy lifestyle even more so.

This book is composed of 4 key sections, or parts. They are: Patchell-Evans’ personal story, the basics of fitness, balanced health, and the balance between body, mind and spirit. Robert Wolff in his book Bodybuilding 101 “There is nothing so constant as change. Meet it. Embrace it. Enjoy it. Learn from it.
The one thing you can be absolutely sure of in your life is change. It’s the only thing that never changes. The law of nature is that you either grow or you die; there’s no in-between. So, what have you chosen so far? Are you growing in every area of your life? Hey, it’s not enough to be growing and looking great just because you work out. That’s only a small part of your life. What about your emotions, spiritual life, family, friends, career, hobbies? Are they growing as your body does? Become a complete person and not an in-shape and great-looking version of an incomplete person. There’s way more to life than just working out. Go with the flow and embrace changes in all areas of your life. The change will do you good.” This book encapsulates that spirit completely.

The Chapters are:

1. The simplicity of being Fit
2. Looking Good
3. Feeling Good
4. A Good Weight
5. A Good Recovery
6. Good Brains
7. Good Enough is Good Enough

This book also includes personal stories - a few for each chapter on people’s experience with these areas in their personal journey to a healthier life.

Patchell-Evans has built a career and a company based upon the goals, integrity and commitment outlined in this book. It is well worth the read.