At Club Solutions, we believe leaders in the health and fitness industry can transform their businesses — and themselves — by cultivating the right mindset and strategies. A great way to do that is through a good book. The editorial team has complied nine books that offer invaluable lessons to inspire growth, leadership and creativity in 2025 and beyond.
1. Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
Ever feel like there’s not enough time in the day? We know we have. Dan Martell’s book teaches leaders how to “buy back” their time by delegating and focusing on high-value tasks. It’s not just about scaling a business; it’s about doing so without burning out. We loved this book for its practical, actionable advice on achieving work-life balance while driving growth.
2. Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
This book is a masterclass in creating extraordinary experiences. Guidara’s story of transforming Eleven Madison Park into the world’s best restaurant highlights the power of going above and beyond for clients and employees alike. The examples of personalized hospitality are a reminder that success comes from human connection and creative problem-solving.
3. High Road Leadership by John C. Maxwell
John Maxwell’s latest book challenges leaders to rise above the fray and choose integrity, empathy and accountability. His advice resonates deeply in a world where quick fixes often prevail over long-term solutions. We admire this book for its focus on building trust and making decisions that benefit teams and communities. You can read this one along with our book club discussions.
4. Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull
From the co-founder of Pixar, this book reveals the principles that have fueled decades of storytelling brilliance. Catmull dives into fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and risk-taking. For us, it was an inspiring reminder that creativity isn’t just for artists — it’s for anyone aiming to push boundaries.
5. Death by Meeting by Patrick Lencioni
Bad meetings are the bane of many businesses. Lencioni’s business fable outlines an approach to making meetings productive and engaging. Fitness leaders juggling staff and member needs will appreciate his practical framework for fostering alignment and enthusiasm.
6. Think Faster, Talk Smarter by Matt Abrahams
Improvisation isn’t just for actors — it’s a crucial skill for leaders. Abrahams offers strategies to communicate effectively under pressure. Whether navigating tough client conversations or team challenges, this book equips leaders to speak with confidence and clarity. We recommend this book to anyone looking to better their communication, especially when speaking to groups.
7. Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky
Modern life is a whirlwind of distractions. Knapp and Zeratsky provide a flexible, four-step framework to reclaim focus and energy. Their tips are refreshingly practical, helping people prioritize what truly matters in their work and personal lives.
8. The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Gary Chapman and Paul White
Based on the book, The 5 Love Languages, this book offers tools to improve workplace relationships simply by learning your coworkers’ language of appreciation. It provides actionable strategies to boost staff morale, create a positive workplace and increase employee engagement. The authors emphasize that most relational problems in organizations stem from this question: Do people feel appreciated? This book equips leaders to answer, “Yes.”
9. The Fun Habit by Mike Rucker
In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of happiness often feels elusive. The Fun Habit offers a practical solution: make fun a deliberate and effortless part of your daily life. Backed by science, this book shows how prioritizing fun can improve physical and psychological well-being, making it an essential tool for leaders seeking better work-life balance and improved productivity. We found its blend of scientific research and personal anecdotes both relatable and inspiring, making it a great resource for leaders looking to rejuvenate their outlook.
These books are more than just reads — they’re resources to empower leaders to innovate, inspire and grow in their roles. Whether you’re optimizing your team’s time, crafting unforgettable client experiences or fostering creativity, these works provide the insights you need to thrive in the new year.
Love reading? Join the Club Solutions Book Club! We have two sessions on-demand and more to come.
