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Live Learn Love Well: Lessons from a Life of Progress Not Perfection
A memoir chronicling Emma Lovewell’s incredible path to physical―and mental―fitness that traces her journey to becoming a beloved Peloton instructor and inspires readers to live, learn, and love well
“Emma’s spirit and spark are contagious . . . a great reminder that feeling whole, healthy, and balanced takes work but is always worth the effort.”—Joanna Gaines, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Magnolia Table
Emma Lovewell is a star instructor at Peloton, a global fitness brand and media content company, but her journey to success began with a simple realization: Change is inevitable, but growth is optional. She chose to grow. In Live Learn Love Well, she shares the moments in her life that shaped her into the woman she is today―from growing up in a modest home amidst the affluence of Martha’s Vineyard, to struggling with her biracial identity and fitting in, both in the white community and the Asian American community, to health setbacks and relationship challenges, to moving to New York and striving for a career in dance and fitness.
Just as Lovewell is more than a fitness instructor, she’s learned that wellness is more than merely a physical condition. She shares the moments where mental fortitude shaped her outlook on the world and how the idea of “progress, not perfection” became a guiding principle.
Filled with surprising insights, charming anecdotes, and never-before-shared moments, Live Learn Love Well is for anyone who feels stuck or overwhelmed, who worries there’s too much to change to even get started, or who simply needs a little inspiration to make tomorrow better than today. Lovewell’s stories, along with her easy-to-initiate tips, will give readers the confidence to know that even the smallest modifications can have truly outsized impacts on their lives and wellness.
“Emma’s spirit and spark are contagious . . . a great reminder that feeling whole, healthy, and balanced takes work but is always worth the effort.”—Joanna Gaines, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Magnolia Table
Emma Lovewell is a star instructor at Peloton, a global fitness brand and media content company, but her journey to success began with a simple realization: Change is inevitable, but growth is optional. She chose to grow. In Live Learn Love Well, she shares the moments in her life that shaped her into the woman she is today―from growing up in a modest home amidst the affluence of Martha’s Vineyard, to struggling with her biracial identity and fitting in, both in the white community and the Asian American community, to health setbacks and relationship challenges, to moving to New York and striving for a career in dance and fitness.
Just as Lovewell is more than a fitness instructor, she’s learned that wellness is more than merely a physical condition. She shares the moments where mental fortitude shaped her outlook on the world and how the idea of “progress, not perfection” became a guiding principle.
Filled with surprising insights, charming anecdotes, and never-before-shared moments, Live Learn Love Well is for anyone who feels stuck or overwhelmed, who worries there’s too much to change to even get started, or who simply needs a little inspiration to make tomorrow better than today. Lovewell’s stories, along with her easy-to-initiate tips, will give readers the confidence to know that even the smallest modifications can have truly outsized impacts on their lives and wellness.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published May 2, 2023
290 people are currently reading
7476 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
May 15, 2023
2.5 ⭐
On the bright side....my 9 year old LOVED this book! Since it was written like a series of long instagram posts strung together I can see the appeal to a 9 year old audience. We listen to the audio version and at times the lack of cohesion made me feel crazy, like the audio must be skipping sections, but nah - writing transitions is hard so I think she skipped them.
The book was starting to get interesting in the memoir parts but then she doesn't finish her stories, connect them or really dig deeper into her personal growth. It feels very much like she wasn't ready to share her story yet.
The "self-help" portion was trite but by the end it was nauseating. I LOVE a celebrity memoir and I'm fine with celebrities telling me about their big, fat, rich lives but please do not package that as life advice. Just because you had to wear second hand clothes growing up doesn't give you cart blanche to write about how vital self care is like your monthly visits to your masseuse, acupuncturist, physical therapist and some other guru with a title I can't remember because I live in an entirely different tax bracket.
Emma Lovewell, I am a salty ass New Englander and I call bullshit on your woowoo, out of touch advice but hey girl, sometimes your playlists are fire so I'll still see you on the leaderboard.
On the bright side....my 9 year old LOVED this book! Since it was written like a series of long instagram posts strung together I can see the appeal to a 9 year old audience. We listen to the audio version and at times the lack of cohesion made me feel crazy, like the audio must be skipping sections, but nah - writing transitions is hard so I think she skipped them.
The book was starting to get interesting in the memoir parts but then she doesn't finish her stories, connect them or really dig deeper into her personal growth. It feels very much like she wasn't ready to share her story yet.
The "self-help" portion was trite but by the end it was nauseating. I LOVE a celebrity memoir and I'm fine with celebrities telling me about their big, fat, rich lives but please do not package that as life advice. Just because you had to wear second hand clothes growing up doesn't give you cart blanche to write about how vital self care is like your monthly visits to your masseuse, acupuncturist, physical therapist and some other guru with a title I can't remember because I live in an entirely different tax bracket.
Emma Lovewell, I am a salty ass New Englander and I call bullshit on your woowoo, out of touch advice but hey girl, sometimes your playlists are fire so I'll still see you on the leaderboard.
Read
July 28, 2023Screaming, crying, throwing up on my Peloton bike in anticipation of reading this.
April 26, 2023
Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.
I'm not going to pretend that my review isn't biased by the literal hours I've spent on the bike and crushing my core with Emma (iykyk). Her book is as on point as her playlists. It was so fun to read the life lessons she's gleaned through her eclectic career leading up to Peloton, and it was emotional to read the tougher things she's been through on her journey as well. I love Emma's classes, but this book shows just how much more she has to teach and share than what you can glean in a 30 minute 90s ride.
I'm not going to pretend that my review isn't biased by the literal hours I've spent on the bike and crushing my core with Emma (iykyk). Her book is as on point as her playlists. It was so fun to read the life lessons she's gleaned through her eclectic career leading up to Peloton, and it was emotional to read the tougher things she's been through on her journey as well. I love Emma's classes, but this book shows just how much more she has to teach and share than what you can glean in a 30 minute 90s ride.
June 17, 2023
Y’all ever read a content creator’s Instagram captions and think, “I wish I could read a whole book of these!” - yeah, me neither.
July 7, 2023
I love Emma Lovewell. Favorite instructor on Peloton, and I find her so interesting on social media and through her various speeches and talks.
However, this book was…odd? Storyline was jumbled and unfinished, generic sayings, and a real lack of true depth that I can get from Emma when she’s speaking. Each topic would get close, but the chapter would end right before I feel like we were supposed to get to the point. The best part was the bits about her and her family - it seemed like this is what the whole book should have been about.
Long story long, this read more like a very long blog than a memoir or inspirational book. I wanted to know more about Emma as a person and less about how she thinks we all should be.
I’m bummed!
However, this book was…odd? Storyline was jumbled and unfinished, generic sayings, and a real lack of true depth that I can get from Emma when she’s speaking. Each topic would get close, but the chapter would end right before I feel like we were supposed to get to the point. The best part was the bits about her and her family - it seemed like this is what the whole book should have been about.
Long story long, this read more like a very long blog than a memoir or inspirational book. I wanted to know more about Emma as a person and less about how she thinks we all should be.
I’m bummed!
May 9, 2023
I’m bias as a Peloton owner, but I loved it. I just wish it didn’t jump around as much in timeline and thought process.
June 6, 2023
Let me preface this review by saying Emma is my 2nd favorite Peloton instructor (behind KT) and I will continue to take her classes.
That being said, being a good fitness instructor does not mean you should write a book. This book is all over the place and the best way I can describe it is as a hot mess.
This book can’t decide if it’s an autobiography or a self help book. It tries and fails at both, being inadequate to qualify clearly as either.
I remember joining the waitlist for my local library when this book first came out. I was 40th in line for the audiobook rental. That calculated out to be a wait time of several months. I got the notification it was my turn after only 2 weeks of waiting. Was I lucky? No, I realize now that it’s likely that everyone before me probably came to realization I now know, and that is that this book is just bad.
The book starts out explaining her thrifty lifestyle and how she didn’t come from money…only to conclude with advice that you should make an effort to do things like go to several concerts to enjoy live music…you know…things Emma can do now that she’s wealthy celebrity.
If you enjoy Peloton, Emma, or fitness…you can enjoy all of those things without having to read this book.
Emma, you say your story isn’t over, and that’s good, because it needs heavy revisions and organizational structure if there’s going to be a sequel to this book.
That being said, being a good fitness instructor does not mean you should write a book. This book is all over the place and the best way I can describe it is as a hot mess.
This book can’t decide if it’s an autobiography or a self help book. It tries and fails at both, being inadequate to qualify clearly as either.
I remember joining the waitlist for my local library when this book first came out. I was 40th in line for the audiobook rental. That calculated out to be a wait time of several months. I got the notification it was my turn after only 2 weeks of waiting. Was I lucky? No, I realize now that it’s likely that everyone before me probably came to realization I now know, and that is that this book is just bad.
The book starts out explaining her thrifty lifestyle and how she didn’t come from money…only to conclude with advice that you should make an effort to do things like go to several concerts to enjoy live music…you know…things Emma can do now that she’s wealthy celebrity.
If you enjoy Peloton, Emma, or fitness…you can enjoy all of those things without having to read this book.
Emma, you say your story isn’t over, and that’s good, because it needs heavy revisions and organizational structure if there’s going to be a sequel to this book.
May 24, 2023
Disjointed, moved around in her timeline too much, and frankly not a super interesting or motivating life story (sorry not sorry). I listened to the audiobook, read by Emma, and it sounded like she was reading it for the first time.
I much prefer the Emma on the App.
I much prefer the Emma on the App.
Want to read
October 24, 2022Looking forward to this book!
June 23, 2023
Poorly written structurally, but still love her story (shared via other channels). And of course her Peloton rides!
January 21, 2024
There wasn’t really anything tying the stories in this book together.
June 1, 2023
Love me some Emma Lovewell on the Peloton bike so picking this up felt like a no brainer. There were a few stories I found myself really enamored with but for the most part the editing of this book threw me off. I don't know if it was because I listened to the audiobook but majority of the stories felt like Emma was rambling and then would try to tie it in with some cheesy self help metaphor. I think I'll stick to her stories and killer playlists on the bike from here on out.
May 5, 2023
A feel-good, uplifting & digestible book following Emma's pre-Peloton journey. It probably goes without saying that you need to at least be familiar with her as an instructor or following her on social media to have a reference for much of what she discusses and get as much as possible out of this book.
I enjoyed learning about Emma's past experiences, family dynamics, culture, and life leading up to becoming the iconic instructor she is today, more so than the motivational aspects that could come across a little preachy or simplistic to some - if suffering with illness or injury I imagine it may be frustrating being told that just thinking positively and following self-care will help with your career or fitness routine. The narrative seems to jump around a lot which can be confusing when trying to get an idea of a timeline, reading like a series of shorter articles or blog posts than a cohesive published book.
I'm glad I now have a better idea of what Emma's experienced in her life and can appreciate her even more as one of my favourite instructors, though this short book didn't feel quite as fully-formed as I'd hoped.
I enjoyed learning about Emma's past experiences, family dynamics, culture, and life leading up to becoming the iconic instructor she is today, more so than the motivational aspects that could come across a little preachy or simplistic to some - if suffering with illness or injury I imagine it may be frustrating being told that just thinking positively and following self-care will help with your career or fitness routine. The narrative seems to jump around a lot which can be confusing when trying to get an idea of a timeline, reading like a series of shorter articles or blog posts than a cohesive published book.
I'm glad I now have a better idea of what Emma's experienced in her life and can appreciate her even more as one of my favourite instructors, though this short book didn't feel quite as fully-formed as I'd hoped.
August 9, 2023
Book 33 of 2023 - ✅! One of the many beauties of audiobooks is that you can be deep cleaning your place, and while you’re furiously scrubbing away, it feels like you’re listening to a friend tell you stories. Emma Lovewell’s Live, Learn, Lovewell is one such book. Anyone who knows me, knows that Peloton is part of my daily life - whether it’s riding, lifting, doing yoga, running, meditating - I’m always chasing that daily blue dot. 🔵 Emma is one of my go-tos for core (seriously, if you have access to Peloton or the app and you haven’t done Crush Your Core or Crush Your Core 2, do them!) and I always enjoy her cycling classes.
Like Tunde Oyeneyin’s book, Emma tells stories about her life and allows the reader in on so many personal experiences. Emma seems so relatable, as someone who is in a creative field, and I appreciate that she was so candid about her journey - all of the ups and downs - she’s had. She’s lived quite a life so far, and she feels like she’s just getting started…I feel like most readers can say the same about themselves! This was an engaging, very quick read (I read/listened to in 1 afternoon as I was driving around and doing a deep-clean of my place) - 4/5 ⭐️!
Like Tunde Oyeneyin’s book, Emma tells stories about her life and allows the reader in on so many personal experiences. Emma seems so relatable, as someone who is in a creative field, and I appreciate that she was so candid about her journey - all of the ups and downs - she’s had. She’s lived quite a life so far, and she feels like she’s just getting started…I feel like most readers can say the same about themselves! This was an engaging, very quick read (I read/listened to in 1 afternoon as I was driving around and doing a deep-clean of my place) - 4/5 ⭐️!
May 16, 2024
This was such a peaceful, encouraging, and well written book. I loved hearing Emma’s story from her childhood to her path getting her to where she is now as an amazing Peloton instructor. She is one of my favorite instructors but I don’t think I’m biased by saying her book was thoughtfully put together and parts were very meditative and I would love to sink into her words a bit more. I listened to this on audio but might have to get myself a copy to reread and pass to my daughter. I really enjoyed it!
July 7, 2023
I love Emma as a Peloton instructor so much. Super inspirational and down to earth but man she didn’t translate into an author. Her stories were never fully formed and it was like a series of inspirational posters laid out in book form. I wanted some depth and personal stories and just didn’t get it. Super disappointing.
June 30, 2023
Emma is one of my favorite Peloton instructors but ouch…this book. Choppy, disjointed, confusing, cringey. Her retelling of what other people said was so awkward/forced.
August 3, 2025
Two thoughts:
1. Emma is one of my fave Peloton instructors
2. Not everyone needs a memoir
1. Emma is one of my fave Peloton instructors
2. Not everyone needs a memoir
Read
May 25, 2023I love Peloton and being the moderator for the Peloton Moms Book Club. I was lucky enough to receive Emma Lovewell's book Live Learn Love Well via an ebook ARC when at home and her audiobook which I listened to when in the car. I really enjoyed learning more about Emma and her journey to date. The audiobook narration was very soothing as well. Plenty of relatable and motivational content without coming across as preachy. Now I want to go take an Emma ride or a dance cardio class! See you on the leaderboard friends!
Special thanks to netgalley, the publisher and @prhaudio for the ARC and ALC of Live Learn Love Well. All opinions are my own.
Special thanks to netgalley, the publisher and @prhaudio for the ARC and ALC of Live Learn Love Well. All opinions are my own.
May 20, 2023
I love Emma so much! She is one of my absolute favorite Peloton instructors so I had no doubt I would enjoy hearing her story. She is so inspiring and positive! She shared the good, the bad and everything in between. I think I loved this audiobook even more having listened to it soon after returning from taking one of her live Peloton studio classes in NYC! When I had the chance to take a picture with her following the class, I told her that her abs are an inspiration; this is true but she inspires beyond fitness. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is part of Team Peloton!
May 31, 2023
When you've worked out without someone for years but have never met them..
I am 100% impartial because I love Emma Lovewell's peloton classes, but this book was beautiful. I love her calmness, love of music, cooking, dancing, and gardening. She's an excellent storyteller, and I was sad when the book was finished. I identified with her being shy and finding her voice. I am still on that path. It's hard but getting easier.
I am 100% impartial because I love Emma Lovewell's peloton classes, but this book was beautiful. I love her calmness, love of music, cooking, dancing, and gardening. She's an excellent storyteller, and I was sad when the book was finished. I identified with her being shy and finding her voice. I am still on that path. It's hard but getting easier.
October 6, 2023
An honest and uplifting biography of a life well lived!
Although she is young, Emma has a lot of insight! Among some of her profound points - Feeling your feelings instead of pushing them under the rug and making it lumpy-having your”best days” -being grateful-penciling your goals and adapting them when necessary. So many others; this book is a worthwhile read!
Although she is young, Emma has a lot of insight! Among some of her profound points - Feeling your feelings instead of pushing them under the rug and making it lumpy-having your”best days” -being grateful-penciling your goals and adapting them when necessary. So many others; this book is a worthwhile read!
May 16, 2023
Unabashed Emma stan so was in the tank for this from the get go. You can pick up a lot of Emma's story through rides but there were some things in here I didn't know about her.
June 2, 2023
If you are a fellow Peleton rider, then you know Emma Lovewell. She is a wealth of information when it comes to gardening , music , and life’s good and not so good moments . She is the girl next door but worth millions. I found her book to be honest about the anxieties many people face today . She lives by her motto “Progress not Perfection.” If you need a pick me up , this is the book for you ! Life truly is about living , learning , and loving well !
May 27, 2023
3.5 for me. I listened on audiobook. I workout regularly with her and found it fairly interesting. I'm not sure you would enjoy it if you don't know who she is. I thought it was kind of odd she never talked about meeting Dave...he just suddenly is inserted into the story, unless I missed something.
January 18, 2024
Love the messages throughout the book that Emma shares, but agree with other posts - the book feels like a scrapbook of IG posts.
May 25, 2023
This was a quick read with good life advice. Nothing earth shattering, but as a Peloton rider, I enjoyed reading what Emma had to share. I always enjoy her rides and feel like she is grounded and genuine, both of which come through in her book too.
June 5, 2024
I love Emma on the Peloton & loved reading her story!
May 3, 2023
Inspired! I listened to Emma’s book while I gutted my bedroom closet and then while I painted the walls and trim. It took me a day to listen to the entire book.
This book is exactly the kind of fun you’d expect from a fitness savvy, DIY queen. What I wasn’t expecting was how much I loved her advice and how much inspiration I’d hear along the way. I’m totally going to buy the actual book so i have it to check back in when I need that extra push to seek opportunities, or get out of a creative rut. Or just a reminder to use my platform as much as possible.
Note: I’m a Pelo-Nerd. I love Emma from her Peloton rides, have done her core programs and I love her Instagram page— So I am biased because I already knew who she was. Bonus— I loved the name dropping of other Peloton instructors.
Get it, Emma!
This book is exactly the kind of fun you’d expect from a fitness savvy, DIY queen. What I wasn’t expecting was how much I loved her advice and how much inspiration I’d hear along the way. I’m totally going to buy the actual book so i have it to check back in when I need that extra push to seek opportunities, or get out of a creative rut. Or just a reminder to use my platform as much as possible.
Note: I’m a Pelo-Nerd. I love Emma from her Peloton rides, have done her core programs and I love her Instagram page— So I am biased because I already knew who she was. Bonus— I loved the name dropping of other Peloton instructors.
Get it, Emma!
May 20, 2023
Emma is one of my favourite Peloton instructors and I was beyond excited to find out she was writing a book! Loved the stories, motivation, and advice on how to embrace the now and lean into progress - not perfection. A must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews