What do you think?
Rate this book
Living the Good Life - Your Guide to health and Success
David Patchell-Evans is the founder and CEO of GoodLife Fitness Clubs, Canada’s largest and fastest-growing fitness empire. Patchell-Evans, or “Patch,” as everyone calls him, is a five-time Canadian rowing champion and an active rower, runner, and skier today. Two weeks into his first year in university he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident. A lengthy and arduous period of rehabilitation at a sports clinic sparked his interest in sports and exercise, and he went on to combine courses in physical fitness and business, and to found his business empire. In this sane approach to health and exercise, Patch recounts his own personal story and gives balanced and inspiring tips on exercise, diet, and life.
244 pages, Paperback
First published February 29, 2000
20 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 29, 2017
The best thing I can say about this book (which I got for free when I joined the gym) is that it was better than I expected it to be. Which isn't saying much.
I actually considered upgrading it to a too-generous 3 stars until I got to the end and it closed with this godawful poem:
"To be your best,
To be what you could be,
All you have to do is be.
You have to be as strong as you can be.
You need a heart that pumps and is not blocked,
Lungs that inhale and exhale with deep, full breaths,
Legs that stride and run,
Arms that pump,
A straight back,
Good skin, shining eyes.
Make your body your foundation,
The foundation of the good life.
Be your best,
But keep in mind
Always--
Good enough is good enough."
He should have gotten his ghost writer to write the poem too.
I actually considered upgrading it to a too-generous 3 stars until I got to the end and it closed with this godawful poem:
"To be your best,
To be what you could be,
All you have to do is be.
You have to be as strong as you can be.
You need a heart that pumps and is not blocked,
Lungs that inhale and exhale with deep, full breaths,
Legs that stride and run,
Arms that pump,
A straight back,
Good skin, shining eyes.
Make your body your foundation,
The foundation of the good life.
Be your best,
But keep in mind
Always--
Good enough is good enough."
He should have gotten his ghost writer to write the poem too.
February 21, 2015
I got a phone call from Good-Life gyms telling me I'd won a free week at their gym. I decided to take advantage of it as I figured it would be better than the community recreation centre that I frequent. Turns out my "free week" was a load of bullshit and I got suckered into listening to some guy go through a sales pitch for the gym. He gave me this book as I ran out the door.
The back cover has a suggested retail price of $19.95. I wonder if anyone has actually paid money for this book.
The book is a simple manifesto of why exercise is good for you, and why you should choose their gym. Yawn.
Patchell-Evans, or as his friends (i.e. you) call him, Patch, is also an amateur poet.
"To be your best,
To be what you could be,
All you have to do is be.
You have to be as strong as you can be.
You need a heart that pumps and is not blocked,
Lungs that inhale and exhale with deep, full breaths,
Legs that stride and run,
Arms that pump,
A straight back,
Good skin, shining eyes.
Make your body your foundation,
The foundation of the good life.
Be your best,
But keep in mind
Always--
Good enough is good enough."
My god... so deep. If you can't write poetry, please don't include it in a book that has over a million copies in print.
The back cover has a suggested retail price of $19.95. I wonder if anyone has actually paid money for this book.
The book is a simple manifesto of why exercise is good for you, and why you should choose their gym. Yawn.
Patchell-Evans, or as his friends (i.e. you) call him, Patch, is also an amateur poet.
"To be your best,
To be what you could be,
All you have to do is be.
You have to be as strong as you can be.
You need a heart that pumps and is not blocked,
Lungs that inhale and exhale with deep, full breaths,
Legs that stride and run,
Arms that pump,
A straight back,
Good skin, shining eyes.
Make your body your foundation,
The foundation of the good life.
Be your best,
But keep in mind
Always--
Good enough is good enough."
My god... so deep. If you can't write poetry, please don't include it in a book that has over a million copies in print.
January 5, 2023
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:
The simplicity of being Fit
Looking Good
Feeling Good
A Good Weight
A Good Recovery
Good Brains
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.
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:
The simplicity of being Fit
Looking Good
Feeling Good
A Good Weight
A Good Recovery
Good Brains
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.
January 13, 2022
A basic summary of fitness and it's value in our everyday lives written in an encouraging, albeit simplistic way for the general reader.
There were a few portions of reading that I had to stomach through, as the focus was very superficial/image-focused, but later commentary redeemed Patch's ignorance as he explains that as long as you look and feel good and healthy to YOURSELF, that is all that matters.
I'm not going to lie, I found it a conflicting read, but overall not a bad introduction to why fitness and personal health is important and attainable for everyone, regardless of size, lifestyle, or ability.
There were a few portions of reading that I had to stomach through, as the focus was very superficial/image-focused, but later commentary redeemed Patch's ignorance as he explains that as long as you look and feel good and healthy to YOURSELF, that is all that matters.
I'm not going to lie, I found it a conflicting read, but overall not a bad introduction to why fitness and personal health is important and attainable for everyone, regardless of size, lifestyle, or ability.
June 5, 2020
I've had this book for years, I always assumed it wouldn't be that great. I only read it because it was one of the few PD type books I had at home during the covid lockdown. I'm glad I had it.
It was an easy quick read and I think overall pretty good for some one who is beginning their fitness journey. Even for some one like me, well into fitness, I found it interesting and with a few takeaways. My only disagreement may be about the "good enough Is good enough" as I'm a firm believer in going well beyond good enough.
It was an easy quick read and I think overall pretty good for some one who is beginning their fitness journey. Even for some one like me, well into fitness, I found it interesting and with a few takeaways. My only disagreement may be about the "good enough Is good enough" as I'm a firm believer in going well beyond good enough.
November 19, 2022
I wanted to read this book because I am working at Goodlife Fitness, and this guy is the one who started it all! But unfortunately, I only got about a quarter into the book before I gave it up. It honestly started to feel like a sales pitch to join a gym. I already go, I like the gym, I feel comfortable there. If you are really want to get back in shape but are too nervous to go to a gym, then you SHOULD read this book! It's a nice, motivational read, like Chicken Soup for the Soul! But in my case, he was preaching to the converted, and I lost interest. :/
November 23, 2016
I'm a firm believer of promoting health and fitness as well as taking care of the mind and soul; this book has some good theories on living a 'Good Life' it is just unfortunate that it is a catfish to get individuals to join the gym franchise which is evident with the testimonials upon testimonials.
Do yourself a favour, walk to a library or book store and pick up a copy of any book that you might like to read - that will be your start into your journey to a healthy mind and body.
Do yourself a favour, walk to a library or book store and pick up a copy of any book that you might like to read - that will be your start into your journey to a healthy mind and body.
January 18, 2025
The book had an inspirational tone, which I appreciated, but it didn’t offer much in terms of new insights or information I hadn’t already encountered. At times, it felt more like a sales pitch than an educational resource. While it was an okay read overall, I was hoping for deeper, more actionable content.
November 13, 2020
The best thing about this book was that it got me thinking how to improve my fitness level.
July 19, 2021
Motivating and thought provoking........definitely a must read for anyone who needs to start or continue a fitness regirment.
March 27, 2023
I'm joining the good life asap 💀😎.
Wow wow wow, this book literally just compels your mind to get up and do some good exercise.
The best part is that this book tells you so much about fitness without making you feel guilty.
And before reading this book I used to believe that being fit is hard and I have to have a lot of time for joining a gym and everything should be figured out. BUTTTT.... By the time I was finished with this book.. now I believe that being fit is easy. It's not hard at all.
Beside being a student and working part time, I AM joining a fitness gym. Thanks a billion for this book.
Wow wow wow, this book literally just compels your mind to get up and do some good exercise.
The best part is that this book tells you so much about fitness without making you feel guilty.
And before reading this book I used to believe that being fit is hard and I have to have a lot of time for joining a gym and everything should be figured out. BUTTTT.... By the time I was finished with this book.. now I believe that being fit is easy. It's not hard at all.
Beside being a student and working part time, I AM joining a fitness gym. Thanks a billion for this book.
March 24, 2024
Marvelous book..(I just started reading this book and I will complete a full review when finished)
I recommend anyone who is trying to get over (the edge) or trying to exercise but needs that extra push to read it.
Update ( Completed):
This book is for anyone new to the fitness world and would love to learn (pretty much) everything about Exercise (Lifting & Cardio)..absolutely magnificent 5 star
I recommend anyone who is trying to get over (the edge) or trying to exercise but needs that extra push to read it.
Update ( Completed):
This book is for anyone new to the fitness world and would love to learn (pretty much) everything about Exercise (Lifting & Cardio)..absolutely magnificent 5 star
October 24, 2011
David Pratchell-Evans, owner of the Goodlife exercise franchise, writes this practical book on exercise and its benefits. His aim is to convince the 80% of people that don't exercise to join the 20%. He uses his own life as an example as it was through a motorcycle accident and the subsequent rehabilitation that he was introduced to the powerful working of the body.
He presents the arguments for the Goodlife through looking good, feeling good, being a good weight, having a good recovery rate and having good brains. He also includes testimonies from people that have achieved each of these goals. He encourages his readers to choose their own level of success. They can decide what amount of exercise is good enough for themselves.
I am a member of the Goodlife fitness club and enjoy the club. After reading this book, I plan to inquire into all the options provided through the club such as strength training orientation sessions.
He concludes that exercise ought to be the foundation of one's life. If the body is in prime condition, all other priorities fall into place, he says.
David Patchell-Evans life evolves around exercise. It is his business and his passion. To him, it is his foundation and religion. He ends the book with an analogy which is eerily similar to the house built on a rock from a Bible parable given by Jesus. In this parable, Jesus and his commandments are the solid foundation but to David, "Your fit body is your foundation. An unfit body is an unstable foundation..If the walls are vulnerable because your foundation is shakey, the house could fall apart."
He presents the arguments for the Goodlife through looking good, feeling good, being a good weight, having a good recovery rate and having good brains. He also includes testimonies from people that have achieved each of these goals. He encourages his readers to choose their own level of success. They can decide what amount of exercise is good enough for themselves.
I am a member of the Goodlife fitness club and enjoy the club. After reading this book, I plan to inquire into all the options provided through the club such as strength training orientation sessions.
He concludes that exercise ought to be the foundation of one's life. If the body is in prime condition, all other priorities fall into place, he says.
David Patchell-Evans life evolves around exercise. It is his business and his passion. To him, it is his foundation and religion. He ends the book with an analogy which is eerily similar to the house built on a rock from a Bible parable given by Jesus. In this parable, Jesus and his commandments are the solid foundation but to David, "Your fit body is your foundation. An unfit body is an unstable foundation..If the walls are vulnerable because your foundation is shakey, the house could fall apart."
March 9, 2014
This is by no means a great literary accomplishment, but it did contain some good ideas and good points. I read it at a point in my life in which I had just hit the 5 or 6 week mark in terms of weight training, so I found I could really agree with nearly everything he said about the changes one can expect with regular fitness training. Because I could relate to much of the content, and found myself circling and highlighting certain lines, I did enjoy it, though I am quick to point out that it really was not well written, was pretty repetitive, and very often lost any feeling of flow between paragraphs, instead with a jarring abruptness in the change of topic.
I would recommend this to a friend if they were in need of or desiring a motivational and informative little pocket guide to fitness, with the warning that it wasn't written by a writer, but rather someone who has lots of experience and good ideas, without the talent for writing.
I would recommend this to a friend if they were in need of or desiring a motivational and informative little pocket guide to fitness, with the warning that it wasn't written by a writer, but rather someone who has lots of experience and good ideas, without the talent for writing.
October 11, 2012
Summary: Picked this up from a Good Life gym, and I will say that all of the advice from this book is relate-able and applicable. If you go to the gym on a regular basis, you will feel and perform better in life. Period. You don't need to be a super athlete to stay in shape. Just work out, run a bit, lift a bit, and you will live better.
Review: Excellent, not much else I can say. This book is obviously a way to sell the good life clients on further good life services, but take this book at its core message, and you have a winner!
5/5 Stars!
Food for Thought: 5 Reasons to Exercise
1. increase your confidence and self-esteem
2. helps you sleep better
3. reduces tension and stress
4. helps you move past self-imposed limitations
5. increases your positive attitude about yourself and your life
Review: Excellent, not much else I can say. This book is obviously a way to sell the good life clients on further good life services, but take this book at its core message, and you have a winner!
5/5 Stars!
Food for Thought: 5 Reasons to Exercise
1. increase your confidence and self-esteem
2. helps you sleep better
3. reduces tension and stress
4. helps you move past self-imposed limitations
5. increases your positive attitude about yourself and your life
December 29, 2013
I had received a copy of this along with my Goodlife membership. The book is broken into three parts.
1. How Patch dealt with his health problems (arthritis and injuries) using strength training and cardio.
2. How other people have dealt with weight problems, injuries and health issues through exercise.
3. The different programs at Goodlife, group fitness and personal trainer, that will help YOU deal with your health issues.
I see nothing wrong with the premise. However, it is a repetitive read with nothing truly noteworthy other than you can do it. While it is impressive to hear about other's testimonials in overcoming physical and mental challenges, its impact is greatly reduced as you read the 40th similar story. A good pep talk of a read but if you are already motivated just flip through it and you'll get the gist of it.
1. How Patch dealt with his health problems (arthritis and injuries) using strength training and cardio.
2. How other people have dealt with weight problems, injuries and health issues through exercise.
3. The different programs at Goodlife, group fitness and personal trainer, that will help YOU deal with your health issues.
I see nothing wrong with the premise. However, it is a repetitive read with nothing truly noteworthy other than you can do it. While it is impressive to hear about other's testimonials in overcoming physical and mental challenges, its impact is greatly reduced as you read the 40th similar story. A good pep talk of a read but if you are already motivated just flip through it and you'll get the gist of it.
Read
August 21, 2013The founder of the successful GoodLife fitness club franchise shares his philosophy on exercise: do at least half an hour of it three times a week, do it because you will feel better and it will improve your life, and don't beat yourself up for failing to achieve (or even strive for) super-athlete levels of fitness ("good enough is good enough"). Very sensible advice, and I like his non-obsessive approach to fitness and exercise. However, I wouldn't pay $20 for this book; its material could be covered in a one-page article. Get it for free from GoodLife if you need a bit of extra motivation.
September 10, 2013
I really like Patch's philosophy towards health & fitness. I found his book to be very positive and encouraging. It is easy to read with short chapters and provides a great intro into the daunting world of fitness centres and overall healthy lifestyle. Patch's book helps to encourage small changes in everyday life for a well-rounded lifestyle. Patch writes in an easy to understand fashion and provides a lot of great material for those looking to form new habits. It's certainly a book I'll keep close by when I need a little inspiration.
April 23, 2013
I picked up this book when I started to head to the gym. I read the book to kill time while I was cycling on the bike. It's my first fitness motivational book and surprisingly I like it. The author really knows about what he's doing and unlike other fitness books, the author does not emphasize on how to look good or train well; Instead he emphasizes on how to just feel good and stay healthy. It made me love going to the gym more, not to get the ideal shape but to keep fit! ;)
July 8, 2014
Yes, it's straight-up marketing for Good Life gyms but it has a lot of good, specific info on the benefits of exercise and is motivational. Most importantly, I found it to be honest and fair and targeted towards regular people with an interest in boosting their activity level regardless of their weight, age or fitness experience. I surprised myself by actually reading the whole thing.
May 18, 2013
It's light, fluffy and motivational. It's a great business move to connect people to the founder of the successful Good Life chain and make the business more relatable and respectable through the voice of its founder and his life experiences.
November 8, 2016
Nice book, but too much testimonial and to me seems to be relevant motivational information. Not bad however for someone who never been to the gym and trying to get some inspiration for a lifestyle change!
September 2, 2011
Patch's story is inspiring but the book is repetitive and short on useful info. Too light on details to be either a useful guide or an interesting biography.
August 7, 2013
The book has good information about health and how he improved his. I disliked the 'sales pitch' feeling of the book.
October 21, 2013
I can see why this would be a good book for those that resist a healthy lifestyle.
November 6, 2013
Very inspiring!
September 2, 2015
Sales pitch for GoodLife but I enjoyed the stories.
September 11, 2015
Be Inspired To Have A Healthy Energy-Filled Life—Attainable For All!
December 5, 2015
This book was ok, interesting stories from a successful entrepreneur and provides good feelings about living the good life.
October 30, 2025
I found it well written and rather inspiring. I wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews