Grit & Grace: Train the Mind, Train the Body, Own Your Life

by Tim McGraw

From Grammy-Award winning music superstar and actor Tim McGraw comes a one-of-a kind lifestyle audiobook that melds his personal fitness transformation story with practical advice to inspire healthy changes in listeners’ lives.

Tim McGraw is as well-known for his unparalleled accomplishments in the entertainment industry as he is for his boundless energy—he is the embodiment of vitality and success. But only a decade ago, he found himself struggling with his health. The demands of his meteoric career and life on the road had taken a toll. McGraw came to a crossroads where knew that unless he made his physical health a priority, he would put his personal happiness and professional success at risk. In Grit & Grace, McGraw shares his transformation story along with encouragement, inspiration, and real-life, practical advice to help readers become healthy, strong and fit in mind and body.

For the first time, McGraw will share the details of the mental and physical routine that got him in the best shape of his life. He suggests that there is no magic formula to getting stronger and it is about making a commitment to do and be better, and holding yourself accountable each day. McGraw didn’t follow a playbook or have a squad of trainers overseeing his every step. He describes his way of getting into shape as more ""maverick""--tuning into a vision of what you personally want to achieve, staying focused, and putting in the work.

McGraw says his physical transformation has ignited a whole-life transformation. ""My mind is clearer, my sense of purpose is sharper, and my relationships are deeper. Consistent physical exercise helps me bring focus to my life and to the people who mean the most to me."" In Grit & Grace, McGraw makes this transformation accessible to anyone, sharing with readers the physical and mental tools they can use to create the life they deserve.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Self Help, Memoir, Audiobook, Biography, Music

Audible Audio

Published November 5, 2019

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahhhh darn......I wanted to love this one. I mean just look at the cover. YUMMY! But this was more like Country singer .....meets Jillian Michaels ..... meets Kumbaya. It isn't really a memoir but it does cover Tim's journey to fitness/health and how he travels with his own gym. Who can say they do that? Not many.

I wish the author had done his own audio narration. Maybe he could have infused his passion of this topic of health and fitness into this via that avenue, because I just wasn't feeling it with the narrator who did do the narration. The narration wasn't bad at all, I just wasn't feeling it. I could appreciate Tim's need for this journey and his positive message regarding getting started even by the simplest thing.....walking. The key here was to just get started. I also liked the title. It fit the author and his message. This wasn't quite 3 stars for me but I'm rounding up to a full 3.

[Adam Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Practical Guide To A Healthy Lifestyle No Matter Where You Are On Your Fitness Journey”

As someone who has devoted the last year or so of my life to getting in shape both mentally and physically, I wasn’t sure how much new information this book would really offer me.

Well, I’m happy to report that it was well worth the read.

There might not be a ton of new information for the seasoned fitness enthusiast but for the beginner this book is a homerun.

There can be so much information out there that it just leaves a lot of people to throw their hands up and say “Fuck it”

This book takes that information and puts it together in a compelling and easy to read format.

While some may scoff at Tim’s workout regime and declare it only assessable to the super-rich, I prefer to look at it from a different angle.

Sure, most of us can’t afford our own workout trailer or have multiple hours per day to work our bodies, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get moving in the proper direction in our own way.

Tim lays out a practical guide to getting started down a healthy road and then progressing from there at your own pace.

The first 5 chapters are mainly mindset based, while the 6th and 7th chapters focus on workout routines and healthy recipes.

You don’t need to be a Tim McGraw fan to enjoy this book although it may help you make a decision if you’re on the fence about picking it up or not.

I will say this though: If you’re looking for some motivation to kick start your fitness journey or are already on the path, this book can be a handy reference guide to help you push past any obstacles you have (mental or otherwise) and will turn you into a “Real Good Man” in no time.

And In case my opinion of this book wasn’t clear enough yet: “I Like It, I Love It, I Want Some More Of It”

[Melissa Franckowiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Congrats Harper Collins you managed to completely remove any thank you to Jesus and semblance of Christian faith from this book. Insulted by this. Pretty consistent with publishing in 2020 and exactly the reason no one is buying books and Barnes and Noble is packing it up. Christians have #ownvoices too. Fans want a book about Tim, not just another diet book. Also have you been to his shows? The team works out beforehand hardcore but his fans...not so much. If you wanted them to buy his book you should have marketed it to them, not NY people in publishing, numb numbs. You have to think like your market, NOT try so hard to change it, to make money from it. I suggest you market this heavily in Toronto and Vancouver where Tim's fans are diverse and a bit more health conscious for your best sales, because this obviously was not written to Tim's American fans who like fried chicken, Jesus and Bud light. And I mean that endearingly as a GOOD thing, not something that needs to be wiped out of America, like you're trying to do.

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

listened to audio book, i really appreciated his take on getting and staying healthy and that not one plan works for everyone good basics here

[Sherry · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this book would be an interesting insight but it honestly felt really drawn out and repetitive. I believe it could have accomplished its goal even if they had cut out 100 pages. It also really doesn't present anything new or exciting about health and fitness, and holds a certain amount of privilege. Worst, I found it had some dangerous messages, such as treating food as a reward for working out hard (I trained for an hour so I deserve this sliver of cheesecake!) and encouraging restricting things (do you really need those potatoes or that slice of bread?). Food is not a punishment and reward system, neither is fitness. I worry this could be a really perilous book for anyone who has dealt with any kind of disordered eating.

I guess it's a good reminder to not turn to celebrities for too much inspiration but I was hoping this would get me fired up about re-igniting my fitness habits after being sick for awhile. Alas, it did nothing of the sort.

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I love Tim McGraw's music. I thought I would love this book, but I didn't.

The book had a lot of great information about the life changes that Tim made to get in the best shape of his life mentally and physically. I love that Tim's changes inspired his band mates to make changes to improve their lives as well. I just found the material a little long winded and hard to read at times, otherwise it would have been a four or five start rating.

*Update - I listened to the audiobook version this time and the book moved at a much quicker pace. I liked hearing Tim introduce the book before the narrator took over. The enhancement pdf is handy to look at while listening to the book. 4 stars the second time around.

[Maggie Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I didn't read though the workouts themselves, the rest of the book is enough to make me want to resign from my job, pack up my family and relocate to a more consistent year round climate with a more active job. One condusive to being outside and being active every day. I love summer time, but my indoor treadmill is often covering in baskets full of clean laundry waiting to be put away. I just don't find the joy in stationary walking. Tim's outlook and motivation, even being 20+ years my senior, is infectious.

[Kendra Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Challenge Prompt: Your favorite prompt from a previous reading challenge year.

I chose: A book written by a musician.

I picked up this book for two reasons. 1- I had been doing great in the fitness department and then I just lost the drive to keep it up. 2- Tim McGraw has been one of my favorite musical artists for YEARS.

He lays out what his fitness journey has looked like and gives a very simple plan that the reader can use, with our without tweaking.

I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to make a change in their health and fitness.

[Val · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Tim McGraw since forever so I was excited when I found this book. Tim tells how he got to his low point, when and why he decided to change and then goes through his personal fitness journey and how its changed his life. This book is filled with tips and suggestions on how to start your own fitness plan and also included are workouts and recipes. Great book for someone who is just starting or thinking about starting their own fitness journey.

[Liz Sergent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is packed with information on how to change your life and your body. I enjoyed reading about Tim's decision to get healthy and how he did it.

[Mandy Havert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about Tim's approach to training and managing one's workout, eating and expectations. I am currently in another program that his experience and philosophies align well with. I did use the audiobook version of this title and so when it came time for the reader (not Tim for the bulk of the content) to go through the exercises and reps, it was awful. Listening to the reader describe the exercise and the numbers of reps and sets over and over again was terrible. The print book is probably so very much better.

[Hope Alden · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is literally awful 😭 I mean I know it’s not entirely fair since im not fitness girlie anyway, but I was hoping we’d have a bit more of a personal touch to it beyond the diet culture bs. Nope it was literally straight toxic diet culture body negativity stuff. Might as well have not been written by a celebrity bc there was little to nothing that indicated this was from the Tim McGraw. Very sad but we still love you Tim

[Ron Barker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the concepts are sound, like drive and discipline, thought this was a bit self-centered and not as easily adapted by people with less resources as Tim McGraw. He is definitely a very hardworking and disciplined and talented person but I was not very inspired by this.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honest and raw, McGraw shares why he started his health journey and how it’s helped him since. Some basic movement exercises and foods to help you kickstart your own journey to becoming a maverick.
Not a lot of faith based discussion here - a lot of focus on how being healthy starts with a walk.

[Becca Noggle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Nałogowa Czytaczka Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bardzo przyjemny audiobook o tym jak wprowadzić więcej ruchu i ćwiczeń do swojego życia. Ameryki nie odkrywa, ale zdecydowanie daje duży zastrzyk motywacji. Polecam do odsłuchania w aplikacji Scribd.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very inspiring read. Tim inspired me to get into shape and I hope he will inspire you as well.

For full review: https://katiegreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Heidi Rothert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book added to my admiration for this man. What an inspiring story of what any of us are truly capable of. And the praise of his family is kind and heartfelt.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid motivational book on fitness and health! Definitely aiming to walk everyday and add mobility exercises to my routines!

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting more on his life. So I was surprised it was an “exercise “ book. Thought it was insightful and motivating. I enjoyed the breakout of exercises-doable to start with and the recipes.

[Carol Kolceski · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book about being your best self physically and mentally! Tim discussed the three D's -Drive, Discipline, and Deep Focus for being the most crucial piece of training mentally! Tim talked about using mantras to help motivate and stay on track of your fitness regime. At the end of your workout ask yourself the 8 questions he listed to check in with how it made you feel. His 7 pillars of discipline were 1.Micro goals 2.Consistency 3. Communication 4. Plans. 5. Accountability 6. Creativity 7.Community. I'm looking forward to starting his workouts that are listed in the back of the book and applying what I took from this book. Tim McGraw is 52 years old and in his best shape ever! He shares his why and the steps he took and still takes to date in staying fit! Highly recommend this book to anyone looking to transform there mind and body which in turn will transform your life! This book was chosen for my book club "Business-Related Books For Success" for our March 2020 read!

[Kayley Hoddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I saw that Tim McGraw wrote a motivational health and fitness book I had to read it. It was just about as good as I had expected it to be. I really love reading books about interesting people and understanding their "why" in life. It was cool to hear about how Tim McGraw changed the whole dynamic of his team and how they all exercise together everyday.

He takes on kind of a "fitness guru/motivational speaker" role in part of the book. Tim talks about the three D's -Drive, Discipline, and Deep Focus for being the most crucial piece of training mentality. Tim talked about using mantras to help motivate and stay on track of your fitness regime.

I would have rated it higher, but there was some inaccurate nutrition information such as: certain foods are considered "fat burning foods." I enjoyed reading this book, but I'm glad I didn't read it when I was first starting on my "fitness journey." Worth the quick read if you are a Tim McGraw fan, but there are better sources of information out there.

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan of his music but you can't argue with his fitness, the man is ripped and seems to be loving life so I thought I'd read this on a whim. For a non-fiction/self help type book all I have to do is learn one thing to make my time worthwhile - it's easy to get a three star review from me, just teach me one new thing. But I didn't learn anything. I'll give it two stars because at least he repeated what I already know and repetition is good for you.

He goes through diet and exercise routines that are not revolutionary (but work) and also gives us almost no human-factor to the book. Did he hit rock bottom? What were his struggles? What about plateau's? He talks about these things at the highest possible level along with a glimpse into his life and his band but also on a very high level. All of that is fine, it just doesn't make very interesting reading.

If I had no idea about fitness or nutrition then maybe this would be at least a three star book and I would recommend it to you. If you have any knowledge whatsoever I would say give this one a pass.

[Bookishfurmama_t96 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t a huge Tim McGraw fan… Until this book.

It’s a practical approach to getting your health journey on track, no matter where on your journey you might be. Beginner, getting back on the wagon, or a seasoned athlete.

Tim has such a genuine and authentic voice throughout this entire book. It was very motivational and inspiring, and a nice peel back behind the curtain of just what he’s done to reach the level of stardom he has, while being the healthiest he ever has been. It’s so powerful to see someone with his reach, and his fan-base pushing healthy habits and healthy living.

He incorporates so many different styles of training, recipes, and tools to reach success. Coming from someone who ISN’T a personal trainer, making money off meal plans and workout schedules, this felt way more real and relatable. Highly recommend for anyone who needs a push to take their health seriously.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Tim McGraw is probably my favorite artist and I couldn’t wait time read it.

I’ve joked that my body shape is “Tim McGraw movie star” shape, not his current musician shape. Now to discover that he felt horrible, didn’t have the stamina or energy that he needed and to realize I’m describing the worst part of him as my “shape” is alarming.

Over the past 6 months, I had started to incorporate a lot of what he talks about in the book with healthy habits (moving, eating and mentally).

If you’re struggling with one of those things, this book would be a great starting point. He uses a lot of stories to describe the things he did to be healthy at his age.

I recommend this book!

[David Doty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, while generally well-done, isn't compelling writing or literature--but I didn't read it expecting such. I picked this up because I really enjoy Tim McGraw's music, and wanted some inspiration to improve my health and fitness.

McGraw's account of his own decade-long fitness journey, on which he embarked at the encouragement of his wife, Faith Hill, to improve his capacity with his family responsibilities, strengthen his endurance for grueling performances, and develop a more resilient mindset, is both practical and inspirational. Dedicating chapters to strengthening both the mind and the body, McGraw provides some solid foundational principles to anyone looking to improve their health, and concludes the book with some straightforward workout routines and easy-to-make recipes.

I really liked McGraw's no-nonsense, well-rounded, approach, which seems well within the reach for everyone from the couch potato to the experienced athlete.

[Rob Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this as an impulse purchase during a visit to the Elliot Bay Bookstore. I was feeling like I was in a rut in my workout routine, and I was looking for something to give me some ideas to shake things up a bit. In the end, I was surprised at how much I liked this book. I am not a country music guy, but I enjoyed the author's description of his commitment to a healthy lifestyle after too many years of the excesses of a life on the road. While the book describes his workout regimen (and I got a couple of good ideas), the focus is really on his wholistic approach to health, including exercise, nutrition, mental health, and gratitude. He admits that he has resources that most people don't have, but there are many good ideas that anyone can adopt.

[Kim Montoya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This rating may actually be a 3.5, but I am a huge Tim McGraw fan and don't want to undersell his talent in any way. There is nothing in this book that you haven't heard somewhere else, but there is enough back story about why Tim McGraw chose to prioritize health and fitness to keep you reading. There are also some great workouts included as well as simple recipes.

The book won't change your life if you are looking for a hard core manual on living well, but if you like Tim McGraw like I do and are always interested in different perspectives on wellness and longevity then you will enjoy the book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim has a unique way of getting fit. This book gives exercise tips, as well as eating tips. It tells you about Tim's struggles in his life that lead him to the point where he felt he needed to make some changes. It tells about his daily routine and all of his band members who joined him in this change of life. He tells about the change that all of this has brought into his career, his energy level, and how much better he feels about himself. This book also tells how his family helped him realize he needed to change and then his willingness to do so. This book is a good motivator for someone who wants to start exercising and changing there life to make it better and live longer.

[C2015 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was unexpectedly inspiring. He has gotten himself in amazing shape and how he carries himself in interviews and on the stage is very inspiring and certainly something I would love to cultivate for myself. What I didn’t expect was how knowledgable he was and that I would learn something from him. I totally did. I listen to this on audio and it bugged me at first that it wasn’t his voice until the very last conclusion but I got used to it. I got the book out of the library so I could see the pictures of the movement exercises and the structures. It’s time I got more structured again with my workouts and this is as good a place to start as any.