“Hey, all you cool cats and kittens!” I’ve compiled a list of my current favorite inspirational fitness and wellness movies on Netflix. And while Tiger King was eight hours of... well I’m not sure what exactly... These amazing documentaries and shows will motivate you, lift your spirits, and encourage you to improve your mental and physical well being.
**Listed in no particular order.**
#1 The Goop Lab: Episode #2 - Wim Hof Method
A great episode from a documentary series about Gwenyth Paltrow’s lifestyle and wellness company Goop. Paltrow and her team immerse themselves in trending and interesting health and wellness exercises and provide feedback on their experience. Wim Hof Method is something we’ve seen pop up across the entire wellness and fitness spectrum over the last year or so. It’s a deep breathing and cold water therapy technique that is said to improve the immune system, clarity, physical and mental strength. Wim takes Paltrow and her team through the technique in a light-hearted and convincing episode that the method is the real deal! *I can speak to this as I do it every morning and it has had a profound impact on me!*
Run time - 35m
#2 Iron Cowboy: The Story of the 50.50.50.
You need inspiration, you say? This one's for you. I legitimately just got chills while typing this thinking of watching this movie again. James Lawrence, also known as “Iron Cowboy” (with good reason) tackles 50 full Ironmans in 50 days in all 50 states. If the mental and physical stress of making it through this thing alive isn’t enough, the logistics of the adventure are next level.
Run time - 1h 16m
#3 Heal
This documentary is for anyone struggling with sickness, anxiety, depression or needing a general kick in the butt to take care of their mind, body, spirit. Essentially, the documentary profiles spiritual leaders, physicians and some people living with chronic illness and how the mind and body are much more powerful than one might think at healing itself. Even if you’re not ailing from any of the above, this is worth a watch.
Run time - 1h 46m
#4 The Redeemed and the Dominant: Fittest on Earth
A question that gets thrown around, and depending on who you talk to, creates some tension. Are CrossFit athletes the fittest athletes on Earth? This documentary follows athletes at the grueling 2017 CrossFit Games in Madison, Wisconsin. I’ll let you be the judge but the question above, in my opinion, is answered in this inspiring and exciting movie.
Run time - 1h 59m
#5 Mountain
Narrated by Willem Dafoe in one of the most theatrical and artistic documentaries I have ever seen, this movie is about the passion, dedication, and downright insanity that makes a mountain climber. If I had to pick, this might be my top pick on the list. It’s about mental strength, grit and overcoming fear. Even if you’re not a climber, the cinematography and breathtaking images throughout this movie will be a worthwhile investment!
Run time - 1h 13m
#6 Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru
This documentary film profiles internationally acclaimed life and business coach Tony Robbins during his yearly “Date with Destiny” seminar in Florida that 2,500 people attend annually. The seminar, that had never been documented before, is said to be an incredibly transformative experience. Tony has an incredibly powerful voice for transforming people’s lives and the documentary does a great job of making the viewer feel like you’re sitting in on the seminar and lessons. Grab a notebook for this one.
Run time - 1h 56m
#7 Dawn Wall
You don’t have to be a climber to know who Alex Honnold is. With the amount of fame surrounding his free solo of one of the most notorious faces in Yosemite National Park, one would think he’s by and large the best climber to ever live. Nope. Honnold will be the first to admit it that Tommy Caldwell deserves that title. Dawn Wall profiles Tommy Caldwell’s (most decorated climber with an incredible life story) attempt to climb what was once considered an unclimbable peak, also in Yosemite with his climbing partner Kevin Jorgeson. This is an epic film.
Run time - 1h 40m
#8 Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator***
I’ll throw three asterisks next to this one. While the other seven movies are inspiring, gripping, incredible movies, I’ll put Bikram more in line with Tiger King, but it’s too good and interesting of a movie to not include on this list. For the yogis in the crowd, you’re well aware of Bikram Yoga practice. Are you aware of Bikram himself? I won’t spoil it but the title serves as enough of a spoiler alert. This one’s definitely an interesting one…
Run time- 1h 26m
