In Praise of Walking: The new science of how we walk and why its good for us

(Paperback)

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A captivating exploration of the science of a skill that is uniquely human- how we walk. And a hymn to its many benefits for our mental and physical health, and for our society. 'Informative and persuasive enough to rouse the most ardent couch pototo' New Scientist Walking upright on two feet is a uniquely human skill. It defines us as a species. It enabled us to walk out of Africa and to spread as far as Alaska and Australia. It freed our hands and freed our minds. We put one foot in front of the other without thinking - yet how many of us know how we do that, or appreciate the advantages it gives us In this hymn to walking, neuroscientist Shane O'Mara invites us to marvel at the benefits it confers on our bodies and minds, and urges us to appreciate - and exercise - our miraculous ability. SUNDAY INDEPENDENT BOOK OF THE WEEK AGreatRead and ArgosyBooks BOOK OF THE MONTH

Reviews

Fascinating ... OMara argues [walking] is intimately connected to our bodies, our brains, and ultimately how we exist as a species * The Times *
In Praise of Walking is both informative and persuasive enough to rouse the most ardent couch potato perhaps saving humanity before our lifestyle consumes our brains completely -- Jonathon Keats * New Scientist *
Convincing and compelling ... In Praise of Walking is peppered with insights about everything from 19th-century poets and flneurs to modern-day experiments with subjects playing video games in fMRI scanners * Sunday Times *
Walking makes us healthier, happier and brainier ... [O'Mara] knows this not only through personal experience, but from cold, hard data * Observer *
Full of insights an accessible and thought-provoking discussion of walking as a key to human success -- Gina Rippon, author of The Gendered Brain * Gina Rippon, author of The Gendered Brain *
A book that will leave you itching to go out for a good old-fashioned stroll * Mail on Sunday *
A fascinating new book that examines the multitudinous benefits of this form of locomotion * Harper's Bazaar *
Like a poem to walking [and] the science that might help convince planners to prioritise walking as a means of getting around -- Lucy Whetman * UK Press Syndication *

Forget apples. A walk a day really will keep the doctor away

* Evening Standard *
[In Praise of Walking] it provides an antidote to the many miseries that can accumulate because of our modern, sedentary lifestyle * Simple Things *
Whether youre an avid hiker or simply like to get out and do the school run on foot, this book will make you appreciate the physical, mental and societal benefits of getting outdoors on two feet. -- Liz Connor * UK Press Syndication *
An informative yet witty book on the importance of walking for our health and wellbeing, and for societies in general -- Liz Nice * Eastern Daily Press *
Compelling A new angle on our favourite pastime * Walk Magazine *
A fascinating read This informative bookwill rouse you from the sofa and make you want to get moving * Eastern Daily Press, *Book of the Week* *

Author Bio

Shane O'Mara is Professor of Experimental Brain Research at Trinity College Dublin - the University of Dublin. He is Principal Investigator in, and was Director of the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, one of Europe's leading research centres for neuroscience. He is also a Wellcome Trust Senior Investigator and a Science Foundation Ireland Principal Investigator. He is the author of two previous books, Why Torture Doesn't Work- The Neuroscience of Interrogation and A Brain for Business - A Brain for Life. He has also written many scientific papers, as well as for the newspapers and magazines. He loves to walk wherever and whenever he can, with long urban walks in any walkable city a particular favourite. @smomara1 www.shaneomara.com