Exercised: The Science of Physical Activity, Rest and Health

(Paperback)

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Description

The myth-busting science behind our modern attitudes to exercise In industrialized nations, our sedentary lifestyles have contributed to skyrocketing rates of obesity and diseases like diabetes. A key remedy, we are told, is exercise - voluntary physical activity for the sake of health. However, most of us struggle to stay fit, and our attitudes to exercise are plagued by misconceptions, finger-pointing and anxiety. But, as Daniel Lieberman shows in Exercised, the first book of its kind by a leading scientific expert, we never evolved to exercise. We are hardwired for moderate exertion throughout each day, not triathlons or treadmills. Drawing on over a decade of high-level scientific research and eye-opening insights from evolutionary biology and anthropology, Lieberman explains precisely how exercise can promote health; debunks persistent myths about sitting, speed, strength and endurance; and points the way towards more enjoyable and physically active living in the modern world.

Reviews

Endlessly fascinating and full of surprises. Lieberman strikes a perfect balance of scholarship, wit and enthusiasm for his subject. This is easily one of my books of the year -- Bill Bryson * bestselling author of The Body *
Myth-busting, illuminating, brilliant - Lieberman will completely change the way you think about your body -- Professor Alice Roberts * presenter of Our Incredible Human Journey *
Entertaining and informative... The book is full of helpful tips - you'll build muscle faster by extending muscles under load rather than contracting them; the kind of chair you sit on doesn't matter as long as you strengthen your back muscles and move regularly - conveyed in a humorous and sympathetic style -- Steven Poole * Guardian *
Part user manual for the human body and part detective story exploring our evolution, Exercised will change the way you think about exercise, diet and your own wellbeing -- Neil Shubin * author of Your Inner Fish *
A surprising, erudite and revelatory look at the natural history of physical activity and why exercise is both so necessary for us and so unnatural. A must-read for anyone with a working body and mind -- Gretchen Reynolds * New York Times-bestselling author of The First 20 Minutes *
A fascinating read, and one that could nudge you toward a healthier (and longer) life -- Amby Burfoot * editor of Runner's World *
Excellent - well written, amusing and touching on the lives of all who read it -- Richard Leakey * FRS *
Eye-opening, mind-expanding and potentially body-shaping -- Paul Wilson * Men's Health *

Author Bio

Daniel Lieberman is Edwin M. Lerner II Professor of Biological Sciences and a professor of the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. He is a leading figure in the field of human evolution and its relevance to health. He is renowned for his research on the evolution of running, which he also enjoys himself - sometimes barefoot, earning him the nickname 'the Barefoot Professor'. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles, many of them in Nature and Science. His previous books include The Story of the Human Body. He lives in Massachusetts.