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Exercised

The Science of Physical Activity, Rest and Health

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Exercised

By: Daniel Lieberman
Narrated by: Sean Runnette
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The myth-busting science behind our modern attitudes to exercise: what our bodies really need, why it matters and its effects on health and wellbeing.

In industrialised 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.

©2020 Daniel Lieberman (P)2020 Penguin Audio Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Physical Exercise Health Nutrition Healthy Diet

Critic Reviews

"Endlessly fascinating and full of surprises. Easily one of my books of the year." (Bill Bryson)

"Myth-busting, illuminating, brilliant - Lieberman will completely change the way you think about your body." (Professor Alice Roberts, presenter of Our Incredible Human Journey)

All stars
Most relevant  
well I have been reassured by this book.
And will continue the life style with extra knowledge and vigor.
Thank you so much.

So interesting logical.

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An entertaining and fascinating read that will convince of the importance of exercise and motivatedyou to get off the couch!

Brilliant

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Great insights. Helping in connecting back to roots. kept me hooked until the end. Wanting me to go barefoot and also invest in right way of moving, walking and everything around living healthy

amazing narrator

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There’s a lot that Lieberman shares which makes a lot of sense from an anthropological point of view. It’s worth spending the time reflecting on the things we used to do that we no longer do as technology takes over. Stairs vs escalator is a good example. I wish Lieberman narrated his own book though as I have heard him on interviews before and he can be a very engaging speaker. Overall, a thought provoking book.

Simple truths about exercise

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Daniel Lieberman has managed to convey a superbly balanced account of the evolutionary response to exercise and physical activity.
This is a ‘must read’ for anyone remotely concerned about their health and the health of our society in general.

A thoroughly interesting and informative read!

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I really like it. the book at the start empathise with people who think exercising is not normal, but gradually with great rational, reminds us why we must exercises!

Great Reminder!

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Loved this book but would have like it to have been read by the author.

Interesting & Practical

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I loved this evolutionary anthropology perspective to provide context to a relatively recently phenomenon. Brilliant science and fantastically simple prescription at the end. Essential reading for all exercise practitioners.

Fascinating, Brilliant & Essential for health!

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This is a very interesting book, full of great insights. However the narrator has a strange sing-song voice which I found hard to lock onto. I’m sure others will disagree and I wouldn’t avoid this book solely on that basis.

Great book, didn’t love the narration

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As an existing lover of exercise this book reaffirmed what I thought I already knew, albeit in much greater detail. Well narrated and structured it was a joy to listen to, on a long walk of course!

A great overview of the power of exercise

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