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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 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.

'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

© Daniel Lieberman 2020 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

Anthropology Biological Sciences Biology Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Science Physical Exercise Health Nutrition Healthy Diet

Critic 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)
Myth-busting, illuminating, brilliant - Lieberman will completely change the way you think about your body (Professor Alice Roberts)
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)
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)
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)
A fascinating read, and one that could nudge you toward a healthier (and longer) life (Amby Burfoot)
Excellent - well written, amusing and touching on the lives of all who read it (Richard Leakey)
Eye-opening, mind-expanding and potentially body-shaping (Paul Wilson)
Daniel Lieberman’s work is so incredibly impressive (Steven Bartlett)
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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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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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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