Exercised: The Science of Physical Activity, Rest and Health

The book is a useful read to the interested person, it won't change anybodies habits in terms of fitness. It's too scientific to influence behaviour. In terms of policy for nations on health,it misses three key points. There is no discussion of the role of health system in the last decade, and the impact of the Japanese Metabo laws, which is the only solution to obesity at a national level. In the role of metabolism we see no analysis of cold and climate, although genetically its clear that humans have taken at least one gene from hibernating mammels and adapted its use for adapting to climate and seasonal variation. This gene has a key role in dementia development. The dismissal of cold water immersion as not scientific, that shows a blind spot to wider issues. Finally in terms of female ageing the vast difference in male amd female ageing are not covered, the role of the double x chromesone evolution in humans female and how it drives the grandmother away from the lazy ape grandmother to the hyper active and super efficient human grandmother is missed.

It has been so interesting to understand human performance from an evolutionary basis. We make a lot of assumptions and follow a lot of advice based on personal opinion these days. This book takes a different approach to understanding health in a very entertaining way and backs it up with references throughout. Exactly what I'd expect from a Harvard Professor. What I love most is that it is based around busting myths about how we think the human animal should live but doesn't promote living like an animal! Great read if you're interested in how your body works.

Kindle is 13 chapters and 340 pages long in 4 parts.Structured around myth busting and engaging examples.Some detailed scientific explanations but well described.A simple ending message.Make exercise fun. Do mostly cardio, but also some weights. Some is better than none. Keep it up as you age.The books describes latest research and gives tips for optimum performance.It also considers current health problems and offers management suggestions.Well written engaging style with some great examples to hold your attention.Highly recommended.

Prof. Liebermann’s book is very interesting, and exhaustively referenced. There is a mass more information to be found in the references section. However he leaves some issues undebated.Why is there such a dichotomy between exercise lovers and exercise haters? He rightly denigrates the attitude of criticizing exercise haters for being lazy, even if they grit their teeth and do it! It seems to be a trait which is established early. A survey of children’s attitudes to PE lessons (I think by sport Wales) showed a clear split between children who regarded PE as their best lesson and those who saw it as their worst. The latter regarded a range of academic subjects as their best. An evolutionary analysis would be interesting. Perhaps it didn’t matter if you enjoyed jogging for hours exhausting a kudu as long as you did it.He doesn’t mention the issue of “non-responders”. This is very bad description, which raises antibodies with exercists. However many agree that there is a differential response to “training” with some making feeble progress with standard regimes. This is important for two reasons. Firstly poor responders may get less value from a recommendation of, for example, 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. Secondly it may be a factor in some people (particularly children) who see no gain despite the pain and therefore give up.Finally there is the question of nudge and coercion. He cites the example of a Swedish factory which bullied its employees into a compulsory weekly gym session, leading to a 20% resignation. It is hard to believe that this complied with employment law. He argues that we coerce children to exercise, so perhaps this should be applied to college students. He does concede that most American colleges had abandoned such compulsion. However one must question the long-term benefit of compulsory school sport when so many young adults attribute at least part of their loathing of sport/exercise to their school experiences. Acceptance of the range of aptitude and ability there is in sport would be helpful, with provision of sporting instruction to the less able rather than the elite athletes. There has been some success with the “This Girl Can” initiative and the “Daily Mile” concept in schools, both of which recognise and encourage the less sporty individual.

This combines theory, story and practical recommendation into a single work of myth destruction. Lift weights, walk or otherwise move (but not too much) and sleep (but not too much and certainly not as much as we have all been told). It is good to read a book full of apparently sensible data and written with verve. One for fitness enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts, alike.

Discussing topics published as recently as mid 2020, the book is an absolute must for anyone who wants to escape those 'Exercists' and begin a more relaxed and productive approach. I use it to cross reference my own professional studies, and have found myself making notes for future re-reading :)

One of the best books I read this year. The detailed explanation of how and why exercise affects ageing processes I found fascinating and empowering.

Linking science and anthropology to shed light on the human condition, and how our mind and body should work together. Food for thought