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Eat Sweat Play

How Sport Can Change Our Lives

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Eat Sweat Play

By: Anna Kessel
Narrated by: Anna Kessel
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About this listen

Long-listed for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award, 2016.

This audio edition is read by the author, Anna Kessel.

For too long society has led us to believe that women and sport don't mix. While perspiration and 'fitspiration' have never been so hot, sport continues to be stubbornly cast as unfeminine.

But why should sport and exercise be so gendered? What happened to the carefree versions of ourselves, the young girls who dared to climb trees, cartwheel across playgrounds or run down hills so fast we laughed until we couldn't breathe? When did we lose our sense of fun, and what else did we lose along with it?

In a brave, funny and personal call to arms, Anna Kessel carries out a very timely health check on the nation and women's involvement in sport. In her exploration of major taboos, including body dysmorphia, periods, miscarriage, sex and the gender pay gap, Kessel discovers how sport and exercise play and integral role in every sphere of our modern lives.

Sharing the tales of a fascinating range of women - from Sporty Spice conquering the music world in a shell suit to mums who box and breastfeed - Eat Sweat Play is the inspirational story of how women are finally reclaiming sport, and by extension their own bodies, for themselves

Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Gender Studies Social Sciences Sociology of Sports Sports Physical Exercise

Critic reviews

Anna Kessel's book should inspire a whole generation of women. It ought to be on the school curriculum.
This book is a plea to reclaim tracks, pitches and pools for women, and to ensure that the next generation grows up appreciating - and enjoying - all that their bodies are capable of. (Emma John)
Fascinating, compelling and thought-provoking (Lauren Laverne)
A piercing call to arms, [Anna] argues that if women and girls embrace being active, it will lead to a sea change for women's bodies, self-image and outlook. It is brilliant.
I’d go as far to say that this book was a life changer for my health and fitness. (Estee Lalonde)
No topic is off limits - cringe worthy school PE, the gender pay gap, parenthood, women as fans, menopause, disability and even her own miscarriage are explored, telling a cradle-to-grave story of our vexed relationship with moving our own bodies. She also lays bare the systemic issues: sports science, for example, is based overwhelmingly on studies of male bodies, as if pregnancy and menstruation simply did not exist. This is a book for parents, sports lovers, and anyone who wants to be on the right side of history. (Moya Dodd)
All stars
Most relevant
Really enjoyed this; such thought provoking topics and an exploration of the stark reality of gender inequality within sport without coming across as ‘angry’ or negative. Anna provides positive stories and possible solutions that promote the inclusion of girls and women into sport, whilst also looking at the practical realities of women’s needs being different to men’s - for example childcare, pregnancy, and menstrual issues and commitments. Will definitely listen again!

Brilliant for anyone interested in women’s sport

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Absolutely adored this book! Will be/and have been recommended this book to everyone I know. It is completely eye opening and I feel like I have learnt a lot. I have questioned my own thoughts and ideas as well as challenged those around me. Loved it!!! Thoroughly recommend!!

Eye opening!!

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Great company as I walked after running. Uplifting, inspiring, enthusiastic. The aurhor/narrator felt like a friend and I loved every word.

Inspiring and informative

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Modern women need more of these honest, informative yet easy to digest books that are not afraid to tackle taboo topics

Modern, relevant, refreshingly accurate

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I can't recommend this book enough, essential reading for women with an interest in sport or feminism. The honesty and truths about the barriers to exercise and sport participation that most women face at some point in their lives are sometimes uncomfortable to listen to yet can also be painfully familiar. At the same time the book is full of hope and wonderfully uplifting, demonstrating how powerful simple changes and interventions can be in changing women's lives and society for the better.

Honest, intelligent and uplifting, a must-listen

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