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The Joy of Movement
- How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage
- Narrated by: Kelly McGonigal
- Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins
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The Joy of Movement
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Summary
The best-selling author of The Willpower Instinct introduces a surprising science-based audiobook that doesn't tell us why we should exercise but instead shows us how to fall in love with movement.
Exercise is health-enhancing and life-extending, yet many of us feel it's a chore. But as Kelly McGonigal reveals, it doesn't have to be. Movement can and should be a source of joy.
Through her trademark blend of science and storytelling, McGonigal draws on insights from neuroscience, psychology, anthropology, and evolutionary biology, as well as memoirs, ethnographies, and philosophers. She shows how movement is intertwined with some of the most basic human joys, including self-expression, social connection, and mastery - and why it is a powerful antidote to the modern epidemics of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
McGonigal tells the stories of people who have found fulfillment and belonging through running, walking, dancing, swimming, weightlifting, and more, with examples that span the globe, from Tanzania, where one of the last hunter-gatherer tribes on the planet live, to a dance class at Juilliard for people with Parkinson's disease, to the streets of London, where volunteers combine fitness and community service, to races in the remote wilderness, where athletes push the limits of what a human can endure. Along the way, McGonigal paints a portrait of human nature that highlights our capacity for hope, cooperation, and self-transcendence.
The result is a revolutionary narrative that goes beyond familiar arguments in favor of exercise, to illustrate why movement is integral to both our happiness and our humanity. Listeners will learn what they can do in their own lives and communities to harness the power of movement to create happiness, meaning, and connection.
Critic reviews
"Part scientific exploration, part inspirational story, part intimate love letter to physical activity, The Joy of Movement reveals how what many consider as just 'exercise' is actually so much more - a pathway to not only physical and mental health, but also love, connection, and community. Kelly has written a fascinating book that is a must-read for everyone, really." (Brad Stulberg, best-selling author of Peak Performance and The Passion Paradox; columnist at Outside magazine)
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What listeners say about The Joy of Movement
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Crispy
- 04-11-20
Super listen
Lovely stories and really simple and effective guide to why we should be active.
Feeling a bit blue, move, it doesn’t matter what you do or who you do it with; just move :)
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 12-03-20
A book to fill your heart and ignite your hope.
What a wonderful book to help get you excited about getting back in to exercise.
I cant wait to start running again and this really resounded with me in terms of how exercise can help ignite hope.
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- I
- 13-02-23
Inspiring and uplifting
Thank you Kelly. An inspiring and uplifting book with an important reminder that we are stronger and supported by connection with others.
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- Anonymous User
- 14-07-23
I really loved this book.
as a dance instructor, I found this book enlightening. I feel even more appreciation for the classes I run. such a dive into human behaviour and our connection with Movement. a moving and inspiring book
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- Tomas
- 10-05-22
This book will inspire you to move
From start to finish this book is packed with incredible stories that make you want to get up and move to feel that joy. The science explains why too. Another amazing book by Kelly
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- Catherine O.
- 31-08-23
A joyful listen
I loved the book so much I bought the audiobook too. Well narrated - I know I will listen to this many times in my quest to move more.
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- Marcell
- 17-03-21
I Love This Book
Can not listen to this book enough times! Extremely useful interesting and hear warming at the same time, was not expecting this.
Thank you so much!
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- Miss G
- 02-01-24
Encouraging
I honestly think that the message of this book should be something that we try to teach to children at school. Movement, togetherness, resilience. Great book to keep you motivated when things go rough. Or just to celebrate life. Just move.
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- Sylvia
- 12-06-23
This book makes you want to move
The link between mouvement and mental wellbeing has always fascinated me. I was a bit hesitant at first to read yet another book about this topic, as I have read and listened to quite a few interesting and scientifically accurate books, articles and podcasts on the topic already. But I learned a lot from this book. The author clearly and contagiously shares her passion for movement, and backs up all the information with the latest science and real life examples of people one wouldn't necessarily think of as athletes in the first place. And this might be what makes this book so special. It is very applicable to all of us, no matter our age, our abilities, our limitations or environment... everyone can greatly benefit from some kind of mouvement and understand here exactly how and why. Highly recommend for anyone. Experienced athlete, to "I don't know where to start".
Motion is lotion for the body and the soul :)
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- Núria
- 04-02-24
Life-changing
I have never in my life chosen to go on a run. With my declining mental health I came across a review of this book on YouTube and chose to give it a go. I started listening to it on my commute 4 days ago. I am now writing this after having gone for my first ever run at 31, which was horrible, but I did it, and will do it again tomorrow. Thank you Kelly for the science and the stories. A very matter of fact and somehow extremely emotional listen.
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