Exercise Is Medicine: How Physical Activity Boosts Health and Slows Aging

By Judy Foreman

Book Overview

Aging, despite its dismal reputation, is actually one of the great mysteries of the universe. Why don't we just reproduce, then exit fast, like salmon? Could aging just be one big evolutionary accident? Is senescence, the gradual falling apart of our bodies, at least partially avoidable? Can we extend the healthy lifespan and reduce the lingering, debilitating effects of senescence?

In this book, investigative health journalist Judy Foreman suggests that we actually can, and the key element is exercise, through its myriad effects on dozens of molecules in the brain, the muscles, and other organs. It's no secret, of course, that exercise is good for you and that exercise can extend longevity. What Foreman uncovers through extensive research into evolutionary biology, exercise physiology, and the new field of geroscience is exactly why exercise is so powerful - the mechanisms now being discovered that account for the vast and varied effects of exercise all over the body. Though Foreman also delves into pills designed to combat aging and so-called exercise "mimetics," or pills that purport to produce the effects of exercise without the sweat, her resounding conclusion is that exercise itself is by far the most effective, and safest, strategy for promoting a long, healthy life. In addition to providing a fascinating look at the science of exercise's effects on the body, Foreman also provides answers to the most commonly asked practical questions about exercise.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0190685468
• ISBN13: 9780190685461
• Release Date: January 2020
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.3" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Exercise is the “Magic Pill” We Are Seeking for Health and Aging

"Exercise is Medicine" by Judy Foreman is an enlightening read that underscores the profound benefits of regular physical activity. Foreman meticulously compiles scientific research and data to demonstrate how just 150 minutes of rigorous exercise weekly can transform your physical and mental health. In an age where vast sums are spent on anti-aging drugs and treatments, Foreman reminds us that a powerful, cost-free solution is already within our reach: exercise. This book highlights how exercise positively impacts cardiovascular health, bone density, mental well-being, gut health, immune function, and even cancer resistance. By presenting extensive research from around the globe, Foreman provides compelling evidence that exercise is indeed a miracle cure. If you're seeking proof of how exercise can enhance your overall well-being and help you age gracefully, this book is a must-read. But the ultimate takeaway is simple: exercise, and see the difference for yourself.