SPARK is a fantastic book that addresses how physical movement impacts our mental health and our brain biology. I read it in 2008, and it transformed the way I think about 'exercise'. Movement and physical exertion isn't fringe to our well-being, its at the absolute CORE. In my humble opinion, SPARK is a must read for anyone with a body, or for anyone who knows someone who suffers from clinical depression or hyperactivity disorders. The studies are really fascinating, and the book as a whole presents an incredibly compelling data set. It's not over simplified, yet not overly technical either. I geek out on brain-chemicals, so I love this kind of thing and I think you will too. Also, I've fallen off the wagon a little bit and need inspiration to get myself moving again!
BOOK DESCRIPTION
"In SPARK, John J. Ratey, M.D., embarks upon a fascinating and entertaining journey through the mind-body connection, presenting startling research to prove that exercise is truly our best defense against everything from depression to ADD to addiction to aggression to menopause to Alzheimer's. Filled with amazing case studies (such as the revolutionary fitness program in Naperville, Illinois, which has put this school district of 19,000 kids first in the world of science test scores), SPARK is the first book to explore comprehensively the connection between exercise and the brain. It will change forever the way you think about your morning run---or, for that matter, simply the way you think."
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