NPR

Hope, Happiness, And Social Connection: Hidden Benefits Of Regular Exercise

A new book, The Joy of Movement, offers more motivation to exercise. It's not just about getting fit or looking good: Exercise can give you courage, pleasure, and better friendships.
In a new book <em>The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage, </em>author Kelly McGonigal argues that we should look beyond weight loss to the many social and emotional benefits of exercise.

If ever there was a time to up your fitness game, the arrival of the new year and the new decade is it. But after the allure of the new gym membership wears off, our sedentary habits, more often than not, consume our promise of daily workouts. It doesn't have to be this way, says health psychologist and author, Kelly McGonigal, PhD.

In her new book, the Stanford University lecturer offer new motivation to get moving that has less to do with how we look, or feeling duty-bound to exercise, and everything to do with how movement makes us feel. She shares with readers the often profound,

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
Two New Novels Investigate What Makes Magic, What Is Real And Imagined
Both of these novels, Pages of Mourning and The Cemetery of Untold Stories, from an emerging writer and a long-celebrated one, respectively, walk an open road of remembering love, grief, and fate.
NPR4 min read
A Monarchy Reform Activist In Thailand Dies In Detention After A Hunger Strike
Netiporn Sanesangkhom, 28, was a member of the activist group Thaluwang, known demanding reform of the monarchy and abolition of the law that makes it illegal to defame members of the royal family.
NPR4 min read
Despite State Bans, Abortions Nationwide Are Up, Driven By Telehealth
Telehealth accounts for 19% of all abortions, new research finds. And while the number of abortions did plummet in ban states, overall abortions across the country are up.

Related Books & Audiobooks