The Exercise Cure: A Doctor#s All-Natural, No-Pill Prescription for Better Health and Longer Life

by Jordan Metzl

What if there were a drug to treat every illness, across all body systems, proven potent against heart disease, depression, arthritis, PMS and erectile dysfunction — even in chronic diseases such as asthma, dementia, and certain types of cancer? What if it had no side effects, was completely free, readily available, and worked for everyone ? Every single person who took it decreased her risk of premature death and raised his quality of life. Would you want it?
In a healthcare system that spends 17% of GDP, roughly $2.7 trillion, mostly on disease treatment, how do we save money and prevent illness? By increasing the use of the world's most effective preventive medicine: exercise .
Jordan D. Metzl, MD, explains how everyone can maximize their daily dose in his groundbreaking new book, THE EXERCISE CURE. In THE EXERCISE CURE, Dr. Metzl — nationally renowned sports medicine physician — offers malady-specific and well-researched exercise prescriptions to help readers stay healthy, heal disease, drop pounds, increase longevity, and transform their lives.
Today's medical system is largely focused on fixing rather than preventing problems, and many treatments carry significant side effects. Cholesterol-lowering drugs are linked to frequent muscle and joint problems, anti-hypertensive drugs like Beta-blockers cause headaches and diminished energy, and Prozac and other popular anti-depressant medications carry multiple consequences including sexual dysfunction. Dr. Metzl knows that exercise is inexpensive, powerful medicine that has benefits in prevention and treatment of disease without disturbing side effects. Even in older adults, daily exercise has been found to prevent dementia by generating neuron development in the hippocampus, the memory center of the brain.
Combining the latest data and his proven motivational skills, Dr. Metzl addresses the common maladies troubling millions. He discusses our cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, musculoskeletal, neurologic, reproductive, and endocrinologic body systems, with special sections on sleep problems and cancer prevention, presenting the science behind the role of exercise as medicine. Then, he details fun, fat-torching, life-prolonging workouts that can be tailored easily to any fitness level, beginner to advanced, and provides nutritional information, including meal plans for healthy eating and disease prevention, as well.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Fitness, Self Help

304 pages, Hardcover

First published December 10, 2013

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think this could've been a one page book: If you want to feel better, workout. The End.

[William Schram · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Americans know that weight loss is sometimes difficult. We even may be looking for a Magic Bullet, a Panacea, a sort of product we can use to increase our health. Well, there is one that exists, and it is totally free. All you have to do is Exercise.

Now I know, exercise takes a while, being sweaty is unpleasant, I am so busy; there are as many reasons to not exercise as there are stars in the sky. However, research has shown time and again that exercise is the most fantastic thing you can do for yourself.

Dr. Jordan Metzl puts together a prescription for almost any sort of ailment you might have. Now, since the man is a doctor, he does include a point for when you should see a practicing physician. Although the book is packed with practical advice, it is not a replacement for a doctor visit. The disclaimers at the beginning of the book make that abundantly clear.

All in all, this book is really inspirational and informative. Even if you are a couch potato, there are plenty of reasons to stand at commercial breaks or just be more active.

[Ariadna73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was published in 2013 and the message is that physical exercise is a medicine. It makes sense because when a person works out, the body releases certain substances that can be seen as medicine. I am surprised that this idea is launched here as a novelty. I am under the impression that this is something that has been known for a long time now.

This is the cover an editorial information of the book I read. The photographer, Nino Muñoz did a great job making the model in the cover "look the part." This doctor lives in NYC and is a prestigious physician, so this is not just another "snake oil" book.


The following image is the table of contents of the book. The first part explains the main idea of exercise as a miracle medicine. The second part explores the benefits of the practice in each one of the most common health problems we humans face. The third part lays out a proposal for a curative program using this new medicine, and the last part promises to give you the one and "only eating adivce you will ever need."


The image below is the first page: a catching history with the description of a miracle drug and its benefits. Would you take such medicine?


Below is a diagram with the "Exercise cycle:" what happens in the body and mind when you commit to exercise.


Among the several problems that this doctor explores in his book, there is the one of addiction. I have been always fascinated by this topic, so I put here an image of the pages that the author wrote about it.


In the following paragraph, the author explains his view of metabolic problems, and how exercise can help with those (with the goal of losing weight, etc)



Then, the author gives out a series of diagrams with the best exercises for any problem here is a small example: the best exercises for menopause, according with this doctor:



Here he explains about the pros and cons of swimming. Since I am addicted to swimming, I coudln't help but reproduce this one here:



Here is an explanation on how and why the strength training and weights. I love the advice of not using machines. The simpler, the better. I like that.



And finally, an advice on eating: eat smart. Easier said than done, but no waste reading it again and again and everywhere and in every book, webpage, blog...


Psst! I have a blog too! Take a look here: http://lunairereadings.blogspot.com

[John Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a physical therapist, so I am obviously an advocate for exercise to maintain overall health and function for all individuals. I just felt this book was another "exercise is important, it helps prevent or treat XYZ condition" written by a physician. I didn't feel like I learned anything novel from this read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of good information. A good book for reference to go back to

[Joe Lunievicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life-changing book that both motivates and informs in highly accessible language and format.

[Cori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good motivation overall and the exercise flows gave me a few new ideas. I don’t think that there was anything new or particularly compelling, but it’s a solid read if you’re learning more about fitness and health.

[John (JP) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is worth buying. Test drive it at your local library but I believe you will end up buying it. This book's premise is simple. An individual should exercise for at least 1/2 hour everyday . A person's health will benefit from any amount of purposeful regular activity. Metzl spends 165 pages of 298 explaining how exercise can help treat various diseases from depression to menopause, to cancer and more. Each condition is treated seriously without over the top promises about how exercising will improve out comes during treatment. Metzl proposes the that the individual moves into exercise gradually and find a few things that they enjoy doing. He divides exercise into 3 medal categories Bronze beginner, Silver intermediate, and Gold advanced level. I enjoyed the author's premise that exercise needs to be enjoyable, simple and regular. Now the hard part begins the doing it.

[Marilee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is probably more like 3.5 stars. I love what the author is saying - the more consistent you are with exercise, the less you will need conventional modern medicine. Dr. Metzl talks about specific ailments and explains what exercises would be most beneficial, and he also explains when you should see a doctor. The drawings and explanations are easy to follow. I thought the writing wasn't great but was sufficient. I will say that it got me on my foam roller more often. I checked this out from the library but am considering buying it so I can refer to it when I want to mix things up or need something specific added to my workouts.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing new here, and what is here is in big print. Mostly "If you have this disease, follow my exercise plan". The plan does look OK, but some of us have rather a hard time figuring out strength training routines from a book. I know I do. OK advice, and I like the three-tier "gold, silver and bronze" plan to let you choose how much you want to invest in this, but it could use an interactive video! LOL

[Kristine Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives you reasons why exercise can be helpful for many maladies such as hypertension, depression, and sleep apnea, to name a few. Included is also about a 9 month workout routine(s), for the lapsed exerciser, the intermediate one, and even one who just needs to ramp it up. I am considering this for purchase - something I don't do....

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though most of the information is readily available elsewhere it's nice to have a comprehensive text regarding stretching, foam rolling and getting started on an exercise program for anyone who is not currently on a strict exercise regimen. the special sections for injuries and chronic problems are also a good reference.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a book you really read. About half of it has sets of exercises for various maladies - back pain, shoulder pain, even PMS. The second half has a one-year program to get in shape. I think that you can pick and choose exercises that work for you - the author even gives hints on how to do so toward the end of the book.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like to read books like this to provide motivation for myself to exercise on a consistent basis. There is certainly nothing new in what the author has to say. Exercise is good for you physically and mentally. Follow his plan or any other sport/activity and you will add years to your life and life to your years.

[Ruth Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily readable and motivating. Part 2 is separated into chapters that focus on problems like heart disease and metabolic issues and offer exercises and other ideas to combat these challenges.

The actual exercises are easy to follow.

[Jeremy Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed. I will go back to this book weekly for all the great info. Dr. Metzl has written a very meaningful book that all should read.

[Steve Beilharz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!