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Physical Disobedience: An Unruly Guide to Health and Stamina for the Modern Feminist
A manual for activism that begins with our most powerful asset -- our bodies
Even as a wave of renewed feminism swells, too many women continue to starve, stuff, overwork, or neglect our bodies in pursuit of paper-thin ideals. "Fitness" has been co-opted by the beauty industry. We associate it with appearance when we should associate it with power.
Grounded in advocacy with a rowdy, accessible spirit, Physical Disobedience asserts that denigrating our bodies is, in practice, an act of submission to inequality. But when we strengthen ourselves -- taking broad command of our individual physicality -- we reclaim our authority and build stamina for the literal work of the protests, community service, and emotional resilience it takes to face the news and stay engaged.
Physical Disobedience introduces a breathtaking new perspective on wellness by encouraging nonviolence toward our bodies, revitalizing them through diet and exercise, fashion and social media, alternative therapies, music, and motherhood. The goal is no longer to keep our bodies in check. The goal is to ignite them, to set them free, and have a mighty fine time doing it.
Even as a wave of renewed feminism swells, too many women continue to starve, stuff, overwork, or neglect our bodies in pursuit of paper-thin ideals. "Fitness" has been co-opted by the beauty industry. We associate it with appearance when we should associate it with power.
Grounded in advocacy with a rowdy, accessible spirit, Physical Disobedience asserts that denigrating our bodies is, in practice, an act of submission to inequality. But when we strengthen ourselves -- taking broad command of our individual physicality -- we reclaim our authority and build stamina for the literal work of the protests, community service, and emotional resilience it takes to face the news and stay engaged.
Physical Disobedience introduces a breathtaking new perspective on wellness by encouraging nonviolence toward our bodies, revitalizing them through diet and exercise, fashion and social media, alternative therapies, music, and motherhood. The goal is no longer to keep our bodies in check. The goal is to ignite them, to set them free, and have a mighty fine time doing it.
Audible Audio
Published August 21, 2018
9 people are currently reading
723 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Hays Coomer
3 books13 followersSarah Hays Coomer is a Mayo Clinic- and National Board-Certified Wellness Coach, Forbes Health columnist, speaker, author, and Certified Personal Trainer with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. She is the author of three books: The Habit Trip, Physical Disobedience, and Lightness of Body and Mind. Her work has been featured in Shape, MSN, Thrive Global, The Wall Street Journal, Utne Reader, New York Daily News, Huffington Post, Bustle, and The Tennessean, among others. She has spoken at organizations and universities nationwide including Google, Vanderbilt University, the Nashville Women's March, The University of the South, the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, Confluence, and the Girls to the Moon Conference. She lives in Nashville with her husband, son, and two beloved pit bulls, Moon and Ringo. You can find her at www.SarahHaysCoomer.com.
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July 18, 2019A lot of what was said in this book aligns with my own philosophies on fitness and diet, so there wasn't anything revolutionary for me. But I think for many, especially those who want to feel better (and that's the key here -- FEELING better in your body, not looking better), it'll make some new connections between how we feel inside and how we're able to be our best selves on the outside. There were a few fatphobic things that surprised me, and at the end, there was a weird string of ailments that could be "cured" by feeling better in our bodies that disregarded things like the realities of mental health and, well, body shape and size. But on the whole, I'd recommend this to someone wanting to be motivated or seeking an alternate view of what it means to be "healthy." Bonus points for talking about alternate medicine and treatments, but I do hate how she belittled the mentality around some of them prior to digging in (white people do this so often).
Audio was performed by the author and enjoyable.
Audio was performed by the author and enjoyable.
August 19, 2019
3 1/2 stars. I liked the book and thought it was insightful. Very opinionated read and I learned a few things.
October 25, 2018
Do you know a woman who considers herself liberal, likes feminism but worries that sometimes it goes too far, and started to worry a lot more about the state of the world after the 2016 election? Does she also try new diets and fitness trends all the time to try to chase a social ideal of how her body is supposed to look?
If so, this is probably the perfect book for her. The author's heartland liberal feminist POV will speak in a language she understands, and might open up a lot of possibilities for self-acceptance and feeling at peace in her own body. Most of the advice is simple and easy to try out and might provide a lot of helpful new ideas. The specific examples of people the author writes about are interesting and the writing style is breezy and comfortable. Workbook-style pages for the reader to write in some of their own thoughts and feelings also makes the book feel a little more personal and practical.
On the other hand, for women who already have a more developed feminist consciousness or critique of diet culture, I think this won't offer quite as much. Overall the book is longer on validation than it is on specific fitness advice, or frankly on politics. A real critique of patriarchy as the driving force behind so much of what's broken and unsustainable in women's lives is missing.
Basically this book will let you know that it's ok to be stressed and frazzled or even at your wits' end because of your responsibilities to your job, your family and your community. And it will give you ideas for ways to let go of some of that stress and make peace with your busy life. But it won't push you to think about why you so man of the shared responsibilities in your life weigh down on you than on your husband. For some people, this will still be a breath of fresh air; for others I think it won't be enough.
If so, this is probably the perfect book for her. The author's heartland liberal feminist POV will speak in a language she understands, and might open up a lot of possibilities for self-acceptance and feeling at peace in her own body. Most of the advice is simple and easy to try out and might provide a lot of helpful new ideas. The specific examples of people the author writes about are interesting and the writing style is breezy and comfortable. Workbook-style pages for the reader to write in some of their own thoughts and feelings also makes the book feel a little more personal and practical.
On the other hand, for women who already have a more developed feminist consciousness or critique of diet culture, I think this won't offer quite as much. Overall the book is longer on validation than it is on specific fitness advice, or frankly on politics. A real critique of patriarchy as the driving force behind so much of what's broken and unsustainable in women's lives is missing.
Basically this book will let you know that it's ok to be stressed and frazzled or even at your wits' end because of your responsibilities to your job, your family and your community. And it will give you ideas for ways to let go of some of that stress and make peace with your busy life. But it won't push you to think about why you so man of the shared responsibilities in your life weigh down on you than on your husband. For some people, this will still be a breath of fresh air; for others I think it won't be enough.
November 4, 2018
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I received no additional compensation.)
This book is part motivational mantras, part social analysis, and part workbook. It is divided into small chapters so you can read and then think on each section bit by bit. While this book focuses on taking care of your personal health it also emphasizes the importance that we aren't perfect and we need to stop expecting ourselves to be. This would be perfect to have on your nightstand to read a chapter each night or first thing in the morning.
This book is part motivational mantras, part social analysis, and part workbook. It is divided into small chapters so you can read and then think on each section bit by bit. While this book focuses on taking care of your personal health it also emphasizes the importance that we aren't perfect and we need to stop expecting ourselves to be. This would be perfect to have on your nightstand to read a chapter each night or first thing in the morning.
May 7, 2020
Move your body, free your mind.
The main thrust of Coomer's argument is that if we took all the time we spent hating on our bodies and channeled it into our activism, we could make real change. How to do that? Well, that's what the various chapters are for. Boiled down to its essentials, though, the idea is this: move a lot, stop using food and exercise as rewards and punishments, respectively, and rewrite your ideas about what beauty means.
It's a fresh take on feminism, to be sure, conceiving of it as an embodied force, and Coomer gives just enough material here to encourage readers to experiment with thinking in new ways. The book strives to apply an intersectional lens and, for the most part, nails it. There are two weird little passages that stand out only because they seem like mistakes this otherwise savvy author would not have made, namely:
1. Asserting that only women can have children. This is an odd misstep in an otherwise trans-inclusive book.
2. Using MLK quotes on nonviolence out of context. This, too, is a weird mistake for someone who is otherwise thoughtful about and respectful of black folks throughout the text.
For some readers these will be deal-breakers; for others, not, so, be prepared when you book talk.
The book is meant as an invitation / introduction to a variety of concepts rather than a deep dive into any particular one of them, and Coomer's friendly tone and easy manner will put even skeptical readers at ease. Questions at the end of each chapter are designed to help readers think through the issues she raises on their own, and there's a bibliography and resource guide at the end to augment the journey.
It's definitely a thoughtful book, and it's possible I need to think about it some more before I can review it more specifically. I can tell you that my shoulder was bugging me while I was reading this, and when Coomer started talking about her own shoulder pain, it inspired me to put down the book and go get an ice pack for it, as well as pop an Advil. So, definitely resonant for me personally.
Will it work for you? Try it and see. It's definitely a new way of thinking about and engaging with the body, literally conceptualizing it as the vehicle for activist praxis. Recommended for larger library systems.
The main thrust of Coomer's argument is that if we took all the time we spent hating on our bodies and channeled it into our activism, we could make real change. How to do that? Well, that's what the various chapters are for. Boiled down to its essentials, though, the idea is this: move a lot, stop using food and exercise as rewards and punishments, respectively, and rewrite your ideas about what beauty means.
It's a fresh take on feminism, to be sure, conceiving of it as an embodied force, and Coomer gives just enough material here to encourage readers to experiment with thinking in new ways. The book strives to apply an intersectional lens and, for the most part, nails it. There are two weird little passages that stand out only because they seem like mistakes this otherwise savvy author would not have made, namely:
1. Asserting that only women can have children. This is an odd misstep in an otherwise trans-inclusive book.
2. Using MLK quotes on nonviolence out of context. This, too, is a weird mistake for someone who is otherwise thoughtful about and respectful of black folks throughout the text.
For some readers these will be deal-breakers; for others, not, so, be prepared when you book talk.
The book is meant as an invitation / introduction to a variety of concepts rather than a deep dive into any particular one of them, and Coomer's friendly tone and easy manner will put even skeptical readers at ease. Questions at the end of each chapter are designed to help readers think through the issues she raises on their own, and there's a bibliography and resource guide at the end to augment the journey.
It's definitely a thoughtful book, and it's possible I need to think about it some more before I can review it more specifically. I can tell you that my shoulder was bugging me while I was reading this, and when Coomer started talking about her own shoulder pain, it inspired me to put down the book and go get an ice pack for it, as well as pop an Advil. So, definitely resonant for me personally.
Will it work for you? Try it and see. It's definitely a new way of thinking about and engaging with the body, literally conceptualizing it as the vehicle for activist praxis. Recommended for larger library systems.
August 23, 2018
An incredibly insightful look into our bodies and our minds by this new author. I read so many sections and thought "yes! that's me!" and yet in other sections I did not quite recognize myself but saw my sister, my friend, my co-worker. I found myself able to sink in and understand and be very curious as to what was being discussed. While reading this book I felt as if the author were truly seeing me. My strengths and weaknesses. Not to mention there are lots of helpful tips at the end of each chapter and sprinkled throughout the book. What a relief to read a book that isn't telling me to eat tofu all day. Most important of all is the rowdy women advocacy spirit running thru the book from beginning to end. I highly encourage all women to read this book as there is something here for all of us.
March 14, 2019
So much I loved about this book, most especially that we can connect our need to be healthy with our need to keep making change in this world. Healthy politics need healthy bodies -- in the many ways that bodies can be healthy, which will be known most fully by each person. I don't think I've seen that connection made, or made so clearly, elsewhere.
June 20, 2021
Had some really nice ideas around our relationships with our bodies. I really liked how she framed how we could think about beauty and what our bodies are for and linking that with political activism.
Other parts of the book I was less into. Found it very shocking that she wrote out the N word (and said it in the audiobook).
As a European the book felt pretty American (not a bad way).
Other parts of the book I was less into. Found it very shocking that she wrote out the N word (and said it in the audiobook).
As a European the book felt pretty American (not a bad way).
December 20, 2024
This surprised me - it is a wonderful resource to help embrace who you are instead of wasting enerrgy trying to conform to social dictates and expectations based on external social dictates. Also included a wonderful resource to help find-your-cause - I highly recommend this book.
https://www.sarahhayscoomer.com/find-...
https://www.sarahhayscoomer.com/find-...
May 15, 2025
This was a pretty solid intro to caring for your body as an important part of your activist tool kit. My main frustration was that this was written during the first Trump administration and it's sometimes frustrating to read about the starry eyed hope of a simpler time. Still, overall it was a good reminder that taking care of your body is a great way to stay strong for the fight ahead.
December 27, 2018
It's rare to see a nuanced view of this topic, and I was impressed by this author's evidence-based but also compassionate and practical discussion of diet, physical activity, and stress. It's not perfect, but I think this book could be really helpful for a lot of people.
January 30, 2023
I should have known the "Food is Medicine" chapter would be a bit sketchy. Reminder - food isn't medicine, sugar addiction isn't real, organic doesn't make anything healthier, and everything is chemicals. If you skip that chapter the rest of the book is good and has tips to nurture your body.
March 25, 2019
I loved the parts on healthy and stamina as the title reads. I was glad to hear the recommendations for exercise and her musings on the different aspects of food in our lives.
July 26, 2019
Pretty awesome book. I read it in record time. Super helpful and full of insightful info.
May 4, 2022
It’s motivational, offers good advice, and aligns with my views.
February 25, 2023
DNF @ 15%
Milquetoast feminism. Not for me.
Milquetoast feminism. Not for me.
April 16, 2019
Sarah Hays Coomer urges you to put your anger to work. Instead of turning it inward, channel it into building bodily strength and stamina, the better to fight the power. In her words, "When you can’t breathe for the state of the news and your muscles ache from grief pulsing just below the surface of your skin, defy the urge to placate yourself with sugar and screens. Lash out against the people and policies causing you pain by activating your body and claiming your physical space." This is a fun and positive manual of self-improvement.
January 23, 2021
Enjoy Sarah, a lot of the work she does, and much of the book... except when it came to nutrition and body. There was still a lot of healthist and fat phobic language that I was not expecting. I would not be able to recommend this book to someone with eating disorder, disorder eating, or body image issues which was a bummer... it might be okay for someone who can see the gray that this book doesn't elaborate on.
Want to read
July 10, 2018#GoodreadsGiveaway
August 24, 2018
"This book is a manual for how to bring our activism home, into our bodies, by way of pleasurable, purposeful self-care."
I don't know a woman within my circle of friends who wouldn't benefit from reading this book.
"Physical Disobedience is any action that feeds, strengthens, or nurtures our bodies as a direct, unapologetic act of defiance."
Yep. That's exactly what we all need and author, Sarah Hays Coomer's timing is impeccable. My copy is already well-loved and graffitied with notes and highlighted throughout. This is a book that will jolt you to open your eyes, ears and minds. I'm tempted to purchase a few extras to gift as needed.
I don't know a woman within my circle of friends who wouldn't benefit from reading this book.
"Physical Disobedience is any action that feeds, strengthens, or nurtures our bodies as a direct, unapologetic act of defiance."
Yep. That's exactly what we all need and author, Sarah Hays Coomer's timing is impeccable. My copy is already well-loved and graffitied with notes and highlighted throughout. This is a book that will jolt you to open your eyes, ears and minds. I'm tempted to purchase a few extras to gift as needed.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews