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The Perfect Medicine: How Running Makes Us Healthier and Happier
Ottawa Book Award 2022 ― Shortlisted
Imagine a medicine that could make you live longer, healthier, happier, and stronger. What if that medicine was already right at your feet? Running is the miracle drug that can do all this and more ― it is the perfect medicine.
Throughout his career, Dr. Brodie Ramin has seen cases of diabetes, hypertension, and anxiety, which he has traced back to inactivity. Now more than ever, people are looking for inspiration and motivation to get fit, change their lives, and improve their overall wellness. In The Perfect Medicine , Dr. Ramin shares with us his discovery that we already have the perfect medicine to treat and prevent these common illnesses and improve our running. However, too few people are taking the right dose or using it at all.
The Perfect Medicine explores the science of running and exercise and provides advice on how to maximize its benefits and be your best self. After rediscovering the joy of running in his early thirties, Dr. Ramin became fascinated by the activity. This book takes the reader on a personal journey of discovery, traces the evolution of running, shares strategies to get fit and run faster, and shows how exercise can even help people recover from addiction and mental health conditions.
Imagine a medicine that could make you live longer, healthier, happier, and stronger. What if that medicine was already right at your feet? Running is the miracle drug that can do all this and more ― it is the perfect medicine.
Throughout his career, Dr. Brodie Ramin has seen cases of diabetes, hypertension, and anxiety, which he has traced back to inactivity. Now more than ever, people are looking for inspiration and motivation to get fit, change their lives, and improve their overall wellness. In The Perfect Medicine , Dr. Ramin shares with us his discovery that we already have the perfect medicine to treat and prevent these common illnesses and improve our running. However, too few people are taking the right dose or using it at all.
The Perfect Medicine explores the science of running and exercise and provides advice on how to maximize its benefits and be your best self. After rediscovering the joy of running in his early thirties, Dr. Ramin became fascinated by the activity. This book takes the reader on a personal journey of discovery, traces the evolution of running, shares strategies to get fit and run faster, and shows how exercise can even help people recover from addiction and mental health conditions.
- GenresNonfictionAudiobook
216 pages, Paperback
Published September 7, 2021
5 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 1, 2022
Despite few limitations, I still quite enjoyed the book because of interesting personal anecdotes-also realize that the author is a primary physician, may have certain audience in mind while writing this book. Few limitations: Not a manual for becoming a better endurance athlete. I say this because of some of the disjointed explanation around importance of V02 max and running pace ( not important actually). I’d read ‘Uphill Athlete’ if one is looking for a good manual. For bigger picture ‘why we run’ question: there are far more outstanding classics like Daniel Lieberman’s books. And for answering fascinating endurance related questions, there’s always Alex Hutchinson columns on Outside Magazine and Gretchen Reynold’s on the Times. Not surprisingly the author mentions the above folks through the book. All in all, solid 4 star for readers to get motivated in year 2022!
June 13, 2021
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this book ahead of publication.
I confess this book disappointed me. While obviously very well researched I found there was too much "why cavemen ran" followed up with the author waxing eloquent about his own running experiences. Nothing that I, as a runner, could really relate to or find useful.
I confess this book disappointed me. While obviously very well researched I found there was too much "why cavemen ran" followed up with the author waxing eloquent about his own running experiences. Nothing that I, as a runner, could really relate to or find useful.
April 20, 2022
I really appreciated the research done for this book. It feels safe to find guidance based on science instead of personal experiences and biased studies. I learned a lot and I confirm the health benefits running brought to my life.
Having said that, I think the author lost connection with his target audience while writing a lot about high performance running. The book did great convincing readers about the benefits of running, but it went too far with high performance training and ultra-marathons. I think this is a subject for another book.
Having said that, I think the author lost connection with his target audience while writing a lot about high performance running. The book did great convincing readers about the benefits of running, but it went too far with high performance training and ultra-marathons. I think this is a subject for another book.
March 25, 2023
Interesting facts, but read more like a draft than a finished work. I love running, and I know lots of other people who do as well, but I also know lots of people who hate running, and I don't think the "everyone should run" philosophy is correct. The author definitely came off as self centered in parts.
August 2, 2021
There is a common expression that says, “run for your life.” Well that is especially relevant to the fact that running may truly say your life. So many people today are sedentary, content just to sit back in their chairs, watch television, text friends, and not much else. Experts note the obesity rates are at an all-time high, meaning people truly need to get off their chairs and do something constructive for mind and body.
Brodie Ramin is a primary care and addictions physician, who has definitely seen more than his share of health issues. In his book THE PERFECT MEDICINE HOW RUNNING MAKES US HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER, he outlines methods in which adding running to our lives, creates a better mindset, and a better chance at longevity.
While running is the gist of the book, there is also the benefit of walking. Generally the author tries to offer constructive methods of creating ways to offer healthier solutions to life. He has seen firsthand what inactivity does, and in the book offers common sense solutions to making our lives healthier and happier.
As children we loved to run like the wind, or so we thought. It was a childhood rite of passage to race our fellow students and friends, but over time that holds less meaning to our lives. Brodie runs every day. He has undertaken many marathons including extensive training for ones in Berlin, New York, and within his own province of Ontario. He talks extensively about Roger Bannister who did the unthinkable, breaking the four minute mile on May 6 1954. It became a challenge for many after that, who not only broke four minute mile, but broke Bannister’s record as well.
The most interesting aspect of the book is whether one runs or walks, to focus on a healthier lifestyle away from bad food choices and other unhealthy addictions. He also compares exercising indoors versus outdoors. He states, “Exercising outdoors and in natural surroundings, in particular, has greater mental health benefits than exercising indoors or in an urban environment. People who exercise in nature are also more likely to stick with fitness routines than those who exercise indoors.”
If you are looking for a book that will inspire you to get out and get those legs moving, this is the one. Run, (or walk) to your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy.
Brodie Ramin is a primary care and addictions physician, who has definitely seen more than his share of health issues. In his book THE PERFECT MEDICINE HOW RUNNING MAKES US HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER, he outlines methods in which adding running to our lives, creates a better mindset, and a better chance at longevity.
While running is the gist of the book, there is also the benefit of walking. Generally the author tries to offer constructive methods of creating ways to offer healthier solutions to life. He has seen firsthand what inactivity does, and in the book offers common sense solutions to making our lives healthier and happier.
As children we loved to run like the wind, or so we thought. It was a childhood rite of passage to race our fellow students and friends, but over time that holds less meaning to our lives. Brodie runs every day. He has undertaken many marathons including extensive training for ones in Berlin, New York, and within his own province of Ontario. He talks extensively about Roger Bannister who did the unthinkable, breaking the four minute mile on May 6 1954. It became a challenge for many after that, who not only broke four minute mile, but broke Bannister’s record as well.
The most interesting aspect of the book is whether one runs or walks, to focus on a healthier lifestyle away from bad food choices and other unhealthy addictions. He also compares exercising indoors versus outdoors. He states, “Exercising outdoors and in natural surroundings, in particular, has greater mental health benefits than exercising indoors or in an urban environment. People who exercise in nature are also more likely to stick with fitness routines than those who exercise indoors.”
If you are looking for a book that will inspire you to get out and get those legs moving, this is the one. Run, (or walk) to your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy.
October 19, 2022
I started this book during the first month of training for my first marathon. The very current science was informative and helpful, and the anecdotes and personal narratives added the perfect motivational touch. Good book.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews